15 Ultra-useful Tips When Moving Apartments
Moving apartments might seem straightforward, but if you don’t plan properly, it can quickly become a stressful and chaotic experience. Whether you’re moving across town or into the unit next door, the following practical tips will help you stay on top of everything and settle into your new place with less hassle.
Start Planning Early
The sooner you start, the smoother things will go. Begin your moving prep at least six weeks before the big day. Make a checklist that includes:
- Booking removalists or van hire
- Sorting and decluttering
- Notifying utility providers
- Gathering packing materials
- Organising time off work if needed
Treat your move like a mini project. Having a timeline with weekly tasks makes it all feel manageable.
Declutter Before You Pack
Don’t take items you no longer use to your new apartment. Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Go through your clothes, kitchenware, books, and furniture. Ask yourself what you actually use and what can be:
- Donated
- Sold
- Recycled or thrown away
Fewer items to move means fewer boxes, less time packing, and a lower moving bill.
Get Your Supplies Sorted Early
Start collecting or purchasing packing supplies well in advance. You’ll likely need:
- Sturdy moving boxes in different sizes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap or newspaper for padding
- Labels and markers
- Ziplock bags for small items like screws or cords
Having everything ready before you begin packing avoids last-minute panic.
Pack by Room and Label Clearly
Pack one room at a time and label each box with both the room it belongs to and a short list of contents. This will help you—and your movers—know exactly where each box goes in the new place.
Consider numbering your boxes and keeping a separate inventory list. That way, you can easily check if anything goes missing during the move.
Set Aside an Essentials Box
Pack a box with all the things you’ll need on your first night:
- Toiletries
- A change of clothes
- Bed linen
- Towels
- Chargers
- Snacks and basic kitchenware
- Medications
- Cleaning supplies
Keep this box with you instead of loading it onto the truck so you can access it immediately when you arrive.
Organise Utilities in Advance
Don’t leave things like internet, electricity, or water to the last minute. Before moving day:
- Arrange the disconnection of services at your old place
- Schedule connections at your new apartment
- Notify your bank, insurer, and any subscriptions of your new address.
- Set up a mail redirection if neede.d
Taking care of this early means you won’t be stuck in your new place without Wi-Fi or hot water.
Measure the New Space
It might sound obvious, but many people move only to find that their furniture doesn’t fit. Before moving:
- Measure your furniture and compare it to the layout of your new apartment
- Check doorways, stairwells, and elevators
- Plan where each major item will go ahead of time
This avoids frustration on moving day and ensures everything fits where it’s meant to.
Don’t Forget About Pets and Kids
If you have pets or young children, arrange for their care during the move. The noise, commotion, and unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful for them, and having them out of the way will make it easier for you to focus.
Protect Valuables
Keep important documents, jewellery, passports, and any fragile or high-value items with you, not in the moving truck. You should also take photos of fragile items before packing them, just in case you need to make an insurance claim later.
Clean Before You Move In
Access the new apartment before your moving day to give it a thorough clean. It’s much easier to clean a space, and you’ll feel more comfortable unpacking into a place that feels fresh and ready.
Ask for Help
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Whether it’s friends helping you pack or professional removalists handling the heavy lifting, support makes all the difference. If you’re hiring movers, be sure to:
- Book well in advance
- Read reviews and compare prices.
- Check what’s included (e.g. insurance, packing materials, assembly/disassembly)
Final Thought
Moving into a new apartment doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, some smart packing, and the right help, the whole process can be quicker, safer, and less exhausting.
Need a hand with your next move? Get in touch with our team for a professional, no-fuss apartment relocation service.