Moving into a new home can feel like the start of an exciting new chapter in life. But for too many renters, relocation brings mostly stress, chaos, and last-minute scrambles.
However, the good news is that there are steps you can take to ensure your next move goes smoothly. With a bit of preparation and a few clever tricks, you can handle your next move like a pro! Here are our best moving tips rental pros rely on to keep moving day smooth and straightforward.
How to Stay Organized with a Moving Checklist
A detailed moving checklist is your ultimate tool for a stress-free move. Begin your checklist well in advance by writing down every task you can think of that will come up in the weeks leading to your move. Then, divide your tasks into weekly goals. Before your next move, there will be things that need to come in advance of your move, such as notifying your current landlord. Be sure to schedule your movers or rent a truck as early as possible. This helps you keep costs down and gives you time to find and shop for the best rates.
Shortly before your moving date, begin working through the next items on your checklist tasks. For instance, make sure to transfer or set up utilities for your new place. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient packing supplies, forward your mail, and update your address with essential contacts, banks, and other relevant organizations. Given the many tasks involved, a moving checklist helps you stay on track and make the process feel less overwhelming.
Pack Smart and Save Time
Packing is often the most time-consuming part of any move. Whether you’re tackling a one-bedroom apartment or a larger single-family rental, the key to making packing easy is good organization.
Start by gathering sufficient packing supplies, like boxes and other essentials. Next, go through your belongings and think about donating or selling items you no longer need. Fewer items mean less work on moving day.
Pack one room at a time and label each box clearly with the room name and a short list of its contents. For larger homes, try using color-coded labels or tape. It makes unloading at your new place a breeze. Finally, if your budget permits, think about using clear plastic storage bins. Using these bins for your essentials can greatly simplify your move, allowing you to see what you need quickly.
Moving Advice from Moving Experts
Professional movers know that a few simple hacks can make moving day so much easier. By using these hacks, you can save yourself a significant amount of stress and headaches.
- One great hack is to pack a “first-night box” with essentials like your toothbrush, phone charger, pajamas, and any other must-haves you’ll need to feel comfortable for the first 24 hours in your new home. A truly stress-free move starts with taking care of yourself, not just your stuff. Get enough sleep the night before, stay hydrated, and fuel up with healthy snacks. Take breaks often to avoid burnout. Moving day is a marathon, not a sprint!
- Next, keep important documents, such as your lease agreement, ID, and moving company details, in a single folder that you can carry with you.
- Take photos of the back of your electronics, TVs, gaming systems, computers, and other devices before unplugging the cables. You will then have a visual guide to reconnecting everything later on, which can make your life much easier.
- If you’re moving into an apartment building, check with your landlord ahead of time about the location of parking spots, unloading areas, or elevator availability. This can help you avoid any unwelcome surprises.
- Similarly, be sure to confirm that you have the keys to your new place and that you have your new landlord’s contact information ready, if needed.
- Before you lock the door on your old place for the last time, be sure to do a final walk-through of every room, closet, and cabinet. This is the best way to make sure nothing gets left behind.
- Finally, don’t forget to check the weather! If rain or snow is in the forecast for your move, be sure to have extra plastic wrap for boxes and put rugs or runners down to protect your new floors.
Turn Moving Day into a Smooth Transition
With the proper moving checklist, smart packing, and practical moving tips rental experts trust, your next move could be your easiest one yet! And remember, Real Property Management Lonestar is here to help you find the perfect home in San Antonio and nearby and settle in with less stress. Let us help make your rental experience as smooth as possible.
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