Ultimate Guide to Apartment Moving

How to move apartments without a hassle

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, relocating from one to another, or switching from an apartment to a house (or vice versa), this guide is for you. 

The moving experts at U-Pack® have gathered all the details about apartment moving to help you stay on track during the process. 

Staying organized when moving apartments

Any move can be chaotic if you’re not organized. Often, the best plan of action is to follow a moving checklist to stay on top of the necessary steps. 

However, there are some apartment-specific tasks to remember.

• Follow the rules of your lease for giving notice, cleaning the apartment and inspections to ensure you get back the security deposit
• Reserve elevators (if applicable)
• Plan for parking at the apartment complex

Still searching for your dream apartment? Check out this apartment hunting guide.

Tips for moving apartments efficiently

The best way to stay efficient when moving into or out of an apartment is to declutter first, stay organized and handle the details early.

Here are our tips for the best moving experience:

Measure tight spaces

 Keep a tape measure handy to make sure furniture will fit through doorways, elevator doors, and hallways to avoid surprises on moving day. Pivoting your sofa may not work in all instances!

Not all apartments and homes are the same size. Study the dimensions of the rooms or spaces in your new home to make sure furniture will work. You don’t want to show up with furniture that won’t fit in your space. 

Declutter first and pack efficiently

Moving fewer things is faster and easier. Declutter before moving, and donate, sell or discard items you no longer need. Try these packing tips to protect the things you want to keep and make sure to label everything to stay organized on moving day.

Moving into your first apartment and not sure what you’ll need? Review this apartment shopping list. 

Handle building access and logistics early

Contact management for instructions as soon as you know your moving date. Depending on the apartment lease, you may need to reserve an elevator, loading area or parking space. Some complexes may have strict moving policies. 

Ask for help

While you won’t necessarily need full-service movers, it can be difficult to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Ask friends or family for help moving, or consider hiring moving labor to load the equipment. You can save money by handling the packing.

Choose a moving solution designed for small moves 

If you’re moving across town, a rental truck makes a lot of sense. However, it is easier and more efficient to use a DIY moving service experienced in small moves, like U-Pack, for out-of-state relocations. 

Our ReloCube® moving containers are well-suited for apartment moves. 

Apartment moving FAQs

What is the best way to pack an apartment for moving?

Start with one room or space at a time. Pack any items you don't use every day first, like out-of-season clothing or home décor. Label boxes clearly and keep out an essentials box or bag to get by until after the move. Include changes of clothing, medications, pet supplies or other items used regularly.

Can I move apartments alone?

Yes, it’s possible to handle the move on your own, but you might need help lifting heavy items. For long-distance moves, a self-service option like U-Pack allows you to handle packing and loading without driving a rental truck. You can also hire moving labor for as much or as little help as you need, at significant savings compared to full-service movers. 

Is it possible to move into an apartment quickly?

If you finish packing and labeling boxes long before moving day and have help with the heavy lifting, you can make a quick move with a reliable moving service.

Also, make sure to reserve parking and elevator access early and confirm your building's moving rules. Save time by having your furniture layout planned in advance. 

What should I know when moving from an apartment to a house?

Most of the time, a house will have more space, larger doors and wider hallways than an apartment.  Measure furniture to plan your layout and decide what you actually need before moving everything. Pieces that won’t work can be sold ahead of time, so you won’t have to pay to move them. 

The same holds true when moving from a house into an apartment, since larger items may not fit in a smaller footprint.

Take the stress out of a long-distance apartment move with U-Pack

U-Pack is a great option for small moves out of state. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for a free, personalized apartment moving quote or use our convenient online quote form. 

If you have any questions about U-Pack or apartment moves, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help!