Finding your dream apartment isn’t easy, especially if you’re moving someplace entirely new. However, let’s say you’ve done the legwork, found your new home, and now you’re ready to move. Besides finding movers and packing your things, the key to a worry-free apartment move is coordination with your current landlord and your soon-to-be landlord. Here are some tips for making that happen:
1. Get your address from the new landlord
This is the first step in any move. You’ll need your new address for a number of reasons, not least of which is so your movers know where they should deliver your belongings! If you’re expecting to get a security deposit by check from your current landlord, they’ll need your new address so they know where to send it.
The sooner you get your new address, the sooner you can schedule hookups for utilities and internet in your new apartment. And of course, you’ll want to make sure the mail going to your current apartment is forwarded to your new one. To prevent gaps in your mail service, fill out the USPS Change-of-Address form as soon as possible.
2. Find out where you and your movers should park on move day
Some apartment buildings have designated loading and unloading areas for tenants who are moving. Other places may require you to secure a permit from the municipality beforehand. It’s a good idea to ask your landlords about parking well in advance of moving. Bear in mind that if there is a permit process, your application may take several days for the municipality to review and approve. You also may be required to set up the “Temporary No Parking” signs several days ahead of time, to give locals a heads-up. Bear in mind that if you are moving out of an apartment, then you will need to do this process both for the apartment you are leaving and the apartment into which you are moving.
3. Chart the path from truck to apartment
Once you nail down the parking situation, it’s time to get detailed about the path from the moving truck to your new apartment. What you want to find is how the movers will get your possessions from point A (parking) to point B (your new apartment). These are some good questions to ask your future landlord:
- Will the movers have access to a service elevator reserved for moving?
- What are the dimensions of the elevator?
- Will they be sharing elevators with residents during the move?
- If there are no elevators, how many flights of stairs to your new apartment?
- How close is your apartment to the elevator and/or stairs?
Likewise, it’s worthwhile to document the layout and dimensions of your new apartment before move day. Don’t be caught off guard by skinny hallways, narrow doorframes, tight corners, and other impediments.
4. Find out where the trash goes
After move day, you might have excess materials to dispose of, so save yourself some time by finding out beforehand where trash goes. Some apartments may have different disposal units or designated areas for refuse and recycling. Take some time to scope out your new complex or get the details from your landlord.
5. Call to confirm your apartment move
It doesn’t hurt to phone your new landlord the day before your move and confirm that everything is ready to go. A polite call serves as a gentle reminder in case there are any last-minute changes that you don’t know about. For instance, if you were scheduled to use the service elevator, but it’s out-of-order for some reason, it’s better to know that the day before than after you and your movers arrive.
6. Find out who handles emergencies
Sometimes things can go wrong. For example, if you show up to your new apartment, and it’s not clean, then what? Or the person who has your keys is out sick for the day and nobody in the rental office can find them? Or your car breaks down and you arrive after the property management office is closed?
You can’t prevent accidents from happening, but you can manage them when they do. Before move day, make sure you have contact information for as many people at the property management company as you can get so that you can be in contact with them if there’s an emergency on your end.
The same goes for your moving company. Most times, everything goes smoothly, but it never hurts to be prepared. If there’s an unexpected issue with your new apartment, is your moving company flexible enough to handle it? Do they have clear policies about what happens if the move takes longer than anticipated due to an unanticipated event? Are there extra fees, for instance? Better to ask and know upfront.
If you have you have questions you need help with for your upcoming apartment move, consider reaching out to us.