Moving can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. With all the work involved, it can be easy to forget essential steps. Today, we’re providing the ultimate moving checklist for renters so you can stay on top of all the tasks you need to complete a successful move. If you have a move planned, follow along with our checklist of essentials.
Contents of This Article:
- Are You Thinking About Moving?
- Ultimate Moving Checklist for Renters
- Find a Reliable Management Company
Are You Thinking About Moving?
Our Baltimore property managers know that people move for various reasons. Whether you’re moving for work or school, need a bigger place, or want to be closer to family, you’re likely moving for good reason. While some people enjoy the moving process, it’s important to acknowledge that it can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of which steps to take.
If you’re already living in a rental property, you may be moving because your lease is up, and you don’t plan on renewing it. However, sometimes circumstances come up that force you to move in the middle of your lease term. If this is the case, the first step should be talking to your landlord and letting them know your situation. Remember that you’ll likely lose your security deposit and may face additional fees, depending on where you’re renting.
Next, you’ll want to find a new place to live. Once you’ve sorted that out, you can follow our ultimate checklist to help ensure you don’t miss a step in the moving process.
Ultimate Moving Checklist for Renters
If you’ve ever moved before, you know that it can be challenging, especially if you’re moving with a family. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive moving checklist for renters–to provide guidance and tips on which steps to take throughout the process. Here are some of the essential steps you’ll need to take.
- Research New Rental Homes
- Talk With Your Current Landlord
- Schedule a Tour and Visit the Town
- Pick a Move Date and Sign Your New Lease
- Decide Whether or Not You Need Movers
- Pack Up Your Belongings
- Shop for New Items or Furniture
- Set Up the Utilities at Your New Place
- Change Your Address
- Clean Your Old Rental Unit
Research New Rental Homes
If you think it’s time to move, the first step is researching available rental homes. Even if you’re months away from moving, it’s important to see what’s out there. Keeping your options open and researching different available rentals can help you make the best decision when it’s actually time to move. Doing as much research as possible can also help you decide what type of property you’re looking for and where you’d like to move.
Talk With Your Current Landlord
Once you’re closer to your potential move date and getting more serious about moving, you’ll want to bring it up with your landlord. That said, some landlords require 30-90 days’ notice if you plan on breaking your lease early. However, if your lease ends anyway and you don’t plan on renewing it, you probably don’t have to mention your move to your landlord.
Schedule a Tour and Visit the Town
You don’t want to move into a new rental property without seeing it first. Although you may have gotten a virtual tour or seen pictures of it online, it’s not the same as seeing it in person. It’s crucial to set up a date with your new landlord or property manager to come see the property for yourself. After all, you may have been looking at older photos that don’t properly showcase what the property looks like in its current condition.
If you’re moving to a new town, you’ll also want to get a good feel for your new home. Check out how close your rental is to essential amenities, and determine if the place is a good fit for you and your family.
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Pick a Move Date and Sign Your New Lease
Once you’ve found your ideal rental property in a town you like, it’s time to pick a move date and potentially sign your lease! Depending on the process of your landlord or property management company, you may sign the lease on move-in day, when you visit the property, or on a designated date.
Decide Whether or Not You Need Movers
Next, decide whether or not you have too many belongings to pack and move yourself. If you’re moving your entire family and all their belongings, hiring a moving company might be easier, if it’s in your budget. However, if it’s just you and you don’t have a lot of stuff, it may be more cost-effective to pack and move it yourself.
Pack Up Your Belongings
Whether or not you’re using a moving company, you’ll want to start packing up your belongings. Make sure you have enough boxes or totes ahead of time so you don’t have to run to the store when you’re trying to move. Make sure to pack fragile items carefully, and don’t forget to label your boxes to make it easier when you go to unpack them.
Shop for New Items or Furniture
When moving from place to place, you may realize that you have more than you need. As such, throughout your packing process, you may get rid of old furniture or items you no longer use. If you’re upgrading, make sure you shop for new furniture and have it sent to your new rental property so it’ll be there for your move.
Set Up the Utilities at Your New Place
One of the most crucial steps in the moving process is setting up the utilities at your new rental. That said, some utility companies make it easy by allowing you to switch your services from one address to another. However, if you’re moving to a completely new state or city, you’ll want to know how to set up the utilities at your new home. You’ll need to do this for electricity, gas, water, trash, cable, and internet.
Change Your Address
Remember to change your address once you’ve signed the lease for your new rental! After all, you don’t want your mail still going to your last rental (and I’m sure the new tenants don’t, either). This can often get overlooked, so don’t forget to make the change so you can start getting your mail right away.
Clean Your Old Rental Unit
Last but not least, once you’ve gotten all your belongings out of your old property, you’ll want to give it a good clean. This includes vacuuming, mopping, dusting, deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom areas, etc. It’s important that you leave your rental in the same condition you got it in when you first moved in. Of course, there may be some wear and tear, but that’s normal. If you’ve caused damage beyond normal wear and tear, your landlord will likely take funds from your security deposit to cover the costs.
Find a Reliable Management Company
Moving isn’t always fun. As property managers, we know that remembering every detail can be difficult! However, having a comprehensive moving checklist for renters can make the process a bit less stressful.
If you’re moving and need to find a reliable property management company to rent from, look no further than Bay Property Management Group. Check out our current listings in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. Contact us today to learn more!
