5 Things to Do Before Moving In To a New Apartment
So you are all ready to start looking for your new apartment. If you have rented apartments before, you may have a plan in place and a list of things you need to do before you sign your lease. However, if this is your first time renting then you may not know that there are a few things that need to be taken care of before you start planning your big move.
Check On Utilities
Many apartment complexes will provide certain utilities that are included in the rent. Water and trash are the most common but some also offer basic cable as well. You will need to check to see which utilities are covered and arrange to have service started for those that are not.
Forward Your Mail
You certainly don’t want your mail to be sent to your old address so it is important that prior to your move you have all of your mail forwarded to your new residence. Take a trip down to any post office and fill out the paperwork or take care of this online.
Schedule A Moving Truck
Even if you are taking care of the move yourself, if you need to rent a truck make sure to reserve it early enough. If you wait until the day before the big move you may find that there are no available trucks for rent. Take care of this at least two weeks in advance.
Read Through The Rules/Lease Agreement
Make sure you understand what is allowed at your new apartment and what isn’t. Can you bring your bull mastiff or is there a limit on the weight of pets? Are there assigned parking spaces for resident? Can you have a barbeque grill on the patio? These are just some of the things you need to know.
Find A Renter’s Insurance Policy
Think your landlord’s insurance will protect your property if it is stolen or damaged? Think again. Your landlord has insurance that protects the building’s structure but your stuff is not protected. The same is true with liability, if the negligence is caused by your landlord then their insurance will cover damages, if you are found to be at fault you will need your own renter’s insurance policy.
Jeff Orloff writes for the Consumer Media Network’s Renter’s Insurance Blog.