Moving out of an apartment comes with its own unique challenges. From coordinating with your landlord to navigating stairs, elevators, and parking restrictions, preparing ahead of time can help make moving day much smoother. Whether you’re moving across Columbus or relocating elsewhere in Central Ohio, taking the proper steps before your move can save you time, stress, and money.
1. Notify Your Landlord
Review your lease agreement and provide the required notice before moving. Schedule your move-out inspection and ask about any cleaning or key return requirements to help maximize your security deposit.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer use. Donate gently used clothing and household goods, recycle what you can, and dispose of unwanted items before packing. Fewer belongings mean less to move and unpack. Here are a list of charities that over free donation pickup.
3. Reserve Elevators and Loading Areas
Many apartment communities require residents to reserve freight elevators or loading docks in advance. Check with your leasing office several weeks before your move to avoid delays on moving day.
4. Start Packing Early
Begin packing non-essential items several weeks before your move. Label every box with its contents and destination room to make unpacking much easier.
Be sure to keep a moving essentials box containing items such as:
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Phone chargers
- Important documents
- Cleaning supplies
- Paper towels
- Snacks and bottled water
- A change of clothes
Read more about packing a first night moving essentials kit here.
5. Protect Common Areas
Apartment hallways, elevators, and entryways are shared spaces. Be mindful of your neighbors and follow any moving policies established by your apartment community.
6. Update Your Address
Don’t forget to update your mailing address before moving. Notify:
- USPS
- Banks
- Credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- Employers
- Subscription services
- Utility companies
7. Clean Before You Leave
A thorough cleaning can help improve your chances of receiving your full security deposit. Consider scheduling a professional cleaning service if needed. (This is also a great place to include links to your preferred cleaning partners.)
8. Hire Experienced Apartment Movers
Apartment moves often involve stairs, elevators, tight hallways, and limited parking. Working with experienced apartment movers can help eliminate unnecessary stress and protect your belongings throughout the move.
At All American Moving & Storage, we proudly provide professional apartment moving services throughout Columbus and Central Ohio. Our friendly relocation coordinators help organize every detail of your move, while our experienced movers carefully protect and transport your belongings with the respect and attention to detail you deserve.
As a Consumers’ Choice Award-winning moving company, a Columbus Dispatch Best of Columbus nominee, and a company highly rated by the BBB, Angi, and hundreds of satisfied customers on Google, we’re committed to making your apartment move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Moving to or From an Apartment in Columbus?
Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, relocating across town, or downsizing, All American Moving & Storage is here to help.
Request your free moving quote today and let our experienced team handle the heavy lifting.