Are you taking advantage of the summer months to find a new apartment? Perhaps you’re moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a new job, or you’re fresh out of college and looking for your first post-university apartment. Whatever your situation, it’s important to know what to do when moving into an apartment – along with what not to do – so we’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts that you should consider when making your move.

The Dos of Moving into an Apartment

Here are the things you should do when moving into an apartment.

1. Read the Lease Thoroughly

Before you sign your lease, make sure that you read the entire document carefully. Some leases have strict conditions in the fine print that may make it hard to move out before the lease expires or that allow the landlord to change the rent at any moment. Read it carefully and ask any questions you may have before you sign the agreement. You don’t want to find yourself having to break your lease and facing a huge penalty as a result.

2. Inspect the Unit

When you move into a new apartment, you’ll have the chance to inspect the unit on the first day. Carefully note any flaws (like cracks in the walls, carpet stains, or squeaky doors) and be sure to notify your landlord of all that you find. Take photographs as you go so you can provide pictures as evidence. Not only will this help you get maintenance requests filed, but it can also save you from losing your security deposit when you move out.

3. Get to Know the Neighborhood

One of the first things you’ll want to do when moving into a new apartment is to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood. Do a little scouting to see where the closest grocery store and post office are. Check out the local restaurants and recreational areas. This process will help you feel at home much faster.

The Don’ts of Moving into an Apartment

Here are the things you should avoid when moving into an apartment.

1. Stretch Your Budget

While it may be tempting to find the most classic apartment in the neighborhood of your dreams, it’s not necessarily the best plan: stretching your budget just to accommodate a more beautiful place can cause a ton of financial stress down the road. Look for options that stay within your proposed budget, and be sure to calculate potential extra expenses like utilities and groceries – create your budget and stick to it.

2. Avoid Asking for Help

If this is your first move away from home – or into your own place – don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. You can’t learn new things without having a teacher – if you need help putting up a shelf, installing new curtains, or emptying the drain pan under your fridge, ask for it. This is also a great time to learn how to be a good neighbor, being conscientious and responsible in your own space and responsive to requests for help yourself.

3. Have a Chaotic Move

There’s something to be said for staying organized during the packing and moving process. If you’re just throwing things into a box and don’t have a system for unpacking, then you’ll have a hard time getting everything organized when you move it into your new apartment. Consider working with professional movers like us that can help you pack and safely move all your things so that the process isn’t so stressful.

Professional Movers Can Help You Move Confidently

Moving into a new apartment can be stressful and exhausting. Working with professional movers that can help you pack your belongings and move you into your new home is a great way to make the entire process a cake walk.

Looking for Dallas movers that can help you move confidently? Call Delicate Moving to help you get your things packed and into your new place today.