13 tips for a successful apartment move

When you live in an apartment, moving can feel like a yearly ritual. For some of us, it is. You might keep the old cardboard boxes from the last move broken down under your bed, then tape them back together for the next one. No matter how savvy a mover you are, apartment moves are difficult ordeals that often mean hauling boxes up and down staircases. That's why we've put together these tips on how to make your apartment move a successful one.

Tips for a successful apartment move

1. Start packing early

Our No. 1 packing tip is that the simplest way to defray the stress of moving is to start packing for your move well before moving week. When you start packing six weeks out, you'll have time to carefully organize your possessions and start with pieces you use less or that don't match the season. If you're moving in summertime, you can go ahead and pack all those winter coats well in advance of moving week.

2. Purge and declutter

Moving is often a time when we may take stock of our possessions and weed out the ones we don't need. For many of us, decluttering is a natural part of the packing process. 

Instead of purging midway through your packing routine, consider trying to systematically downsize and declutter in advance. Spend an evening organizing your possessions and getting rid of chafe well before you actually start packing, and you'll have a much quicker time of it when you're closer to the move. Eliminate the cognitive dissonance that comes from deciding whether you want a given piece of clothing, and packing will go much faster.

3. Acquire packing materials

There are many ways to pack, and if you have few possessions, you may be able to get away with packing most of your belongings in backpacks, tote bags and luggage. For the rest of us, those cardboard boxes take some sourcing. Remember, you can often acquire the cardboard boxes you need for free . Other packing materials may be harder to find for free, but it's worth a look.

If you plan to use Bubble Wrap or an ecologically-friendly Bubble Wrap alternative , acquire it in advance, so you don't realize that you need to use it to protect an important item day, and find yourself without.

4. Create a staging ground

Apartment living usually means smaller quarters. While folks who live in sprawling homes in the countryside might have ample space in which to pack, apartments won't necessarily provide that.

When you begin packing, clean and clear a section of your space for organization, and another space for your boxes or suitcases. You'll want to be able to organize, fold laundry and put like with like in one part of the room or on one surface, such as a bed, then pack them in an orderly fashion. This method helps you pack systematically. 

5. Pack artwork and other valuables

Framed paintings, sculptures and antiques can present particular problems. Bubble Wrap can damage the finish of oil paintings or varnished furniture. Take precautions to pack these valuables with safe and sustainable Bubble Wrap alternatives .

Canvases can be punctured by the hard corners of furniture. Any large, valuable objects like artwork will require special care. Pack these in advance, with intentionality.

6. Schedule the lift

In many larger apartments, you'll need to schedule the elevator in advance for moving day. Whether your building has a freight elevator or simply a daily-use elevator, check in with reception if your building has one. Whether you need to reserve the elevator or not, they'll appreciate it if you let them know what day you'll be planning to move.

7. Pack with stairs in mind

If you live in a walk-up apartment, then stairs will be a critical part of your move. Carrying boxes up and down flights of stairs can be a grueling affair. However, this work is far easier if boxes are packed so that heavy objects are distributed evenly at the bottom of them, and aren't able to roll or slide about within the box when boxes are tilted to go up and down stairs and get around banisters.

When you pack, keep balance in mind. Remember not to make boxes too heavy . Even if you have movers coming, it's still a good idea to do this. The movers will thank you, and you'll reduce the risk of damage to your possessions from heavy objects rolling within the packing box.

8. Remember your "first night" moving box

A "first night" moving box is a collection of all the essential items that you'll need within the first 24 hours of your move. This can include a couple changes of clothing, toiletries, essential medicine, phone chargers and the documents that you'll need for your move.

A good "first night" moving box can double as an emergency kit. Add a first aid kit to be extra safe, so that any injuries on moving day can be patched up quickly.

While many people use cardboard boxes for their "first night" moving box, these boxes should be clearly labeled and set aside. Instead of a cardboard box, consider using a backpack or a piece of luggage so that your collection will be more obvious and won't get lost among the rest of the cardboard boxes.

9. Consider packing your mattress

The prevailing wisdom is that mattresses should be packed in a mattress bag for moves. That said, many who are worried about the environmental effects of their moving choices might skip this step, thereby saving the plastic that would otherwise be used to wrap the bed. 

Whatever you choose, it's a good idea to consider this step in advance and procure mattress packing materials well before the date of your move.

10. Pad furniture legs

Large furniture can scratch the floor and damage your apartment, which can compromise your security deposit. Get good floor protector pads to attach to the legs of dressers, tables and other large items so that they don't dig into the floor of your apartment and gouge it.

11. Back up electronics

Many things can go wrong on moving day, and a broken laptop is certainly one of them. Take precautions to protect your digital life by backing up your computer and phone. This will ensure that a cracked computer isn't the end of all of its contents, too.

12. Repair damage

If you're moving from one apartment to another, chances are you're a renter. If you're a leaseholder, the key to getting your deposit back is usually in leaving an apartment that's free of damage. You won't be able to repair all the damage easily, but simple fixes can go a long way toward getting you your money back from the landlord.

Whether you go as far as getting a brush set and painting the walls, spackling holes in the wall from hangars and screws will freshen the look of your apartment and ready it for a fresh coat of paint. Beyond spackling, try to leave drains clear of gunk and built-up hair, and make sure to clear away any trash or detritus you might have left behind. 

Often, landlords use combinations of little things to justify keeping part of your security deposit. If you do the work, you're more likely to get it back.

13. Enlist help

Whether you're planning on using a moving company or moving yourself, it's good to have a helping hand. Without a moving company, you may really need help from friends, especially if stairs are involved. Moving large objects up and down stairwells can be dangerous for yourself and for neighbors. A box of valuables spilled down an open stairwell can cause problems for more than just your broken china.

Plan your apartment move for less hassle the day of

In many ways, a move from one apartment to another is much like other types of moves, but there are some key differences. Walkup apartments will require you to haul boxes up and down stairs, while apartments with elevator banks will sometimes require that you request the elevator in advance.

If you're a renter, you'll want to patch up any nicks and scratches to ensure you get as much of your deposit back as you can. This can mean taking art off the wall in advance and taking down shelving so that you can spackle and touch up the paint job before moving day.

Plan in advance if you'll need to hire a moving company or if you'll be booking a truck and moving yourself. Moving companies book up on popular moving days, like the beginning and end of the month, and truck rentals will also become more scarce. If you are booking a moving company or truck, consider moving on a day that's less popular and is thus cheaper .

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