As Smooth as Possible

Perhaps you have accepted a company transfer or you're making a career change. Maybe you're ready to retire. For whatever reason, you've decided to relocate and you're going to move into an apartment. You're in good company. Approximately 40 million North Americans find apartment living a comfortable and affordable alternative to home ownership.

We have prepared this booklet to answer your questions and assist you in planning your move. Here you'll find information on:

When is a good time to move
Finding a suitable apartment
Apartment comparison checklist
Examining your lease
Giving notice and recovering your deposit
Enlisting professional services
Your moving timetable
Your new home

Our goal is to help you save time and expense — and make your move as smooth as possible.

When is a Good Time to Move?

Your relocation can go more smoothly if you understand how timing affects it.

If you are moving into a university town, you'll have more apartments to choose from in the summer. However, summer is also the time of year most families relocate, since school is not in session.
The best time to rent in urban areas varies. People tend to stay put during the November-December holiday season, and vacancies may be fewer as a result. By the same token, there may not be as much competition for that nice apartment that occasionally becomes available during the holidays.
In late April, weather conditions are usually moderate and you can beat the hectic summer moving season.

Ultimately, the best time to move can depend on a number of factors, some of which may be beyond your control. In any case, your local iMove agent can advise you on the timing advantages for moving into a community.

Finding a Suitable Apartment

From basic living requirements to amenities, there are many variables to consider when searching for an apartment. It's wise to get started early and do some "comparison shopping."

Visit several locations and weigh the things you like or dislike about each. Knock on doors and introduce yourself. Are the neighbors friendly? What do they say about the way the apartment is managed? Do they have any comments about noise?

When you find that perfect apartment, be ready to act. Have your checkbook, proof of income, resume, references and credit report ready to show the landlord. Why risk losing that dream apartment simply because you aren't prepared?

And remember, the landlord's impression of you — influenced by such things as your manner, punctuality and appearance — can have a big impact on your ability to reach a favorable agreement.

Examine Your Lease

When you have found the apartment you want, you will most likely be required to sign a lease, a legally binding written agreement between you (the lessee) and the landlord (the lessor).

Leases are usually standard forms, but they can be amended if changes are written on the document and both parties add their initials. Remember: If an agreement isn't in writing, you have no proof to back you up in the event of a dispute.

Included in the lease should be a detailed description of the condition of each room. Note any damaged areas or items in disrepair. Get the landlord to agree, in writing, to make needed repairs before you sign the lease or pay a deposit.

It's important to read your lease very carefully. Make a note of anything you don't understand, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Never sign a lease with blanks that are to be filled in later. If you have doubts, consult an attorney.

Giving Notice

If you have a month-to-month rental agreement, notify your landlord in writing at least 30 days before you move. If your lease is up, you don't have to give advance notice — but it's a good idea. The landlord will need to find another renter and will appreciate your courtesy. Maintaining a good relationship with your landlord is always in your favor, especially when you vacate.

Recovering Your Security Deposit

Your security deposit can be as much as one month's rent, or more. Obviously, you'll want to do everything you can to ensure that the deposit is returned to you.

As a rule, your security deposit should be refunded within 30 days after you vacate. The landlord is not allowed to deduct for normal wear and tear, nor refuse to refund without a reason.

A good way to avoid damage that can occur in the process of vacating is to enlist the services of a reputable mover. Your iMove agent, for example, carries insurance in the unlikely event that the apartment is damaged while you are moving out.

Enlisting Professional Moving Services

Now that you've found an apartment, it's time to plan an efficient relocation to your new home. Who will move you? How much will it cost? What special arrangements must be made? And how should you handle all the little details?

It's advisable to contact a professional mover at least six weeks before you intend to move. Obviously, we hope you'll contact your local iMove agent. Look in the Yellow Pages under moving, or you can find a geographic listing of all iMove agents on our "Find an Agent" page.

Your iMove agent will provide you with a free written estimate of the total cost of your move. For more information on budgeting during your move, review the "How to Stretch Your Moving Budget." It's loaded with practical advice and easy-to-use tips that will save you money. If your move is job-related, you can learn more about tax deductions in the section: "How To Deduct Moving From Your Taxes."

Your Move Timetable

There are several things you'll need to take care of in the weeks before you move. Refer to the following typical timetable for what needs to be done, and when.

Four Weeks Before the Move

Tour your home and decide which items should be discarded or donated to charity. Consider a moving sale.
Call physicians and dentists. They may recommend a colleague near your new apartment. Get copies of renewable prescriptions.
Arrange transfer of school records.
Transfer personal insurance records.
Check renter's insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new apartment is protected by transferring theft, liability and other personal-property insurance.
If you have house plants to move, review iMoves' "How To Move Your House Plants" and start preparing your plants for the move.

Three Weeks Before the Move

Plan to use up most food items before the move.
Movers can't take aerosols, flammables, corrosives, ammunition, or propane tanks. It's best to use them up or give them away. Drain fuel tanks on gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers and chainsaws.
Notify the Post Office and get change-of-address forms. You must fill out a form for each person receiving mail at your address.
If you have pets, read "How To Move Your Pets."

Two Weeks Before the Move

Make your travel reservations.
Decide which items you'll pack, and which you'd like iMove to pack. Your iMove agent can provide the finest do-it-yourself packing materials at reasonable prices.
Close or transfer charge accounts.
Return library books and other things you've borrowed.
Collect things you've loaned and items in lay-away or cold storage, and pick up dry cleaning.
Protect your shipment from damage by disposing of cleaning fluids, acids, caustic drain cleaners, etc.
Draw up a floor plan of your new apartment and indicate placement of furnishings.
Movers are not permitted to take down TV antennas; your iMove agent can arrange to have it done, if you wish.
Arrange for cable or satellite TV and utilities disconnection.

One Week Before the Move

Transfer bank accounts, and ask your local credit bureau to transfer your records to your new city. Reconfirm travel reservations.
Arrange to have cash, certified check, personal check* or money order ready to pay the van operator before goods are unloaded (unless your employer is paying the charges or you've arranged to pay by credit card).
Set aside maps, games, snacks, flashlight, and other items you'll take in your car.
Gather medicines and important papers for the car trip.
Drain water from all garden hoses.
Start packing suitcases.
Get name, address and phone number of your iMove destination agent.
Your local phone company business office can help you with phone service for your new apartment, as well as disconnecting service at your present apartment.
Anything iMove is packing should be left in place. It's easier and safer, for example, to pack glassware right from its cabinet.

The Day Before the Move

Pack the items you'll need right away in a special box to be loaded last and unloaded first. You may want to include cleaning supplies; toiletries; coffee pot; phone; paper and pen; medical supplies such as aspirin, bandages, etc.; towels; kitchen utensils and paper plates; beverages; etc.
Finish packing suitcases.
Defrost, clean and dry refrigerator.

The Day of the Move

Be on hand all day to answer questions, accompany the van operator during inventory, sign the bill of lading, and confirm your new address and delivery date. Be sure to advise the van operator of your accommodations and telephone number en route.
Make final check of every room and storage area. Make sure windows and doors are locked, keys are transferred, and lights are out.

Your New Home

Once you arrive at your new apartment, all your planning and preparation will have paid off. Although there'll be some "settling in" to do, the new place will soon begin to feel like home. And you'll take comfort in knowing that all the little things, as well as the big things, were handled well. You chose iMove, and you made a smooth move.

Find out important details regrading your local move process >>

Send an Online Quote Request >> or contact one of our relocation specialists at (514)-448-4471