Moving into a new apartment doesn’t have to be stressful. Like with everything else, preparation is key. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving into a new house, an apartment or a condo - the steps to doing so smoothly are similar.
Here’s a step-by-step post to help you navigate this new chapter in your life.
Have A Checklist
No matter what city you’re moving to, whether you’re researching rental market trends in Las Vegas, Nevada or searching for a luxury apartment in Norwalk, you should prepare a checklist of things to do before and after you sign the lease and receive the keys to your new home.
Once you’ve moved in, before you unpack everything, conduct a move-in inspection. Are there any holes in the walls or paint chips? Take plenty of pictures, time and date them, and place them in a dedicated folder in your DropBox or Google Drive.
They could come in handy when the time to retrieve your deposit comes. Take a snapshot of the inspection form, too, once you fill it out.
Determine Whose Responsibility The Utilities Are
You should know this before you move in, of course. Some apartments handle the low-cost utilities because it might give them a competitive advantage; but usually, you’ll be paying for the stuff that’s used the most.
In fact, the attractive high ceilings and ample lighting that’s advertised in some buildings can quickly cause the monthly cost to exceed what you’re willing to pay.
If applicable, transfer your utilities to your new place if they’re not being taken care of by the property manager. Find out if gardening/landscaping fees are “included” in the rent. After all, they are sometimes advertised as being free - but you know better than that.
That would entail that the property manager is willing to reach into his or her pocket to keep the yards manicured - an unlikely proposition.
Rental Insurance Is Important
This is especially true if you live in an apartment - even a luxury one such as the Carmel Apartments in Norwalk, CT. If you already have a policy, then make all the necessary changes upon moving to a new address. If you don’t have one - get one.
It will protect you against theft, mold and natural disasters. There are many variations of such a policy, so consider what’s most likely to happen and get the policy that has the adequate coverage.
Let Everyone Know You’ve Moved
By this, we don’t mean merely sending off a social media post to your circle of internet-friends! Obviously, your family and closest friends should be kept abreast of your whereabouts if only for safety purposes. More importantly, make sure the Postal Service has your new address, your workplace, your credit card companies and the bank. Given the ubiquity of the internet, most of this can be done online to eliminate the hassle.
Get your mail forwarded for the time being, and begin procedures to have all the companies receive your new address.
Finally - You Can Settle In
Now is the time to make your new home reflective of yourself. There are often stricter rules with regards to painting and putting up pictures (if drilling is involved), so be sure to know what you are allowed to do.
Something like installing shower filters shouldn’t be an issue, for example, and it’s something you can take with you when you move, so it’s a great choice.
After you’ve beautified and personalized the interior, strongly consider introducing yourself to your new neighbors, and then heading out to the town. You’ll be here for a while, so treat it like home.
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