Regardless of the move, there seems to always be different challenges involved. For apartment or condo moving, this can often mean navigating stairs or tight hallways, or even high rise buildings and elevator usage.
The same moving principles still apply to a rental property – you need to pack up your belongings, figure out the transportation or if you’re hiring professional movers, and more. However, with a rental property, you’re not dealing with mortgages and other house-related issues, but instead handling renter’s insurance, security deposits, specific moving dates, and leases.
We’ve helped customers move into rental properties for more than 35 years now and have seen many important details people should know when handling this type of moving scenario. Take a look at some of the tips below!
Research the best fit for you
On the surface, this sounds obvious, but it’s crucial to find the best fit for you personally because you’re signing a lease, which means you’re paying rent for a certain amount of time. Breaking a lease if you determine it’s not a fit, can often result in high costs and headaches.
Find something within your price range, an area you’re comfortable living, and a rental group or landlord that is trustworthy. We recommend going to the rental property and taking a tour before ever signing a lease.
Finalize all rental details
Rental properties generally come with a list of fees you might have to pay before moving in, such as security deposits, one month’s rent in advance, paying for extra appliances like a washer/dryer, and more.
This is also a good time to talk with the landlord and pick a move in date that works for both of you.
Have a final meeting with landlord and sign your lease
This is your chance to go over any last questions you might have before making it official, so be sure to review everything you’re signing thoroughly and determine you are agreeing and signing to all things discussed.
Purchase renter’s insurance
You might think “is this necessary?”, and the answer is yes. Accidents happen, and renter’s insurance is a good way to ensure all of your personal belongings are protected should something unfortunate happen such as a break-in, a fire, or a flood.
Set up utilities
Be sure to cancel all utilities at your previous home. Then, discuss with your landlord which utilities are available in your area and set that up before moving into your rental property. Depending on the rental property, some utilities may even be included with your rent.
Complete a move in checklist
Once move in day arrives and you start bringing your 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 charge for it at a later date.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has been serving the Tennessee Valley since 1997. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.
