Moving apartments can be hectic, but relocating conveniently nearby alleviates commute upheavals and getting familiar with a new neighborhood. However, shifting spaces still requires planning – especially regarding new utility setups, parking provisions, furniture measurements, and those loathed stairwells now part of your daily tread.
Here’s your go-to apartment neighbor-shuffle checklist for eliminating move-in madness:
Inspect Closely, Early, and Often.
Schedule walkthroughs of your new unit at least one month before move-in examining appliances, lights, cabinets, and floors – anything with flaws should get addressed immediately by building management. Confirm repairs made later. Document pre-moving conditions vigorously to avoid security deposit debates down the road when retrieving keys.
The Role of Moving Companies
Professional moving companies play a pivotal role in facilitating a seamless move to another apartment. Their expertise in packing, transporting, and unpacking ensures a swift and organized transition. With their assistance, you can focus on the excitement of settling into your new Chicago apartment, knowing that the logistical aspects are in capable hands.
Get Specific About Parking
Review lot provisions in the new lease and ensure one guaranteed spot at least for hauling loading/unloading moving trucks on the street or driveway nearest entry doors your first week. Reserve any guest spots or permits required to avoid overnight street sweeps of U-Hauls. Factor where you’ll wheel endless trips to/from trucks and if staircases have ramp accessibility or require heavy lifting onto dollies. Moving always involves more parking strategy than envisioned so chat with the building manager and map it out early.
Consider Local Regulations
If you’re moving within Chicago, be aware of local regulations that might affect your move. Some neighborhoods have specific rules about moving times, parking, and elevator usage. Understanding these regulations ensures a smooth and compliant move.
Calculate Furnishings Fit
Meticulously measure room dimensions, windows, hallways, and stair widths of old and new units along with the spatial footprint of all mattresses, tables, dressers, and desks you intend moving. Sketch proposed floor plans plotting furnishings to scale ensuring adequate clearance walking paths and proper fit possible given building constraints. Nothing stresses like attempting jamming sectionals beyond restrictive corners mid-transport when removed legs are still back at the old place!
Address Utilities and Services Start/Stop Gap
Confirm specifics on when the existing unit’s power, gas, internet, and trash pickup officially conclude along with the earliest service activation dates allowable in that provider’s system for the new address moving into. You need precise transition dates from management lining up the cutoff end with a new start avoiding any overnight gaps going 12+ hours utility-less which happens more often than seems reasonable. Always contact the provider a week before the move confirming installation appointments remain correctly scheduled at the new place.
Clean Carpet and Flooring, not just walls
Prepping apartment turnover typically focuses heavy attention on caked-on kitchen grease buildup and smudged doors requiring aggressive scrubbing which building cleaning crews readily tackle. But equally important is thoroughly clean carpeting including edge vacuuming corners and underneath radiators. Don’t neglect to scrub bathroom tile grout mildew or dust buried under the beds/kickboards during old place walkthroughs. New tenants appreciate starting fresh.
Measure Door Clearances Early
Miss measuring 60” sofa fitting through 30” stairwell or entry door frames by half an inch and it becomes a painful literal blocker derailing the entire moving track. Measure every entry doorway and transitions in old and new places early, confirming the widest clearance points for safe passage of the largest furniture items you’re keeping. This avoids move delays scrambling to unexpectedly disassemble and then rebuild beds and bureaus on back stair landings.
Take Closer Look At Staircases
While you hopefully scoped out stairs initially before signing a newer upstairs/downstairs unit lease, scrutinize those steep slopes again with fresh eyes through a “moving heavy furniture” lens. Do steps have sturdy center beams for bearing bulky weight loads? Check for broken edges or gaps potentially catching appliance wheels mid-hoist. Are stair corners cut sharp 90 degrees or rounded easier to pivot armor without gouging drywall or knocking handrails askew? If concerns, address them with the landlord to widen the tightest pinches alleviating move-in pains for you and future tenants.
Budget Wisely
While a local move might seem less costly, expenses can add up. Budget wisely by accounting for packing supplies, transportation costs, and any unforeseen expenses. Having a clear budget ensures you’re financially prepared for every aspect of your move.
Set Up Your New Space
Upon arrival at your new apartment, prioritize setting up essential spaces like the kitchen and bedroom. Unpack systematically, starting with necessities. This step-by-step approach helps you settle into your new space gradually.
Leave Room For New Stuff Too
When envisioning dreamy new apartment furniture arrangements, be sure to measure old item placements mapped to also allow walls/corners open accommodating a handful of new décor, plant stands, or shoe racks you’ll inevitably be shopping for post move!
Preparing for a local apartment hop still presents pitfalls so tackle this checklist ahead of time. Then cheers to a stress-minimized move culminating in home sweet home! Let neighbors hear your moves – no need to keep quiet about this victory.