Moving tips, prepare moving

 I don’t know about you, but moving stresses me out. I’ve already done it twice this year! I’ve learned a few lessons by doing things the wrong way—and now you can learn from my mistakes. Here’s an exhaustive list of moving tips to make sure your move is stress-free, less tiring, and actually sort of enjoyable

Things to do before you even find an apartment

1. Know your lease is up later this year? Pick your move-in date a few months in advance. That’ll give you ample time to plan everything without getting overwhelmed (and make sure you don’t over-schedule yourself the few weeks before when you need to pack.

2. Moving in the summer? Try to avoid it, if you can. It’s the busiest, costliest, and most competitive time to move (not to mention the sweatiest!). Reach out to your landlord to see if you can move out sooner or extend your lease by a couple of months. Not only will you save money on moving costs, but you might also even end up getting a better deal on an apartment (and maybe even a sweeter set-up!).

3. Reach out to at least three different moving companies for quotes. I recommend asking a mix of flat-rate and hourly movers to see what ends up being the best value option for you.

4. When you figure out the best quote price, book your movers (even months in advance!). Not only will you get the best dates, you might even save some money.

5. Call to schedule TV installation.

6. Call to schedule electric set up. Set up TV, internet, and other services ahead of time.

7. Take pictures of everything in the apartment and make note of any imperfections.

8. Make sure you read the moving company’s fine print before you sign!

9. Survey friends and family to see if anyone will be around to help out (what nice friends you have!).

10. Start decluttering ahead of time! Don’t wait until the last minute and chuck everything in random boxes like I have.

11. Set a moving budget.

12. Ask the property management companies you’re working with what credit information they pull.

13. Check your credit (and know which credit servicer/bureau it’s from!).

14. Make a pet resume.

15. Ask your current landlord what their expectations are for you, cleaning-wise.

16. Ask your current landlord what their process is for moving-out/giving keys back.

Things to do once you’ve signed a lease (about a month before moving day)

17. Buy a measuring tape! Otherwise, you’re in for some unfortunate furniture-sizing mishaps.

18. Measure everything in your new place (and don’t forget your doorways!).

19. Measure all your furniture in your old place.

20. Make a floor plan for your new place and plan out where everything should go.

24. Set price change alerts for any big-ticket items you’re eyeing.

25. Sign up for retailer coupons and e-mail lists.

26. Ask furniture retailers if they’ll offer promotional financing during your move-in dates.

27. Book a car/truck rental one to two months after you’ve moved in for a thrifting/flea market trip.

28. Calculate out how many boxes you’ll need.

29. Buy boxes, or rent them, or start scavenging them! Asking around on social media can help. You might be surprised when a friend from high school turns out to be a manager at a liquor store with loads of boxes. Also, can they be our new best friend?

30. Ask your landlord/property management company what needs to be set up/installed prior to move in, and if they have any preferred vendors.

Already moved in and just not feeling like your place is quite where you want it to be yet? Be gentle with yourself—here’s why you should totally not stress out if your place isn’t “perfect” right now.

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