Moving home is one of the most stressful of all life’s events. But it doesn’t have to be. If you’ll be moving apartments in the near future, getting organized as far in advance of moving day as possible is highly recommended.
There are several steps you can take that’ll make things much easier and prevent any last-minute spikes in blood pressure. Use the tips below to get started on the path to a (mainly!) stress-free move.
Make a Plan
Planning is your best friend to ensure your apartment move runs as smoothly as possible. As well as reducing stress, good planning means you’re much less likely to drop the ball or forget an important task.
Your plan should start a good two months out and, at this point, include things like getting measurements of the new apartment, setting a budget, and booking time off work to undertake the move itself. You can check this apartment moving checklist to help ensure you’ve got everything covered and reduce last-minute panics.
Book a Removal Firm
While it may be tempting to DIY your move, booking a professional removal firm is a key way to make moving apartments as easy as possible. A removal company will take care of shifting your stuff, including heavy items of furniture, and staff have the expertise and know-how to make sure that even your most beloved or fragile possessions don’t get damaged.
While shifting your stuff from your old apartment to your new may seem a relatively easy – if labor-intensive task – you’ll be surprised at just how much more quickly and efficiently a professional moving firm can get the job done.
Plan Each Space in Advance
Get really on top of your move by planning out not just which rooms your furniture and possessions will go in in the new apartment but designating which shelves and cupboards will be for what. If you know that, for example, you’re going to put all your cleaning supplies in a designated kitchen cupboard and exactly where in the bedroom your chest of drawers will go, it’ll prevent needing to subsequently move things around multiple times.
Planning your new space in as much detail as possible will also allow you to order any additional furniture or other items you’ll require in advance, too.
Get Cleaning
About a week before your move, it’s time to get scrubbing and give your current apartment a deep clean. This is a task that often takes longer than we think, so giving yourself a headstart is vital. If you’re tight on time, consider using the services of a professional cleaning firm.
Don’t forget, your landlord could withhold some (or all) of your deposit if you don’t leave the property in a good, clean condition.
Don’t Forget to Book the Elevator!
This is a task that can easily slip your mind with so much going on, causing lots of extra stress. If your new apartment building has an elevator, you’ll need to contact the new landlord or property management company ahead of time to schedule a time for the removal firm to use it to shift in all your stuff.
In most cases, you’ll be required to submit an application form and it’s a good idea to get this sorted out as far in advance as possible. As well as making sure you get off on the right foot with your new neighbors, booking the elevator will help the move run like clockwork.
Pack a Moving Day Bag
This is one of those little things that’ll make a huge difference come moving day. Just before the big day, pack a bag with the things your household will need on the day and night of your move, as well as the morning after.
This should include items such as toothbrushes, toiletries, medications, nightwear, and a book. If you have kids, packing them each a little bag that includes snacks, a few activities, and a favorite soft toy will help moving day run much more happily.
It’s also a very good idea to think about a meal for your first evening in the new apartment when all your kitchen and cooking stuff will no doubt still be packed. Batch cooking a few meals ahead of time to freeze and enjoy during your first few days in the new pad is an easy solution that’ll ensure everyone stays well fuelled.
Moving On
Moving home is never going to be an entirely stress-free affair. However, taking steps to get as organized as possible – and as far in advance as possible – will pay dividends in making the big day as easy as possible. Use the tips above to get planning so that when moving day comes around, everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Mostly.
