{"id":2016,"date":"2015-06-30T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2015-06-30T13:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/?p=2016"},"modified":"2023-07-24T14:03:33","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T18:03:33","slug":"dont-move-apartments-without-these-10-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/dont-move-apartments-without-these-10-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Move Apartments Without These 10 Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Moving – it’s a word that’s dreaded by many. However, it doesn’t have to frighten you. By educating yourself on the nuances of moving – prior to encountering the situation – you can eliminate much of the stress that comes along with it. We’ve provided 10 tips to help make your move less stressful.<\/p>\n

Getting Your Security Deposit Back<\/h2>\n

Let’s start with one of the most pressing questions people have when getting ready to move apartments: “How can I ensure I get my security deposit back<\/a>?” Because a security deposit is often equal to the first month’s rent, this is a very valid question. It can be worth as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as a few thousand. As such, it’s important to use the following tips. Not only will they help you get your current security deposit back, but they’ll also increase your chances of getting the next one back.<\/p>\n

1. Carefully Read Your Lease\"Move1\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Anytime you sign anything, whether it’s a lease<\/a>, business contract, loan agreement, or bill, you must read the fine print. Your lease with your landlord should clearly explain the termination process and how your security deposit will be handled. It will likely provide a list of things that can cause a breach of contract and responsibilities that must be handled on your part before handing over the keys.<\/p>\n

2. Always Take Thorough Pictures<\/h3>\n

It’s not uncommon for landlords and tenants to disagree over what damage was present upon moving in and what damage is present when you move out. In order to avoid getting in a he-said-she-said debate, it’s best to take pictures for proof. When you move into a new apartment, start by documenting the appearance. Take pictures of anything and everything and store them in a folder on your computer. Then, if you have any disagreements with the landlord, you can always return to those images for clarification. It’s also not a bad idea to take more pictures when moving out, so the landlord doesn’t try to track you down later and claim you caused damage.<\/p>\n

3. Wear and Tear vs. Damage<\/h3>\n

\"Move3\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The biggest problem most tenants and landlords have is deciphering between\u00a0normal wear and tear and actual damage. And while the line between the two can often become blurred, there should be some clarification in the lease. Otherwise, normal wear and tear typically consists of things like small nail holes in the walls, faded paint, minor matting of the carpet, and tiny scratches on hardware and doors. Damage consists of things like broken windows, large stains on the carpet, pet damage<\/a>, mold<\/a>, and holes in the drywall.<\/p>\n

Packing Up and Moving Out<\/h2>\n

Once you’re clear about how the security deposit reimbursement process works, turn your focus to packing up and moving out. Use some of these 10 tips to make the process easier:<\/p>\n

4. Double Your Time Allotment<\/h3>\n

Moving always takes longer than you think. As a rule of thumb, always prepare for twice the amount of time. For example, if you think moving out will only take one afternoon, plan for an entire day. You’ll likely encounter small issues along the way, making an extra trip to the hardware store or cleaning up unexpected messes.<\/p>\n

5. Don’t Overstuff Boxes\"Move5\"<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Boxes are cheap<\/a> (and often free), so resist the urge to pack boxes to the brim and go a little lighter. You’ll be glad you properly packed boxes when it’s time to load and unload them from the truck. Along the same lines, always carefully wrap fragile items. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes packing than having to deal with broken items when you unload.<\/p>\n

6. Hire Some Help<\/h3>\n

Whether it’s some kids down the street or a professional moving company<\/a>, help is always needed when moving apartments. Not only do the extra bodies make the process go a lot faster, but they also allow you to safely move large pieces without injuring yourself or damaging walls.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n