10 Tips for an Excellent Move
If you are renting an apartment for the first time, preparing for your big move can feel like a daunting and confusing task. What should you have packed and ready for move-in day? How will you factor rent into your budget? What do you need to know about your new lease?
As you’re searching for your ideal first apartment, here are some tips to keep in mind when starting your journey as a renter.
1: Tour Your Apartment Before Move-in Day
When you finally find an apartment that you love and want to call home, it is important to schedule a walk-through of the apartment with your landlord or leasing agent. This will give you the chance to see the space in person and ask any questions that you may have about the unit or the building itself.
During your walk-through, you can also see which amenities are included. This can help you determine what you will need to bring with you when you move. For example, the apartment’s kitchen may have a built-in microwave over the stove, which saves you the time of purchasing one yourself.
2: When Packing for Your Move, Less is More
Even if you are downsizing from a house to an apartment, chances are you will have more stuff than necessary. It can be helpful to purge your belongings before packing up everything and bringing it with you to your new place.
Start with your closet, and consider getting rid of clothes that you haven’t worn in the past year or two. You can also opt to donate items that are in good condition that you no longer use such as books, furniture, or kitchenware.
Start small on move-in day. You can always add more items over time as needed.
3: If You Have a Pet, Include Them in Your Moving Plans
If you have a pet, it’s important to factor them into your moving plans. Start by doing some research on pet-friendly apartments in your area. Once you’ve found a few places that allow pets, schedule tours and meet with the landlords or leasing agents to discuss their policies. Some buildings may require an additional pet deposit or monthly fee.
While moving in, select a space to keep your pet comfortable that is away from any open doors. Typically, an apartment bathroom is a great spot because it is often one of the last rooms to be unpacked, so you will not have to worry about your pet accidentally running outside. Be sure to also supply your pet with food and fresh water so that they are as comfortable as possible while they wait for you to complete your move.
4: Make Sure Your Apartment Has an In-Date Fire Extinguisher
One of the most important things to check for is a working fire extinguisher. Fires can start anywhere and at any time and can quickly spread between apartments.
Many states mandate that landlords supply their tenants with an in-date fire extinguisher. In our home state of New York, a fire extinguisher must be supplied for every non-vacant apartment.
5: Arrange for Utility Connections Ahead of Your Move
For any utilities that are not included in your rent, you will need to contact the local utility providers and put the bills in your name. You will need to provide the utility companies with your new address, the date you would like service to begin and often a deposit. Once you have set up your utilities, be sure to test each one to make sure that they are working properly.
Depending on the apartment, some utilities you may need to arrange for could include:
- Water
- Electric
- Gas
- Sewer
- Trash removal
- Cable and internet
6: Get to Know Your Neighbors
When you are renting a new apartment, you have the opportunity to meet new people. When you first move in, introduce yourself to your neighbors. You may even find that you will make a new friend or two in the process!
7: Keep Your Apartment Clean and Tidy
One of the best ways to ensure that you have a great experience renting an apartment is to keep your unit clean and tidy. This will help your living space feel more comfortable, relaxing, and less cluttered.
8: Get Creative with Storage Solutions
If you are renting a smaller apartment, you may need to get creative with your storage solutions. There are a number of ways that you can make the most of the space that you have.
For example, consider using under-the-bed storage containers for items that you don’t use on a regular basis. You can also invest in a few pieces of multipurpose furniture, such as a coffee table that doubles as a storage ottoman or a closet organizer.
Another great way to save space is to hang items on the walls. This could include everything from pictures and artwork to shelving units and wall-mounted coat racks.
9: If Your Apartment Has Hardwood Floors, Place Rugs Over High-Traffic Areas
If your apartment has hardwood floors, you will want to place rugs over high-traffic areas to protect the finish. Not only will this help to keep your floors looking like new, but it will also reduce the amount of noise generated from people walking around. High-traffic areas in an apartment typically include the living room, bedrooms, and hallways.
10: Keep the Property Manager’s Contact Info Handy
If you have any problems with your apartment or need to request maintenance, it is important to have the property manager’s contact information at the ready. In most cases, the property manager will be able to resolve any issues that you are having as a tenant.
Start Your Apartment Living Journey in Downtown Saratoga Springs
At Saratoga Market Center, we strive to provide the most luxurious living environment possible in downtown Saratoga Springs, NY. With multiple floor plan options, in-unit laundry, stainless steel kitchen features, and on-site maintenance and fitness centers, we want you to love where you live.
To learn more about renting an apartment for the first time with us, check out our floor plans here.
