When you are shopping around for a new apartment, the seemingly endless search for the perfect place at the right price can feel like the most difficult part of moving. But the hunt for the best living space is just one of the first steps in planning a move. You will probably find that even with long applications and tedious background checks, looking for a new pad is still largely the most enjoyable part of moving.
The biggest challenge most people will face stems from the actual planning that goes into moving and the packing up of belongings. Using a moving guide and moving checklist can help you prepare for your big day in advance and tackle chores that can be handled early on.
The Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale indicates that moving is among life’s major worries. Moving is also ranked as the seventh biggest overall stressor — more stressful than going through a divorce. Relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic just compounds moving stress.
Consult A Moving Guide Before Making A Move
While there are many stressful parts of moving — saying goodbye to neighbors, choosing what to discard — a little organization goes a long way. In fact, consulting a moving guide and learning how to approach organization, can make all the difference in planning a stress-free move.
Packing is a big chore but having a moving checklist to complement your moving guide can help make the challenge easier. Preparing in advance can also assist you when it comes time to decide which belongings to discard and what items are must-keep. It is important to go through your belongings one possession at a time, especially if you have accumulated years of memorabilia or own decades of clothing styles in numerous sizes.
The Only Apartment Moving Guide You Will Ever Need
Among the first steps when creating a moving checklist is taking a thorough inventory of your belongings. A moving guide from a reputable moving company will include a blank inventory sheet plus tips on how to get started. The inventory you create of your possessions will be cross-referenced by the moving company you hire.
The moving company’s estimator will also conduct a comprehensive search of all storage areas, cabinets, drawers, closets, and other compartments where belongings might have been left behind. The estimate will be calculated based in part on the weight of your belongings and the amount of space your possessions will take up in the truck.
The estimator will conduct an in-person walk-through (with COVID precautions) or if necessary, conduct a virtual tour. The moving company representative will also ask questions about what is being left behind, trashed, donated or moved to storage.
Create A Comprehensive Apartment Moving Checklist
Moving almost always requires more work and time than anticipated and that is where a moving guide comes in. A moving checklist helps prevent surprises. The last thing you want is to think you are done but then something else suddenly comes up that you completely forgot about. Even with a moving guide it is not unusual for the last box you pack to end up being a cross-section of miscellaneous items — socks, umbrellas, tchotchkes, books, cat toys.
You will likely need some help moving, either by way of hired professionals, enlisted family and friends, or a combination. If you are planning a total DIY move, consider truck rentals and/or Pods as early on as possible. A thorough moving guide will outline all of your options.
A Moving Checklist Can Help You Avoid Common Mistakes
Relocating from one place to another takes time, effort, and money. Further, the entire process can be highly stressful. Avoid these common moving mistakes to help make your move as easy as possible.
- Ill-advised DIY move. Even a move across the street can be impossible if you have a bad back, health condition or are otherwise a couch potato. A DIY move can have many pitfalls, not least of which is the damage to your body.
- Moving during the busy season. Almost 10% of the U.S. population moves every year and half of those relocations happen between late spring and summer. If you have flexibility, scheduling your move during a slower season could get you a better moving company at a more attractive price.
- Not getting several written estimates. Compare estimates from several moving companies and get everything in writing, especially concerning hidden costs.
- Skipping moving insurance. Understand your insurance options and be sure to purchase an adequate amount to cover the replacement cost of your possessions.
- Inadequate packing materials. If you are packing yourself, don’t skimp on supplies. Mismatched containers don’t stack properly and insufficient packing material can result in broken items.
Moving Guide Hacks For Smooth DFW Moves
As your moving date starts creeping closer, don’t let panic set in. Try these moving hacks to help the process go smoother and make the experience as hassle-free as possible.
