Tips for Moving from a Home to an Apartment

Downsizing to a Central New Jersey apartment makes a lot of sense if you have too much room once the kids move out, or if one-floor living would make your life easier. However, between choosing the right apartment to paring down your belongings, the process can feel a bit overwhelming. These tips just may make the move to your new home a little easier.

Determine Your New Home Priorities

Before you begin your apartment search, you should consider:

Location: Do you want an apartment that’s close to amenities, services and transportation or one that’s in a more secluded location? Proximity to stores, doctor’s offices and public transportation will definitely be an advantage if you’re downsizing after retirement.

Parking: Living in an apartment won’t be more convenient if you have to park a half-mile from your rental. Ask if the community offers parking spaces, or if you can rent your own private garage.

Amenities: Taking advantage of an apartment community’s amenities and features can save you money. There’s no need to pay for an expensive gym membership if your community offers an on-site fitness center. If you’re moving to an apartment due to concerns about current or future mobility issues, you’ll want to eliminate buildings that don’t offer elevators.

Pets: Will your pets be welcome in your new apartment too? If you can’t imagine life without your furry friends, limit your search to pet-friendly rentals only. Keep in mind that apartment communities may set restrictions regarding the number, size, type or breed of pets accepted.

Book Movers Right Away

Will you be moving during the spring or summer? So will thousands of other people, many of whom will want to move on a Saturday or Sunday. Booking movers as soon as you sign the lease for your apartment will help you ensure that you have a choice of moving dates.

Be sure to get a written estimate from movers to avoid last-minute disputes about your bill. Read online reviews and ask the companies you’re considering to provide references.

Although your movers will transport most of your belongings to your new home, they may not move these items:

Aerosol products
Nail polish
Matches
Batteries
Bleach
Perishable food
Paint
Plants
Gasoline

Plan to pack and move irreplaceable items yourself, such as photo albums, jewelry, cash and important documents. Computer and sensitive electronic equipment may be damaged in the back of a hot or cold moving truck. It’s best to bring these items with you.

Take an Inventory of Your Belongings

You’ll probably have more than enough furniture to fill your apartment if you’re moving from a house.

An inventory of your current belongings and a copy of your new floor plan can help you determine which pieces will fit in your new home. Pencil in potential spots for furniture on the floor plan, or use an app that allows you to virtually design rooms, like Living Spaces or Plan Your Room.

Once you decide which items won’t make the trip, call the kids, family members or neighbors and let them choose what they want. Donate or sell items that your family or neighbors don’t take.

No matter what the size of your house, it will probably take more time than you think to inventory all of your belongings. Begin cleaning out and inventorying the contents of your basement, attic, garage, shed and storage closets at least two or three months before you plan to sell.

Make Arrangements with Utility and Insurance Companies

In all the excitement surrounding your move, it’s easy to forget a few not-so-little details, like making sure the power or water will be turned on in your new apartment. Contact gas, electric, Internet, cable, phone and water companies a few weeks before your move-out/move-in dates. You may want to keep utilities turned on for a few days in both places, particularly if your home will need to be cleaned once the furniture is removed.

You won’t need homeowner’s insurance anymore, but you will need to purchase renter’s insurance to protect your possessions. Although the apartment community’s insurance policy covers the building, it won’t pay to replace your belongings in case of a fire, flood, hurricane or another disaster.

Are you looking for an apartment in Bridgewater, NJ that’s close to everything? Fairway 28, a Country Classics Community, is located minutes from Routes 287, 78, 206, 202 and 22. The luxury one- and two-bedroom apartment community features chef’s kitchens with stainless steel appliances and Silestone countertops, large master bedrooms, tiled bathrooms, washers and dryers, private garages (for a fee), a 24/7 fitness center and private balconies. Contact us for information on current apartment availability.