It could be the easiest move you’ll ever make and it could be the most difficult. In any case, moving into your first apartment or condo will be a unique experience and, like every move you’ll ever make, it can be full of surprises, both good and bad. In fact, because you haven’t done it before, your first move will probably be full of more surprises than usual.
Hopefully the following list will mean fewer bad surprises.
1. Plan, Plan, Plan and then Plan Some More
Enough said. There are too many things to list here, from when to move to making sure the lease is signed and that you have the keys before you arrive on moving day. Talk to family and friends, and check the web. Here’s a list of things you’ll need for your first apartment.
2. Movers or DIY?
Your first moving decision is whether to find as many friends as you can and ask for their help, which will cost you pizza and drinks, or make the big leap and use a professional mover. It’s really up to you and your budget, but the more stuff you have to move, the stronger the argument is for using a pro mover.
3. Deliveries
You’ll probably be buying at least a few new things that you couldn’t scrounge from friends and family. Have them delivered before move-in to reduce the chaos on moving day and afterward.
4. Book Elevators and Check Parking
You won’t believe how many times moving vans are forced to park miles from a building because no one remembered to check for and reserve closer parking and/or loading dock access. And without reserving the elevator, you can double your moving time as you wait for it every time you need to go up or down.
5. Hit the Grocery Store
Sure, the pizza will take care of your first dinner, but do you want to wake up in the morning without coffee and eggs? Or a pan to cook them in? Or some windex to clean up a spill? Or toilet paper in the washroom? Or any of the other things that you might never had to worry too much about before?
It always a great day when you first move away from home.
Tinged with a little sadness but full of anticipation and adventure, you’ll never make your first move again. Enjoy it!!
