Although not every management company or landlord arranges a walkthrough when you move into a new rental, it is wise on your part to do so. Make sure you orchestrate a walkthrough prior to moving in, to ensure your own safety and happiness in your new location.
For Safety, Do The Following
Ensure all smoke detectors work, and there are fire extinguishers. Carbon monoxide detectors are not as common, but they are a good precaution, but you might have to install your own.
Check for safety features like sprinklers and fire alarms in the hallways of your building.
Check for the building for a fire escape plan and ensure you know where to go in case of fire.
Make sure there are safety gates that you can open on any bars on windows so you can get out if necessary.
Ensure each sleeping area in the apartment has an operable window, which you can escape through if need be.
Windows and Doors
Make sure you have a key for each and every lock and check all door knobs and looks prior to moving in. They shouldn’t wobble and should lock properly.
Check all doors and windows to ensure they open and shut as they should.
Plumbing Issues
Make sure all faucets shut off as they should and that the sink stops work.
Check for leaks, dampness and dripping under and around every sink and around the toilets.
Test the water pressure of your place as well as the water temperature by turning on the shower and faucets.
Appliances
Make sure all appliances work properly.
Run the air conditioning and heat to ensure they work as they should.
If you have access to laundry facilities, make sure the area is clean and brightly lit.
Electrical
Make sure all switches work as they should.
Plug something like a phone charger into each outlet, ensuring they all work properly.
General Condition of Your Rental
Check for signs of water damage in your new place, especially the ceilings.
Check for stains, cracks and peeling paint on the walls.
Check under sinks, closets and the like for signs of droppings, insects and/or rodents.
Additional Tips For Your Walkthrough and General Tips for Rentals
Take along a camera. Document any issues you notice so you will not be blamed for preexisting problems. Photos will be your proof if you are falsely accused of damages.
Ensure you walk through the actual rental you plan on moving into not a model or other apartment. This is the only way you can document the actual place you will be living in or see potential issues within your apartment.
Inquire about whether or not the apartment is sub-metered, which means each tenant receives bills for each utility, such as water, natural gas, electricity, etc. If this is the case, you might want to ask for an estimate of the costs you can expect to pay.
Read the lease well. Don’t just sign it, but be sure to look through it thoroughly.
Renting is a great way to save money on overhead costs and cut down the time you spend maintaining your living quarters. However, you want to ensure the place you move into is in good condition prior to moving in and you aren’t blamed or charged for preexisting damages. Make sure you follow the above tips and you will be well on your way to rental happiness.
Properly packing your belongings on the front end of your move can make the unpacking and setting up house process much easier on the back end. Of course, when you don’t pack everything in an organized, neat, well-labeled manner, just the opposite is true, you have no idea where anything is when it comes time to unpack after a move. Follow the tips below to make sure this doesn’t happen to you:
Know There is a Proper Way to Go About Packing a Box
Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to pack your belongings in a box. The following are some helpful guidelines that will ensure you do it right:
Group items of similar weight and size, and try not to pack items from different areas of the house together.
Before putting items in a box, pour packing peanuts into the box.
Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the box after wrapping them in either packing paper or bubble wrap.
Wrap lighter items in either packing paper or bubble wrap, and then separate them from heavier items at the bottom of the box with cushion foam.
Before closing your box, make sure to cushion the entire package with either crumpled packing paper or packing peanuts, ensuring all the unfilled space is filled. This will keep the items inside the box from shifting during transport.
Don’t overstuff boxes. No one box should weigh more than 30 pounds or be heavier than you can easily lift. If you over pack boxes, they can spill out during transport and the items inside can be damaged or damage other items in transport.
Seal the box well with packing tape.
Make sure you label the box, identifying what’s inside and where it goes once it reaches your new home.
Realize Not Everything Can be Packed
Not all your items can be packed into boxes. For example, major appliances, furniture and the like will probably be wrapped by the professional movers you hire. If you didn’t hire professionals, you will need to wrap these items yourself. Also, items like large glass table tops, chandeliers, pool tables, etc. will need extra protection during a move.
Get The Right Tool For The Job
There’s an adage that says the right tool makes the job easier. This is true when it comes to packing as well and your “tools” in this scenario are packing materials. It’s important to get high quality packing material to protect your possessions during transport, and this starts with the boxes. You will likely need way more boxes than you imagine. Of course, you don’t want to spend a small fortune on boxes, either. Thankfully, you can get them at a reduced rate. To order, contact Used Cardboard Boxes. Also, don’t forget you will need the following in addition to a variety of boxes:
Sharp knife or scissors for cutting cartons.
Markers for labeling.
Tape Dispenser.
Rolls of PVC tape.
Paper towels, tissue paper, bubble wrap, packing paper or newsprint.
Pen or pencil and a notebook to keep up with what has been packed.
Stickers or labels to make identifying boxes easier.
The above tips will ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Follow them for proper packing practices.
Moving into a new home is an exciting adventure. Unfortunately, it can also seem somewhat overwhelming, knowing what to do and when. Thankfully, this helpful list below will tell you the top 10 things to tackle after moving into a new place:
1.) Have the Utilities Turned On: You might have already taken care of this prior to move in day. However, if you haven’t, go ahead and do this as soon as possible once moving in.
2.) Change the Locks: If you didn’t handle this prior to moving, change the locks before moving your valuable stuff into a new place. You have no idea who the prior owners gave copies of their key to, so it’s best to be on the safe side and have the locks changed and new keys created. Not having your locks changed is a big security risk.
3.) UpdateYour Mailing/Billing Address: You can change your mailing address online via the U.S.P.S site. However, even once you do this, don’t be surprised to have your mail get a bit mixed up for a while after your move.
4.) Get Internet: Since many devices, such as sprinkler systems, doorbells and even garage doors can utilize an internet connection, an internet hookup is almost as necessary as water and power. Therefore, it’s important to establish your internet connection at your new place as quickly as possible.
5.) Figure Out Where You are Going to Sleep on Night One: Just as if you were stuck in the woods at night, you must come up with a plan for shelter for the night as quickly as possible. Thankfully, you do have a roof over your head. Unfortunately, most of your belongings might still be in boxes, so determine where you are going to sleep your first night, or make it a priority to unpack your bed and bedding as your first task, so at the very least you have a place to rest for the night.
6.) Meet Your New Neighbors: Hopefully, your new neighbors will let curiosity get the better of them and introduce themselves, even better if they bring along food. If they don’t though, don’t be put out, they might just be shy or worry they will get in your way. Go introduce yourself as soon as possible.
7.) Wipe Out Cabinets: Before placing your clean dishes into your cabinets, wipe them out well with a cleaner and replace contact paper if necessary. This will let you know if there is a rodent problem in your home you need to deal with. Speaking of which…
8.) Set Up a Pest Control Company: You might find your empty home has been enjoyed by rodents during the time it was without human occupants. To remedy this, you can do your own pest control or hire in a professional.
9.) Check For Water Leaks: Once your water is turned on, you need to double check for leaks in your home. Sure, your home inspector is supposed to take care of this prior to closing, but sometimes more minor leaks can be overlooked. Look for running toilets, dripping faucets and water leaks around your water heater. A good rule of thumb to use is this: determine what your water meter reads, then go back and check it after two hours. Be sure to use no water during this time. If your water meter reading is different from two hours prior, this indicates you have a leak.
10.) Consider Having Your Carpets Professionally Cleaned: Before moving in your furniture, you might want to have your carpets professionally cleaned or rent a machine and do it yourself. This will ensure your furnishings are being placed in a clean area.
Complete the 10 steps listed above to get your home set up properly and in a timely, stressfree manner.
When it comes to hiring professionals to relocate your household belongings, you have two primary options. One is employing a moving company, the other is hiring a moving broker, and no, these aren’t the same. Each has their own pros and cons, which you will find listed below, but first let’s define them:
What is a Moving Broker?
A moving broker is a company that serves as a go-between for the customer (you) and a moving company. They act in essence as a middleman. They are not themselves professional movers and are not licensed or authorized to transport household goods. They also don’t have moving, equipment, moving staff, trucks or packing supplies.
What is a Moving Company?
A moving company is a group of professional movers who own their own moving trucks, have the right equipment to complete a relocation job, are licensed to transport home goods, often provide packing materials and handle virtually anything related to your move.
What You Should be Cautious About When Hiring Each
Each option, both movers and brokers offer advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to a moving company, one risk is that they are not registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is a red flag you need to check for when hiring them. You also need to make sure that you get your moving agreement in writing via a contract of some sort with a mover.
When hiring a broker, your biggest disadvantage is the fact that you are not dealing with the people who will ultimately move your household items. This can become problematic if you have specific instructions for certain items. You also might be limited to what days and times you can substantiate a move when dealing with a third party broker, and if something is broken or damaged in transport, things could get confusing. The broker could say it is the mover’s fault, while the mover points their finger at the broker. In the end, this might leave you high and dry with no one to accept fault for your damaged goods. Brokers also might be unfamiliar with your local movers, though they are now required to give you a list of all available movers in your area.
Advantages of Each Moving Option
Brokers must meet greater regulations. This means you are ensured a moving company that is registered with the FMCSA when going through a broker. You also don’t have to find your own moving company as the broker will do that for you. When it comes to a moving company, the primary advantage is dealing with the people who will ultimately be doing the work. If you have special requests, you know it is heard by the people actually doing the move. A moving company will also more than likely know the area better, and be more prepared for situational occurrences as it relates to moving a household worth of items.
Which is More Cost Effective?
It is difficult to say which is the most cost effective option as it greatly depends on how far you are moving and how much stuff is being transported. In general, brokers “bid” your move to movers, which would in theory make their end price cheaper. Of course, they might also quote you a lower price, only to have the moving company raise their rate on the back end. Moving companies, though, who would prefer to work directly with their customers might give you a deal for cutting out the middle man. In addition, they can quote a price that “should” stick, because they are the ones who perform the job.
Whether you hire a moving company or broker, be sure to get everything in writing and make sure any moving company you consider is registered with the FMCSA. Also, research these companies. What do their reviews say about them? Do they follow through with promises? Are they careless? Do they show up on time? Check them out thoroughly, and then, make the call on how you want to orchestrate your move.
Moving day and it seems like your world is being turned upside down. That’s how many people feel when the time comes to relocate. Of course, few are prepared for the major change of a new living space, community, and job. Employment opportunities remain a driving force behind relocation. But the experience does not need to be filled with dread and uncertainty.
In fact, there are online outfits available that offer full-service moving resources. Quick Moving Quotes, for example, offers everyday people the tools to plan a seamless and stress-free move. Creating a customized, cost-effective plan can be done on any desktop, laptop or electronic device. Consider these four ways to turn a hectic move into a joyous experience.
1: Professional Planning Matters
There are two basic ways that you can effectively plan for moving day. The first entails you taking inventory of everything you own. Then, create some type of spreadsheet or list and calculate the number of boxes, wrapping paper, weight, fragile packaging, bulky items and labor among others. Yes, planning is a ton of work.
The other option is to rely on the experience and expertise of a professional moving outfit. Think about what it will really cost in terms of your time and resources to pack, load, move and unload. Compare that to a no-obligation quote from Quick Moving Quotes and make a decision. Remember to figure in the cost of your sanity as well.
2: Stress Reduction Matters
By connecting with professional moving services, your task will simply be to answer a few pragmatic questions come moving day. Telling someone which box goes in which room beats doing it yourself. But letting go of the situation can also create some anxiety. After all, some of the items have great sentimental value.
Consider having a friend swing by and chat over a cup of tea in the morn. Put on pleasant music or just go to the fitness center and workout. Do the things that help you to relax. Remember, the pros have your back.
3: Unclutter Your Life
Moving can be an excellent opportunity to finally reduce clutter. Leading up to moving day, consider having a tag sale and purge unneeded items. Donate things to a charity. You may even get a tax deduction come April. The point is that you have an opportunity to start fresh at the other end. Don’t take a worn-out mattress or couch with you.
4: Embrace Your New Community
One of the major stressors of relocation is feeling alone. Meeting people organically can take a good amount of time. Be proactive and make connections.
Consider joining community organizations by volunteering at places such as the local library, school committees, a non-profit music organization or theater group. If you are a fitness enthusiast, go beyond joining a gym. Sign up to participate in a walking, running or biking event. The point is to become a community member by joining. You’ll likely love your community that much more by being a vital member.
At the end of the day, turning a potentially frightening moving experience into a positive one starts by networking with trained professionals and ends with you have a great new circle of friends.
We ALL know how stressful moving can be. Watch this video and learn 5 moving hacks that can help make the process a little bit easier and less chaotic!
