6 Tips for Moving Into a Rental Home

There are few things more exciting than moving into a new rental home. Having a new space to make into a home is both exhilarating and stressful, which is why the moving process must go smoothly. The more prepared you are, the easier the transition will be. 

For those with a recently approved rental application, it's time to make a game plan. These tips for moving into a rental house will set you up for success.

1. Prepare Early

There are so many things to do before moving into a rental house that it can feel overwhelming. As a rule of thumb, begin preparing two months in advance. While this might seem too early to start, you'll have plenty of tasks to fill that space. Here are a few of the most important things to start with:

• Speak with your old landlord about the move.

• Touch base with your new landlord on timeline expectations.

• Take inventory of your belongings.

• Create a packing schedule.

These small and simple tasks can go a long way toward jumpstarting your transition process. 

2. Forward Your Mail

Depending on the type of rental property you're moving into, many will assign a specific mailbox to each resident. This means you'll need to ask your landlord which mailbox number corresponds to your new house. 

Once you have this information (along with your move-in date), inform the post office. They can help you schedule your forwarding services. You can fill out the form at your current post office or online.

3. Pack Your Things

Packing is typically the part of the process people dread the most. A great way to get started on this potentially overwhelming task is to get rid of unwanted items. You can either sell or donate them. It's an ideal way to generate some momentum and make the packing process less stressful.

You'll also need supplies to pack your belongings. Whether cardboard boxes, packing tape, or secure totes, you'll want to decide on the best option for you and purchase enough to fit everything you own.

4. Make Extra Key Copies

Once you get to your new rental house, you'll want to make extra key copies. If you have multiple people in your home who need copies, ensure you have enough to go around. Make a copy to hide somewhere in the event you lock yourself out of the house or in an emergency. 

5. Inspect Your Rental House

When moving day finally arrives, the most important thing is to conduct a thorough inspection of your old property and the new rental house. Take pictures of every room in your old home to document the condition, and do the same at the new place.

Many landlords provide a move-in checklist. This will help you document the condition of your new rental home on the day you move in. Make sure to complete this as soon as possible.

6. Settle In

Now for the fun part. Your things are all in the new house, and everything is ready to be organized. Making your new rental house a home is an exciting and gratifying process. There are a few key things you can do to make the process smoother. 

• Make any maintenance requests you discovered during the inspection.

• Find the trash and recycling bins and familiarize yourself with the schedule.

• Obtain local store recommendations.

• Meet your neighbors.

• Unpack your belongings.

Discover More Rental Moving Tips Today 

Congratulations on your new rental property! It can be a daunting process, but if you take the time to prepare, you can avoid lots of obstacles along the way.