Moving, in general, is a challenging endeavour. It can be even more difficult when you’re moving out of a rental house or apartment. There are several factors to take into consideration, from packing to cleaning to costs. Without a proper plan, you run the risk of forgetting valuable items or making mistakes that will result in additional fees.
Make a checklist to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. Listing down everything you need to accomplish will keep you focused. Additionally, it helps you monitor your progress throughout. If you’re unsure where to start, consider the suggestions we’ve compiled below.
Check your rental contract.
There are times when a move is unexpected, whether it’s because of an emergency or a new career opportunity. No matter what the reason is, an unplanned move will likely have you break your current lease agreement. Although some landlords are more lenient with these situations, others can be a bit problematic. Avoid difficult situations by reviewing your rental contract. Review the information and determine if you will have to pay any additional fees for breaking the lease prematurely.
Give yourself enough time.
Some people make the mistake of thinking that moving out is quick and easy. This often results in several problems, from misplaced documents to delayed shipping. Avoid these by giving yourself enough time to prepare for your move. The average time it takes to complete everything before the big day is eight weeks. This gives you enough time to speak with your landlord, get your documents in order, pack your belongings, and hire a moving company.
Hire professional services.
Although you have the option to do everything yourself, certain tasks are best left to the professionals. Cleaning, for example, is an important part of moving out of a rental. Some landlords will keep your security deposit if they are unsatisfied with the state of your house or apartment. Some businesses offer ‘end of tenancy’ cleaning services. These range from carpet cleaning to top-to-bottom cleaning services, depending on what you need. Hiring a professional moving company is another service worth paying for during a move. Let them handle the transport of your belongings while you focus on other matters.
Make a packing strategy.
Avoid accidentally misplacing or losing items by coming up with a packing strategy. Start with seasonal items, like winter coats and holiday decorations. Then, move onto non-essential items, such as decorative furnishings. Leave essential items, like toiletries, clothes, and electronics, for last to prevent any inconveniences to your daily life. A good packing strategy also helps you keep track of what has been picked up by the moving company.
Prepare yourself for ‘moving day.’
Know what to expect on the big day to avoid any problems. Even with enough planning, unexpected situations might still arise. Talk with friends or check online forums to see what kind of issues might surprise you on your move. Knowing what can happen will help you come up with solutions that will keep them from turning into serious problems.
Moving to a new place is an exciting adventure. Do what you can to prepare to make it go as smoothly as possible.
