If you’re living in an apartment, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and move sooner or later. Things can get pretty stressful when your lease is almost up. You have so much to consider. With that in mind, here are a few tips for an easy move.
1. Make a Playlist
Whistle while you work and make the whole process a little more enjoyable. Create a packing and unpacking playlist and crank up the tunes to help motivate you.
Of course, making a playlist may be the last thing on your list of things to do before a move. However, if you create the mix a month or so in advance, you won’t have to worry about it the week of the move. All you have to do is jam out and pack.
2. Declutter First
Clutter is the nemesis of any move, and you certainly don’t want it following you into your new place. Purge your current residence of things you no longer need or use and decide whether to toss, donate or sell them.
Consider organizing a garage sale or selling items online to empty your space and fill your wallet at the same time.
3. Be Willing to Compromise
Of course, deciding what to get rid of and what to keep can be incredibly difficult, especially if there’s another person in the picture. But this is one of the top tips for an easy move. You need to compromise.
For instance, if you’re moving with your spouse or significant other, they might have a different opinion on your framed jersey and foam finger from your favorite sports team. Be willing to compromise and work together to find solutions that will satisfy both parties.
4. Ask for Help
While you probably could move all your stuff on your own, doing so is no fun. Plus, it’ll take you twice as long as it would with a few helping hands.
Ask your family and friends if they’d be willing to assist you in packing boxes and moving stuff over to your new place. If they have a few hours to spare, they’ll help to save you time, money and the task of hiring movers or renting a truck.
5. Move Valuables Yourself
Regardless of whether you hire movers or find friends to help you, it’s best to move small valuable items yourself. These belongings might include jewelry, passports, antique art and family heirlooms.
Place these in your own vehicle and drive them to your new place yourself. Doing so will minimize the risk of damage and items getting lost in the move. Moreover, no one will have the chance to steal anything when you aren’t looking.
6. Pack an Overnight Bag
When you finally make it to your new home, odds are you’ll be too tired to unpack your things. Moreover, you likely won’t want to dig through boxes just to find a towel and toothbrush. This is one of the most essential tips for an easy move.
Prepare in advance and make your life easier by packing an overnight bag full of essential items. Include a change of clothes, toiletries and any other necessary belongings. Remember to keep this bag out of the moving truck so it doesn’t become lost among boxes.
7. Wrap Breakables
Instead of purchasing newspapers and bubble wrap to keep your dishware safe, wrap them in things you already have. For instance, you can wrap cutting boards, plates and bowls in t-shirts to keep them from breaking during the move.
You might also pack your stemware and glassware in clean socks to provide extra padding. In addition to saving you money and keeping your breakables intact, you’ll also save time by packing your dishware and clothes at the same time.
8. Understand Move-Out Responsibilities
Last, but certainly not least, talk to your landlord before your lease expires to determine your move-out responsibilities. Often, the property manager will require you to clean your unit and fix any damages before vacating.
Otherwise, they may charge a fee or withhold your security deposit. Make sure you get your money back by taking care of the responsibilities outlined in the lease and take photos as proof of any repairs you made.
Find What Works for You
When it comes to moving, everyone has their own habits and tricks for making the job easier and more bearable. Therefore, it’s best to figure out which tips serve you and use them to your advantage.
The more you relocate, the more you’ll find out which packing tricks work and which do not. This time, feel free to experiment and pack your glassware in socks if you want. Maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll do it again in the future.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
