So you’ve officially decided your next home is going to be a condo. Maybe you want a nice yard for Fido, or you’re looking to escape the hassles associated with living in an apartment complex. If this is your first time moving into a condo, the biggest question can be where to even start?
Condos differ from apartments because the individual spaces — living room, dining room, bathroom, bedrooms, etc. — are owned by an individual. Renters can lease the space from the owner, but the owner has a final say in everything that goes on in the unit. If you’ve never rented a condo before, the logistics of touring the space, packing your belongings, building an inventory, and estimating your moving expenses might be a little different from your run-of-the-mill apartment move.
Feel free to use the below printables before, during, and after your move to ensure you don’t encounter any unexpected expenses.
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Print Your Own ChecklistÂ
Confirm these features of the condo are functional:
- Drainage
- Disposal
- Running water
- Lights
- Fridge
- Fans
When packing up your current apartment
Tips:
- Give yourself as much time as possible to pack. Once you know you’re moving into a new place, start packing.
- Put books on roll-away suitcases for easy travel.
- Use towels, sheets, blankets to wrap valuables and save packing paper.
- Gather hanging clothes in a big trash bag and tie around the handles to save on boxes.
- Purge as you pack.
- Consider a moving van, over a friend’s truck.
What you'll need:
- Boxes (all sizes)
- Bubble wrap
- Packing paper
- Packing tape (a dispenser with metal teeth makes life easier)
- Tape that doesn’t leave sticky residue
- Dolly
- Climbing cords
- Moving blankets
- Toolbox
After the move:
- Save boxes by storing them for next time.
- Do a virtual walkthrough of your condo and film all of your stuff for insurance purposes.
- Don’t buy furniture before the move. Move in before outfitting your space.
- If you can afford it, hire a cleaner to come in and tidy up.Â
- Focus on intention. Unpack one room at a time. Make each room feel whole.
- Hang the curtains first. This change will give your new place a homey feeling.
- Light a few familiar candles to make the home smell like yours.
Even though you will be renting a condo, consider purchasing condo insurance. The monthly payments can be less expensive than homeowners insurance, and many owners require renters insurance anyway.
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