Whether rent is getting too high, the space is getting too small, you’re relocating for a job, or whatever the case may be, moving out of an apartment can be a nightmare. Moving in general is one of the most stressful events you can go through in your life but with the right supplies, a good attitude, and a well-written organized checklist, you can get through it with minimal hair pulling.
So, you’re probably thinking to yourself…
“Getting the right supplies…may cost me money but doable.”
“A good attitude…I can take a minute out to breathe and get into positivity mode.”
“Writing an organized checklist…who the heck has time for that?! Where do I even start?!”
As a professional moving company that has provided expert moving services for people just like you for over 30 years, trust us when we say, “We get it”!
We get it so much that we’ve developed a specific apartment moving checklist so you can smoothly transition out of your current apartment and avoid setting your things on fire. Because sometimes, sometimes, that seems like the better alternative.
The key to preparing for your apartment moving day is to plan ahead. Yes, you may be living in a mess for a few weeks – maybe even months – but if you plan ahead and get things done little by little, it’ll be less chaotic and overwhelming come move-out and move-in day.
So, here it is! The ultimate apartment moving checklist, the only checklist you will need to move out of your apartment with ease.
8 Weeks Before Move-Out Day
🔲 Start searching for professional movers in your area, like Olde World Movers. Make sure they’re…
- Licensed and insured
- Available
- Within your budget
- Reputable
🔲 Review your landlord’s policy on moving out and either highlight or make a checklist of what’s required, especially if you want to get your security deposit back.
🔲 Double check your renters insurance policy to make sure you are covered throughout move-out day – anything can happen!
🔲 Reach out to your boss to schedule time off for your moving day, if it’s in the middle of the week.
🔲 Make an inventory list of big items you want to move into your new place, this includes things like a couch, bed, dressers, etc.
🔲 Record measurements of your new place to make sure big items will fit through your doors and in its new space/room. If you’re moving into another apartment, make sure to take measurements of the elevator and if there is a freight elevator available.
🔲 If you’re moving into a new place with a freight elevator, reserve your time slot to use it – you can usually do this with the front desk.
🔲 Make a list of the supplies you’ll need for packing including bubble wrap, boxes, packing tape, etc.
🔲 Choose a moving date based on the availability of moving companies, freight elevator, and when your renters insurance lets up.
🔲 Calculate a moving budget.
🔲 Get organized with moving docs and files, like moving company contracts, landlord move-out policy, moving lists, etc.
6 Weeks Before Move-Out Day
🔲 Book a hotel and plan your moving trip if you’re moving long-distance.
🔲 Write a list of service providers you need to end or switch.
🔲 Gather packing supplies.
🔲 Start “The Purge”…separate items you want to keep from the ones you don’t.
🔲 Make separate piles for trash and donations.
4 Weeks Before Move-Out Day
🔲 Call your service providers to cancel or switch to your new residence.
🔲 Insure your new residence with renters or homeowners insurance.
🔲 Make arrangements for someone to watch your pets and/or kids, especially on move-out day.
🔲 Make a trip to donate your donation pile(s).
🔲 Throw away your trash pile(s).
🔲 Begin packing (each week from here on out, your main focus will be packing).
- Start in rooms you hardly go in (guest room, powder room, etc.)
- Pack seasonal items or things you hardly use.
- Label your boxes as you go.
*TIP: Avoid distractions by turning the T.V. off. Instead, put a playlist on!
3 Weeks Before Move-Out Day
🔲 Continue packing.
- Disassemble any furniture that you’re not using – put hardware in ziplock bags and label them.
- Take down and pack wall decor and pictures.
- Set aside valuables or important documents, like jewelry and social security cards, and place them in a ziplock bag or box.
🔲 Take pictures of things that may be hard to put together again, like electronics.
🔲 Cancel area memberships, like the gym.
2 Weeks Before Move-Out Day
🔲 Pack a suitcase (you’ll be living out of it for a while).
🔲 Refill prescriptions you may have and change the address of your pharmacy.
🔲 Call a cleaning company to do a final cleaning a couple days before move-out day.
🔲 If you have unwanted food that can be donated, do it now.
🔲 If you have repairs to make, like patching up walls, or repainting, now is the time to plan out these tasks, get the supplies you need, and start tackling them one by one.
🔲 Reconfirm your appointment with your moving van/truck/company.
🔲 Schedule services for utility installation at your new place, like cable and internet.
🔲 Forward your mail.
1 Week Before Move-Out Day
🔲 Plan out your meals for the next week.
🔲 Make sure you have some cash on hand (especially if you’ll be tipping movers).
🔲 Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord.
🔲 Designate a box for a few cleaning supplies you might need on move-out day.
🔲 Jot down a quick list of things you’ll need right away when you move into your new place (boxes that contain these items will be packed last for easy access.
🔲 Make sure you completed all the move-out requirements on your landlord’s policy.
🔲 All items must be packed by the end of this week but here are some items you may want to leave out:
- Dish sponge
- Dish soap
- One pot
- Silverware and dishware for each person (although you may want to consider paper products)
- Trash bag
- Toiletries
- A roll of toilet paper
- A roll of paper towel
- Laundry bag
Day of Moving Day!
Congratulations! You made it to moving day! If you followed our apartment moving checklist, the worst parts are over. All you have to do now is:
🔲 Transport your packed boxes and other items to your new place; several trips may be necessary if you don’t have a moving truck, moving van, or hired a professional moving company.
🔲 If you were unable to schedule a walkthrough with your landlord, take pictures to prove you left the place in good condition.
🔲 Contact your old landlord and tell him you’re officially moved out.
🔲 Perform a last minute spot-check to ensure you packed and cleaned everything.
🔲 Throw away garbage.
Book Olde World Movers to Help You With Your Next Move
If you decide you want to ditch the whole apartment moving process, you can always hire the expert movers at Olde World Movers. We understand the frustrations that can come with moving but we do this type of work on a regular basis. Our moving team is skilled, equipped, and well trained to get the job done right, on budget, and on time. Call us for a FREE moving quote!
