Moving Made Easy: Checklists and Tips for a Smooth Relocation
Moving to a new apartment can be both exciting and daunting. It's an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to explore a new neighborhood, and create a space that truly feels like home. However, the process of relocating can be stressful, filled with uncertainties and challenges. To make your move as smooth as possible, we've compiled a comprehensive guide with checklists and expert tips. Whether you're a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, this blog post will help you navigate the moving process with ease.
1. Planning Your Move
Setting a Timeline: The first step in planning a smooth relocation is to establish a timeline. Ideally, you should start planning your move at least two months ahead of time. This allows you to handle every aspect of the move systematically and reduces the last-minute rush. We typically recommend starting your apartment search about 30-60 days in advance. The main reason for this is because properties usually require 60 days notice from their tenants for termination or renewal of their leases — so if you start any earlier than 60 days, you most likely won’t see much availability for your move-in timeframe.
Choosing the Right Moving Date: Selecting the right moving date can significantly impact your move. If you have flexibility in choosing your moving date, try to avoid peak moving seasons (typically summer) to get better rates and availability from rental properties & moving companies. In Denver, peak season typically starts in early May and lasts until mid to end of November. Starting a lease between December and end of March gives you a great opportunity to capitalize on better specials, increased inventory, and lower pricing across the board. We’ve seen a difference of $200-$600 in base pricing in some cases!
Finding Reliable Movers: When it comes to hiring professional movers, it's essential to do your research. Get quotes from multiple moving companies, read reviews, and check their credentials. Make sure the company you choose is licensed, insured, and offers the services you need. Some of our favorite moving companies include: Headband Movers, College Hunks Hauling Junk, and All My Sons Moving. Be sure to choose a reliable company to avoid experiencing some of the horror stories we’ve heard. One of our clients hired a company to help with a move from Chicago to Denver and those movers no-showed the day of her move.
Packing Strategies: Develop an organized packing strategy. Start with items you use less frequently and gradually pack up your daily essentials as the moving date approaches. Label boxes by room and contents to make the unpacking process smoother. If you’re looking for a sustainable, convenient & cheaper way to pack your belongings, consider using a company like Simply Box’d to rent their reusable moving boxes. Forget buying expensive cardboard boxes and packing tape that you’ll most likely never use again, and start using these stackable boxes that will be sure to make your move efficient. Use code PRIMELOCATING to receive 15% off!
2. Budgeting for Your Move
Calculating Moving Costs: Moving can be costly, and it's crucial to understand the expenses involved. Create a budget that covers moving company fees, packing supplies, transportation, and any additional services you require. Don't forget to account for unexpected costs, especially for those early days after you settle into your new home. Amazon.com is a great resource for finding cheap home goods that arrive to your door extremely fast!
Tips for Saving Money: There are several ways to save money during your move. Consider selling or donating items you no longer need to reduce the volume of your belongings. You can also ask your moving company about cost-saving options like packing services or flexible moving dates. Facebook Marketplace never fails when it comes to liquidating your items quickly. Don’t be afraid to let go of things for less than you think they’re worth.
Hidden Expenses to Watch Out For: Be aware of potential hidden costs, such as insurance premiums, fees for additional services, or unexpected repairs. It's wise to set aside an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses that may arise during your move.
3. Organizing Your Belongings
Decluttering Before You Pack: Moving is an excellent opportunity to declutter your belongings. Sort through your possessions and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Less clutter means fewer items to pack and unpack, making the move more manageable. We recommend starting this process a couple weeks ahead of schedule so you’re not scrambling around last-minute to get things done. If you’re overwhelmed and want to hire some help to get you through this stage, companies like Clutterless Home Solutions can be a great option to take some stress off your plate.
Inventory and Labeling: Create an inventory list of all your belongings and label your boxes. This will help you keep track of your items during the move and make sure everything arrives safely at your new apartment. Blue electrical tape & sharpies are our favorite combo!
Essentials Box: Pack an essentials box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new apartment. This should include toiletries, several changes of clothes, important documents, and any other essentials to get you through the first day without rummaging through boxes.
4. The Big Packing Day
Essential Packing Supplies: Gather all necessary packing supplies, including sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture covers. Having the right materials on hand will make packing more efficient.
Room-by-Room Packing: When packing, tackle one room at a time. Start with less frequently used rooms and finish with high-traffic areas. Be methodical and label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. Pro-tip: start by packing all of your heavy duty kitchen appliances and dishes that you don’t use on a daily basis. Your kitchen always ends up being one of the biggest headaches to pack and it’s nice to get it out of the way early on.
Fragile and Valuable Items: Handle fragile and valuable items with extra care. Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and padding to protect delicate items. Consider packing these items in a separate, clearly marked box. And make sure you don’t pack these on the bottom of your box stacks.
5. Moving Day
Communicating with Movers: On moving day, maintain open communication with your chosen moving company. Be present when they arrive to oversee the loading process and address any questions or concerns.
Checking Your Inventory: Before the moving truck leaves, double-check your inventory list to ensure that all items are loaded and accounted for. This step helps prevent items from being left behind.
Keeping Important Documents Handy: Keep important documents like your lease agreement, identification, and contact information for your new landlord or property manager readily available. Having these documents on hand can save you time and hassle in case of any unexpected issues.
6. Settling into Your New Apartment
Unpacking and Organizing: Once you've arrived at your new apartment, begin the unpacking process room by room. Focus on setting up essential areas first, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. As you unpack, take the opportunity to organize your belongings efficiently.
Exploring Your New Neighborhood: After the move, take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Familiarize yourself with local amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, and nearby parks. Getting to know your surroundings will help you settle in more quickly.
Making Your Space Feel Like Home: Personalize your new apartment to make it feel like home. Hang up your favorite artwork, arrange your furniture, and add decorative touches that reflect your style. Making your space comfortable and inviting is an essential part of feeling at home in your new apartment.
Moving to a new apartment can be a smooth and stress-free experience when you plan carefully, budget wisely, organize your belongings, and follow a systematic approach. By following the tips and checklists outlined in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges of relocation and enjoy the excitement of settling into your new home. And as always, if you need a helping hand to find the perfect apartment home, contact our team of locating specialists and we’ll be happy to help! Our services are 100% free and we’ve helped hundreds of people move to Denver!
