7 Tips for Moving Into Your First Apartment

Go With the Flow

This is one of the most crucial tips for moving into your first apartment. Being in your 20’s can be tumultuous, as you’re trying to get yourself established and figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life while being paid less than other adults and given more demands. The key to dealing with stress is to flow with it. When stressful scenarios appear in life we have two choices: let it consume us and whittle away at our mental sanity, or accept what is and learn to make the most of the situation. Especially when it comes to things we have little to no control over, going with the flow does wonders for easing stress.

Envision Your New Home

Get to know your apartment before moving in. Take pictures of all rooms ahead of time and start brainstorming ideas early about what you want to bring along, where it will go, and how it will look. By planning out the layout of your new home, you’re being mindful about how you want your home to be set up and not showing up on moving day without a clue of what goes where.

Start packing as soon as possible

Packing effectively and strategically is one of the most important aspects of moving into your first apartment. You want to make sure you have all of the comforts of home with you, but you also want to maintain a level of mobility, especially when you’re just starting out. Therefore, it is important to distinguish what you truly want to bring with you, what stays at your parent’s house, and what can be sold or donated. Check out our tips for protecting valuables for a more comprehensive guide on effective packing.

Make clear plans

Make or utilize a checklist for the entire moving process. What differentiates a swift, effective move from a totally unorganized, chaotic mess is planning. One of the most effective ways to plan for a move is to make a checklist of tasks and things to get done leading up to the move. Keeping your tasks organized will help reduce your stress, and you’ll feel great checking off to-do items one-by-one as your move-in day approaches.

Buy necessary items

If this is the first time you’re moving into a place of your own, seek some help and advice from your parents or friends on what you will need to make your home comfortable. It isn’t enough to just have a television, couch, and bed. There are a few more essentials for your new apartment that will really make a difference in making the place feel homey.

Get to know the neighborhood

Don’t fall in love with the idea of a neighborhood. New York City has changed over the years, and some neighborhoods, particularly in Manhattan, have fallen victim to over-commercialization. Too many tourists, too many restaurant chains/franchises, and too many billboards can take away from the experience of living in such a vast melting pot of culture. They can also really take away from the feeling of being at home, which is crucial to moving out successfully. Visit a few neighborhoods and really focus on understanding the vibe so that you can find the one that suits you best.

Hire a professional moving company

Research shows that moving can be a more stressful experience than a divorce. Add the anxiety of this being your first move into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for lots of stress. New York City moves can be complex. That’s why you need professional movers to make the transition easy and smooth. Knowing that all your belongings are in professional and reliable hands will ease your mind while moving. This will allow you to focus on completing other important tasks leading up to your move-in day. Request a quote today and you’ll be on your way to move-in day.