Moving To Apartment Checklist, 15 Things You Must Not Forget

Published April 3, 2022 | By admin@primelinemoving.com

Moving into a new apartment can be very stressful, but with a bit of careful planning and a Moving To Apartment Checklist, the move can run quite smoothly. When moving, there are so many things that have to be done at once and I have compiled this Moving To Apartment Checklist, to make things easier on the day.

When you move it all takes careful planning, and you need to start about 6- 8 weeks before the move. Moving is specialized work, and not something that you can do yourself, so making the right choice of removalist is very important.

Give written notice on your apartment for the full 8 weeks. Keep a copy of the letter which should be dated and kept in your folder for the move.

Ready For Your Moving To Apartment Checklist?

Get three quotes and then book a removalist for the date of the move. If you have a friend who has moved recently, ask them who they used to move as ‘word of mouth’ can be a great recommendation. You will find that the quotes on the move vary widely, and you can save up to 25% on moving costs. Check with your apartment manager to schedule the move and find out if you need any permits for the moving truck. Notify your insurance company, home, and contents about the impending move, and the dates. They can then transfer your policies with you to the new house.

Moving To Apartment Checklist part1: Four Weeks Prior to the Move

Book a carpet cleaner for the day after the move.
Book a thorough house clean to leave everything in order when you have moved out.
Change the locks on the new property, as you never know who has a key.
Cancel and redirect post from moving day.
Power, Gas, and Water(utilities), cancel services for the moving date, and arrange new ones for your new apartment.
Arrange cable and TV connections for the new house.
Check transport links and public transport links for your new area.
Start the sorting out process of things to keep, things to give to charity, and redundant furniture to sell. Moving is a good time to get rid of excess.
Put clutter outside for the rubbish clean up, or arrange a collection.
Organize a pest spray for your new apartment, this should be completed annually.
Any large furniture like a piano or a pool table will need specialized removal, check with the removalists.
If you live in an area where uranium is present, arrange for radon testing in the new apartment to keep your family safe.
About 4 weeks out, the removalist will deliver the packing boxes and tape, and start packing up by sorting less-used rooms first.
If you notice any paint scrapes, get a painter through to repair the damage now, as you will want to get your bond back if renting.
If you are moving to another state check to be sure that you are moving to a safe neighborhood.
Book the children into their new school and notify the old schools, check the uniform status of the new school.
Have pet tags made with your new address for the dog and cat.
Send out change of address emails to all friends and family.
Find a doctor in your new suburb and ask your old practice to transfer the medical records over.
Check the removalist’s insurance policy, in case the truck catches fire.
If you are moving interstate, change the address with the motor vehicle registry, and car insurance.
Notify your bank and credit card providers of the move and new address
Register to vote in your new area
If you are a church regular find your new place of worship.
If your new suburb is in the same city, take a day to walk around it and find out where all the shops and cafes are.
Make sure that you have the Uber Eats app on your phone as you will be too tired to cook.
One week out from the move, ask to inspect the new house again. If it is not clean get the realtor to send the cleaning team through.
Make sure all the windows lock.
Identify any faults or serious defects that may need fixing before you move.
Check whether there are window coverings, you may need to call the Blinds man.
Check heating and air conditioning, water pressure, and if the oven works. This all sounds excessive, but it does save time.
Check boundary fence to identify gaps where your dog or small child could escape
Look for Junior sports teams in the new area, so the children can connect with others immediately.
Check pre-schools for early learning opportunities for 2-5-year-olds, if they are still at home with you.
If you are going to a new workplace, check the time it takes to get there, and whether parking is available.
Keep your moving folder. credit cards and laptop with you so you can iron out moving glitches easily on the week of the move.
If you have a packer working for you, supervise them to ensure everything is well marked.
If you are having trouble finishing the packing, call Air Tasker and get them to send back-up.
All boxes should be clearly labeled with the room they are going to on arrival at the new house.
Confirm the removalists the day before and ask how they need to be paid, cheque, card, cash?

Moving To Apartment Checklist part 2: The Day of the Move

Your moving checklist for the apartment is comprehensive, but the day of the move is always stressful, so be up early and totally ready for action.

From experience children are not helpful during a move, so they should either be at school or with Grandma for the day, send the dog as well, and you will be able to achieve everything without too much interruption. If the weather is hot buy a 24 pack of bottled water, to keep the removalists and yourself hydrated. As soon as the truck is loaded, drive to your new apartment to meet it at the other end. Once you are at the house open everything up and turn on the electricity and air conditioning.

Moving To Apartment Checklist part 3: Moving Day

Make sure all the rooms are clearly marked for the removalist to place boxes
As soon as the beds are in, make them up for the night.
Check meter readings in your new apartment
Let the refrigerator sit for 40 minutes before turning it on to allow gas in the coils to settle.
Start on some essential unpacking
Removalists are usually quite quick and efficient, in the USA they are tipped at 10% of the total bill. ( not in Uk and Australia).
Bring the children and the pets home, and purchase milk and bread and any essentials.
Plug in the TV or devices to get the children normalized to their new home.
Order some takeaway food, and leave the rest of the unpacking for the next day.

Moving To Apartment Checklist part 4:The Next Day

Ask the children to help organize their rooms and give input.
Take the children and the dog, for a walk in the nearest park
Keep unpacking the boxes, as you unpack fold them down, and try to get them out of the house fast.
Your moving checklist for the apartment is going well, ring the removalist and ask him to collect the empty boxes as he uses them again.
Say hello to the neighbours, if they haven’t already been in, they will be able to give you some local knowledge, like babysitters. and lawn -man.
Using a moving checklist allows you to stay organized and get everything done fast.
Put all your books into bookcases.
Any excess stuff, put in the garage while you decide if you want it or not.
Identify any furniture that will be required for your new apartment.
Google all the local services you may require like car service and gas, plumber, electrician, and keep a list of them.
Call security to reset the alarm system if you haven’t already done it.
Go to the supermarket to get supplies and stock your new kitchen and pantry.

Whenever you move, it is a major life stress event, and it is a good idea to take a week off from work to get everything sorted out and in its place.

Children and animals need help to adjust to their new surroundings and the move will be extremely busy. It is easier to move within your own city, but a move across the country can be overwhelming.

If you are sending your car across the country on a long truck trip, be sure to remove the tollway tag first, otherwise, you will be billed for every tollway the truck passes and this could amount to hundreds of dollars.

Moving To Apartment Checklist: Conclusion

Some people don’t mind moving, as it can be a useful opportunity to get rid of the clutter that we all collect along the way. While other people absolutely hate to move and stay in the same home for life. A lot of it depends on personality, and the ability to organize yourself. When making a moving checklist for apartment work for you, your move will go as smoothly as it possibly can.