Moving: it doesn’t have to be stressful
Growing up we never stayed in one place longer than we had too. Eventually the whole process became very draining but with time I learned how to make the whole process easier and less stressful.
1. Finding the next place.
I started looking at least 3 months in advance. Once you find properties set up tours to visit and get information. To make this easier and more environmental friendly try looking for properties with virtual tours, for ones that have to be in person make sure to schedule all the appoinmets for one specific day that you’re free and can explore your options comfortably.
2. I applied, now what.
After applying and getting approved you’ll receive an email with a list of requirements for move in day. I suggest taking care of these first.
Requirements are… (yours might be different)
- Security deposit
Must be paid before or the day of move in.
- Utilities services
For my city all you have to do is pay a deposit and set up a start date for the services. It may differ from yours.
- Renters insurance
For renters insurance we opted for ERenters, we have used this company before and honestly is very affordable and easy to get started, process took less than 5 mins. After completing and paying the starting fee you get an email with your confirmation number and starting date of coverage. Just to be safe I suggest getting the coverage to start at least a day before.
3. Packing
The following day i took a trip to my local department store and purchased my packing supplies. I recommend starting the packaging process 2-3 weeks in advance or more depending on how much you have to pack. I packed everything in my closet leaving out my uniform, set of comfortable loungewear and workout clothes. After packing your closet I would suggest moving to bedroom and then the restroom. For this move i was in a financial position where I was able to afford new items for my new place so I did leave behind the big items such as bed, couches and bookshelves.
*DISCLAIMER*
Our landlord gave us an option for trash removal: where they would just use our security deposit. Please verify with your landlord before proceeding to avoid extra fees.
3. Waiting time
Having only everyday use items left to pack i decided to start planning for after the move. I started by planning quick and easy meals. I downloaded some checklists from pinterest to help me get everything organized and save even more time.
Lists downloaded are cleaning, grocery and first home lists.
- The grocery list included already some staples that every kitchen needs so i just went over the list and highlighted items that i would need specifically to my household and keeping in mind the items already in my pantry.
- The cleaning and supplies list are very thorough but for my sistuation i did end up adding some extra steps on the notes section. The property we chose is brand new and out of city limits, for this I got pest control spray and covered the outside areas * (if you have pets make sure to keep the supplies away from the reach and give the spray at least 24 hours to dry before you let them back out)
3. Almost game time
On the penultimate day we woke up early and picked up the keys. Back in the old apartmet we started by packing the kitchen such as pans and any big items like keurig and air fryer. We stopped buying groceries two weeks in advance so the fridge was pretty much empty at this point. Because i have a big fear of bugs in my food everything already opened in the pantry was disposed off, this left us with only sealed and carefully inspected spices which we were able to carry in 1 bag.
4. Move In Day
On move in day we made sure everything was ready to go and went through the steps one more time. Because we live in Texas and summer heat aint no joke we chose to move at midnight when lease began and the keys were activated. We started taking the boxes, to make this step easier I recommend getting a hand truck (or how we call it in spanish Diablito) to carry up to 3 boxes at a time.
5. Finally Home
The first day we woke up early in the morning to deep clean before unpacking, we started with the restroom and bedroom, once done we moved the boxes to their respective places and we started cleaning the living room and kitchen. When the sun went down we went grocery shopping for the first time making sure to only get the items on the list for budgeting purposes. After dinner set up the finishing touches, like security cameras, door bell, tile trackers and updating our new address on important accounts.
Thanks to this list moving has been super easy and less stressful than ever. I’m currently working on decorating and getting used to the new place. Let me know If you have questions concerns or even some tips of your own in the comments below.
*Credit to the original creators of the lists*
Moving into a new apartment is such an exciting time, but let's be real – it can also be incredibly overwhelming! Beyond just packing boxes, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of a thorough apartment amenities checklist. It’s not just about what the apartment complex offers, but also what’s inside your unit and what you need to check to ensure a smooth transition and comfortable living from day one. I mean, who wants to discover a leaky faucet or a non-working oven after you've moved all your stuff in? From my own experience, I break down the "amenities checklist" into two main parts: what the building/community offers, and what's essential inside your actual apartment. First, the Community & Building Amenities: Before you even step into your specific unit, take a good look at the complex itself. These are the perks that make daily life easier. Is there ample parking? If it's assigned, great! But what about guest parking? Does the building offer a fitness center or a pool? If these are important to your lifestyle, check their hours, maintenance, and any additional fees. For laundry, is there in-unit laundry (a huge time-saver!) or a shared laundry facility? If shared, assess its cleanliness and availability. And if you have furry friends, always clarify the pet policy, including any breed restrictions or pet rent/deposits. Don't forget to ask about package delivery systems – secure lockers are a lifesaver! I also make sure to check out the security features like controlled access or cameras, and get a feel for how responsive the maintenance team is. Next, Inside Your New Home: The Unit Amenities & Essential Checks (My Personal 'NEW HOME CHECKLIST' Insights): This is where the real detective work begins! Think of it like your personal NEW HOME CHECKLIST from the moment you get the keys. Kitchen: Beyond just looking pretty, does everything *work*? Test all appliances – the fridge, oven, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher. Are they clean? Is there enough counter space and cabinet storage for all your cookware, glassware, and utensils? I always imagine where my knives and flatware set would go! Check for leaks under the sink and ensure the garbage disposal (if present) is functional. Bathroom: Run the water in the sink and shower to check water pressure and confirm you get hot water quickly. Flush the toilet a few times. Does the exhaust fan work? Is there adequate storage for toiletries? Give it a good look for any signs of mold or general wear. Bedroom & Living Areas: Check all electrical outlets – are there enough, and are they working? Test light fixtures. Open and close all windows to ensure they lock properly and aren't drafty. Turn on the heating and air conditioning to confirm they're functioning. Look at the condition of the flooring and walls. For the bedroom specifically, assess the closet space – is it enough for your wardrobe? Utilities Setup: While not an 'amenity' in the traditional sense, ensuring your utilities services (electricity, water, gas, internet) are set up and active before move-in day is paramount. It’s a functional amenity that makes the place livable! Safety & Pest Control: This is a big one for me. Verify that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working. Check all door and window locks for security. And talking about security, remember my tip about pest control spray from the original article? It’s wise to keep an eye out for any signs of unwanted guests during your initial walkthrough, especially if the property is new or in an area prone to them. Using a comprehensive checklist like this turns apartment hunting and moving from a guessing game into a strategic mission. It helps you ask the right questions, spot potential issues, and ultimately, ensures your new place truly feels like home, right from the start. Happy moving!
just the amount of things on the lists make me stressed 😭😭