How to move out of your apartment
Moving from your apartment can be overwhelming. Unless you are highly organized it’s hard to keep track of everything. We created a list of information we feel is important to help keep yourself organized and make your move as smooth as possible. We also added a timelime help make this as effective for you as possible.
If your moving timeframe is shorter than ours, don’t worry. You can always use this list as a guideline to keep you on track with your move and adjust the weeks to match your timeline.
6 – 8 weeks before your move
Create a word doc, written page in your day planner, note in your fav app..whatever to keep all of your moving information in one place.
Make a moving decision. Will you hire a moving company or move yourself?
Calculate the costs of your move and set up a moving budget.
Research the area you will be moving to Google is a great place to begin
Make sure all obligations to your current lease have been fulfilled or it may impact your ability to lease an apartment in the future.
Finalize move in-details, deposit, utilities, etc with your new apartment.
If you have renter’s insurance be sure to transfer it to your new place.
Make sure to notify everyone about your new move.
Start gathering moving supplies and moving boxes.
Give notice to your current apartment.
4 – 5 weeks before your move
Make arrangements for any valuables or firearms & tactical equipment you may need to move.
Start packing items, beginning with items that are in storage or you use rarely.
When you move it’s a good time to et rid of items you no longer need. Craigslist, freecyle, Goodwill are great places to get rid of items.
Use up household items, such as frozen food or detergent, that you will not want to move.
Hire movers or arrange for friends to help you move. Transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
File a change of address form with the Post Office.
Talk to your employer to make sure you can get your moving day off of work.
Make arrangements for your children and pets if needed.
Update your address on your driver license and car registration.
Update your address with all of your financial institutions.
Arrange for temporary storage of items if needed. For example if you own an RV make sure that you find an rv storage facility.
2 -3 weeks before your move
Return any library books.
Make a meal plan to use up food in your refrigerator, freezer or pantry.
Set up utilities at your new apartment.
Clean your apartment for the check-out process.
Confirm moving day details with your moving company.
Pack essential items you will want after you move in a Priority Box.
Pack the clothes, toiletries and personal items you will need in the days following your move in suitcases.
Conduct your Apartment Checkout Walkthrough. Be present at the check-out walk-through and discuss any issues.
Moving Day — Moving Out
Finish last minute packing, remember to put any items you will want right away in the Priority Box.
Check for any last minute cleaning, and take out the trash.
Withdraw any cash you will need.
Set aside any boxes/items that require special attention and you want to be moved separately in a car. It is also a good idea to move any bags, suitcases, Priority Box separately so you can get any items you want immediately.
If you are using a Moving Company, give the movers any special moving/handling instructions. Review and sign any paperwork when your movers arrive.
Trade contact information with the movers incase something happens during transit.
Do a final walkthrough of your old residence, make sure you aren’t leaving anything behind.
Turn off the electricity.
Make sure to secure the apartment.
Make arrangements to recieve your security deposit.
Moving Day — Moving into your new apartment.
Make sure to arrive at your apartment before your mover.
Check in with your apartment manager to perform an apartment walkthrough and get your apartment key, if you haven’t yet.
Make sure your utilities have been hooked up.
Take note of items as they are unloaded from your moving truck to make sure nothing was damaged. Once all of your belongings have been unloaded, read and sign any final paperwork (inventory, bill of lading, etc.) if everything is in order.
Pay and tip your movers.
Unpack your priority box and set up furniture you will want to use right away, such as beds, chairs, etc.
