Are you moving out of your old apartment and into a new place? Then there are things you need to consider before you begin packing for your new place. If you’re asking questions like: where do I begin, how much storage do I need moving, and what are my options, then don’t fret! 

To help you make your move as easy as possible, here are some apartment moving tips and tricks you should keep in mind during the moving process.

Start Preparing Early 

The moment you know you’re going to be leaving your apartment for greener pastures, is the moment you must start to prepare. By acting early, you help build the foundation of a smooth, seamless, and happy moving experience!  

Whether it’s contacting the moving company, finding temporary storage, or simply packing your belongings, by handling these things early on, you’ll save yourself a lot of time! 

Instead of having to figure out your logistics at the last minute, you can go into any move confident that you’re ready for what lies ahead and that you have safeguards in place should something go wrong. 

Things to do prior to moving day:

  • Establish your moving cost and moving budget.
  • Make an apartment checklist. See what your new apartment will need! (Cleaning supplies, a water filter, any new furniture)
  • Purchase packing materials:  moving box, bubble wrap, packing tape, and packing paper.
  • Reach out to a friend or family member ahead of time to see if they can help with the moving process and help move furniture or heavy items. 
  • Pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, toilet paper, a towel, and other essential toiletries. Set it aside for moving day.
  • Plan your packing strategy and how you will pack/transport fragile items.
  • Consider the size of your new apartment, storage space, and how you fit and store you items in your new place
  • Evaluate your belongings and determine whether you will need a moving van or moving truck

Consider Where You’ll Keep Your Stuff

If you’re moving to a new apartment, you may run into a common problem that many others deal with—they need a temporary storage solution for when they’re in between each apartment or need extra space. 

Self storage provides an affordable and convenient solution for people in this tricky situation. So, how do you find the best storage space for you? Be sure to consider the following:

  • The unit size – Storage units can range from 5×5 to 10×30. The smallest unit can hold a closet, whereas the larger unit can store the contents of an entire house. If you’re moving out of a two-bedroom apartment, a 10×10 unit may be perfect for you. 
  • Indoor or outdoor units – Depending on the facility, you’ll likely have the option of keeping your items in an indoor or outdoor unit. Outdoor units provide easy, drive-up accessibility, whereas indoor units provide additional protection from the elements. 
  • Additional unit features – Do you want a temperature-controlled unit? How about built-in cameras? Select units can offer add-ons that can provide even more protection for your stuff. 
  • Conveniences – A top-of-the line facility can come with a range of features that make it fast and easy to move your things in or out. You should look for a storage facility that comes with keypad controlled access, free courtesy carts, and 24/7 accessibility. 

As we mentioned above, take the time to consider your storage needs early on so that you can find the perfect facility and unit for your stuff. 

Pack Strategically, Pack Early  

If you want to make the moving process a breeze, start packing what you can early on. You may be surprised by all of the things you can packaway ahead of time with little impact to your daily routine. 

And when it comes to packing, ditch the cardboard box in favor of a clear plastic one! This makes them easy to stack and organize, while allowing you to see what’s in each box. Especially when it comes to storage, it’s much more convenient when you can simply find the item you want to pull out without having to open up and search through every box. 

As you pack, consider creating an inventory. By keeping a list of what items you’re storing and where they’re being kept, you make it easy to store and unpack your things.

For delicate items like artwork or electronics, be sure to back them properly, using bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and fragile labels to help keep the items safe. 

Hire Movers 

Want to avoid cajoling friends or family into helping you move your things? Want to skip all of the lifting, loading, and unloading? Then it may be the time to hire professional movers.

Moving can be physically demanding. It also takes skills to properly pack a moving van or a storage unit. If you have the means, hiring a moving team to pick up your items and then unload them in your temporary storage unit is well worth the cost. 

Professional movers have the tools and experience necessary to ensure that your items are safe in transit, and that the move is on time. 

Document your Move-out and Move-in Conditions 

Want to keep your security deposit? Then documentation is paramount. Whether you’re leaving an old apartment or entering a new one, it’s critical that you take the time to document the condition of the place. 

A move-in or move-out inspection gives you the chance to survey the rooms and make note of any issues that preceded you. 

To make this process even more effective, consider inviting your landlord or property manager to walk the apartment with you. That way all parties are aware of any issues. 

Price Self Storage Provides A Home For Your Items

Getting ready to move from one apartment to a new one? If so, be sure to follow the tips and tricks provided here, including: 

  1. Start your moving preparations early
  2. Find short-term storage solution 
  3. Pack your belongings early
  4. Hire movers
  5. Document move-in and move-out conditions 

Need help with number two? 

Price Self Storage is your solution. With dozens of convenient locations across southern and northern California, affordable, month-to-month leases on a variety of unit sizes, and a host of convenient features, we’re storage made simple. Reach out today to find an option that works for you. 

But above all else, good luck on your move!