How to Survive Your Apartment Move
There are big moves and there are little moves. Making a move from one apartment to another may not seem like a particularly big move, but it is so for the person who is busy, has little time to spare, and may not exactly relish the transition. Here’s how to make your apartment move, whether it is across town or by crossing the continent.
Send It, Pack It or Move It
How will you make your move to a new place? For homeowners, that’s easy — you’ll probably hire a moving company. For people with fewer goods on hand, a move involving a rental truck or a packing box makes sense. You might even consider sending some of your goods ahead by shipping them.
If you choose a moving services company, it is best to obtain estimates from at least three providers. Have each representative come to your home, review the items to be moved, and provide a binding estimate. For your part, you need to verify that the company is registered, licensed, and insured. By all means ask for references and call them.
Declutter First
Apartments don’t have a lot of room, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t acquired some clutter. Between your apartment and your storage space, you may have more items on hand than you need. If so, consider thinning out the clutter to leave only those items that will go with you. You’ll reduce your load and your moving costs too.
You have several options to consider as you declutter. You can throw out what is broken, sell what you don’t need or donate it. If you make a donation, then secure a tax receipt — save that receipt for the next time you do your taxes. You’ll lighten your tax load.
Identify Your New Place
Early on in the moving process, you should identify the place where you will live. This may mean making a trip to the new city or area to review apartments and to sign a lease.
Once you make that determination, then obtain a floor plan. Take pictures and with the floor plan in hand, that information will help you plan your move. You’ll be in a better position to imagine what the apartment will look like before you get there.
Stay Organized
The last thing you need in your life is a disruptive move. That’s exactly how you will feel when you need to go some place and you don’t have the time to do it. At least not by yourself. Ask friends to help in whatever way they can. Some may bring boxes and help you pack. Others may scout out a new apartment for you.
At the same time, you need to be very organized to pull this off. A planner or planner app is a good start. You also need some type of file system to keep track of paperwork, such as physician and dental records. If you are currently in school, you’ll need to obtain your college transcripts. Keep your important paperwork in your file.
Look Ahead, Not Back
Your move may be career related or it might involve pursuing a relationship with someone who lives far away. Perhaps you want to move closer to your home territory. Regardless of the reason for you move, always look forward to what is coming. Look back on the positive, but don’t dwell there.
As you look forward, consider the neighborhood where you will live. Before you move and when you catch some spare time, get online to learn more about the neighborhood. Make a note of the restaurants, art galleries, parks, and businesses in the area. Consider which ones might interest you and look forward to visiting these places after you settle in.
Certainly, any type of move can be stressful. You’ve gotten used to your apartment and your way of life. Now, that’s all about to change, but it can do so for the good. Make this move a good one and you’ll move on with your life.
