How To Make A Smooth Apartment Move

Atlas makes apartment moving simple.

Every year in the U.S., more than 40 million people move. Atlas is one of the most called upon movers to help people go new places.

Like everyone who moves, you have concerns—especially if this is your first apartment move. We want to make your apartment move stress-free. You'll find answers to common questions about apartment moving in this guide, including an apartment-moving checklist. Follow these pointers when you move with Atlas, and expect your move to be trouble-free. (If your question isn't listed, just ask. Your Atlas agent will give you the answer and put you at ease.)

• When is the best time of year to move?
• What is the secret to choosing the best apartment?
• I have a disability—how do I find a place that's accessible?
• What should I know before I sign a lease?
• When do I need to give notice if I plan to vacate?
• How can I avoid problems in getting back my security deposit?
• What should I know before I engage a professional mover?
• Before I move, what needs to happen—and when?

When is the best time of year to move?

If you're moving to a college or university community, summer offers the biggest selection of apartments. However, because school is out, summer is the most popular moving season. This may mean you have fewer service options available.

In urban areas, the best time to move varies. People tend to stay put during the November and December holiday season, so you may see fewer apartment choices then. On the other hand, you may have a better chance at nice places that become available only toward the end of the year.

Late April is usually a good time to move. You can beat the busy summer season, and the weather is typically moderate.

Ultimately, the best time for your move depends on several things; some are beyond your control. Talk to your local Atlas agent. You'll get good advice and inside knowledge about the community you are moving into.

What is the secret to choosing the best apartment?

From basic living to upscale extras, apartments offer lots of choices. You're wise to start looking early. Once you determine the area you'd like to live in, visit several locations and do some "comparison shopping."

When you walk through an apartment, have these items with you:

• tape measure
• plug-in night light
• light bulb
• flashlight

The Atlas Apartment Comparison Checklist (pdf) tells why you need these things. Print a copy for each complex you visit and record your findings. But don't stop there—knock on doors and introduce yourself. Are the neighbors friendly? What do they think about the way the complex is managed? What do they say about noise?

Once you find the apartment you want, be ready to act. Have your checkbook, proof of income, references, and credit report on hand. When you meet with the manager, be punctual, neat, and friendly. The good impression you make will work in your favor.

I have a disability—how do I find a place that's accessible?

If you are disabled, you may find accessible apartments on popular websites, such as: ApartmentGuide.com, Apartments.com, ForRent.com, MyNewPlace.com, Rentals.com. Specify "disability access" or "handicap access" to locate places that can accommodate you.

What should I know before I sign a lease?

A lease is a legally binding, written agreement between you (lessee) and the landlord (lessor). It is usually a standard form. However, it may be amended by writing changes on the document; both you and the landlord must initial to show you agree.

Read the lease carefully. It should describe the condition of each room in detail. Note any damage or items in disrepair. Get the landlord to agree, in writing, to make repairs before you sign or pay a deposit.

If you don't understand something in the lease, ask what it means. Never sign a lease with blanks to be filled in later. If you have doubts about anything, talk to an attorney.

And never settle for an oral agreement. If it isn't in writing, you have no proof to support you in a dispute.

When do I need to give notice if I plan to vacate?

If you rent month-to-month, notify your landlord in writing at least 30 days before you move. If your lease is up, you don't have to give advance notice—but it's a nice courtesy. The landlord will need to find another renter. Besides, a good relationship with your landlord always works in your favor. This is especially true when you vacate and expect a timely return of your security deposit.

How can I avoid problems in getting back my security deposit?

A security deposit may equate to one month's rent or more. As a rule, you should get it back within 30 days after you vacate.

The landlord is not allowed to deduct for normal wear and tear, nor refuse to refund without a reason. Sometimes damage can occur when moving out. If you use a reputable mover, you won't have to worry. Your Atlas agent, for example, carries insurance in the unlikely event your apartment is damaged in the moving process.

What should I know before I engage a professional mover?

You can find professional movers by searching online or in the Yellow Pages. For your convenience, Atlas offers a geographic listing of all Atlas agents on our Find an Agent page. We hope you'll choose Atlas; we've worked hard to build a reputation consumers trust. And we're proud to carry the ProMover designation—the industry's recognized seal of integrity. Whatever company you choose, contact your mover at least six weeks before you intend to vacate.

With Atlas, you get a free written estimate up front that shows how much your move will cost. And we never stop thinking of new and better ways to help you go new places. For practical advice and easy-to-use, money-saving tips, see How to Stretch Your Moving Budget. If your move is job-related, find out about tax deductions here: How To Deduct Moving From Your Taxes.

Before I move, what needs to happen, and when?

Follow these proven tips for a smooth move.

Four weeks before you move...

• Decide which items you will discard or give away. If you wish to turn unwanted items into cash, follow the tips here: How to Hold a Moving Sale.
• Ask your physician and dentist to recommend a colleague near your new home. Get copies of refillable prescriptions.
• Arrange transfer of school records.
• Transfer personal insurance records.
• Check your renter's policy to see that moving is covered. Make sure you have the coverage you need in your new apartment.
• If you plan to move house plants, read How To Move Your House Plants and start preparing them.

Three weeks before your move...

• Plan to use up perishable food items before you move.
• Movers can't take aerosols, flammables, corrosives, ammunition, or propane tanks (see Moving Non-allowables). Plan to use them up or give them away.
• Drain fuel tanks on gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws.
• Complete a change-of-address form for each person who will receive mail at your new address. You can get the forms at the post office or use the U.S. Postal Service's online form.
• If you have pets, read "How To Move Your Pets."

Two weeks before your move...

• Make confirmed travel reservations.
• Decide which items you'll pack, and which you'd like Atlas to pack. Your Atlas agent provides professional-grade, do-it-yourself packing materials at reasonable prices.
• Close or transfer charge accounts.
• Return library books and other things you've borrowed.
• Collect things you've lent to others, and any items in lay-away or cold storage. Pick up the dry cleaning.
• Dispose of cleaning fluids, acids, caustic drain cleaners, and other non-allowable items.
• Draw up a floor plan of your new apartment for placement of furnishings.
• Arrange to have your TV and utilities disconnected. Movers are not permitted to take down TV antennas. If you wish, your Atlas agent can arrange for a third party to perform the service.

One week before your move...

• Transfer bank accounts, and ask your local credit bureau to transfer your records to your new city.
• Reconfirm travel reservations.
• Your van operator will need payment before unloading your goods. If you are paying for your own move, arrange to have cash, certified check, or money order on hand. If you wish to pay by personal check or credit card, check with your mover first.
• Set aside items to take in your car: medicines and important papers, maps, games, snacks, flashlight.
• Drain water from garden hoses.
• Start packing suitcases.
• Get the name, address and phone number of the Atlas agent in your new community.
• Call the business office of your local phone provider to let them know when they may disconnect your service. They may also help you with phone service at your new apartment.
• Leave anything Atlas will pack in place. It's easier and safer, for example, to pack glassware right from the cabinet.

The day before you move...

• Pack items you may need right away in a special box. Atlas will load it last and unload it first. You may want to include:
  • cleaning supplies
  • toiletries
  • coffee pot
  • phone
  • paper and pen
  • medical supplies (aspirin, bandages, etc.)
  • towels
  • kitchen utensils and paper plates
• Finish packing suitcases.
• Defrost, clean and dry the refrigerator.

Moving day...

• Plan to be on hand all day. You will need to accompany the van operator during inventory, sign the bill of lading, and confirm your new address and delivery date. Let the van operator know where you will be staying and the best way to reach you during transit.
• Make a final check of every room and storage area. Make sure windows and doors are locked, keys are transferred, and lights are out.

At your new home...

All your planning and preparation have paid off. You're already starting to feel at home. You have some settling in to do, but it will be easy. You trusted Atlas to help you go new places, and you made a smooth move.