Moving Into an Apartment: High-Rise Moving Tips

If you’re moving from a house to an apartment, it will cause an abrupt change in your lifestyle. Many things you have always taken for granted will no longer be available and many things you have never thought of before will become a part of your daily routine.

You won’t be able to have dinner out on the patio or make a barbecue in the backyard, there will be no safe outdoor space where your kids and pets can play at will and no charming garden to provide you with a quick escape to nature whenever you feel overwhelmed by the chaotic city life.

However, you’ll be able to drink your morning cup of coffee on the balcony and enjoy the fantastic view of the city or have a chat with your neighbor over the terrace. You will probably feel safer when living in a large residential building, will have more social contacts, and will participate more actively in community life.

All in all, moving from a house to an apartment will bring a drastic change to your life, so you need to know what to expect and how to prepare for your relocation adventure and your new lifestyle.

And even if you’re currently living in a flat, there will still be many things to consider and preparations to make when moving into a new apartment.

Read on to find out how to move into an apartment smoothly and easily.

What to Do Before Moving Into an Apartment

When considering moving into an apartment, you need to assess your lifestyle, your needs and preferences, and your budget and choose the right new home for you.

Weigh the pros and cons of moving into an apartment

Your life will become simpler when you first move into an apartment. There will be less space, so you’ll have to pare down your possessions before your move and get rid of everything you don’t need or don’t like anymore. You’ll have the chance to start afresh with less material possessions to worry about and less clutter in your home.

Besides, living in a smaller property will let you enjoy more free time. Maintaining an apartment is much easier than taking care of a large house with a spacious yard. You may miss your nice garden but you will no longer have to sacrifice your free time for mowing the lawn, trimming trees and bushes, removing snow from the driveway, etc. You will be able to rest, have fun with family or friends, or practice your hobbies instead.

To top it all, your financial situation will improve. Your housing expenses will drop considerably when you move into an apartment as smaller properties are generally less expensive and incur lower monthly maintenance costs – lower mortgage or rent payments, lower energy bills, fewer items to fix around the apartment, etc. And you will have made some profit by selling your unneeded household items or even your old house. 

Downsizing your house to an apartment may be really beneficial, but remember that you will have to get used to a smaller living space, less privacy, and more rules (many residential buildings have restrictions concerning renovation projects, pets, usage of common areas, etc.).

Besides, some issues that concern all the residents of the building, such as roof leaks, problems with the plumbing system or the electrical system, etc., may take long to resolve (the more people are involved, the more difficult it is to reach an agreement).

You may even find yourself in conflict with inconsiderate or disrespectful neighbors – loud music from next door may keep you awake at night, repair works in an adjacent apartment may disrupt your daily routine, etc.

You need to make sure that moving into an apartment is the right choice for you, before taking such a life-changing step.

Find the right apartment for you

Once your decision is made, you need to start looking for an appropriate place to call your new home. There are a couple of important factors to consider when choosing your new apartment:

Finances

This is pretty obvious but you need to find an apartment that will suit your needs and your available budget.

So, the first thing to do even before you start shopping around for an appropriate apartment to rent or to buy is to decide what type of dwelling you can afford – take into account not only the rent/mortgage but also the monthly utility bills and maintenance costs.

However tempting the idea of buying or renting a nice modern apartment in a prosperous neighborhood may seem, think twice before choosing a place with a monthly rent or mortgage of more than 25% of your disposable income.

Location

When choosing a place to live, look for proximity to your workplace and other key places you’ll be visiting on a daily basis, convenient infrastructure, safety, thriving local businesses, available recreational activities, etc.

Learn to recognize the signs of a bad neighborhood (deserted houses, broken fences and windows, heavy locks, garbage all over the streets, etc.), so that you avoid moving to a place where you’ll never be able to feel at home.

If possible, explore the different neighborhoods in person – see what the community life is like, talk to the locals, etc.

See also: How to choose a good neighborhood to move to

Available features

Determine what size apartment you need, if you prefer a high-rise or a low-rise building, and make a list of all the important features you want in your home (large balconies, open floor plan, plenty of storage space, etc.).

When you find a flat that meets your needs and requirements, be sure to speak with the previous owner/tenants and find out about unresolved issues, possible problems, and other concerns so that you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare properly.

Get your apartment ready for moving in

There are a number of essential things to do before moving into an apartment:

• Complete any necessary repair works and desired renovation projects – have the HVAC system upgraded, the walls and ceiling painted, and whatever else is necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of your new home. Keep in mind though that some buildings allow renovations only by licensed contractors and only during the working hours of the working week;
• Set up the utilities – Arrange to have electricity, gas, and water in your apartment on move-in day. Other not-so-essential services (Internet, cable TV, etc.) can wait a bit (See also: How to transfer utilities when moving);
• Give the apartment a thorough cleaning, so it is spotless and bright on move-in day (See also: Move-in cleaning checklist)

When the apartment hunting process is over, you need to organize the actual process of moving into your new apartment.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Into an Apartment?

When budgeting to move into an apartment, you need to factor in a number of expenses:

• Moving costs – The cost to move into an apartment will depend on the number and type of items you have for moving and the relocation distance. If you’re moving locally, you’ll be charged by the hour, so the less time your relocation takes, the less you’re going to pay. If you’re moving long distance, the weight of your items and the distance to your new home will determine your relocation costs. (See also: How much does it cost to move an apartment);
• Rent or mortgage – As already mentioned, the monthly rent or mortgage of your new apartment shouldn’t exceed 25-30% of your salary. Keep in mind though that in addition to the first month’s rent, most rental agreements require a security deposit equal to one or two months’ rent, so you need to account for that as well;
• Utility bills – Some utilities may be included in your rent, but you’ll most likely have to pay for electricity, cable, Internet, etc. (and cover the required installation fees, utility deposits, etc.);
• Renter’s/Homeowner’s Insurance – Insurance is usually $10 to $20 a month, depending on where you live and the type of your apartment. You may be able to get a discount if you bundle this insurance with your car insurance coverage;
• Other fees and charges – Some apartment complexes and landlords charge additional administration fees, pet fees, parking fees, garbage pickup fees, etc.
• Furnishing your new place – If you’re moving into an unfurnished apartment and don’t have your own furniture and other major household items (or your old items don’t fit in or aren’t worth moving to your new flat), you’ll have to buy a lot of new things for your new place.

Even if you can easily afford the monthly rent or mortgage, the upfront costs to move into an apartment may be quite overwhelming. You need to plan your finances wisely and make sure you have enough money to cover all related costs before embarking on your relocation adventure. (See also: How much money to save before moving)

How to Move Into an Apartment Quickly and Easily

As with any other moving scenario, you’re strongly recommended to plan ahead, follow an efficient moving into an apartment checklist, start the moving preparations as early as possible, and stay organized throughout the entire relocation process.

How to prepare for moving into an apartment

When getting ready to move into an apartment, you’re advised to:

• Create a floor plan of your new home – Assess the layout of your new apartment and measure the doors and the available space, so that you know what furniture you will be able to take with you, what items you will need to buy, and where each specific piece should be placed. A floor plan will not only help you avoid many simple moving mistakes and awkward situations, but will also allow you to move virtually to your new home and create the interior design you have always dreamed of;
• Sort out your things and decide what to take to your new apartment – Sell or donate the things you won’t be able to use in your new surroundings and throw away any damaged and worn out items. Make sure only your most practical and most cherished belongings make their way to your new apartment (See also: How to decide what to take when moving);
• Make a moving inventory of the items you’re going to take to your new apartment – A detailed moving inventory list will help you keep track of your belongings, will double as an efficient packing list, and will make unpacking easier. You can note down important information, add pictures or videos to document the current condition of your belongings, and use your home inventory as proof if any conflicts arise between you and your movers;
• Take care of the paperwork – Sign the lease (or close on the purchase) of your new apartment, change your address, transfer utilities and cancel subscriptions, gather personal documents and financial records, retrieve medical records and school records, etc.

Needless to say, you also have to find reliable moving helpers, pack your belongings, and organize a safe and efficient moving day.

How to find good apartment movers to help you relocate

One of the most crucial decisions to make when planning your apartment move is whether you will hire professional movers or move by yourself.

If you’re moving across town and have reliable friends to help you take your belongings to your new flat, a DIY move is a viable option. In case you’re moving into a furnished apartment and have only some personal items to relocate, you will also be able to do without professional assistance.

Keep in mind though that in addition to the other typical relocation-related hardships, moving into a high-rise apartment usually involves taking your belongings up several flights of stairs and this is quite a strenuous task. Of course, if there is an elevator in the building, it will considerably speed up and facilitate your moving endeavor – just make sure you reserve it for the time when your items are expected to arrive.

CAUTION – Even if you can use an elevator, some of your larger items may not fit inside, so you should still have a backup plan (such as several physically strong friends, moving labor, or professional movers with hoisting equipment – depending on the specific circumstances in your case) for taking your stuff up to the floor where your new home is located.

So, even though a self-move is a feasible solution when moving into an apartment, the challenge is still quite formidable and you may be better off using professional moving services. And if you’re moving long distance or have a lot of furniture and other larger household items to relocate, professional movers are definitely your best bet.

Decide on a beneficial moving day, find a good moving company, and book your move as early as possible:

• Ask for recommendations and read online moving reviews to find trustworthy movers who have good reputation and good performance ratings;
• Get several moving quotes to see what different apartment movers have to offer;
• Ask three or four reputable movers for in-house estimates of your moving costs;
• Discuss extra services and their charges, possible discounts, storage options, etc. with the moving company representatives;
• Compare the offers you’ve received and research the movers that seem to best suit your relocation needs and requirements – verify the companies’ US DOT numbers, check their ratings, research their complaint histories, etc.;
• Choose the best apartment movers for you – licensed, experienced and trustworthy professionals who offer quality services at affordable prices – and book their services. Be sure to carefully read the mover’s paperwork and make sure you understand and agree with all the provisions in the Bill of Lading before signing it.

Related: Common mistakes when hiring movers

How to pack for moving into an apartment

As already mentioned above, your packing list for moving into an apartment should contain items of high practical and sentimental value that will help you turn your new flat into a functional, comfortable, and cozy home.

The most essential things you need when moving into an apartment include:

• Kitchen essentials – table and chairs, fridge, kitchen stove, dishwasher, microwave, various small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, pots and pans, plates and bowls, cups and glasses, silverware, etc.;
• Bedroom essentials – bed and mattress, dresser, nightstands, night lamps, curtains and rugs, bedding, etc.;
• Bathroom essentials – towel racks and towels, shower curtain and shower accessories, toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry essentials, etc.;
• Living room essentials – couch, coffee table, bookshelves, curtains and rugs, electronic devices, wall décor, etc.;
• Clothes, books, keepsakes, decorations, and other personal items.

Of course, if your new apartment is furnished, all major household items will be already in place and you will only need to bring your personal items and whatever specific items you’d like to have in your place.

When packing for moving into an apartment, be sure to use appropriate packing supplies, follow an efficient packing timeline, provide your belongings with the best possible protection, pay special attention to fragile items and valuables, and clearly label all boxes and items. Don’t forget to pack an essentials box and make sure it travels with you.

See also: Fundamental rules of packing; Biggest packing mistakes when moving

Make sure you reserve a parking place for the moving truck (close to the entrance of your old home on move-out day and in front of your new apartment building on move-in day) and an elevator for the time when you expect your items to be delivered. Prepare well for the movers and have a safe and stress-free moving day.

Things to Remember When Moving Into an Apartment

 A few more important things to keep in mind when moving to a new apartment:

1) Inspect the apartment carefully and document pre-existing damage

When looking for an apartment to move to, be sure to carefully inspect the flat you consider buying/renting before making your final decision:

• Assess the overall condition of the flat – look for signs of water damage (musty smell, crumbling paint, mold patches or dark spots on ceilings and walls, etc.), poor upkeep (broken items, leaking faucets, stains on carpeting, etc.), HVAC issues, and other potential problems. If your new home needs a lot of repair works and renovations, it will be an additional burden on your tight post-relocation budget;
• If you’re renting the place, be sure to document any pre-existing damage – make pictures and videos as you will need evidence of the pre-move condition of the property when moving out and requesting your security deposit back.

2) Be careful with the lease

If you’re renting an apartment, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your lease before signing it. Pay special attention to the rent payment policy, pet policy, and visitor policy. Discuss with your landlord any clauses you fail to comprehend or terms you aren’t comfortable with, as well as the specific conditions under which the rent can increase and the conditions under which you can end the lease ahead of time.

Ask about important issues – availability of storage and parking space, trash pickup days, possible maintenance hours, deliveries, etc.

3) Assess the layout of your future apartment

When living in an apartment, you will have limited space, so you need to make the most out of it. Measure everything and find creative ways to use the available space, so you can fit all the furnishings and personal possessions you want to inside. If you want to keep some of your belongings but there isn’t enough space for them in your apartment, you may want to consider renting a self-storage unit.

4) Coordinate deliveries

Some apartment complexes and buildings have strict policies about big deliveries, so ask in advance and plan accordingly – reserve the elevator for the time when your items are expected to arrive and arrange any new larger items you may have bought for your new flat to be delivered at the same time (so you can have everything brought in at once).

Keep in mind that if some of your larger items don’t fit in the elevator or through the doors, stairways, and corridors of the apartment building, you may need to use hoisting services to take these bulky pieces into your apartment through a window. Discuss this issue with your movers beforehand, so they include the extra fee for this special service in your price estimate and bring the necessary equipment on move-in day.

See also: How to save on additional moving services

5) Observe the rules

Your new place may have an elevator deposit or parking fees, you may be required to move within a pre-defined time frame or to use the freight elevator only. You need to learn the rules before the move so that you know exactly where to go and who to talk to when the moving truck parks in front of the apartment building.

Ask about any specific rules and regulations your new apartment complex may have – safety regulations, cleaning requirements, restrictions about pets, etc. – and be sure to observe them strictly.

6) Prepare for emergencies

In the unfortunate event of a disaster (fire, earthquake, etc.), getting out of an apartment building is more difficult than getting out of a house, so you need to know well the quickest and safest escape route out of the building and the location of the nearest safe areas where you can take shelter. You’re also advised to have an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit (keep it in an easily accessible place in your new apartment).

7) Befriend your neighbors and get involved in the community life

When living in an apartment, your neighbors are the people who can provide you with immediate assistance if anything happens. Besides, they can help you adjust to the new surroundings and overcome your initial loneliness. You will be able to learn a lot from them – from the location of key places in the vicinity to the specifics of the community life in your apartment building.

So, introduce yourself to your new neighbors within the first days after the move and try to get along with them on friendly terms. Participate actively in common activities, be helpful and considerate, and build a rapport with the people next door – you may find new friends among your new neighbors.

Related: How to befriend your new neighbors after moving

8) Enjoy your high-rise living!