Whether you’re moving to a new rental or purchasing a new home, you have many details to attend to at the end of your current rental agreement. To make the moving process to your new place easier, be sure to tick the following on your to-do list.
Give Adequate Notice
Carefully re-read your lease once you know you’re moving, so you know what the terms are for notifying your landlord or property manager. On average, this ranges anywhere from 30-90 days. If you don’t abide by lease terms, you could lose your security deposit or be held accountable for additional months of rent, which can be costly. If you need to break your lease, check to see your options to avoid the steepest penalties or legal repercussions.
Call Utility Providers
At least two weeks before your move, contact your utility providers to schedule your shut off/turn on dates. Keep in mind, depending on where you’re relocating to, you may be dealing with different companies. If so, connect with your new providers so you can work out any details associated with deposits or other requirements for new customers.
Plan to have service terminated at your old place the day after your move-out date. And have the service turned on at your new home the day before your move-in date. This ensures that you have power, water, and other necessary utilities during the moving process.
Move Your Renter’s Insurance
Let your insurance company know you’re moving ASAP so you can make sure your insurance policy seamlessly follows you. Many policies also cover possessions during a move, so be sure to ask about that. Additionally, when contacting your carrier, make any necessary changes needed for your new place. Keep in mind; your premiums may change.
Put in Change of Address Notices
Before your move, start putting in a change of address notices with anyone you associate with, including your employer, family, friends, banks, magazine or newspaper subscriptions, monthly deliveries (e.g., Amazon recurring orders), and anyone else you do business with. For everything else, have your mail forwarded by the USPS. USPS will forward your mail to your new place for one year.
Give the Home a Good Cleaning
You’ll want your security deposit back, so be sure to restore the rental as best you can to have it look as it did the day you moved in. Paint the walls, fix blemishes, scrub kitchens and bathrooms, shampoo carpets, and fill in any nail holes on the walls. Check on your rental agreement to see what is required. Many rental companies charge high fees for deep cleaning if they determine the property is not left up to par. You might want to consider hiring a professional cleaner to save you time and ensure the job is done correctly.
Check Nooks and Crannies
A home typically has more space than an apartment. Be sure to check the attic, basement, crawl spaces, and any other nooks and crannies you might have stashed belongings in. You don’t want to inadvertently leave anything behind that’s been out of sight.
Schedule Walk Through
Schedule a walk-through with your landlord or property manager to take place right before you vacate. Ideally, you should be present for this appointment.
Bonus Tip: Be sure to take photos on the date you leave, in case you need to prove the home’s condition when you departed.
Moving with Ease
After you return your keys, you’re on your way to your new place. If you need help with any part of the moving process, having professional help can make your move more manageable and less stressful. To receive a free price quote, contact us today.