9 Tips for a Smooth Apartment Move

Published: September 01, 2024

Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting yet daunting task. The prospect of a fresh start in a new space is exhilarating, but the process of packing, organizing, and transporting your belongings can be overwhelming. Here are nine essential tips to make your next apartment move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning is the cornerstone of a successful move. Start by creating a moving checklist at least a month in advance, breaking down all the tasks:

• Four Weeks Before: Notify your landlord, gather packing supplies, and start decluttering.
• Three Weeks Before: Begin packing non-essential items, schedule utility transfers, and arrange moving services.
• Two Weeks Before: Pack essentials, confirm moving arrangements, and change your address.
• One Week Before: Finalize packing, clean your old apartment, and prepare a moving day kit.

2. Declutter Before You Pack

Moving is the time to declutter. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I use this regularly?
• Does this item hold sentimental value?
• Is it worth the effort to move it to the new apartment?

By reducing the number of items you need to move, you’ll save time, effort, and potentially money on moving expenses.

3. Gather the Right Supplies

Invest in high-quality packing supplies to protect your belongings during the move. Essential items include sturdy boxes in various sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers for labeling, and furniture covers or moving blankets. Having the right supplies on hand will help ensure your items arrive at your new apartment intact.

4. Pack Smart

Efficient packing can significantly ease the moving process. Use these tips to pack like a pro:

• Pack by Room: Keep items from each room together to make unpacking easier.
• Label Boxes: Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room.
• Use Padding: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper, and fill any empty spaces in boxes with soft items.
• Pack a Moving Day Kit: Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies to get you through the first few days in your new apartment.

5. Use Portable Storage

Consider using portable storage containers from UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Atlanta to manage your move more efficiently. These containers can be delivered to your current location, allowing you to load them at your convenience. Once packed, the portable storage container will be transported to your new apartment. This method offers flexibility and can save you time and stress. Make sure to confirm the delivery date and time, verify insurance coverage, and discuss any special requirements or fragile items in advance.

6. Notify Important Parties

Don’t forget to notify important parties of your move. Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employers, subscription services, and friends and family. Updating your address ensures you continue to receive important mail.

7. Take Care of Utilities

Arrange for utility services to be transferred or set up at your new apartment. This includes electricity and gas, water and sewage, internet and cable, and trash and recycling services. Contact utility providers at least two weeks before your move to avoid any interruptions in service.

8. Clean Your Old Apartment

Before handing over the keys to your old apartment, make sure it’s clean and ready for the next tenant. This can help you secure your security deposit and leave on good terms with your landlord. Focus on cleaning floors, walls, and windows, removing all personal items, fixing any minor damages, and disposing of trash and recycling properly.

9. Set up Your New Apartment

Once you arrive at your new apartment, take some time to set up your space. Unpack essential items first, and gradually work through the remaining boxes. Arrange furniture and decor to make your new apartment feel like home. Remember to inspect the apartment for any damages and report them to your landlord, test all appliances and utilities, and set up a system for organizing your belongings.

Moving to an apartment doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With careful planning, efficient packing, and the right resources, you can simplify the process and enjoy a smooth transition. Follow these nine tips to ensure your apartment move is seamless and stress-free. 

Looking for reliable moving services? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Atlanta or call us today at (678) 218-6057.