Let’s face the obvious: Moving from a large home into an apartment can come with challenges.
With less space and neighbors on the other side of your walls, it can be a challenge adjusting to life in an apartment. You’ll have limited outdoor space, potential noisy neighbors, limited storage, and shared amenities.
Those are significant changes, so how can we make the move as smooth as possible? Read on and find out.
First Things First: Important Things to Consider
Apartment living does come with some advantages: no lawn care, no exterior upkeep, and included repairs with the rent. While that is appealing, there are other things to consider when preparing to move into an apartment.
- Downsizing and Decluttering Your Life
- The Logistics of Moving
- Apartment Factors to Keep in Mind
Downsizing and Decluttering Your Life
Some downsizing will be necessary when moving from a house to an apartment, but the logistics of doing so can seem daunting. Not to worry, as there are some common-sense solutions to decluttering your life.
- Assess Your Belongings: There will have to be some difficult decisions made when determining which furniture and possessions will make the transition with you. Any items not making the move can be sold, stored, or donated.
- Measure Your Furniture: An easy way to start the decluttering process is to measure your furniture. If it’s too big to fit in the apartment, consider selling or donating it.
- Storage Solutions: For those items that might not fit in your apartment but you still want to keep, consider off-site storage options. This can be particularly appealing if your apartment stays will be temporary.
- Sell or Donate: For any items you no longer need, consider donating or selling them to make the move less complicated. It can also provide some extra cash to offset the cost of the move.
The Logistics of Moving
Moving can sometimes feel like a never-ending carousel of one headache after another, but there are some things you can do to make it easier on yourself.
- Change Addresses on Accounts: It will make your life much easier if you notify the post office of the move and update your address with credit card companies, subscription services, and banks to ensure you continue to receive necessary correspondence.
- Decide to Hire Movers or DIY: Consider the size and level of complexity involved in the move to determine early on whether you plan to move on your own or hire someone.
- Set Up Utilities: Contact the appropriate companies to set up gas, electricity, water, internet, and cable providers at the new apartment before moving.
- Efficient Packing: Lower moving day stress by packing non-essential belongings over several weeks, so it’s not all done on one day.
Apartment Factors to Keep in Mind
It’s essential to acknowledge that apartment living differs from living in a house for several reasons. It will be an adjustment coming to terms with a smaller living space, different maintenance responsibilities, and adjusting to the apartment community’s regulations and rules.
Below is a list of several things to keep in mind to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Review and Understand the Lease Terms: It’s essential to review and accept the rules and regulations of the lease. Be aware of the community regulations regarding noise, visitors, and pets.
- Do a Walk-through Inspection: Make sure to thoroughly inspect the apartment before moving in to note any issues or existing damage so you’re not on the hook for them, which can impact getting your full security deposit back when the lease is up.
- Research the Neighborhood: Getting to know the area you’re living in before moving in will help lower the stress of finding a grocery store, shopping locations, a mechanic, and other amenities.
- Meet the Property Manager or Landlord: Before moving in, it’s a good idea to meet the landlord or property manager to build a good rapport. This will be helpful if you need to contact them in the future.
Apartment living can be an adjustment on several levels, but it’s not all bad. With no lawn care necessary and all outdoor maintenance typically taken care of, it can lower the stress associated with caring for an entire house.
When all is said and done, why not consider hiring Smooth Move for your moving needs? It’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about. Moving day is stressful enough, so why take on the move alone?
We can handle all your moving needs, from planning the move to packing and unpacking your items in your new apartment. Discover why Smooth Move is one of the best moving companies in the Lowcountry.