If you’re moving into your first rental property soon, here are some moving tips you may find helpful.
1. Moving day
It may seem like a silly point to make, but you do need to call the property manager ahead of time to verify the move-in date. There may be issues with former tenant evacuations, repairs, or other unforeseen events. Always call a week prior and then at least one day before your plan to move in to make sure everything is still on schedule for your arrival.
2. Utilities
Some apartments and even single-family rentals may include certain utility payments. It’s your responsibility to know what those may be. Contact the property manager about utilities if written instructions are not provided in the lease or on the property’s website. There are almost always guidelines for the take-over process on new accounts. If you have roommates, discussing and establishing a plan for splitting utility expenses fairly among yourselves is important.
3. Renters Insurance
Regardless of your numerous other to-do items, securing renters insurance should be a top priority before you ever move a thing into the property. It’s possible to find very reasonable rates and coverage. Hesitant? You better check with your soon-to-be landlord. Insurance may be a requirement, and proof of coverage may be required to move in.
4. Furniture
How many rooms do you need to furnish, and what would you like to put in them? A bed, table, a couple of chairs, and a TV are the basics, and you can easily find these items on buy-sell-trade sites, Goodwill, or garage sales if money is a concern. You can also go the rental route but understand that this often costs much more in the long run.
5. Moving timeline
The day before move-in (or sooner), call your soon-to-be landlord and double-check everything once more to ensure you’ve got your checklist down where the property is concerned. Ask about move-in times. Many properties may limit the hours of day move-ins are allowed. Limited hours are for convenience, security, and consideration of other tenants.
6. Coordinate mail delivery
You no longer have to make an in-person trip to the post office to update your address. You can simply go online and fill out the change of address form. These can take several days, so handle this up-front and note your exact move-out/move-in dates.
7. Schedule movers
Whether you’re taking the DIY route or hiring professional movers, this is a task you should coordinate with plenty of lead time. Professional movers tend to book early, and your friends will likely be more willing to help if you give them some notice (and the promise of a bribe).
More moving tips and available properties
For more moving tips or to find the rental property that is perfect for you, get in touch with Class A Management. We have numerous properties throughout Texas that meet many tastes and needs.