By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
So, you have really decided that it is time to fly from the nest and strike out on your own. This can be a very fun time, but it is also brimming with questions that require to be answered. The mixture of excitement and apprehension that ensues during these times is understandable. That is why we are here to provide you with a few first time moving tips that provide for a successful move.Yes, it may be inviting to bribe some friends with pizza and soda to help with the move. Saving cash by not having to employ professional movers is a usual want, but you will need to take an objective point of view in these instances. If you are not going to be hiring a professional mover in Little Rock then you are going to have to look closely at your belongings.
You must also make sure that family and friends are even able to help. In a perfect setting, the help from both groups will be combined. We can always use an additional helper or two but this is no substitute for the help and experience that a professional moving company has to offer.
Or... what are the things that you have always expected would be subsidized by your parents? There are so many items that appear in this classification and you shouldn’t make the error of forgetting to take into consideration any of them. What do you know about utilities or insurance? Have you ever done your own grocery shopping?
Don't conclude that you already know everything. Talk with your parents and ask about all of the things that they have done for you. You could end up being surprised by the long to-do list that you get handed to you after this much-needed talk.
Do you know everything you need to pay for? If utilities are bundled with the rent, super, but that is pretty uncommon these days. If they are not billed together, then be positive you know whether you will be paying directly to the utility company or via the landlord (the latter is commonplace if your new abode is not metered). Make a schedule of the bills. Usually, you will have to worry about utilities, cell phone, internet (and possibly cable, unless you will be depending on streaming services). Additionally, you should get renters' insurance. It's not expensive, could be required by your landlord, and usually covers you in the event of theft, damage, and even some liability.
Calculate out how much rent you can really afford. It is not uncommon need your parents cosign on your first lease simply because you don't have the credit history. But, you need to make positive you can actually manage the rent and utilities plus food, etc. Come up with a budget for the other expenses you have and then calculate how much you have.
Work out what you must buy or come up with. You should do this after you have selected your apartment and signed the lease. Such as, if your new place has a built-in microwave, you should not need to purchase one. Put together a checklist of everything you need. Next, arrange it so it is clear what you will want to purchase first and which items you can wait on. For example, you will need toilet paper, but might be able to wait on decorative pillows. Keep in mind you can buy a lot of items second hand if you want.
A normal error that is made by non-experienced movers is a failure to collect cartons far enough in advance. By being as proactive as possible, a first-time mover has the ability to avoid the headaches of attempting to get moving supplies at the last possible moment. In the time before the move, make sure to visit local stores to figure out where you can go to get the boxes that you need. Some may give them to you for free and others may charge a nominal fee. Or, good quality moving supplies can always be purchased from your local moving company in Little Rock.
Finding an apartment that is in the right neck of the woods is all about thinking about the realities of your existence. Where is your employer located? Where do you spend most of your free time? Choosing an apartment that does not place you in a position where you are forced to endure long commutes is usually vital.
Consider the community makeup also. Are you someone who likes to stay up late or are you looking to start a family? Choose the neighborhood that lines up with your personal goals in this regard.
Once it is time to start looking at apartments, it is vital to remember that most of the deal-breaking problems are going to be hiding under the surface. For example, take a closer look at the windows to make sure that they are not water damaged or compromised in any way.
Are the neighbors too noisy? What security features are available? What type of extra amenities are available at the site? How will you move your things inside? These are all questions that need to be answered in full before signing the lease.
Review the lease carefully. Make sure you comprehend what you are signing. Asking your parents or an older friend for help is okay. Leases are often filled with confusing legal terminology and may contain rules that seem odd. You need to know what is going on with your lease, not just sign it blindly.
Unless hiring a moving company to pack for you, pack ahead of time and over a few days. It is less stressful that way. Also, packing ahead of time helps make sure you pack the belongings you need least first and the things you need most last, so that when you unpack, these items will be on the top.
Don't panic. Moving is a nerve-racking event, and it's easy to work yourself into a "tizzy." Slow down, and have fun with it. Hiring professional movers is going to be less stressful than doing the move yourself. If doing any of the packing and loading and unloading yourself, make sure to take breaks to rest and hydrate yourself. Don’t pack a carton that you are unable to lift. (This is another great reason to hire movers, who are accustomed to lifting heavy boxes and much less likely to hurt themselves.)
Moving into your first apartment on your own (or even with a roommate) in Little Rock is a big step. Heed the above suggestions to make it all go well and avoid getting into financial, or other, trouble. And, if you need help with moving in or to Little Rock, click here to contact us!!
