1. Give Your Kids Time

Tell your kids ahead of time about an upcoming move. Give them 2-3 months notice if at all possible. Sometimes,
moving to an apartment happens on short notice, but always try to give your kids as much time as you can to
prepare for the move.

2. Give Your Kids a Semblance of Control

One of the things that makes moving more difficult for kids that they usually have little say in where or when their
parents are moving to an apartment. Kids thrive on routine, and changes can be scary, especially when they affect
their surroundings and social circle in the way a move does. Giving back a little bit of control to the kids will go a
long way in making the transition smoother for all parties involved. It doesn't take much: if the apartment is nearby,
drive by and point it out to the kids, or if the move is long-distance show the child pictures of their new home. If
possible, let the kids pick out their rooms, or maybe even pick paint colors before moving. Talk about activities you
can do together in the new place, and visit or look up nearby schools, stores, or playgrounds. All these little things
make the new home real to the kids and will help them begin to prepare by imagining their new life after the move.

3. Try to Schedule Your Move During The Summer

If at all possible, try to schedule your move during the summer months, after the school year has ended. Moving to
an apartment during the summer, lets kids start the new school at the same time as the other students. It's easier
to make friends at the beginning of the school year than it is later on when friendship groups form.

4. Be Positive About the Move

Kids look to adults for clues on how to manage their feelings during changes like moving to an apartment. Moving
is stressful and challenging for most parents, but try to focus on the positive aspects of moving when your child is
in earshot. When children see that you are excited and positive about the prospect of moving, they will be excited
and positive too.

5. Keep the Move Fun

There are lots of games you can play with your children to make the moving to an apartment more interesting for
them. Older kids can help label or even decorate moving boxes. Younger children might have more fun if you
make up a silly moving-song in a familiar tune, then you can sing it together as you pack and move. You can also
let children help pack, and hide little surprises in between the things they are packing, like small toys, stickers, or
even candy. Making a moving day playlist that you can play in the car, or moving truck, as you drive to the new
apartment is also a fun idea.

6. After the Move

As soon as you are moved into the new apartment, make finishing your child's room a priority. It can be difficult for
children to feel at home if their room is full of packed boxes, even if their bed can be slept in. It is a good idea to
limit other changes during the move. If your child is about to outgrow their bed, for example, consider letting them
keep the old bed until they are settled in the new place, and then make the changes in furniture. If possible,
decorate and arrange furniture in your child's room in the new apartment to look like their old room. Children often
feel safer when they are around things that are familiar to them.

Hopefully, these tips will make moving to an apartment just a little bit easier, if not downright fun, both for the kids,
and the adults involved.

Happy moving!

The post 6 Ways to Make Moving to an Apartment Easier On Your Kids appeared first on South Parc Blog.

Why Is An Apartment Inspection So Important?

Your apartment inspection is probably one of the most essential steps you have to take before you sign your lease. The apartment walkthrough is exactly what it sounds like– you walk through the apartment with your landlord or manager to see if there are any issues that should be repaired before you move in. Identifying these issues is incredibly important as it helps you avoid fees for any damages that you didn’t cause when you move out. This is an easy step that helps save you money in the long run– you want to get your full deposit back when you move!

Rental Walkthrough Checklist

When you do your rental inspection, bring your phone and something to write on. Notes and pictures will both come in handy if you see any issues. You’ll want to record these as they’re top of mind so that you don’t forget. Here are some things you’ll want to look for as you go through the apartment:

Kitchen Issues

• Examine the oven. Are the burners clean? Is the inside clean? Does it turn on?

• Check the fridge and freezer. Are they both cold? Your freezer should be free of ice buildup.

• Look inside the dishwasher. Is the interior clean? DOes it turn on??

• If applicable, check the garbage disposal and make sure it runs correctly. Does the kitchen sink drain??

Bathroom Issues

• Turn on the shower- what is the water pressure like?

• Check the sink- is it draining properly?

• Do all light fixtures work?

• Flush the toilet- does it function properly?

• Are there any cracked tiles?

Security

• Check all locks. Do they work properly?

• Look for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check to see if they’ll work.

Entire Apartment

• Check Outlets and make sure they work.

• Open and close doors to make sure they’re functional. Same with windows.

• Are screens and panes in good condition?

• Check the carpet for stains.

• Look at the paint and note any discoloration or marks on walls.

Post-Apartment Inspection

After your apartment walkthrough, make sure that you discuss your concerns with the landlord or management team. When you’re done, compile the notes of issues that you saw and send those to your landlord along with any pictures you took in an email. This way, everything discussed is documented. Be sure that your landlord follows up with how they’ll address these issues. Keep all notes and records as they may be handy when you move out.

Everything you do now will help you save money later. Document everything and keep records while you’re living in this apartment to ensure that you will receive your full deposit later when you leave the property for bigger and better things.

The post The Apartment Inspection Checklist appeared first on South Parc Blog.

That being said, moving to a new place is an exciting time. With a little planning and organization, this 8 week guide to your impending move will make sure that you’ve gotten everything done between now and the big day so that you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate!

8 Weeks Before The Move

The big day is 2 months away! That’s close, but not close enough to where the pressure is one quite yet. This is an important time for you to start planning ahead for every aspect of your move. Good news: we’ve got you covered. We won’t shield you from the truth– you’ve got your work cut out for you. There’s a lot to prepare for. In the end, you’ll be thankful that you’ve gotten a head start and stayed organized.

1. Start a “moving” file/folder on Google Drive to keep receipts, quotes, and any records that pertain to the move. You will not be able to remember all the details, so keeping them in a document for easy reference will make your life much easier.
    

2. Schedule estimates in your home with moving companies to start gathering bids.
    

3. Set a realistic budget for your moving expenses. We all want to hire a professional mover, buy that new sofa and get a new TV, but it’s important to keep your priorities straight!
    

4. Read over the documents from the moving companies you’ve gotten bids for before you choose one and sign a contract. Don’t let their contracts intimidate you by making sure that you are educated about their company policies ahead of time.
    

5. Request the time off from work you’ll need for moving day. If possible, plan to move on a Friday so you’ll have the rest of the weekend to get organized. (You’ll appreciate this later!)
    

6. Start working on choosing a school for your kids. Get their documents in order, make the phone calls to start the conversation and paperwork now.
    

7. In the same light, request the transcripts for your kids from their old/current school to get to their new school. In this particular case, distance isn’t a factor- your child’s new school will need these. Prepare now so your kids won’t get left behind!
    

8. Plan a garage sale and then donate anything that you couldn’t sell.
    

9. Start planning how you will move fragile or expensive items. Your movers may not be qualified to move some of the larger, more expensive items in your home- this may require a specialty mover to get the job done without any damage.

6 Weeks Before the Move

Six weeks before you move, it’s important to make sure that everything is in order. If you’re moving out of town, there are a dozen tasks that must be addressed in addition to organizing your belongings. At six weeks out, you still have plenty of time.

1. Make time for friends and family before moving day if you’re leaving town.
    

2. Start collecting free boxes from restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, and office supply shops. Most of these businesses have more boxes than they know what to do with and will be more than happy to hand them over to you.
    

3. Label your moving boxes by using different colored stickers or tape for each room. This makes life incredibly easier once you’re all moved in and ready to unpack.
    

4. Create an inventory sheet of all valuables before they go on the truck. Keep a private list of which boxes contain valuables.
    

5. Mark the boxes that are fragile to prevent your bookshelf crushing grandma’s china.
    

6. Take photos of all electronics before you unplug them. This will help you remember how to reconnect things like your TV and stereo later on.
    

7. Put all hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture assembly.
    

8. Gather your socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens to use as free packing supplies. Your drinking glasses will be perfectly safe in a dish towel, no need to spend money here.
    

9. Moving into an apartment? Check with management to find out if there are any moving day requirements.
    

10. Address any minor home repairs before you move out. If you’re moving out of an apartment or rental, this can be the difference between getting your security deposit back or not.
     

11. Moving cross country? Have your vehicle serviced beforehand. The last thing you need is a car breaking down mid-move.
     

12. Pack a little every day. You don’t want to have to get stuck packing everything the night before.

4 Weeks Before The Move

You’ve officially made it to the one month mark! This is the time where you should start gathering important documents that you’ll need to bring with you to the new place You should also start doing things like selling and donating unwanted items. Getting rid of excess will make packing a lot easier to complete- less stuff means less to do!

1. Buy moving insurance to cover all belongings during the move.
    

2. Confirm the parking options for your moving truck- you might need a permit for moving day.
    

3. Use or donate items that you don’t want to pack or sell like frozen foods, bleach, and any aerosol cans.
    

4. Gather all of your financial and legal records together and store them in a central location.
    

5. Find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new neighborhood.
    

6. Update voter registration
    

7. Shop around for cable, internet and phone.
    

8. Make sure pets have ID tags for their collars.
    

9. Make a moving day playlist to make things a little more fun :)
    

Two Weeks Before The Move

Your big day is right around the corner! Being two weeks away from moving, it’s time to update your accounts and records for your new place and address. Take these two weeks and plan ahead in regards to packing, meals, medication, pets and children. Moving day will be busy. Make sure you have everything on your moving list checked off for this two week point.

1. Create a moving file to organize moving-related receipts and bills.
    

2. Recycle and dispose of any toxic, corrosive, or flammable items properly in your area.
    

3. Prep two weeks worth of meals and use everything in the freezer!
    

4. Backup your computer. If something happens during your move, you’ll be glad you did.
    

5. Set up trash service and recycling for your new place and cancel current service.
    

6. Fill your prescriptions.
    

7. Forward your mail.
    

8. Change your address with government offices like the Social Security Administration, Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the IRS.
    

9. Transfer your renters or homeowners insurance to your new place.
    

10. Cancel gym memberships
     

11. Transfer your utilities
     

12. Update your driver’s license
     

13. Change your address for auto insurance and car registration
     

14. Change your address for Amazon
     

It’s Moving Week!

The time is nigh! Now is the moment to make sure your belongings are organized, finish your packing and clean your old place. Make sure everything is squared away early for a stress-free moving day.
 

1. Cancel or redirect scheduled deliveries.
    

2. Clean, clean clean!
    

3. Defrost your freezer
    

4. Drain water hoses to your washer machine
    

5. Double check all shelves and closet corners
    

6. Fill all nail holes
    

7. Pack a box of everything you’ll need in the first 24 hours in your new place.
    

8. Make a worst case scenario plan in case something happens on moving day.
    

9. Take photos of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition
    

Moving Day Checklist
 

The big day is finally here! All of your preparation has led you to this very moment. On the day of your move, rise and shine! Get an early start and start the day off right by getting moving. The earlier you move in, the more time you’ll have to unpack and settle in.
 

1. Set an alarm and get up early on moving day!
    

2. Protect floors and carpets while you move.
    

3. If you’ve hired movers, they’ve worked hard for you all day so make sure to tip them!
    

4. As soon as the movers leave, make your bed, unpack your shower curtain and toiletries. You’ll want a nap and a shower and this will make it much easier.
    

5. Get to know your neighbors!
    

6. Go grocery shopping. At this point in the process, you’ve had enough take out.
    

7. If you don’t have curtains or shades yet, cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night.

You’ve survived! Hopefully your move was a complete success and you’re able to settle into your new place without a hitch. Aim to unpack within the next two weeks so you can begin to settle in.

The post The Ultimate Moving Checklist appeared first on South Parc Blog.