As soon as you get confirmation of your closing date, you should start planning your move into your condominium community. You need to start thinking about hauling your belongings to your new space.
A moving company can do this for you, but many homeowners prefer to pack a van or truck themselves, especially if they’re moving a short distance away.
Here are some tips:
What to do prior to moving day
When planning a move into a condo, it makes sense to start packing as early as you can. Buy a pack of Sharpies to label boxes, and use sturdy packing supplies.
Condo buildings often are more densely populated and on more levels than single-family and townhouse communities. So, there might not be as much space to haul a desk four flights up and squeeze it into your unit. Consider what you can easily disassemble and reassemble.
Another difference is that you'll need to coordinate your move with the community's homeowners association. "HOAs are often involved in approving move dates and times, reserving service elevators, issuing parking or loading instructions and outlining building protection requirements like padding elevators or walls," said Ashlyn Kreshel, director of operations for UniMovers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Some HOAs also restrict moves to weekdays or specific hours, which can impact scheduling flexibility."
Many condominiums require a moving company to provide a certificate of insurance for you to move into the building, said Najah Ayoub, chief marketing officer of Piece of Cake Moving & Storage in New York City.
A certificate of insurance lists the building as additionally insured and protects the property in case of accidental damage to elevators or other shared areas on moving day, Ayoub said. "Professional movers are experienced in preparing and submitting COIs correctly, which is why working with an insured moving company is essential for a smooth condo move."
Many condo communities require a refundable move-in deposit or moving-day fee, which is returned after the move as long as no damage occurs, Ayoub added.
Draft a checklist of the tasks you need to complete to move. These can include:
- Purchase in advance the items you’ll need when you arrive, such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and basic staples in the kitchen.
- Measure your new space to make sure your belongings will fit. Take photos and draw a diagram of what could go where.
- Map your route to your new place, especially if you’re moving a time zone or two away. Plan for tolls, rest stops and how much gas you’ll spend.
- Review the condition of your unit. Note any dings or chips or other repairs you could make before moving.
- Make sure appliances work.
- Check for any signs of pests. They’re much easier to find if there’s no furniture to hide behind.
Moving is an opportunity to declutter, especially if you’re transitioning into a smaller space. You can sell or donate or toss what you don’t need.
Pro tip: Big-box stores and the post office sell boxes in different weights of cardboard, letting you reserve heavier-weight material for your more fragile items.
If you decide to hire movers, plan carefully to save money and prevent hassles. You should call several companies and compare prices. Also read online reviews. Only choose professionals who are licensed by the state and who are insured.
Ask movers what services and materials they supply. Will they provide their own boxes? Do they charge for bubble wrap? Do they charge extra if your condo building doesn’t have a service elevator or if they have to provide any extra labor?
What to do on moving day
If you’re renting a truck, time the pickup so you can load and unload it in a day if possible. That saves money. Set aside plenty of room for stacking boxes — you can move the furniture into the exact spot you want when you have more space. You’ll also need an uncluttered space to assemble any items like furniture.
If you hired a company, be at the condo unit when the movers show up. You can direct items to the locations you want and answer any questions the movers have. It may be a good idea to provide lunch and cold drinks. Ask the company what their tip policy is, too. Lifting a sofa up three flights is hard work, even if you’re experienced.
Moving companies often charge an additional fee when a building does not have a service elevator because the labor and time required increase significantly when movers must carry items up or down stairs, said Ayoub.
One of the first things you’ll want to do in your new place is to set up window treatments like blinds and drapes, so you have the privacy you need. Remember to bring a toolbox for curtain rods.
Don’t forget to change your address with the post office. You can do this online. Also alert your telephone, cable, internet, water and electricity providers that you need to stop or transfer service. You also can take this opportunity to cancel any subscriptions to magazines and transfer your bank accounts and prescriptions to a branch closer to your new home.
Pro tip: Set aside space in your unit where you can store boxes to get them out of the way. You could either move the boxes into a neutral space or into the room where they will be needed.