5 Tips When Moving out of an Apartment

Moving out of an apartment can be challenging, but with planning and organization, it can go smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ease your move.

1. Plan Ahead

Create a Timeline

Begin by establishing a detailed timeline for your move. This timeline should include critical dates such as the move-out date, moving truck rental, and any other significant deadlines. By setting a comprehensive timeline, you can ensure that you remain on schedule and minimize last-minute stress.

Inform Your Landlord

Inform your landlord of your plan to move. Most lease agreements stipulate a notice period, usually ranging from 30 to 60 days. Please review your lease agreement carefully and ensure that you provide written notice within the specified timeframe. This will allow your landlord sufficient time to secure a new tenant.

Notify Important Contacts

Submit a change of address form with the postal service to have your mail forwarded to your new address. Inform important contacts, such as banks, insurance companies, and utility providers, of your new address. Arrange for the transfer or cancellation of services such as utilities, internet, and cable. Schedule the disconnection at your current residence and the connection at your new one to prevent any interruptions. Update your address with any subscriptions, memberships, or online accounts to continue receiving all necessary correspondence and deliveries.

2. Organize Your Belongings

Declutter

Before you start packing, take the time to declutter your belongings. Go through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will make the packing process easier and reduce the number of items you need to move.

Inventory Your Items

Create an inventory of your belongings. This will assist in tracking your items during the move and ensure that nothing is misplaced or left behind. It can also be helpful for insurance purposes.

Gather Packing Supplies

Gather all essential packing materials, including boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Free boxes are commonly available at local retailers or through online platforms. Ensuring you have the appropriate supplies will streamline the packing process and increase efficiency.

3. Pack Strategically

Start with Non-Essentials

Start by packing items that are not used daily, such as seasonal clothing, decorations, and books. This approach allows for gradual packing and helps to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed.

Label Boxes Clearly

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This practice facilitates unpacking and helps in quickly locating essential items.

Pack Fragile Items with Care

To safeguard fragile items, use bubble wrap or packing paper for protection. Place these items in durable boxes and clearly label them as "fragile." Ensure that any empty spaces within the boxes are filled with packing material to prevent movement of the items during transit.

4. Arrange for Moving Services

Hire Professional Movers

If you choose to hire professional movers, conduct research and schedule them well in advance. Obtain quotes from several companies and review feedback to identify a reliable service. Ensure you communicate any specific requirements or concerns with the moving company.

Rent a Moving Truck

If you intend to handle your move without professional movers, it is best to reserve a moving truck or van. Assess the size of the vehicle required based on the quantity of your belongings. Ensure that you book the truck well in advance to guarantee its availability.

Arrange for Help

Consider seeking assistance from friends or family members for packing and moving. Additional help can make the process quicker and easier to handle.

5. Clean and Inspect Your Apartment

Deep Clean

Thoroughly clean your apartment before you move out. This includes cleaning appliances, wiping down surfaces, and vacuuming or mopping floors. A clean apartment will increase the likelihood of receiving your full security deposit back.

Conduct a Final Walkthrough

Do a final walkthrough of your apartment to ensure that you have not left anything behind. Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Take photos or videos of the apartment's condition for your records.

Return Keys

Return all keys, including any copies, to your landlord or property manager. This typically includes keys to the apartment, mailbox, and any common areas.

Moving out of an apartment involves careful planning and consideration. Planning ahead, organizing belongings, packing strategically, arranging the move, and cleaning and inspecting the apartment before leaving can improve the process. Adequate preparation is essential to make the move as smooth as possible.

SCS Announces New Chief Operating Officer

Nicole Blum

Chief Operating Officer

“Work hard, show grace, and be thankful.”

S.C. Swiderski (SCS) is thrilled to announce another great moment in our company’s history. Known for integrity, quality, trust, and innovation in developing communities over the last 32 years, SCS is taking a new step forward.

Entrusting our future in our new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Nicole Blum, the company is strategically aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency, improving our processes, and unifying our diverse business units to better serve our customers, employees, and communities.

We are proud to have Nicole lead us into the next phase of our growth. She has been a vital part of our leadership team, serving as Director of HR & Administration, where she oversaw our HR, Safety, Compliance, and IT functions. Nicole recently led our company through our ERP implementation while maintaining her normal responsibilities.

Nicole joined SCS just over two years ago and came with 15 years of experience spanning leadership, human resources, and operations in prominent Wisconsin companies. She brings to SCS a perspective that combines change management expertise, relationship building, and practical insights.

Nicole has true strengths in commitment to high-performing teams, fostering relationships, and aligns with SCS’s core mission, vision, and values. All of Nicole’s experience has led her to SCS, and we are more than confident Nicole will be a presence that will invigorate our operations and enrich our company culture.

Please join the rest of SCS in congratulating Nicole. Together we embark on a new era of passionately providing housing that strengthens communities!

5 Tips When Moving into an Apartment

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Moving into a new apartment can be an exciting and stressful experience. Consider these key points to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Keep these crucial things in mind when moving into an apartment, some practical advice is helpful when navigating this significant life event.

1. Understand Your Lease Agreement

Before you move into your new apartment, it's very important to thoroughly read and understand your lease agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including how long the lease is in effect, the rent amount, payment due dates, and policies regarding pets, guests, and maintenance responsibilities. Pay close attention to any penalties for early termination, security deposits, and renewal options. Understanding your lease will help you avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts with your landlord in the future.

Practical Considerations:

• Lease duration: Know whether your lease is month-to-month, six months, or a year, and understand the implications of each option.

• Rent payment: Be clear about when and how rent should be paid to avoid late fees.

• Maintenance responsibilities: Know what maintenance tasks you are responsible for versus what the landlord will handle.

• Security deposit: Understand the conditions for getting your deposit back when you move out.

2. Budget for Moving Expenses

Moving can be more costly than you might anticipate, so it's essential to budget for all related expenses. Consider the cost of hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck if you plan to move your belongings yourself. Additionally, factor in the cost of packing supplies, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Don’t forget to budget for utility deposits, first and last months' rent, and any other upfront costs required by your new apartment complex.

Practical Considerations:

• Moving services: Compare quotes from different moving companies or truck rental services to find the best deal.

• Packing supplies: Plan ahead and gather packing materials early to avoid last-minute expenses.

• Utility setups: Account for the cost of setting up utilities like electricity, water, internet, and cable in your new apartment.

• Additional fees: Be aware of any pet deposits, parking fees, or other charges that might apply.

3. Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Before moving your belongings into your new apartment, conduct a thorough inspection of the unit. Look for any existing damages, such as cracks in the walls, leaky faucets, or malfunctioning appliances, and document them with photos or videos. A well-maintained property shouldn’t have these issues but even the best maintenance team can miss something. Report any issues to your property manager immediately to ensure they are repaired before you move in. This step is crucial to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing damages when you move out.

Practical Considerations:

• Document damages: Take detailed notes and photos of any issues you find during your inspection.

• Notify the property manager: Report any damages or maintenance issues to your landlord promptly.

• Test appliances: Make sure all appliances, including the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, are in working order.

• Check utilities: Verify that utilities like water, electricity, and gas are working properly.

4. Set Up Utilities and Address Changes

Setting up your utilities and updating your address are important steps to take care of as soon as possible. Contact utility companies in advance to schedule the setup of services such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. Also, notify important contacts, like your employer, bank, and postal office, of your new address to ensure you continue to receive important mail and deliveries without interruption.

Practical Considerations:

• Utility setup: Schedule utility setups ahead of time to avoid delays in service.

• Address change: Update your address with the postal service, banks, and any other important businesses.

• Forward mail: Set up mail forwarding with the postal service to catch any mail sent to your old address.

• Update records: Update the address on your driver's license, voter registration, and any subscriptions.

5. Get to Know The Neighborhood

Getting to know your new neighborhood can make the transition to your new apartment more enjoyable. Take some time to explore the area and find the essential services: grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and public transportation options. Take time to meet your neighbors, building a good rapport with them can enhance your living experience and create a sense of community.

Practical Considerations:

• Explore facilities: Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare offices.

• Public transportation: Find the local bus routes, train stations, and bike paths.

• Community centers: Look for local community centers, parks, and recreational facilities.

• Meet the neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors to foster a friendly and supportive environment.

Moving into an apartment is a change that requires careful planning and consideration. Understanding your lease, moving expenses, conducting an inspection, setting up utilities and address changes, and getting to know the neighborhood, the transition can be smoother and more successful. Preparation is key to making your move as stress-free as possible, allowing you to fully enjoy your new home and the opportunities it brings.