According to Ruby Home, as an American, you can expect to move around 11.7 times in your lifetime. These days, more and more people are moving into an apartment. Nearly 38.9 million Americans rented an apartment in 2023. Some relocate for a better lifestyle, while a staggering 75% of renters move to look for a lower price.
Whether you’re moving to live closer to your relatives or trying to reduce living costs, an apartment gives you the flexibility to afford to live in your ideal location.
However, with limited space and many restrictions, moving into an apartment takes a lot of work. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned mover, you can utilize the following tips to make your transition smooth and hassle-free!
1- Hire Professionals
A lot goes into the moving process, from packaging and dismantling furniture to loading it into moving trucks and finally transporting it. That’s too much work to do on your own. A survey by Home Bay reports that 75% of Americans regretted moving, with 19% saying it was too much of a hassle.
To avoid this issue, you should hire help from a professional moving company to reduce your burden.
Professional movers can be a great resource in streamlining your moving process, especially if you’re moving abroad. With more than 8 million Americans living abroad, the need for international movers has become increasingly important.
Suppose you’re moving from Miami to Europe. That entails miles of distance, different kinds of documentation, and customs regulations. In that case, getting help from a trustworthy moving company lets you rest easy knowing that professional movers safely transport your items across the sea.
2- Make a Floor Plan
Remember that an apartment is more compact and has less space than a house. According to a report by CBS, apartments in the U.S. are shrinking, about 50 square feet smaller than a decade ago. Though this change can be due to different designs, it doesn’t change the fact you have considerably less room to work with.
Creating a floor plan to fit all your furniture and items into your new apartment would be best. Measure the space in your new apartment to see which items fit and sell what don’t. You should also measure the windows to see if your drapes or curtains are the correct size.
Creating a detailed floor plan ensures you won’t have any problems once you move in. You can make the right informed decisions and avoid any last-moment hassles.
3- Declutter
As mentioned before, finding space in an apartment is a struggle. You need to bring fewer items with you to save time and money. What’s the point of going through the effort of packing items you will eventually throw away once you move?
Prioritize items that are useful and less space-consuming. Discard or sell as many large items as you can before the move. Start with junk items that accumulate in your side tables, kitchen drawers, or attic.
Label your boxes and sort your things accordingly. By decluttering, you have lesser packages to organize, sort, and fit into your new apartment.
4- Deep Clean
Whether the previous owners or tenants sanitized your apartment, cleaning it before moving all your items would be best. Why should you deep clean? Cleaning your new apartment helps maintain proper hygiene.
Bathrooms and kitchens, in particular, should be scrubbed clean to remove any bacteria or germs. You can comfortably use these spaces knowing they are spick and span.
You can hire apartment cleaning services to get your apartment ready for you. These services cost around $200 to $400, though these prices can vary according to the size of your apartment, the number of rooms, and the extent of cleaning you require.
You can also do the deep cleaning yourself by gathering the right cleaning supplies and dividing the cleaning process room by room. However, leaving it to the professionals would be best if the apartment is an absolute mess.
5- Repair any Damages
Repairing any damages like chipped doors, leaky faucets, or scratches on the wall before moving in is essential for a comfortable stay. Your new apartment might have experienced wear and tear from previous tenants, or there could have been minor issues over time. Repairing these damages enhances your apartment’s aesthetics and gives it a fresh and inviting look.
You can also reduce safety concerns by fixing faulty wiring or broken doors. Minor issues left unattended can escalate into more extensive problems down the road. Taking care of repairs early on can save you time, money, and headaches in the future.
However, remember that some repairs are your landlord’s responsibility. So, if you find problems such as termite infestations or roof damage, contact your landlord immediately.
6- Change Locks
Though your landlord may have assured you that they have changed the lock to your apartment to ensure the previous tenants may not enter, you should always take your security seriously. As a tenant, check in with your landlord and see if you can change the lock without violating the terms of your agreement.
However, sometimes you have the flexibility to add a second lock if you provide a spare key to your landlord.
Remember, it is illegal for your landlord to enter your apartment without permission. However, if you feel insecure in your apartment and don’t have permission to change your lock, you can use a portable door lock. These locks are temporary and don’t change the property structure, so they don’t violate lease conditions.
7- Add Personal Touches
Your new apartment is a blank canvas waiting for your remarkable stroke of color. Adding personal touches like plants, meaningful art, or quirky lamps helps you claim your space. Making your apartment comfortable and visually appealing contributes to your happiness and well-being. It’s a space where you can unwind, relax, and recharge.
Studies show that experimenting with interior design through color, shapes, and themes can positively affect your mental health and boost creativity. These personal touches help create a positive and uplifting environment you’ll enjoy returning to every day.
Conclusion
Moving can be tricky, but you can enjoy the process if you have the proper support and positive energy by utilizing the tips from this article.
Instead of thinking this process is a hassle, use it as an opportunity to start fresh. Embrace the process, stay organized, and enjoy the excitement of making your new apartment a place where you can thrive and create lasting memories. Here’s to a new apartment and a new you.
