Be Aware of Items the Moving Company Will Not Transport
If you’re using a moving company, items that seem harmless, like liquor or nail polish, might be forbidden. Ask your moving company about their rules. Don’t simply assume that you’ll be able to have everything in your home transported by professionals. Be aware that there are several categories of items they will not move for you, including:
- Plants
- Pets
- Perishable food
- Hazardous items
- Flammable materials
- Certain types of batteries
- Equipment containing fuel
- Weapons and ammunition
- Explosives
Some movers won’t touch heavy and difficult-to-move items like pianos, while others will.
Schedule Your Move During Slow Season
Be aware that movers charge more during busier times, so you can save money by scheduling your move in a less popular slot. That would be:
- During the week: Most people move on weekends, when they’re not at work.
- In the middle of the month: The beginnings and ends of months are busier, as this is when leases tend to begin and end.
- In winter: Summer is a busy season for moving. But, remember that weather plays a role too – a winter move might be cheaper, but a spring move is less likely to be interrupted by a blizzard.
Of course, those busy times are more convenient for most people, so you may choose to—or have to—move on a Saturday in June regardless of the extra cost.
Repair Minor Moving Damage
To ensure your landlord or management company returns your security deposit after you move, fully clean the apartment before you leave and make small repairs like filling in holes if you nailed anything to the wall. Here are some tips you may want to consider when moving out of an apartment:
- If your furniture has left imprints in the carpet, spray water on the area then blow-dry to fluff up fibers again.
- Remove odors by sprinkling baking soda on the carpet, letting it sit overnight, then vacuuming.
- You can spot-clean carpets with commercial products or deep clean them with a rented carpet cleaner.
- If the damage is extreme, weigh the cost of hiring a professional with the amount of your deposit.
- Leave whatever contact information is required for your deposit to be returned to you as soon as possible.
Ask About New Apartment Building Move-In Rules
If you’re moving into another apartment, be sure to ask your new management company these important questions:
- When and where can you pick up your keys?
- Where can you park your moving truck or container?
- Can you reserve the elevator?
- Do you have to move in at a certain time of day?
- What other information can they provide to help you avoid unexpected obstacles on moving day?
Check Your Lease for the Rules on Giving Notice for Moving Out
When moving out, make sure you notify your landlord early and in the proper manner. Keep records of any communication you have with your landlord or management company in your moving binder.
Find Out About Parking at Your New Building
Every building is different, so don’t assume you know the details without asking your landlord or management. Some questions to consider are:
- Will you have a reserved space?
- Is parking included in your rent, or does a dedicated parking spot cost extra?
- Is there only one parking option?
- If the building has a parking facility, is it a garage or a lot?
- Is it covered? Is it lit at night, or secured?
- Who is responsible for shoveling or plowing it in winter, and is this done at a certain time when cars have to be removed from the lot?
- Where do guests park?
Keep Your Belongings Safe and Secure While Moving
If you’re unpacking your car or rental truck on a busy city sidewalk, have a helper with you to keep an eye on your boxes. Don’t leave items unattended outside or in the lobby. While labeling boxes by room is good, labeling them too specifically is risky; you don’t want to be stacking up boxes that say “jewelry” or “handbags” where passers-by can see them.
Avoid Getting a Ticket While Moving
One of our best moving tips is to not forget to avoid getting a ticket! While you’re unloading, be aware of where you’re parked and how long you’ve been there. You’ll want to be close to the door of the building, but make sure you’re not going to get a ticket by parking in a reserved spot or letting your meter run out.
Measure Rooms and Doorways of Your New Apartment Before Moving
If you can’t be at the apartment yourself, ask the landlord for measurements before moving your furniture in, to ensure it will all fit.
Take Pictures of Empty Rooms Before Moving
After leaving a rental apartment or house, take photographs of each empty room to document the state of the walls, floors and fixtures. If any damage occurs after you leave, this documentation can prevent you from being held accountable. Do the same before moving your things into a new rental in case you are later blamed for pre-existing damage.
Consider Renter’s Insurance to Protect Your Belongings
If you owned a home for many years, the idea of
renters insurance may be new to you, but it’s important to know that your landlord’s property insurance policy only covers damage to the building, not to your
home contents. That’s where The Hartford can help. We’ll help protect your belongings, so you can enjoy your new happy place with peace of mind knowing you’re covered.
Recycle, Store or Offer Up Your Boxes
If this living arrangement is temporary and you have the storage space, flatten your boxes and store them until you need to use them again. Otherwise, break them down and recycle them according to the rules of your new building and city. Alternately, advertise your stash of free boxes online or among your friends or colleagues in your new location. Someone might be happy to take them off your hands.
Moving can be hectic, but starting a new chapter of your life in a new home is exciting, too. The more you prepare ahead of time, the better equipped you’ll be to move efficiently and fully appreciate the enjoyable side of the process.
