Essential Pre-Move Tasks To Complete Before Moving Into a Rental Property: A Guide For a Smooth Transition

Quick & Easy Steps For a Stress-Free Move: Organization, Paperwork & Setup Tips

Moving to a new house generally brings mixed feelings that go between happiness and stress. Once you have arranged things to move into your rented property, it makes sense you want to start setting up your things and transform it into your home. Whether it is your first time renting or it is a normal situation for you, some unexpected situations may take place when moving. 

Besides cleaning and changing your address, you must know your rights as a tenant and make sure you ask your landlord for certain things. Also, staying organized will help you settle in quickly and easily, so we recommend you follow some steps before moving.

Here’s a checklist of our top tips to help you make your move as smooth as possible:

1. Start Your Packing In Advance

We recommend you start packing in advance. Two weeks is a good time to start, as you’ll feel less stressed when the big day arrives. Non-essentials like out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, and rarely-used objects or gadgets can be packed in advance without changing your routine. We suggest you pack items belonging to the same room together and label everything clearly to avoid confusion when unpacking. Essentials like pajamas, personal hygiene products, and basic kitchenware you’ll need during your first days at your new house are crucial that stay at hand.

An extra tip is to seize the opportunity and declutter everything you don’t need from your closets, basement, or attic. Make sure you keep only items that are useful or that you like and donate or sell anything you consider.

2. Make Sure You Get The Necessary Documents From Your Landlord

When renting a house, there are a couple of documents your new landlord is required to give you before you move in. Before moving into your rented house, make sure you have the following paperwork:

• Proof that your deposit was placed into a tenancy deposit
• In case there is a gas supply at the property, an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate
• The building’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
• In case you rent a furnished property, an inventory list of all the fixtures and fittings, including their condition.
• Proof that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work properly 
• A record of electrical inspections

3. Check Your Meter Readings Before Moving 

The next thing you should do is take your final meter readings. When moving to your new house, you’ll need to set up gas, electricity, and water. As soon as you move, locate the meters and write down or take a photo to refer back to later.

4. Verify The Inventory List

An inventory is a comprehensive report of the property: it should include a list of all the furniture, fixtures, and fittings and a short description of the condition in which they are given to you. Check it thoroughly to make sure everything is in the property and in what condition.

In case you are not given an inventory, request it from your landlord. If you still don’t receive one, make your own! It is not difficult and it may prevent you from having problems or misunderstandings in the future. Make sure you write down everything and that you take photos to accompany this.

5. Deep Clean Your Rental Property

Cleaning is crucial before you start unpacking, and one of the most important things. Even if your landlord or the previous tenant may have cleaned before you moved, they might also have not. In any case, it is a good idea to deep-clean your new house before setting up. Make sure that your essential cleaning products are packed in your ‘essentials’ box.

6. Update Your Address

Many people moving into a rental house forget about this, but changing your address should be a priority. In case you don’t do this, you may miss important correspondence from accounts or services, or your information may get into the wrong hands, putting your personal information in danger. Your bank accounts, NHS, Car Insurance, and TV Licence are some of the accounts you might need to notify.

7. Start Unpacking

Once the previous steps are finished, you may start unpacking! Depending on how much stuff you own, this can be done in a few hours or a couple of days. Start with the most important stuff, like your bedroom and kitchen, and later with the other rooms.

8. Personalize Your New Home

Now, it is time to get creative and get your hands on your new house! Even if your landlord won’t allow you to paint walls or make other significant changes, there are some ways in which you can turn your rental house into a home. Getting a new rug, adding indoor plants, or even a new piece of furniture can give your house a new face and a fresh start.

Key Takeaways For Ensuring a Smooth Move Into Your Rental Property

Moving into a rental property can be stressful and exciting at the same time. If you follow our pre-move checklist, we’ll guarantee your moving will be quicker and quieter. At A Wise Move Inc., a Top-Rated Phoenix Moving Company, we are here to help you organize your stuff and make your moving simpler! Contact us today for an affordable and insured service.