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Moving into an Apartment VS Moving into a House

When moving to an apartment or home, you need to stay organized. However, the steps might be a little different than you need to take when moving to an apartment and moving to a house.


Moving to an apartment

Set Your Budget 
You need to be aware of the space that you will get in your new apartment. You need to consider the application fees, security deposits, utility connection fees and moving costs. If utilities are included, you might feel okay paying as much as 40%. You should not go over 50% of your income.  

Save costs
Do away with the plastic. You must work with cash only. Use credit cards tends to get people in trouble. You can spend more than you have. You can set an emergency fund. Try to make space in your budget for an emergency fund to cover those unexpected expenses. Save energy. Utility bills can be expensive, mainly in the summer months. So, try making it a habit to turn lights off after you leave a room. You can set the thermostat up a few degrees when you won’t be home. Make sure to unplug your appliances, television(s) and computer when you aren’t using them.  

Choose the Right Location for yourself
The location of your apartment can have a significant impact on your budget and your daily lifestyle as well. Consider the proximity to work. Ensure that your daily commute will be manageable, provided that the distance and the time it will take for you to get to work, and get home after work. Check the availability of Public Transportation. In case you plan on using public transportation, try to find a place that is a little distance from the nearest bus stop. Also, keep a check on the landscape features. These can affect your daily activities. Look into your neighborhood. You can take the time to scope out the surrounding neighborhoods. You can check the crime rates. Avoid unsafe areas.  

Lookout for loopholes
You should stay away from old or outdated appliances, water damage around the windows, strange smells and stains on the carpet. In case you find any of these signs, make sure to carefully document them on your walk-in inspection. You can take pictures. Check the walls. They should not be paper-thin. Also, check the security of the apartment.

Plan for the moving process beforehand
There might be many stairs that might become a tedious nightmare during move-in and move-out. So, keep a track. You should try to inquire about amenities. Keep in mind that on-site laundry services and gyms can save you a lot of time and money in the end, in case these things fit your lifestyle. Go through Your Lease You must read your lease before signing it. You can make notes and ask questions about anything that is not sensible.

You can pay close attention to pet policies, visitor policies, and parking policies. Try not to get too swept up in the excitement of your first place. You must check all of these things before signing. Keep in mind that a lease is a legally binding agreement. So, don’t get into something that has hidden costs.

Moving into a house

Focus on connecting your energy
As you move to your new house, you need to disconnect the energy in the previous tenants’ name and get it reconnected it in your own name. For this, you need to call your energy provider, give them your address, your preferred connection dates, contact numbers and identification, and concession details if applicable.

Prepare a plan for children and pets
You should take care of your young children and pets at the time of moving house. You can even ask a friend or family member to help out. This way you can focus on organizing the move.  

Make sure to update friends and family
You must make sure to officially change your address with relevant businesses. You can update your friends and relatives at the same time. You can send around a text message or email notifying people of your new address and phone number. This way the important people in your life can contact you at the time of starting at your new residence.  

Try to change your address
Make sure to change your address as soon as possible. You must notify the post office immediately of your new address and then contact businesses and government bodies individually. This way you can make sure your mail is going to the correct place. Make sure to update magazine or box-style subscriptions. Try to contact your car insurance and registration provider to change your address. Try to update your details on the electoral roll. Let your bank know you’ve moved. You should update your details with all superannuation funds.

Make sure to pack an un-packing box
You need to pack when moving house is an unpacking box. This box needs to contain Allen keys, any tools you might need to construct furniture, labeled ziplock bags with screws from furniture you dismantled in the move, scissors, screwdrivers etc. When you have these items, you can save you time.  

Try to organize house insurance
At the time of moving house, you must contact your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for the duration of the move. Your current home insurance policy needs to seize the day once you’ve moved out. Your next insurance policy needs to start the day before you move. This way you can make sure that you well-covered on the day of the move.

Get the new house cleaned by a professional, if possible
Many properties tend to be given a professional clean before the previous owners or tenants move out. However, certain times a house will be empty for an extended period of time which means it will need another clean before you move in. Try to hire professional cleaners who specialize in final house cleans. They usually steam the carpets and do a good job on the bathrooms and kitchen as well.
Need help with residential moving, contact SMS Moving today!

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