Tenant’s Moving Checklist – Moving Day

You’ve found a great new place to live! That’s wonderful news for you and your family.

A fresh new start to grow, experience and launch a better life. Few experiences in life are more exhilarating than moving to a new home and neighborhood. And your new landlord may be delighted to have you as their prized tenant.

And while the moving event usually goes well, there is a time element that could make for a less pleasant experience. Being mindful of everything that’s about to take place is wise.

Parking, Elevators, Traffic, Glitches

For instance, will building parking rules allow your moving truck to be parked so you can move in or out of your apartment or rental house? Do you know your new landlord’s own rules regarding move in times, procedures, and expectations of you as a new tenant?

When will you acquire your house/apartment keys for certain? What happens if the moving truck is unavailable, or the service elevator in the building isn’t working? Will the new tenant moving into your current apartment want to move in right away, or do you have a full day for moving?

From cleaning your rental unit, to hiring a mover, or booking your moving truck or moving service, to getting the keys to your new home, plenty can go wrong. If only to ensure you are clear about everything needed and do a dry run of the move mentally, having a moving checklist can help make your move out and move in go smoothly!

Pre-Move Preparation

Key Essentials:

❒  calculate the cost of your move using an online calculator
❒  get written estimates of fees and guarantees of availability with dates from moving companies
❒  review your current lease and your landlord’s rules and regulations regarding move outs
❒  book your movers, moving truck/van, or ascertain availability of your family/friend’s help and vehicle
❒  prepare your security deposit/1st month’s rent to secure the rental
❒  book your moving date/time with the new landlord (you may only be given a one hour move in time)
❒  schedule disconnection of utilities and internet at current rental
❒  schedule connection of internet, utilities and pay deposits for your new rental
❒  have some cash ready to tip your movers or for contingencies
❒  travel to the new rental home and note all issues regarding access to parking and elevators
❒  have your banking information and paper checks ready to get your keys
❒  meet and discuss with the landlord in person if possible, regarding move ins and what their rules and regulations are
❒  buy renters insurance now if it’s absolutely required in your new lease

More Moving Preparations

❒  create a spreadsheet to list all your belongings (damage/theft reports)
❒  acquire all the cardboard boxes, bags, and other containers and protective material needed
❒  measure all doorways you’ll be progressing through to move in
❒  plan to store smaller easy to load items to the front section of the moving truck
❒  put larger items such as furniture near the door of the moving truck so you get them moved first
❒  find wrenches/tools for any furniture disassembly needed
❒  do an apartment/house inspection and note all items you may need to repair
❒  book a day or two off of work to do your move
❒  measure windows in the apartment/house for blinds/shades you’ll need to buy
❒  schedule a move in walkthrough with your new landlord
❒  take photos of your home electronics setup for reinstallation at your new rental
❒  make sure your helpers all know of your new address by sending a Google Maps link so they’re not late
❒  phone helpers the night before to ensure they’re going to be there to assist
❒  if it’s a long distance move, plan your travel itinerary thoroughly and leave time/money for delays
❒  write down on paper the key things to remember on moving day, so you don’t miss anything
❒  make extra door keys for your helpers (in case one is misplaced or lost and considering you may not be with them as they move into the new unit) and you can’t be in two places at once
❒  ensure you have protective boxes for laptops and big screen tvs, and consider packing them separately and moved in a car rather than risk putting them in the moving van
❒  take photos of your empty house/apartment to prove how you left it including the refrigerator, dishwasher, range and washer/dryer
❒  have labels for all your boxes to cut wasted time searching
❒  check the bill of lading and inventory with the moving company
❒  prepare a list of food and beverage items needed for everyone and acquire a cooler to keep them cool and fresh (have ice ready too)
❒  get the necessary cleaning supplies to clean carpets, floors, bathrooms, kitchens etc. if required in lease
❒  prepack as much as possible in readiness for an easy move!

On Your Moving Day

❒  wake up early and eat a good breakfast so you have energy for a long day of work
❒  wear sensible and appropriate shoes for the work ahead today
❒  wear sensible clothing for the weather and work anticipated
❒  have boxes ready to be loaded, in garage or entry room if possible
❒  have moving blankets and empty boxes ready for when needed
❒  go over the route to your new address with drivers
❒  discourage all alcohol consumption until the move is done

And After the Big Move

❒  return cable boxes and controllers to the respective provider and get a signed receipt
❒  meet with landlord to sign papers and get receipts/copies of necessary documents

Moving is a big transaction, in terms of packing and unpacking, logistics, payments, tools/vehicles/hiring and overcoming obstacles. For some with imperfect health, the stress and effort is an issue.  Ensure everyone is in sufficient health to participate.

Good preparation for the day and any contingencies really helps to ease those stresses and ease you into a great tenant experience.

We hope your landlord or property manager uses ManageCasa with its tenant portal feature, and is ready to onboard you as their new tenant. If not, speak to them about modern property management.

More on the blog: Moving Companies | Apartment Transfer | Renters Insurance | OPTECH Conferences | OPTECH 2023 Conference in Las Vegas | Las Vegas Nevada Rental Market | Trip to Vegas | Property Management Move ins | Property Management Report | Parking Rules & Management | Property Management Guide  | Highest Property Taxes | Building Parking | Tenant Parties