With careful consideration of every aspect concerning your move, you can have a hiccup-free transition from your existing home to the new one. But, what are these aspects and where do you even start?
We’ve put together a list of the top 5 things to consider before you shift places. Let’s check them out!
Top 5 Things to Keep in Mind for Your Next Move
1. Budget Your Move
Moving can be expensive, so before you start thinking about packing up, assess your finances first. Consider the following costs and expenses when you sit down and chalk out your budget:
Apartment Rent
Factor in the money you are willing to spend on rent every month. Also, consider the effective increase after the initial period.
Security Deposits
Landlords and owners secure a deposit which is a lump sum amount or x times the monthly rent.
Moving Services
If you are opting for a moving service research the prices online or on call.
Buying New Appliances or Furniture
Take into consideration the budget for purchasing new furniture pieces or replacing broken appliances.
Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance, although not mandatory, covers your possessions and liability when renting any property.
Monthly Utilities
You need to cover the average costs of using the internet, electricity, water and heating on a monthly basis.
Moving Insurance
You can opt for moving insurance or removal insurance which translates to roughly ten per cent of moving costs.
Do factor in a small portion of your budget for unforeseen expenses in case of emergencies. Informing your landlord or property manager about your move is crucial and needs to be done well in advance - at least 30 days before your moving date.
This is important if you have a security deposit and want it reimbursed without any conflicts.
2. Location
The neighbourhood you live in can shape how your day-to-day life will be.
Consider the following checklist to understand more about your new apartment location.
How long will it take to commute to work?
Understand the distance between work and home, the time expected to be spent in traffic, etc. For example, if you’re looking for apartment rentals in London, you’ll need to ensure that it’s located centrally and has convenient access to public transport.
How far is your child’s school from your new apartment?
If you have kids, consider the distance of commute between their school and home, if you plan to drop and pick them up.
How good is the connectivity of public transport?
It is a good indicator of how well your home is connected to the surrounding public places.
Are supermarkets or grocery stores close by?
Having supermarkets in the vicinity is super convenient for all the last-minute grocery shopping and more.
For emergencies, is there a hospital nearby?
An important factor to note when the elderly are around in addition to catering to emergencies.
Explore the new location where your apartment is located to have a better understanding of the neighbourhood’s safety, the available amenities, and the atmosphere in general.
3. Apartment Amenities
Checking the condition of the new apartment is a must before moving in. This is not only to understand the current condition of the apartment but also to know what amenities are accessible to you.
Below are a few points to consider.
The Layout and Space - Movement and Functionality
The apartment’s size and layout will determine the space available for you to utilise. It should be enough to meet your requirements and at the same time allow easy and free movement. No one likes to run into stray pieces of furniture and keep stubbing their toes!
Facilities - Essential vs Desirable
It is nice to have an exhaustive list of apartment amenities. The real question is, will you be using them all?
First and foremost, you need to factor in non-negotiables including electricity, water supply, gas, internet, a laundry unit, and garbage collection services.
Depending on your lifestyle, it is also nice to have a well-maintained pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a children’s park, and a clubhouse for community events close by.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regardless of the long list of amenities your apartment or property offers, it is pointless if they are not maintained well. Regular upkeep of the property’s facilities is a must.
If the RMC director has employed the services of a residential block management company, you can rest assured that the property’s maintenance is in good hands.
Reach out to the designated property manager for any requests or for voicing any concerns.
4. Logistics and Packing
Now comes the “fun” part - the time to pack and move.
Needless to say, these are critical steps. Let’s break them down for you.
Declutter Before Packing
The thumb rule is to discard, sell or donate any items and belongings you don’t need instead of boxing them up and lugging them all around. It is the best way to get rid of clutter that has been lying around unnoticed for years. This exercise needs to be done well in advance to avoid last-minute panic packing.
DIY or Movers?
There are pros and cons to both options. Your choice depends on the volume of belongings you have, the time on your hands, the distance of your move, and your budget. Do factor in parking for moving vans, elevator access and traffic times on your moving day.
5. Unpacking and Settling In
After the madness of the moving day, it’s time to unpack, organise, decorate and eventually, celebrate!
A new space is akin to a blank canvas so get creative! Go ahead and design and decorate to reflect your style and comfort. Install shelves and organisers to make sure your belongings are stored in an easy and accessible way.
Last, but certainly not least, remember to reach out to your neighbours and introduce yourself. The best way to do this is to throw a housewarming party.
Decorate your home the way you like. Make sure you stock up on enough snacks, drinks, and cutlery. Don’t forget to keep paper napkins and beer mats handy - you don’t want water rings on your new furniture now, do you?
Another great idea is to customise and personalise the mats to reflect your style. These can also serve as a return gift to your new neighbours and friends!
Time to let your hair down and unwind!
Summing it Up
Whether it’s your first apartment move or your tenth, proper planning and execution go a long way in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free move. Dot the i’s and cross the t’s as you list down every part of your move, pun intended.
When you pre-empt scenarios, you are well-prepared to face any unexpected situations, in case something comes up. Moreover, no matter how prepared you are, moving homes can be overwhelming.
But when you are prepared, your peace of mind will be ensured especially if you have kids and dependent members of the family to think about.
Reach out to the designated property manager for any requests or for voicing any concerns.
4. Logistics and Packing
Now comes the “fun” part - the time to pack and move.
Needless to say, these are critical steps. Let’s break them down for you.
Declutter Before Packing
The thumb rule is to discard, sell or donate any items and belongings you don’t need instead of boxing them up and lugging them all around. It is the best way to get rid of clutter that has been lying around unnoticed for years. This exercise needs to be done well in advance to avoid last-minute panic packing.
DIY or Movers?
There are pros and cons to both options. Your choice depends on the volume of belongings you have, the time on your hands, the distance of your move, and your budget. Do factor in parking for moving vans, elevator access and traffic times on your moving day.
5. Unpacking and Settling In
After the madness of the moving day, it’s time to unpack, organise, decorate and eventually, celebrate!
A new space is akin to a blank canvas so get creative! Go ahead and design and decorate to reflect your style and comfort. Install shelves and organisers to make sure your belongings are stored in an easy and accessible way.
Last, but certainly not least, remember to reach out to your neighbours and introduce yourself. The best way to do this is to throw a housewarming party.
Decorate your home the way you like. Make sure you stock up on enough snacks, drinks, and cutlery. Don’t forget to keep paper napkins and beer mats handy - you don’t want water rings on your new furniture now, do you?
Another great idea is to customise and personalise the mats to reflect your style. These can also serve as a return gift to your new neighbours and friends!
Time to let your hair down and unwind!
Summing it Up
Whether it’s your first apartment move or your tenth, proper planning and execution go a long way in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free move. Dot the i’s and cross the t’s as you list down every part of your move, pun intended.
When you pre-empt scenarios, you are well-prepared to face any unexpected situations, in case something comes up. Moreover, no matter how prepared you are, moving homes can be overwhelming.
But when you are prepared, your peace of mind will be ensured especially if you have kids and dependent members of the family to think about.
*Collaborative post
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