If you’re moving into an apartment, there’s a few things you need to know. We have put together a few tips for moving into an apartment that will help better prepare you move before move in day. Apartments have strict rules and conditions that you’ll have to abide to and though that may be restricting, it’s not all bad. Living in an apartment has a lot of great advantages that you’ll love.

 

You’ll need to do a few things to ready your apartment before you move in.

 

Search the area you are moving to

Location is very important. Move to an area that’s going to be convenient for you and all your needs. Find a place that’s not too far from your workplace, kids school, the mall/shops and public transportation.

Apartments that are close to these types of locations are usually very expensive so keep that in mind. When searching.

 

Look at more than 2-3 apartment buildings

Have an open mind and look at different options when searching for an apartment. Compare 2-3 of them so you find the perfect one for you. Call the leasing office and request an apartment and building tour. This will give you a great perspective and make your choice a bit easier.

Apartment buildings will put pictures of units when they were first built on their websites, so you may go on a website and view their gallery and see everything in good condition and new when in fact, it’s the complete opposite. Don’t make that mistake and just depend on pictures. Go in and see everything first hand.

 

Read reviews

Reading reviews helps you see how the current of former residents feel about living in the building. They will give the most honest review and of course that also depends on individual experience, but if a building has bad reviews all round then mark it off your list.

Reading reviews will also help you gather information and questions for the leasing agent.

 

Stay within your budget

When searching, find a place that’s within your budget. Some places will put a standard price for a standard unit and not tell you about other units that may be similar, but more expensive or they may have hidden/additional fees. Ask about this so you don’t find yourself exceeding your budget.

 

Enquire about parking and pet policies

 If you have a pet and a car, find out what the policies in the building are. Some buildings aren’t pet friendly so find one that is and when you do, ask about all their pet policies including pet fees etc. You will be liable for all pet fees.

Some apartments have a pet spa where you can bath your pet instead of taking them to a grooming salon saving you lots of money.

Some buildings don’t have parking so if you have a car, find a building that has a parking garage. You should note however that most buildings lately charge extra for parking. Some have a limit of one car per unit and some have limits of 2 cars.

Parking can get expensive and if it’s not within your budget. See if they have street parking if you can’t afford the extra cost of parking in the building and make sure it’s safe.

 

Read the contract and ask questions

 Leasing agents will not tell you everything you need to know about your apartment, they will give you a few pages with a whole lot of information (apartment handbook or contract). Some leasing agents may ask you to sign it on the spot, which isn’t recommended. You need enough time to go through the contract and make sure you fully agree to the terms and conditions in it.

Don’t feel pressured to sign when you’re not ready. Take your time, but don’t take too much time of course. Ask a friend or family member to read through it with you. They may see something that you may not.

Write any questions you have regarding the contract and ask. Make a copy for yourself or ask the leasing agent for a copy for your safety. Find out if you’ll be liable for utilities such as trash, water etc.

 

 Search for cable and electric company

 Once you’ve decided on your apartment and ready to move, find out which cable company is recommended for the building. Some buildings use a specific one and some buildings don’t so you have the freedom of choosing your own.

Call the cable company and make an appointment prior to your move so that by the time you move in, everything will be set up and ready. The same goes for electricity, create and account and have your electricity ready by the time you move in.

 

Get renters insurance

Renters insurance is very important in case of an unforeseen accident in the building, it is for your own security. Get insurance as soon as possible. And don’t forget to renew it before it expires. The most important thing your renters insurance need to cover is fire, mould and we’ll explain why.

Fire- This is important for your apartment. Most fires happen accidentally and the damage can be devastating. Look for insurance that covers fire.

Mould- A lot of renters insurance companies do not cover for mould damage. Some apartment buildings will partially cover it but that depends on the circumstances. Mould coverage is especially important in coastal areas. Read your leasing contract and ask about this.

Most buildings won’t allow you to move in without renters insurance. The leasing agent will most likely help you with this.

 

Get ready to move in

 Moving day is here and you’re all set and ready to move in. There’s a few things we think you should do a few days before the move and the day of. Here’s a few essentials that you will need when you move in especially if this is your first apartment or first time living independently. Make sure you have the following household items:

• Cutlery
• Plates
• Pots
• Toilet paper
• Bedding
• Blanket

 

We’re sure there’s more essentials, but these are just basics. If however this isn’t your first place to move into, then start packing early and bring all necessities. Also have the apartment professionally cleaned if you are unable to do it yourself before moving in..

If you need to reserve an elevator for moving in furniture, do so at least a week prior. Reserve the earliest spot and get there on time to start moving all your things in and be done before your reserved time is up.

Before you move all your furniture in though, call a leasing agent and do a walk through making sure everything works as it should and that there are no damages. If there are any damages however, make a note and save it because you’ll need it when/if you move out in the future.

Once the walk through is completed, you can start the move.

 

Summary

Living in an apartment has it’s pros and cons like everything else. It comes with a lot of responsibility, but once you’ve moved and settled, everything will be great. Remember to search for the perfect apartment that meets all your needs especially your budget. Ask questions and don’t forget to read the contract.

We specialise in both local and long distance moving and packing services. Contact us at (718) 619 4881 for a FREE QUOTE or visit our website for more Information.