Month: June 2024

Moving into a new rental home is an exciting yet busy time! To ensure everything goes smoothly and you settle in without a hitch, follow this essential checklist. Here are six crucial things you should do when moving into your new rental home:

1. Snap Photos of Everything

Protect yourself from potential disputes over damages by taking comprehensive photos of the entire property as soon as you move in. Capture images of any scuff marks, nail holes, stains, and damages to appliances or fixtures. Ensure your camera’s time and date stamp is on so you have a clear record of the property’s condition upon arrival. These photos can be a lifesaver if you have questions about damages when moving out.

2. Initiate, Transfer, or Cancel Utility Providers

Make arrangements to switch or cancel your current utility providers to avoid paying more than necessary for your utilities. Give your municipal trash, recycling, electricity, water, and landscape services at least a month’s notice. Schedule an installation appointment early if you transfer services to ensure a move-in date. 

3. Test Appliances, Lights, and Fixtures

Before settling in, test all the appliances, light fixtures, switches, and other gadgets in the rental. Check that the thermostat controls the temperature correctly and that the heating and air conditioning systems work. Run the shower and faucets to verify proper drainage. If you find any issues, report them to your landlord immediately. This helps to ensure that everything is fixed promptly, avoiding future inconveniences.

4. Update Your Renters Insurance Policy

Renters insurance is necessary to protect your belongings in unexpected events like fires or theft. If you already have a policy, update it with your new address to ensure continued coverage. If you don’t have renters insurance, now is the perfect time to get it. It’s often surprisingly affordable and offers invaluable peace of mind.

5. Buy Window Treatments

Privacy is key in your new space. Measure your windows and purchase window treatments if they’re not already included. Installing curtains or blinds immediately will make you feel comfortable and secure in your new home, ensuring privacy as you get settled.

6. Unpack Strategically

Start unpacking as soon as you move in, focusing on the most essential items. Prioritize boxes containing important items like clothes, kitchen essentials, and electronics. Once the critical items are in place, you can take time with less essential belongings. Unpacking and organizing your primary necessities will help you feel more at home quickly.

7. Update Your Address

To ensure your mailing address is updated when you move, schedule your mail forwarding service at least two weeks in advance. Although mail forwarding can start as soon as three business days after your request is submitted, the USPS advises waiting at least two weeks as best practice.

8. Consider Moving Companies

Consider hiring a moving company. Moving out of state or into densely populated areas with limited public parking can be difficult without a moving company. When hiring movers, always research and compare quotes to ensure you get a fair price and high-quality contractors.

Find an Ideal Moving Company

Make your move stress-free by partnering with a reliable, professional moving company. With expert help, you’ll enjoy a smoother transition into your new rental home. Contact us for a free quote. We can help with your rental relocation.

Hiring professional movers can significantly reduce your household relocation stress. Even with professional assistance, there are several steps you can take to make the process as smooth as possible. By preparing correctly, you can make the movers’ job easier, providing a quicker, more efficient move. Here are some simple ways to make the moving day more manageable for your movers and yourself.

Allow Space for Truck Parking

One of the first things to consider when preparing for movers is ensuring they have adequate space to park their truck. Moving trucks are large and need lots of space to park

• Relocate Your Cars: Clear your driveway or parking area by moving your vehicles to the street or a neighbor’s driveway.
• Speak With Your Neighbors: Inform your neighbors about your moving day. Politely ask if they can move their vehicles to free up space. Most neighbors will understand and be willing to help.
• Clear Obstacles: Remove any outdoor furniture, yard decor, or other obstructions that could hinder the truck’s access. This includes planters, bicycles, and garden tools.

Clear the Pathways

Movers will need clear, unobstructed paths to efficiently and safely move your belongings from your home to the truck. This is particularly important for more oversized items that require more maneuvering. To clear the way:

• Inside the House: Remove clutter from hallways, staircases, and doorways. This includes shoes, rugs, and small furniture pieces that could pose trip hazards.
• Outside the House: Ensure the pathways from the front door to the truck are clear. This means moving items like garden hoses, children’s toys, and outdoor furniture out of the way.
• Secure Pets: If you have pets, keeping them in a secure room or with a friend for the day is a good idea. This prevents them from getting underfoot and keeps them safe.

Clear paths help movers work more efficiently and reduce the risk of accidents, protecting both your belongings and the movers themselves.

Make Sure Everything Is Packed Before Movers Arrive

If you are making a self-pack move, ensure everything is packed and ready before the movers arrive. 

• Start Packing Early: Begin packing well in advance of your moving date. Packing can be time-consuming, and starting early helps avoid last-minute stress.
• Pack Room by Room: Focus on packing one room at a time. This keeps things organized and makes unpacking simpler.
• Label Boxes: Make sure each box is clearly labeled with its contents and the room in your new home. This makes it easier for movers to place the boxes in the right rooms, streamlining the unpacking process.

When you have everything packed and ready, the movers can start loading the truck immediately. This saves time and potentially reduces costs if you pay by the hour.

Be Available and Communicate

Your presence on moving day is crucial for a smooth process. 

• Give Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions about which items need special handling and which furniture pieces can be disassembled. Point out fragile items and high-value belongings.
• Stay Accessible: Ensure you’re easily reachable if movers have any questions. Provide your contact number if you need to step out briefly.

Communication and availability can help resolve any issues quickly and ensure the move goes smoothly.

Help for Your Big Moving Day

We provide dependable household moving services that are flexible and comprehensive, tailored to suit any situation and budget. Get your free moving quote right now by completing the form to get started.