Congratulations: you have just become a homeowner! But as you may know, moving from an apartment or other rental to a detached house presents new costs and responsibilities. Not sure where to get started? Don't worry: use the checklist below as a guide.
BEFORE YOUR MOVE: APARTMENT TO-DO LIST
There are some initial tasks to complete before making your move from an apartment to a house:
- Check your lease to see how to give proper notice before moving out. This will help you avoid losing your security deposit or paying rent for months you don't plan on living at the apartment.
- Get a copy of your apartment community's moving policy. This will provide you with rules about what is allowed on and leading up to moving day (ex., where the moving truck is allowed to park).
- Check if your current insurance coverage will move to your new house or if you will need to obtain a new policy. Your renters insurance may cover your belongings during your move, but this is only sometimes the case.
- Thoroughly clean and "patch up" your apartment. For example, you may need to fill in holes where you've hung up pictures or paint the walls back to their original color.
- Schedule a move-out walkthrough with your landlord or property manager, and try to be present for it. That way, you can be there to answer questions and have the best chance of getting your security deposit back.
- Purchase or rent a truck, or hire a professional moving company. Hiring professional movers is highly recommended to avoid injury from lifting heavy items and carrying boxes up and down stairs.
BEFORE YOUR MOVE: RESEARCH ABOUT YOUR NEW HOME
When moving from an apartment to a house you own, you're shifting gears from a renter to a homeowner — meaning you're now directly responsible for costs, repairs, and regulations related to property ownership. You don't want to get caught off-guard by any rules or expenses, so it pays to do some research upfront:
- Create a budget to cover any additional costs associated with house ownership, such as repairs, maintenance, landscaping, homeowners insurance, and property taxes.
- Check with your utility companies to ensure they offer service in the area of your new home and arrange for the necessary hookups ahead of time.
- If you're moving into a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA), take some time to read through the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) — basically, the HOA's rule book.
- Research local zoning laws and regulations specific to your new neighborhood: these can affect what renovations you are allowed to do and whether you can have pets or rent out a portion of your house.
MOVING DAY AND BEYOND
Now that move-in day is here, it's time to leave your apartment behind and make yourself at home in your new house! Make sure you do the following:
- Pack an overnight bag with essentials (clothes, toiletries, etc.) to keep with you. That way, you can have a peaceful night’s sleep in your new home without having to search through too many boxes.
- Take pictures of the apartment once it is all clean and empty to prove that you've left it in good condition. Keep these pictures in case the landlord questions you about something after you've left the property.
- Once you move into your new house, change the locks and update any other security measures to ensure your home is adequately protected.
- Find out where your water and gas shutoffs are located. You don't want to have to search around in an emergency!
- Get to know your neighbors: this will help you learn about the perks and challenges of living in your new neighborhood. You can find out what repairs they've had to make, which contractors they recommend, and much more.
- Get familiar with the area around your new home, including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, the local police station, and banks — basically anything you need to know for daily life.
Moving from an apartment to a house is a huge milestone — and it’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed by the move! But with the proper preparation and a move-in checklist, you can make your transition to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. Good luck!
Nashville Apartment & Condo Moving Services
Our movers at True Friends Moving Company are pros when it comes to apartment and condo moving. Our experienced staff knows how to move furniture and other belongings up and down stairs and in tight spaces, all while avoiding damage. Give us a call today and let us help make your move a success: (615) 240-2811.