10 Things to Remember Before You Move to New Apartment or House

I moved to Florida fives years ago and have moved pretty regularly since. Here are 10 things to remember before you move to a new apartment or house.

1. Do your research

Your current cable provider or electricity company may not provide the service where you’re moving. You’ll want to cancel and re-start service as early as possible; at least a month in advance if you can for these types of services. This also includes researching things like the trash/recyclable company in your area. Even if you’re keeping the same service, appointments can fill up quickly. So if you don’t want to be without cable for a week or two in your new place, make your appointment in advance.

As a quick reference, here are the companies you  may need to call:

• Electricity
• Water/Sewer
• Cable/Internet/Phone
• Insurance (for renter’s insurance)
• Trash/Recycling

2. Take time off

Remember that you may need to meet the cable man and he may need four hours to do what he needs to do. I’ll always plan on doing this for the Monday after I move. That way, everything is moved in and generally put away after a weekend move. You don’t want the poor cable guy tripping over all your boxes.

3. Budget

Speaking of extra cash, if you’re renting, remember that you’ll typically need at least first month’s rent and a security deposit to move into a new place. That’s not to mention any additional fees (e.g. a pet deposit) or down payments for utilities. In short, you may want to count your pennies in the months leading up to your move.

4. Purge

Moving is the perfect time for a good purge. As you box up all of your worldly possessions, ask yourself if you really need to hold on to that Little League Baseball trophy or that sweater you’ve only worn once. What’s more is a yard sale is a great way to make extra cash pre-move.

5. Collect boxes early

If you’re like me, you don’t like buying cardboard boxes. It’s just silly. Instead, ask friends or coworkers who have previously moved for boxes. Or, try going to the local grocery store; they’ll usually have banana boxes that they throw out (those are great for heavy kitchen items). You can also try local retail; they get big shipments and recycle the boxes. Often, they’ll give them to you instead!

6. Forward your mail

This is something something that a lot of people forget and something that could take up to a week to go through, so make sure you plan in advance! You can go online and take care of this easily through the USPS.

7. Change your address

You changed your address with the Post Office, but it’s important to change it with some major accounts you have, as well.

• Bank(s)
• Credit card(s)
• Accounts you use for shipping often (for example, that would be Amazon for me!)
• Utilities (luckily, many of these addresses will be updated when you call for Step #1)

8. Be smart with your packing

Don’t waste all those boxes you packed by packing them without a plan. Here are a few of my favorite packing tips:

• Use storage containers for items that are stored long-term. It’s likely these are already packed, so they’re easy to move!
• Use towels to cushion delicate dishware and glassware.
• Keep your clothes on the hangers, then use a garbage bag to wrap up and around them, then around the hangars. This way, you’ll simply need to hook the hangars in your new closet, remove the garbage bag (to later reuse!) and voila!
• Use small storage crates to gather odds and ends.
• Leave clothes in the drawers, but remove them so that your dressers are lighter.

9. Find a big truck

Many of us may not own a truck or SUV, but usually we know someone with one. Plan ahead by making sure you can borrow it!

Renting a UHaul or other moving truck is another great option. If you’re moving within the same city, they tend to be only about $20 for a day. To save money, try a trailer instead of the truck.

10. Find some strong people

For some that may mean hiring movers. For others that may mean getting friends who will gladly be paid in beer to come over and move some heavy furniture.