Moving from one apartment to another?

Question

I want to move from my current apartment to one in the next city. I've never lived on my own before so I'm not sure how to time this. I have a month to month lease and gave my current landlord the last
month's rent. When should I start looking for an apartment? Should I give notice first? Please keep in mind that I live in a big city with high rents (I can only afford so much) and lots of competition for available, nice and affordable apartments. Thanks!

Answer 1

Start cleaning out closets and cabinets now. You can do a little at a time. Don't move extra stuff. Get rid of it.

Answer 2

Did you give an initial deposit to the landlord? If so, you need to make sure you get it back; especially if you already paid your last months rent.

Other things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you have gotten a 30 days notice signed by the landlord. If not, create one and get it signed asap. This will help you sleep better at night and have peace of mind in the end.

2. Get your security deposit back ASAP.

3. Your current landlord will probably do a thorough walk-through of you place, so make sure its in tip top shape.
Patch any walls that need it and make sure to touch it up with some paint. Also, your landlord may provide it, but make sure you steam clean your carpet. If your landlord won't pay for this, just rent one at your local grocery store.

Lastly, be sure to check out some of the great moving to an apartment articles here: http://www.movingtoanapartment.com/apartment-lease/lease-contract-moving-to-an-apartment.htm

I've found tons of helpful moving to an apartment tips, guides, checklists and more there.

Answer 3

Start looking as soon as you want to move. You have to keep in mind the new landlord may want to APPROVE of you first, so you have to give them time to get that through. Second big thing is if you are going to use a U-Haul(or any "moving" company) make sure you RESERVE THE EQUIPMENT. They get a lot of people who come in just as a month ends or begins and they don't have the equipment because it is already rented out(reservations). If you find somewhere to go that place probably wouldn't start until the start of the month anyway. I'd probably tell the current landlord, but I wouldn't say it is required it's just good business.

Answer 4

I would look for an apartment first and see if you qualify and everything. Usually with month to month leases, you need to give at least 30 days notice, but I would check with your landlord first to be sure. Just ask how much notice you have to give at this point. I would take a look around at possible availibilities coming up and stuff. I wouldn't want to give 30 days notice first cuz you have the possibility of not finding something you can move into during that period of time and you're SOL.

Answer 5

Since you are on month to month its already easy, as all you have to do is give a months notice. Tell the landlord you are looking to move, even if its 60 or 90 days early. For they will like the early warning so they can find a replacement for your apartment. And the sooner you tell them, most will let you out with less than a 30 day notice.

You then travel to new town for a weekend, week, few days, do it online, something. And you find an apartment. You then put the deposit down to hold that apartment and inform them you need to give notice at your old place.

Then between the two places you figure up when one is going to let you out and when one is going to let you in. Normally pro-rating rent of the month happens on both sides for the last month of the one and the first month of the other. (pro-rate = cost per month divided by days in month, daily fee).

Now once that is set, then you need to contact a moving company or a uhaul service and organize a truck around your set moving dates. Sooner the better here specially if doing a Uhual. They can become scarce at times, so early reservation is good to have.

Now if you cannot perfectly juggle the move, as in timing. You could move your items using a Pod so it can remain in storage like situation for a few days or weeks. And then you take up residence at long stay hotel. I did this when I moved to Myrtle Beach from Ohio. Couldn't plan the move out and move in to be the same, so stayed in a extended stay hotel for 2 weeks. If you talk to the management and tell them your situation, many will be nice and cut you a break on the cost since its a set time you are taking a room.

Answer 6

What state are you in?

Most states require a 30 day notice to terminate a month to month tenancy. Some states require the 30 days include a full rental period.

Depending on your state and the termination laws, if you gave notice today, you may be only be liable to your current landlord until November 15th. However, if the full calendar month law applies, you would be liable until November 30th.


You should start looking ASAP. Look for apartments that are available for the next rental period.

You should give notice to your landlord, because when you apply for a new apartment, they may call your current landlord for a reference.