6 Things To Do Before You Move Out Of Your Apartment
When you're moving out of your apartment, it feels like there's so much to do in such a small amount of time. While worrying about your new residence, you have to also think about your old place of residence. The entire process can be an emotionally taxing experience, especially if you haven't planned your move in advance. Actually, OnePoll surveyed 1000 Americans, to find out 45 percent claimed moving is easily the most stressful event in life. Thankfully, you can plan for a smooth exit if you know the things you need to do before you move out of your apartment.
1.Give Your Landlord A Notice To Vacate Letter
It's 2021, most people aren't writing letters day-to-day, but it is customary to write one for your landlord. Landlords don't want vacant apartments, which is why renters are expected to write a notice to vacate letter within the timeframe stated on the lease.
Usually, the notification timeframe is at least 30 days before your move date, but some landlords require at least 90 days' notice. Read your lease carefully; you don't want to accidentally break your lease.
2.Pack & Make Moving Arrangements
Getty Images
Alright, so this is a no-brainer. You can't move into your new apartment without your beloved wardrobe and your hand dandy air fryer. Packing is one of the most grueling parts of moving out of your apartment, so it's best if you don't save packing to the last minute.
After you've packed everything, there's still the huge obstacle of actually getting your belongings to your new apartment. That's why you need to decide how you're going to move. Are you moving everything by yourself and using your car? Do you need to call friends and family to give you a hand? Do you need to rent a moving van? Or, would you rather bypass the stress of moving by using a moving company? Whichever choice you make, it's best to plan in advance.
3.Assess The Damages
If you don't know which apartment repairs you're responsible for fixing, it's time to find out. If not, a landlord might send you an overpriced bill for that punctured wall when you could have easily patched that up yourself.
You don't want to be held liable for any damages that might've been created while renting that'll prevent you from receiving your security deposit or sticks you with an added bill. If your landlord is up to it, arrange a walk-through to identify any damages you'll be held responsible for.
4.Collect Your Security Deposit
Remember that security deposit you dreaded paying when you originally signed the lease? Well, if your apartment is up to your landlord's standard, you'll be able to put that money back into your bank account where you wanted it to stay in the first place. Don't forget to collect your earned security deposit before you say goodbye to your old apartment.
5.Spring-Clean Your Apartment
Getty Images
Many landlords aren't simply checking for damages when you leave your apartment, but also the cleanliness of your apartment. Don't give your landlord an excuse to hold back your deposit. Mop, vacuum, dust, do whatever you need to do to ensure the apartment looks like it did when you originally moved in.
6.Cut-Off Utilities & Extra Services
Before closing that apartment door for the last time, give a quick call to your utility providers. You don't want to be stuck battling service providers about charges from services you aren't even using anymore.
Oftentimes, you only need to close accounts affiliated with certain utilities: water, electric, gas, and electric. But, you might not need to cancel utilities like wi-fi or cable. Simply let your provider know you're planning to change addresses but still want their services for a different apartment. Plus, this can create a smooth transition into your new apartment, so you don't have a long process before accessing the precious wi-fi that you can't live without.
Movers looking for an apartment change tend to leave for a variety of reasons: minimizing rent costs, upgrading their available space, avoiding noisy neighbors, relocating for a job. It doesn't matter the reason, just be sure to cross items off of your to-do list, so you don't regret anything later on.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Dope Abodes: Domonique Shante ATL Apartment Tour - xoNecole ... ›
- Moving Back Home As An Adult - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love ... ›
- 4 Things To Consider Before Choosing A Roommate ›
Aaliyah Sydonie Williams is a lover of pomegranates, intimate concerts, fluffy socks and all things R&B. She's a founder of a college advice blog, Her Little Corner, where she dishes helpful advice for college students to slay their college experience. When Aaliyah isn't eating at Starbucks, she's studying for her courses in finance, discovering new spots in the city, and brushing up on her photography skills. Keep up with her at Aaliyah Williams (@aaliyahsydonie).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage