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Moving into a new house or place can be exciting but daunting. While you look at apartments for rent and get moved in, make sure your new home is just what you want.
Moving Into a New House: Five Things You Need to Know
Moving into a new house or apartment can be a great experience with loads of possibilities, but even the most enjoyable move will come with some frustrations. If you anticipate issues before they arrive, your move can bring you fewer headaches.
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Lifestyle Concerns
Be sure your lifestyle is welcome before you sign a lease. If you like to stay up late at night and the tenant below you will be bothered by your walking around at 3 a.m., you need to know this.
If you like to have a few friends over and want a little freedom in terms of sound level, you need to be sure you’re moving into a place where a little partying is acceptable. Ask the landlord about the atmosphere of the building before signing a lease.
Check Electrical Outlets
Even before you move in, check to make sure your new apartment has grounded (three-prong) electrical outlets in each room. This is easy to overlook, but it’s frustrating to move into a new apartment and realize you can’t plug in your computer in the living room where you plan to use it.
If you check before you move in, your landlord may be able to have an electrician change the plugs quickly. Avoid using a “cheater,” a plug that turns a two-prong outlet into a three-prong outlet.
Scope Out the Area
As this will be your new home, check out what there is to do nearby: Coffee shops, restaurants, bars, parks, grocers, useful businesses, and other places. If you know the area, it will be less unlikely that you’ll feel overwhelmed when you’re finally in your new place. It will also be advantageous if you check out the street you’ll be living on if you will be shipping your cars during your move because auto carrier trucks cannot make it onto streets that are too small or have restrictions.
Report Problems
Don’t be afraid to report problems such as improperly working appliances, mold in the shower or cracks in the ceiling to your landlord. That’s what landlords are for – not just taking your rent money. If you report a problem when it’s small, it will be less likely to become a bigger issue later.
Furnish for Free
If you’re moving into a new house or moving into an apartment and don’t have much stuff yet, you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy new things. You can furnish your place for little to no money. Ask family and friends if they have furniture and other items they no longer want. Check to see if your community has a Freecycle site through which people give and get free items.
Be careful when going to a stranger’s home for a free item; take another person with you and be sure someone else knows where you’re going. It may seem paranoid, but it doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side. You can also find good deals at garage sale and thrift stores. Plus, you don’t have to get everything right away. Furnish and decorate as you go to make your apartment truly a home you love.
External Links
- Terrific Tips to Organize Your Move and Keep You Sane – The Spruce
- 21 tips for an easy move | Style at Home