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Welcome home! You’ve just moved into your new apartment—now what? This week on the blog, we’re sharing 10 smart moves to help you settle in, stay organized, and start your lease off right. Don’t miss these tips to set yourself up for success in your space and your life.
Snap Pictures
If you apply for renters’ insurance, it is good to have photos of your space with your belongings, as it will make any future claims easier for you in the rare event that anything happens. When you move out, the pictures can help to show the condition of the space when you moved in, in the event of any discrepancy. So take a few minutes to protect your future self.
Lights, Lights, Baby
If you move in and there are old lightbulbs in the lights, change them to LED bulbs to save yourself money on your electricity bills. Some places do not provide any light bulbs, so it is nice to have some on hand so that you are not stuck in the dark or reliant on candlelight in those first few weeks!
One Room | One Corner
Moving can be stressful and, at times, feel overwhelming, as boxes stack up and things are not fully set up. Some experts have recommended finishing a corner of your new space or one room where you can go to relax and take a break. Having a small space completely finished can motivate you to keep going and recharge you if you do feel overwhelmed.
Measure Your Front Door
If you are bringing in furniture or having new pieces delivered in those first few weeks, you will want to ensure they can fit through the front doors so you can enjoy them in your new space. Before you picture yourself spread out on the giant sectional you just found, make sure that it is possible. It is also a good idea to see if you can take your door off the hinges to gain a few extra inches.
Package Delivery
Before you start Amazon Priming everything to your new space, find out where those packages will be delivered. Does your apartment deliver packages to your front door, or is there a central receiving area that you have to pick them up from during specific hours? Some of our properties even have an electronic package tracking system. Touch base with your property manager to see what you need to know.
Laundry Love
Where is the laundry located in your new space? If it is a shared space, are there specific hours when you can use the machines? How much does it cost to do a load? If you need some quarters, does your new apartment sell quarters on site, or do you need to make a trip to the bank? Figuring these details out prior to an emergency load is important.
Local Insights & Neighbors
It is always a good idea to build relationships with your neighbors and the neighborhood. They are going to be your best resource for local tips and tricks, such as the best takeout places and who offers the best happy hour deals.
Register to Vote
When you move and change addresses, US citizens need to change their address so they are eligible to vote in both local and national elections. The forms will ask you if you have lived in your new space for 28 days. But it is good to register as soon as you can, so you don’t forget, and you can exercise your civic duty. If you are in Wisconsin, you can find information here.
Change Your Address and Make It Official
You may have already changed your address with the USPS before you moved, but have you changed it with your credit card or car insurance company? Make sure that you update your bank, credit cards, and any insurance providers so that bills and letters go to the right place. Also, some people in your life may want to send you a holiday card or housewarming note, so make sure those important people in your life have your new address as well.
Read Your Lease
This is something you should have looked at before you signed it, but we recommend a quick refresher once you’ve moved in to remind yourself of the terms and conditions so you can make a good impression and be a good neighbor from day one. Although a little dull, the terms and conditions laid out in your lease are very important and legally binding, so it’s important to keep them top of mind.
Ticked off everything on the list? It’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy your new space!