A Complete Guide To Moving Out of an Apartment

Moving out of an apartment can feel overwhelming, whether you’re upgrading to a new space, relocating to a different city, or switching neighborhoods. There’s much to juggle with lease deadlines, packing chaos, and utility shutoffs. Thankfully, Total Storage Solutions has a complete guide about moving out of an apartment, from packing the first box to settling into your new home.

Packing and Organizing for a Smooth Move

If you want to have a completely smooth move out of your apartment, then you have to know how to properly pack and organize everything. This will help you stay on schedule and make unpacking in your new home a breeze.

1. Creating an Apartment Moving Checklist

Before breaking out the Bubble Wrap, create a personalized apartment moving checklist. This checklist keeps you on track, reduces last-minute scrambling, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. Include key tasks like:

• Giving notice to your landlord
• Creating a budget for moving expenses
• Booking a moving truck or an apartment moving service
• Gathering packing supplies
• Scheduling utility disconnections
• Reserving a personal storage unit with Total Storage Solutions

2. Packing Tips for Moving Out

Having all the packing tips you’ll ever need is important for a move-out, as you wouldn’t want anything to get lost during your transition. One of the most important steps is labeling boxes for moving. Write the room name and what’s inside each box on its top and sides for readability. We recommend using a thick, black permanent marker and writing in large letters.

For large and bulky items like bed frames, tables, and bookshelves, it’s best to disassemble them as much as you can so they’re easier to pack and move. If you’re more worried about the tiny screws and hardware pieces that can easily get lost, keep them together in a dedicated parts box or even a Ziploc bag.

As for seasonal items or things you won’t immediately need, use a storage unit. It’ll free up space in your current apartment and help your new place feel less cluttered.

3. Keeping Everything in Order for Moving Organization

Being methodical is key to keeping your move manageable. Some of the best steps you can take to stay organized for your move include:

• Sorting items into keep, store, or discard categories
• Packing one room at a time to stay organized
• Using durable bins or boxes for heavy items
• Taking photos of valuable items for inventory
• Keeping essentials in a separate, clearly marked box
• Documenting how to set up your electronics or furniture with photos and videos to make reassembly easier
  
  Are you short on space? Affordable month-to-month storage units can give you breathing room during your move and a place to stow away items that don’t yet have a home.

4. Selling or Storing Items

One way to let go of gently used items you don’t want to keep in your new home is to sell them. You can do so by using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or even local consignment shops. If you’re unsure whether you want to part with some items or not, you can easily keep them inside a storage unit until you’ve made up your mind. Think of it as your “maybe pile,” but more organized and out of the way.

5. Hosting a Pre-Move Yard Sale

If the online selling platforms aren’t doing it for you, set up a pre-move yard sale. Start by choosing a weekend date and gathering whatever items you still have in good condition to sell, whether clothes, toys, or books. Clean and sanitize them to the best of your ability to make them look brand new, and then price them accordingly.

Make sure to put up signs around your neighborhood a few days before the sale, and post about it online. On the day of the sale, have a cash box with small bills and bags ready for shoppers. But if you want to go cashless, be open to sharing your Venmo or Cash App with others.

6. Understand How To Clean an Apartment Before Moving Out

Do you have to clean an apartment before moving out? Yes, cleaning your apartment before moving out is typically part of your lease agreement. Skipping this step can cost you your security deposit. Your deep-cleaning list should include:

• Scrubbing kitchen appliances inside and out
• Wiping down cabinets, pantries, and drawers
• Cleaning bathroom faucets and fixtures
• Dusting ceiling fans
• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Patching and repairing holes in drywall

Handling Lease and Utility Logistics

Your soon-to-be old apartment’s lease and utilities are an important part of the moving process that you need to handle. It’s so that you can make sure that you’ve met your rental obligations and so you can avoid any service interruptions during your move-out.

7. What Happens When Your Lease Is Up on an Apartment?

When your lease is up, you’ll need to take some important steps if you don’t plan on renewing it. Start by notifying your landlord or property manager by giving them at least 30 to 60 days’ notice.

You should also plan to schedule a move-out inspection with them so they can review the apartment’s condition and address any issues that could possibly impact your security deposit. Once that’s all done, make sure to return any keys, garage door openers, and access cards on your last day.

8. Understanding Your Lease Terms

Before moving out, make sure to read your lease terms carefully so you understand them. The document should tell you all you need to know about what you should do before leaving the apartment, like cleaning or fixing any damage.

Some leases also have rules about moving out earlier than what your rental agreement says. For example, if you do leave before your lease ends, then you might have to pay an early cancellation fee or pay out the remaining time on your lease. If you’re not able to, then you’ll have to find someone else who can take over the lease for you.

9. Updating Utilities and Address Changes

If you want to have everything working when you move into your new place and not miss any bills, make sure that you’ve made all the important address changes. Schedule your current utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet to be turned off the day after your move to make sure everything runs smoothly on the moving day.

At the same time, you should set up utility accounts at your new home so you don’t start your first day off without service. As for anything coming in the mail, you can easily submit a change of address through the USPS. Don’t forget to update your address with banks, credit card companies, and any subscription services.

Moving Day Essentials

We all know moving day can be quite hectic. But with the right plan, tools, and support, you can easily tackle it with confidence that everything will go smoothly.

10. Renting a Truck Versus Hiring an Apartment Moving Service

While self-moving with a rented truck is often more affordable, it can be physically demanding, especially if you’re moving by yourself. As for hiring an apartment moving service, that can save you time and money, but unfortunately, it costs a bit more. Consider your budget and what you think it’s worth spending on.

You should also consider how complex your move may be, whether you need to lift a few boxes or require more help for large appliances and bulky furniture. Either way, you should make your decision as soon as you can due to the seasonal demand for moving trucks and services.

11. Using Self Storage for Temporary Storage

Can’t move everything in one day, or need space while waiting for a new lease to begin? Total Storage Solutions offers convenient self storage options ideal for:

• Holding furniture and boxes during staggered move-outs
• Storing packed boxes while cleaning or staging an apartment for showings
• Temporarily housing belongings between leases
• Keeping seasonal belongings or excess items out of the way
• Creating more space if your new home has less storage
• Delaying move-in due to renovations or repairs at your new place

12. Packing a Moving Day Essentials Box

You may not know it, but you’ll definitely need a moving day essentials box for your first day and night in your new home. This will include all the items you need right away, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap. You should also pack phone chargers, snacks, and a water bottle. It’s also a good idea to include some basic cleaning supplies like paper towels, wipes, and a spray cleaner in case you need to tidy the space up a bit before using it.

13. Staying on Schedule and Coordinating Help

If you don’t want to still be moving things out of your apartment when the stars start coming out, then it’s best to have a plan so you stay on schedule. Start with a simple timeline of what needs to happen and when, like what time to pick up the moving truck or when friends are coming to help.

Are you coordinating with friends or family for your move? Make sure each person has a job, like packing boxes, loading the truck, or cleaning. Alternatively, if you’re hiring movers, let them know what time to arrive and what items they’ll be taking with them.

How To Set Up Your New Place After Moving

Finally settling into your new place is one of the most exciting parts about moving. In order to make it feel like home on day one, make sure you know how to get organized and reconnect your services.

14. Unpacking and Reorganizing

When unpacking everything, make sure you start with the kitchen, bathroom, and your bedroom, as those are the spaces you’ll be wanting to use the most during your first few days. Unpack items like cookware, toiletries, bedding, and clothes so you can settle in comfortably.

And thanks to your labeled boxes, you should be able to find everything you need easily, saving you time and frustration. While you may be eager to get everything out and where they should be, resist the urge to unpack all at once. It’s best to focus on daily-use items first and tackling the rest room by room.

15. Setting Up Utilities and Addressing Post-Move Tasks

During your first week in your new home, make sure you confirm that all utilities, electricity, water, gas, and internet are active and functioning properly. Double-check that your change of address was processed so you’re able to receive your mail and bills properly moving forward. If you have moved out of the city or out of state, then make sure you update your driver’s license as soon as possible.

16. The Benefits of Self Storage for Moving Transitions

Self storage isn’t just for in-between moves—it’s like having a spare room whenever you need it. If you’re moving into a smaller place, fixing up your new home, or need more time to go through your stuff, Total Storage Solutions has the space to help. Our personal storage units come in different sizes and are simple to rent, so you can tuck away your things until you’re ready for them.

Choose Total Storage Solutions for an Easy Move

Moving out of an apartment doesn’t have to be a headache. With a smart strategy, helpful resources, and the right storage partner, you can make the process smooth and efficient. Total Storage Solutions is here to help every step of the way. From affordable storage units to convenient storage facilities, we’re your go-to for making apartment moves easier.

Contact us online to learn more about our storage options today and let us help you simplify your next move!