apartment moving hacks

Apartment Moving Hacks That Make Moving Stress-Free

January 3, 2020 6:56 pm Published by 2 Comments
Last Modified: June 12, 2024 3:56 pm
Reading Time: 8 minutes

Are you getting ready to move, and feeling uneasy about everything that you have to accomplish? Moving into an apartment can be stressful, and complicated. The most common apartment moving challenges can range from feeling extremely unorganized to carrying all of your items up the stairs.

You may also experience unique challenges while decorating in order to comply with rules and restrictions. Another problem is possibly not having access to a lot of storage, or not having an apartment that is move-in ready. By using simple apartment moving hacks, you can make the process easy, and stress-free.

Apartment Moving Hacks

  1. Stay organized through moving apps.
  2. Pack smart, and utilize packing hacks.
  3. Use specific apartment decorating tips.
  4. Create your own storage. 
  5. Review your apartment before move-in day.

When preparing to move, use these apartment moving hacks to avoid unnecessary tasks and save money.

1. Stay Organized Through Apartment Moving Apps

apartment moving hacks

Did you know that there are actually apps for moving? A moving app can help you stay on top of everything that you need to accomplish before the big day comes. Here are the best apps to download and get started!

Using the Updater app to prep for your move will take a lot of the burdens of moving off of your shoulders. Through Updater you can accomplish dozens of tasks in minutes. It allows you to connect your utilities, forward your mail, secure your insurance, and much more. It is perhaps the quickest, and easiest way to manage everything that needs to get done. Simply download the app, and you’re on your way to stress-free moving!

  • Letgo

Letgo is an app where you can buy, and sell local goods. Before you move, you may be looking to get rid of some of your belongings to avoid clutter in your new place. Letgo will help you save money, and find unique products. It is a great way to both buy, and sell any last minute things that will make your moving process go smoother.

With the Sortly app, you can take an inventory of everything that you own, and keep it in one place. It allows you to add a visual inventory with photos, product information, and notes. It essentially helps you to keep track of all of your belongings so you don’t purchase duplicates, or forget what you own. The app can do other things like creating labels for boxes as well as detailed moving checklists.

2. Pack Smart for Apartment Moving

apartment moving hacks

One challenge you will possibly face is moving your items up and down stairs to different levels. It can be extremely hard to transfer heavier and more fragile items this way. Use the hacks below to ensure that your belongings will arrive in your new apartment safely, and with ease.

Apartment Moving Hacks That Make Packing Easier

  • Packing Tip #1: Fill your pots and crock pots with items.

To save space, and eliminate unnecessary packing, use your kitchen pots, and crock pots to store items. This is a great way to store spices or other small kitchen items.

  • Packing Tip #2: Use socks to protect sharp or fragile items

Rather than spending a lot of extra money on packing gear, consider wrapping socks around fragile items that require extra protection. This is a great way to wrap up glass cups, knives, utensils, and scissors.

  • Packing Tip #3: Utilize towels, and clothes to add protection to fragile items, and to save on packing paper.

To avoid any items breaking, use the towels, and clothing that you’re already transporting to protect anything fragile. You can wrap the towel or the clothing around the object.

  • Packing Tip #4: Slide clothing onto hangers and then into garbage bags.

Rather than carrying all of your clothes one by one, slide a group of your clothes that are hung up into a garbage back to carry it all at once. The garbage bag also becomes a protectant as you carry the clothes to your new place.

  • Packing Tip #5: Avoid packing boxes that are too full.

The last thing you want is for any of your boxes to break while you are carrying them upstairs. It is better to have more boxes than items breaking. You may consider using containers or suitcases that you already have that will be sturdier for transporting.

3. Use Apartment Decorating Tips

Use apartment decorating tips to help your move go more smoothly.

In many apartment communities, you will experience decorating restrictions or limitations. It is important to stick to these guidelines, or you can be charged for the damage created. Follow these apartment decorating tips to avoid any damage, but to also make your apartment feel like home.

  • Use hooks with an adhesive to hang anything on the walls.

If you’re planning on hanging art, or picture frames, it is important to use adhesive hooks that will not remove the paint. You can easily find these types of hooks through Amazon, or even at your local Dollar Store.

  • Try an external closet.

An external closet is an easy way to decorate and store your clothes. It is a non-traditional way to keep your clothes organized, and clean. You can form an external closet by purchasing an inexpensive clothes rack and displaying your clothes according to your own personal taste.

  • Decorate with “low work” items.

These are items that do not require anything to be hung up or glued. This includes anything like rugs, pillows, baskets, etc. It is a simple idea but it can bring color and texture to your space, and change the feel completely.

4. Create your own storage

Apartment Moving Tip: Create your own storage by making an external closet.
  • Take advantage of the storage under your bed.

Storing bulky items under your bed can be a great option as they will not be visible, and it is completely covered. Invest in some small containers that you will be able to store many items in.

  • Store multiple clothes items on one hanger.

Many different types of clothing can be stored on one hanger. This can be extremely helpful as you try to condense your closet space to fit more storage. Rather than using a hanger for only one item, get creative on how to use it for multiple items.

  • Use drawer organizers.

Drawer organizers are super inexpensive, and they can be purchased online, or at your local dollar store. They’re an easy, and bulletproof way to create more space in your drawers, as they give everything a designated location.

5. Review your apartment before move-in day.

Review your apartment before move-in day.

Once you have finished packing, and you’re finally ready to move-in, it is extremely important to fully review your apartment before moving in. 

  • Ask family, friends, or neighbors for help moving boxes. If it’s easier, consider hiring a moving company, or renting a moving truck.
  • Double-check that your property manager or landlord has walked through your apartment to look for any damage before you move-in.
  • Lay down some protectors on your carpet/hardwood flooring for all of the shoes that will be walking in, and out while moving.
  • Make sure that you will have clean bedding easily accessible so that you will be able to get some rest after a long day.

Apartment Moving Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

  • Use Specialty Boxes for Fragile Items: Invest in boxes specifically designed for fragile items like dishes, glasses, and electronics. These boxes often have dividers and extra padding to protect your belongings during the move.
  • Schedule Elevator and Parking Reservations: If your new apartment has an elevator or specific parking rules, reserve these spaces in advance. This helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother moving day.
  • Disassemble Furniture: Disassemble large furniture pieces before moving day. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags attached to the corresponding furniture to make reassembly easier.
  • Coordinate with Neighbors for Shared Spaces: In apartments, you often share hallways and elevators with other residents. Inform your neighbors about your moving schedule to coordinate and avoid congestion. This can make the moving process smoother for everyone involved.
  • Leverage Vertical Storage Solutions: Apartments often have limited space. Use vertical storage solutions like tall bookshelves, wall-mounted racks, and hanging organizers to maximize your storage capacity. This can help keep your new apartment organized from the start.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t Forget to Reserve the Freight Elevator: Many apartment buildings have a freight elevator for moving large items. Reserve it in advance to ensure it’s available when you need it. This can save you time and hassle on moving day.
  • Don’t Overlook Your Apartment’s Inspection Checklist: Before moving in, review the inspection checklist from your landlord. Document any damage and ensure all amenities work. This can protect your security deposit and help you avoid disputes.
  • Don’t Neglect Noise Restrictions: Be mindful of noise restrictions, especially during early morning or late evening moves. Coordinate with management to find acceptable moving hours and maintain good relations with your neighbors.
  • Don’t Overlook Renter’s Insurance: Make sure your renter’s insurance is up-to-date and covers your move. Some policies offer extra coverage for items in transit, providing peace of mind.
  • Don’t Assume Everything Will Fit: Measure doorways, stairwells, and rooms in your new apartment. This ensures your furniture and large items will fit through entryways and into your spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my building doesn’t allow moving trucks?

If your building restricts moving trucks, use smaller rental vans or SUVs. Make multiple trips if necessary. Confirm parking rules in advance and plan to unload during less busy hours to avoid traffic and inconvenience to others.

How do I deal with moving in the rain or bad weather?

Use plastic wrap or waterproof covers to protect furniture and boxes. Place mats or towels at entry points to prevent slipping. Wear waterproof gear and shoes with good traction. Schedule your move during daylight hours for better visibility.

What should I do if my new apartment isn’t ready on the scheduled move-in day?

Contact your landlord immediately to understand the delay. Arrange for temporary storage for your belongings and find a short-term rental or stay with friends or family. Keep essentials like clothes and toiletries easily accessible during this period.

What are some tips for moving into a small apartment?

Maximize space by using under-bed storage, multi-functional furniture, and vertical storage solutions. Declutter before the move and only bring essentials. Plan your layout in advance to ensure everything fits, and use drawer organizers to keep things tidy.

How can I ensure my security deposit is returned?

Document the apartment’s condition before moving in by taking photos and videos. Maintain cleanliness and report any damage immediately. Clean thoroughly before moving out, and ensure all repairs are done. Finally, request a walk-through with your landlord to address potential issues.

How can I handle utilities and services during the move?

Contact utility providers (electricity, gas, internet) early to schedule service transfers. Use moving apps for managing these tasks. Confirm disconnection at your old place and setup at the new one to avoid gaps. Notify all providers of your moving date to ensure a seamless transition.

Now you’re ready to move into your new apartment!

Ready to move into your new apartment!

By following the moving hacks above, you should be able to accomplish moving in a much simpler, and easier way. Preparing before you move, and using these simple hacks will make you feel at home right away.

Searching for a new apartment to move into? Find your dream apartment in the city you’re looking for with Market Apartments!

What other moving hacks do you think are essential?

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This post was written by

Isabella Housel

Isabella Housel is a passionate and versatile professional writer with a deep love for words and a commitment to crafting compelling content that engages, informs, and inspires. With many years of experience in the industry, she has honed her skills across various genres, from creative storytelling to informative articles and technical documentation.


2 Comments

  • Julian says:

    Hello Isabella, Great post you wrote I must admit. Moving hacks are all about making things just a bit easier on yourself. Follow the ones above and you’ll notice that, this time around, maybe your move isn’t quite as bad as you expected it to be.

  • Afton Jackson says:

    Your suggestions on what to use to avoid breaking items while packing were really helpful to read about. This is something I really needed to know since we have a lot of fragile electronic devices that we need to keep while we move to our new apartment so we can continue working remotely. I’ll make sure I do this so I can assist any local moving company I end up hiring so they have an easier time carrying my fragile stuff.

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