Do’s and Don’ts for Moving Into Your First Apartment

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Moving into your first apartment is one of the biggest personal steps that you will ever take.  Between the apartment hunting process, to negotiating a move-in day, and signing a lease, getting a first apartment is more exhausting than it seems.  However, if done right, moving into your first apartment is also very exciting!

In order to move into your apartment smoothly, consider planning ahead.  Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you keep organized and calm while moving into your first apartment.  

Don’t: Put Off Packing

It is very normal to put off packing, but if you’re planning to keep your sanity while preparing for your first move, then pack early!  Packing early will also help keep you organized.  Simply start packing a few weeks before moving day, and categorize your things into two categories: non-essentials and essentials.  Your nonessentials would include out-of-season clothes, linens, and kitchen supplies – things you won’t need between now and move-in day.  A few days before the move, shift your focus on the essentials, such as everyday clothing, toiletry, and other items that you use daily. These should be the last items you pack.

Do: Know Your Apartment’s Layout

At this point, you have most likely seen the apartment in person, or have at least seen a floor plan.  Knowing the layout of your new apartment will allow you to determine what you need to bring and what the floorplan will allow.  How much furnishing will the living area hold?  What kind of decor will you be able to use?  For these reasons, it is important to know the apartment’s layout very well.  

Don’t: Avoid Organization

Making a move will require a lot of organization.  Ask yourself what you need, and what you don’t need.  Find out whether you will need to hire movers, rent a truck to do it yourself, or any other details such as when you would need to pick up the moving truck.  Also, coordinate a time with the leasing office to pick up the keys.  

Making the move to your first apartment can be stressful at first.  To avoid feeling completely overwhelmed, simply keep all of this information about moving in one place.  Start a basic spreadsheet, and include any contact information for your future landlord, the moving company, and anything else that you see fit.  

Do: Read the Rules

Does your new apartment have any moving fees or an elevator deposit?  Are there any move-in timeframe expectancies?  Are you required to use the freight elevator to move in?  Read the entire lease and talk to the landlord or leasing agent to make sure you know the move-in procedures to ensure move-in day goes smoothly.

Don’t: Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Even for seasoned movers or apartment hoppers, moving is not easy.  Don’t try to handle the move all by yourself!  Enlist your friends and family to help you.  This will not only make things easier for you, but it will also be more fun.  Have your friends and family help you pack, pick up the moving truck, or help with other things to save time and a headache.

Do: Coordinate Deliveries

Since this is your first apartment, most likely you will need to shop for items such as a couch, mattress set, television, and more.  If that is the case, you will need to organize a delivery.  However, some apartment buildings are strict about large deliveries.  You’ll want to plan to have everything delivered to you during the timeframe that you are moving in.  

Don’t: Forget the Basics

If you are moving away from your parent’s house, there is plenty that you will need that you may not even realize.  Having the basics such as a vacuum cleaner and dish towels are a must.  Create a checklist of all of the essentials that you need for your apartment, and ask around to see if there’s anything you may have missed.

Do: Have Fun!

While moving can be stressful, it can also be just as exciting.  This is your first apartment, and that’s a huge deal!  So, above all things, take a deep breath and remember to have fun with it!

Moving into your first apartment can be very exhausting and stressful.  Reduce your stress, and make your move-in day as smooth as possible.  Anywhere from coordinating deliveries, to not forgetting the basics, and not putting off packing, these simple do’s and don’ts will come in handy during the transition to your new place.  Do yourself a favor, and don’t stress yourself out.  Move into your new apartment stress-free and happy as can be!

 

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