Have you recently purchased your first apartment or maybe you’re relocating? This can seem like an overwhelming task of where to start, what to buy, and how to organize everything. Your North Life has highlighted a few items on how to start planning and organizing everything for move-in day.
What Should You Do First?
- Stick to Your Budget
Know what you need to buy for your apartment and estimate moving costs. Establishing good habits from the start will be key to ensuring that you stay on budget and don’t live beyond your means.
- Setup Your Utilities
Things like electricity, gas, and water should be set up first as you will need them from day one in your apartment. Other installs like internet and TV can be set up for move-in day but aren’t a priority. If you are just transferring bills and accounts to a new address, be sure to call them with enough time to switch everything over to your new address.
- Figure Out Your Mail Situation
Does your building have a community mailbox, or do you have your own personal mail slot in your door? When you receive packages are they left in the lobby? These are all things to figure out prior to moving in to make sure your bills and necessary items are going to the correct address.
Purchase Furniture
Prior to moving into your apartment, make sure to take measurements for when you are buying the furniture you need or to make sure the current furniture you have will fit in your new apartment. *Check out the list below of top priority items to have on move-in day.
- Pack up Your Belongings
The key to making your move run smoothly is packing early. Start with the items that you don’t need day-to-day, then organize the last-minute belongings so that you can quickly pack them closer to your move-in date. Label your boxes so you know what’s in them to easily organize in each room during your move.
- Hire Professional Movers
Figure out how much this will cost you and how it aligns with your budget. Hiring professional movers will help make sure that your move runs smoothly.
- Spruce Up Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first thing people will see when they visit your apartment, so making it look nice is key to a good first impression. Adding things like wall hooks for coats, baskets, organizational shelves, and a shoe rack can help keep things neat and tidy in your entryway, while also adding a little touch of design.
- Explore Your Neighborhood
If you haven’t already explored the neighborhood you’re living in, this is the first thing you should do upon moving in. Become familiar with where you are and what’s around you like important amenities such as grocery stores, hospitals, and clinics for emergencies. Scope out any attractions, parks, and restaurants for entertainment. The sooner you become part of your new community, the easier it will be to adjust to your new life.
First Things To Buy Checklist
Bedroom:
- Mattress and bed frame
- Bed sheets/duvet
- Pillows
- Clothes Hangers
Bathroom:
- Towels/Hand Towels
- Toiletries
- Toilet Paper
- Curtains/Shower Curtains
Kitchen
- Table
- Chairs
- Dishware
- Cutlery
- Microwave
- Cooking ware
- Tupperware
Living Area:
- Couch
- Coffee table
- TV/TV Stand
Safety
- Smoke Detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
Miscellaneous Items:
- Dustpan
- Broom
- Vacuum
- Trash Bags
- Soap
- Various cleaning supplies
- Toolbox
- Mop
-The BDAR Team