Moving Out of Apartment Checklist

02.03.2023

Leaving a place where you have lived for a long time is never easy. It is not only difficult physically, but mentally as well. But there are many ways to make it all easier for you. It is enough to follow the instructions and tips that you will learn further. What to start with? Where to get all the things needed for moving out?

Make a checklist

It's much easier to get things done if you follow a plan rather than random ideas. Therefore, the first step is to create as detailed a moving out of apartment checklist as possible. Write it down on paper or make an excel checklist, just whatever you need to remember all the things (because it’s a lot to remember, sorry). What to include in this checklist? Everything that comes to your mind and also what you read next. The more detailed and thoughtful your checklist is, the easier it will be for you to prepare.

Prepare mentally

As silly as it may sound, it is very important. It's okay to be afraid of something. And to be afraid of such big changes like moving - there is nothing wrong with that. But don’t think of moving as something inevitable but as a new chapter in your life. New page of your life, new opportunities, new acquaintances, and new friends. Perhaps it is by moving somewhere in a new home that you can make your dreams come true. A lot of new and amazing things are waiting for you!

Calculate your budget

One of the first things to do before moving out is to solve financial issues. You need to calculate the budget very carefully. First of all - the budget for the purchase of new housing or its rent. The following are expenses related directly to the move. This includes expenses for the company that will help you with the move, packing material (in case the company does not provide it), the purchase of fuel for your car, and so on. Also, calculate the sum so you can live for at least two months in a new home without any additional income. Even if a new job is waiting for you the day after you move in, you need to have a certain amount of money just in case. Add up all these expenses and add at least 10% more of this amount. This will serve as a financial cushion for you. And if everything goes well and calmly, maybe you can buy yourself a new phone, a game console, or that big plasma that you like.

This a small life hack for those who move at the official request of the company they work for. Contact your employer and ask him if the contract provides for payment for your relocation, at least partially. This will save you a lot of money on moving. Don’t forget to buy before moving out. 

It's time to deal with ALL things

This is probably one of the most time-consuming parts of the whole move. It is necessary to collect absolutely ALL of your things. First of all, you need to understand what you need to get rid of. Moving to a new home is a new page in your life. Why bring all that old junk with you? Get rid of at least those things that you have not used for more than a year. What are the chances that you will use them after such a long time? 

Not all of your old stuff should be thrown away. There are other options:

1. 1. Throw it out. As already mentioned. This is the easiest option. Throw out those things that are in such a bad condition that there’s no other way.




2. 2. Sell it. Some items, those in better condition, can be sold. The fastest way to do this is online. Several high-quality photos, an interesting description, and an average market price will help you. If anything needs to be sold urgently, then you can put the price below the average.




3. 3. Give to charity. If you still feel that those clothes or this shelf look way too good enough to throw them away, you should probably consider giving them to some charities. This way they will serve for a couple more years If it’s a pity to throw away something, but no one buys it, just give this thing to those who need it more. Make your karma a little better!

Nothing should be left behind. But it makes no sense to drag everything with you to the last speck of dust. Make a moving-out packing list for it to be easier. 

Moving out packing list

It makes sense to put credit cards, cash, jewelry, documents, and other most valuable and small things separately. For example, in one small bag that will always be in your hands. Or somewhere else, the main thing is that all these things remain safe. Store them where it is safest. A backpack is the best, we think. It's always on your back, so there is less chance that you'll forget it somewhere. Maybe you should purchase a small one, it will be not as tiring for your spine as if you'll put on a whole travel-hiking backpack. 

Furniture

This paragraph is also quite laborious. Solving problems with furniture and transporting it is quite difficult. If you do not plan to take old furniture with you, but immediately purchase new, you can skip this part. If you plan to take all the furniture with you, you should first visit your new home. Take measurements of your current furniture and try to figure out where you will put it in your new home.

Perhaps your furniture cannot be disassembled? In this case, measure the doorways and try to understand whether it will even be possible to carry it there. If the furniture is disassembled, this will be the easiest way out of this situation.

Pay off your debts

Maybe you owe some money at the shop around the corner? Or have you been unable to return a book to your local library for a year? Or do you owe a little on your current housing bills? You should not drag your old debts with you into a new life. Get rid of this burden.

What to do with current housing?

If you are renting a house, then your landlord will decide this issue for you. And if you own your apartment, then there are three logical options for you:

1. 1. Sell it. This will allow you to receive a lot of money as quickly as possible.




2. 2. Rent out. You won’t get much money at one time, but you will start receiving it every month - consider this an increase in salary. Over time, you will receive even more money than if you simply sold your house.




3. 3. Leave everything as it is. It never hurts to have a plan B in case something (or everything) goes wrong. If the worst happens, then you will have somewhere to return.

But in general, the choice is of course yours. The main thing is to think about it in advance, as you may have to draw up some documents - this can take a lot of time.

Research the area you are moving to

The last paragraph in the “moving out of town" checklist. Do you have a car? It needs to be parked somewhere. You will some things to buy before moving out: new clothes, food, and medicine, go somewhere for entertainment, and so on. Therefore, you should first figure out what and where is located. Find a place to park, and find out where the nearest stores, pharmacies, and hospitals are.

Can't imagine your life without yoga, going to the cinema, or a good coffee? In this case, you need to know in advance where all this is located. Do you have children? You need to find a new school for them. Any pets? You'll have to find a good veterinarian, a store where you can buy their food.This is much better to do this in advance, and not deal with all this when questions and problems will pile up. What if you’re moving out of state? Then you should probably also make the checklist before moving out of state.