Tips for moving into an apartment

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

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

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Search the area you are moving to

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

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

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‍Look at more than 2-3 apartment buildings

Open your mind and look at different options when searching for an apartment. Compare 2-3 of them to 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 easier.

Apartment buildings will put pictures of units when they were first built on their websites. This gives an impression that all the units are still in stellar condition, when they have probably been run down. Don’t make that mistake, and depend only on pictures. Go in and see everything firsthand.

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‍Read reviews

Reading reviews helps you see how the current of former residents felt about living in the building. They give the most honest reviews, and depends on individual experience, but if a building has bad reviews. Mark it off your list.

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

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‍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 may have hidden/additional fees. Ask about this to not find yourself exceeding your budget.

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‍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 are not pet friendly so, find one that is and when you do, ask about all their pet policies including pet fees, etc.

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‍You will be liable for all pet fees

‍Some apartments have a pet spa where you can bathe 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 that most apartment 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.

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‍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'll need enough time to read through the contract and agree to the terms and conditions.

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‍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.  

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Search for cable and electric company

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

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

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‍Get renters insurance

‍Renters insurance is very important in case of an unforeseen accident in the building, it is for your security. Get insurance as soon as possible. And don’t forget to renew it before it expires. The most important thing your renters' insurance needs to cover is fire and mold. 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.

Mold- Most renters' insurance companies do not cover mold damage. Some apartment buildings will partially cover it, but it depends on the circumstances. Mold coverage is 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.

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‍Get ready to move in

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

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

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We’re sure there are more essentials, but these are just basics. If, however, this isn’t your first place. Start packing early. Also, have the apartment professionally cleaned if you can't 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, 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, 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.

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‍Summary

Living in an apartment has its pros and cons. 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 specialize 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.