It’s no secret that apartment dwellers are savvy folks. You’re used to living in and navigating your way around a busy city. On top of that, you’ve probably moved at least once or twice before. However, it’s still easy to overlook a few things. So check out our handy list of apartment moving do’s and don’ts as you get ready to make the move.
What You Should and Should Not Do When Moving Apartments
Don’t: Procrastinate packing.
It’s easy to underestimate the number of items you own, especially in a small space. Unfortunately, this type of thinking leads to shoving loose items into boxes when you’re short on time.
Do: Sort through your belongings early and pack by room.
If you do one room at a time, packing won’t seem like such an overwhelming job. Secondly, packing this way makes it much easier to set up your new apartment. If you’re feeling especially productive, you could make a master packing list or color code your boxes by category.
Don’t: Forget about cleaning your old apartment.
This is a big no-no. Check your lease — your landlord could have grounds to keep your deposit if you leave a mess.
Do: Be meticulous as you clean your apartment a final time.
Do yourself a favor and wait until all of your furniture is out, or you’ll be cleaning twice. If possible, schedule a cleaning crew after you move out. Many maid services specialize in apartment moves and leave everything sparkling. Finally, be sure to fill holes and touch up paint where needed.
Don’t: Underestimate the amount of time you’ll need to set aside for the move.
Often with apartment moves, people assume the process will be quick and straightforward. Sometimes that’s the case, but you want to plan for the worst case scenario.
Do: Take time off and allow for moving hiccups.
Be sure to let your employer know you’re moving. And understand that things don’t always go according to plan. The weather may not hold, or you could have forgotten to pack a hidden area in your home. Give yourself some breathing room.
Hire Professional Movers or DIY?
Don’t: Plan to do everything yourself.
The only people who can get away with this are college students — and even then, it’s a stretch. You don’t want to be that person making 15 trips back and forth with your Prius piled to the top. And you certainly don’t want to twist your friends’ and family’s arms.
Do: Hire movers, if possible.
Professional apartment movers like Ameritex Houston have years of local experience. They can take care of your move from start to finish, leaving you free to enjoy your new place. And you can rest assured your move will be completed on time.
Don’t: Go with the cheapest possible option for moving companies.
Moving horror stories are the sole reason sites like MovingScam exist. While it’s tempting to save a buck where you can, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Do: Research options, make calls, and find out who will do the best job.
The smartest source of referrals is word-of-mouth. Ask your friends who they use and like. Check online reviews. Really do your homework, and ask for estimates in advance.
Are you moving apartments in the Greater Houston Area? Ameritex Apartment Movers has been in business over 15 years and specializes in stress-free moves. We are well familiar with the most important apartment moving do’s and don’ts. Contact us today for a free moving quote. We’d love to be your movers of choice.