How to Set Up Your Apartment for a Smooth Move-In

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Moving into a new apartment often comes with a mix of excitement and dread. On one hand, heading to a new home can mean more space to accommodate a growing family, or the beginning of your college adventures. Unfortunately, looking for your toothbrush in a mountain of cardboard boxes, or plates at dinner can quickly sour the experience. 

That’s why proper planning is essential for a smooth transition when living in an apartment. This article will take you through how to set up your apartment for a smooth move-in. From what essentials to set aside, to how to coordinate your logistics, this guide will make your next moving day a breeze. 

Why Proper Preparation Makes Moving In Less Stressful? 

Mitigate Decision Fatigue

Changing apartments is a physically demanding task, so the last thing you want to do is make it mentally exhausting too. To that end, we recommend creating a plan beforehand to avoid making too many last-minute decisions. It may seem small to think on your feet and answer your movers when they inquire, “Where does this rug go?” or “Which box has the bed bolts?” These questions quickly add up, and each choice drains your energy, so create a plan that makes it easier. 

Preserves Your Physical Comfort

Another reason proper preparation is important before moving day is that it ensures your comfort throughout the process. After all, the last thing you need after a long day of moving heavy boxes and setting up furniture is to realize you can’t find your toiletries bag at 11 pm at night. Thus, creating a plan beforehand is necessary to preserve your sanity and comfort through the entire process.

Essential Move-In Supplies

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Cleaning Supplies

Tenants can rely on a Chester County property manager to perform a thorough walkthrough, documenting the apartment’s condition to protect their security deposit. Still, that doesn’t mean you can move into the house immediately. Despite being structurally sound, it would be best to have your cleaning supplies handy when you arrive. Having items like disinfectant, wipes, a broom, and trash bags helps you clean surfaces before unpacking in your new apartment. 

Basic Tool Kit

Another box you should keep close is a basic tool kit. It’s not uncommon for a screw or two to come loose while setting up your furniture, and the last thing you want is to go digging for your toolbox in a mountain of cardboard. As a result, experts recommend keeping items like your screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape together and within easy reach so you can assemble furniture and fixtures quickly. 

First-day Essentials Box

Remember to also have an essential kit with you. Depending on how much stuff you have, it could take several days or weeks before you’ve fully unpacked. That’s why it’s best to have a separate box with things you may need on the first day. For example, your toiletries, phone chargers, and a change of clothes should go in this box. Having these items close means you can stay comfortable without digging through boxes. 

Coordinate Moving Logistics

Create a Schedule

If you want a stress-free moving process, your best bet is to create a clear moving schedule. In other words, you need to outline a specific and realistic timeline for packing, loading, and transporting. Also, remember to share this schedule with the movers and other helpers so everyone is on the same page. You may also need to add essentials, such as getting your utilities set up, because the last thing you need is to move into a house with no electricity or water. 

Synchronize Access Window

Talk to your landlord, old and new, about your moving timeline. In your current apartment, you may have to perform a move-out inspection to ensure you leave the house in good condition and can get your security deposit back in a timely manner. On the other side, you also need to discuss access with your new landlord, such as whether there are elevators in the building for heavy furniture, or specific parking rules you should be aware of. You’ll also need to arrange a time and date to collect the key. 

Importance of Communicating with a Property Manager During Move-In

Avoid Timing Mis-match

Most rentals are managed by a property manager, and that means you may have to talk directly to them instead of your landlord. Thus, it would be best to double-check with them to ensure you have the correct keys, entry codes, and approved move-in time. This step avoids delays and unnecessary stress on moving day. 

Resolve Problems Quickly

You can also lean on your property manager’s logistical knowledge to solve problems quickly. Despite your best plans, some things may still be out of your control, like a landlord forgetting to drop the key or the lights not coming on. Informing your property manager about these let-downs allows them to handle the situation immediately and minimizes further disruption to your timeline. 

Conclusion 

A smooth-moving process helps you preserve your mental energy and comfort, without getting overwhelmed by all the things on your to-do list. That’s why it’s important to keep your essentials close by, such as your cleaning supplies, tools, and “first-day” kit. It would also help to communicate appropriately with your movers and property owners, to ensure everyone sticks to the schedule and is on the ground to play their role. These steps will help moving in feel less chaotic.