Apartment Before: Your Guide to Preparing Your Space

The moment you've been dreaming of has finally arrived: moving into your new apartment. But before you step over that threshold, there are several aspects to consider, from planning your move to the nitty-gritty of unpacking. Let's dive into the key steps to take before you call your new space home.

First, let's tackle the planning stage. This is where you'll want to create a solid strategy for your move. Here's a simple, yet effective, way to approach this:

Planning Your Move

Efficient planning is the backbone of a successful move. Start by creating a timeline, marking crucial dates such as when you need to have everything moved out of your old place and when you can start moving into your new apartment.

the kitchen is clean and ready for us to use in the day or night time

an empty room with hard wood floors and white walls

Decluttering

Before you start packing, take the time to declutter. This can save you space and money in the long run, as you'll be moving fewer items. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need.

Here's a pro tip: Sort items into four categories - keep, sell, donate, and trash. This will help you visualize how much you're really taking with you.

an empty room with the words before painted on it

Packing Essentials

Once you've decluttered, it's time to start packing. But don't just dive in, have a strategy. Packing essentials last so they're easily accessible during the move. These include basic cleaning supplies, stubby pencils, a screwdriver, trash bags, and snacks.

Don't forget to label your boxes as you pack them. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when you're unpacking.

Pre-Move Inspection

Before you hand over that key, it's crucial to conduct a thorough walkthrough of your new apartment. This step can protect you from being charged for damages you didn't cause and gives you the chance to request any necessary repairs.

an empty living room with hard wood flooring and two windows overlooking the cityscape

the kitchen is clean and ready for us to use it's new tile floor

a living room filled with furniture and a stair case in front of a door leading to a loft

Document Existing Damage

Use your phone to document any pre-existing damage, such as scratches on the walls, loose tiles, or stains on the carpet. Take photos and videos, and get a copy of the walkthrough report from your landlord or property manager for your records.

Inspect Utilities

Check the functionality of all utilities like electricity, water, gas, and heating. Run both hot and cold water to ensure proper flow and no leaks. Test all light switches, outlets, and faucets.

Now, let's talk about the big day - moving into your new apartment.

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an empty kitchen with a refrigerator and window

an empty living room with hard wood floors

a living room filled with furniture next to a kitchen and dining room table in front of an open doorway

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an empty room with wooden floors and large windows overlooking the cityscape in the background

an empty kitchen and living room with sliding glass doors

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a woman standing in an empty room looking out the window

Moving Day

Your move doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. With a little organization and the right strategy, it can be a breeze.

Hire Professional Help

Consider hiring professional movers, especially if you have a large apartment or valuable items. They have the experience and equipment to handle your belongings with care and efficiency.

Unpack Room by Room

Rather than unpacking random items as you find them, unpack room by room. This method makes the unpacking process feel more manageable and helps prevent your new apartment from becoming a chaotic jumble of boxes.

Lastly, don't forget to register your new address with the post office, your bank, and any other relevant parties. You don't want to miss important mail or have services interrupted due to an outdated address.

Congratulations on your new home! Now that you're settled in, it's time to make this space truly yours. Start with small personal touches like rearranging furniture, hanging up artwork, or planting a small garden if you have a balcony. Soon enough, you'll be enjoying your new apartment to its fullest.