We’ve been talking quite a bit about the upcoming busy moving season and how customers can get ready to move from one home to the next, but home moving isn’t the only kind of moving taking place during the summer months.
This is also a time when rental property leases expire which can leave renters looking for a new place whether it be another rental or a purchased home.
At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we specialize in rental property moving and have come up with some helpful tips for those looking to move in or out of a rental. Take a look!
Research the best place for you
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it really is important to do extensive research about the type of rental property you want to move into next. Be sure to look at online reviews of the property from past tenants, drive to the property to see what the surrounding areas look like, and ask the leasing office if you can tour a facility to get a feel for the rental.
You want to be as comfortable as possible before locking yourself into a year-long lease, so doing this early homework can go a long way.
Find out what you’re actually paying for
You never want to just throw money down the drain, so it’s important to know exactly where your money is going when you sign a leasing agreement. With rental leases, you’ll generally find some early fees due at signing like security deposits, a month’s rent in advance, and paying upfront for additional appliances you might have requested. Talk with a member of the leasing office to make sure you’re aware of all the charges involved with the agreement.
Ask as many questions as you can
There’s no such thing as a bad question, especially when locking into a rental agreement. Go over each aspect of the agreement with the leasing office so you have a solid understanding of how the next year will go before you decide to live there.
Purchase renter’s insurance
If you take away anything from reading this blog before moving apartments, make sure it’s this: purchase renter’s insurance. This is critical to anyone choosing to rent, and it will give you a solid backup plan should any accidents or break-ins occur during your time as a tenant.
Gather all details of your move
Many apartments have a certain set of guidelines that people must follow when moving into a complex, from figuring out where to park, special move in hours, and even elevator reservations if you’re relocating to a high rise.
Be sure to find out these details from your landlord or apartment office, and also ask about the following: what utilities you need, when to pick up your keys, what elevator regulations are, and when the first rent check is due.
Utilize a moving checklist to make the process of moving easier
Once move in day arrives and you start moving belongings into your new home, the landlord will provide you with some type of move in checklist to assess the current state of your rental property. Be sure to go around and examine everything to check for any damages or things missing and write them down so you aren’t charged for it at a later date.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.