Whether you’ve found your dream home or decided to relocate, moving a studio apartment can be challenging, especially when dealing with limited space.
Anyone who has moved from apartments knows proper planning and an organized schedule can make a move much easier. So get ready to say goodbye to your small, cluttered space and make way for a more spacious and organized home!
This blog will share essential studio apartment moving tips to help you seamlessly transition to your new space.
1. Create a Plan For Moving
Creating a well-structured plan will give you enough time to finish the essential tasks, including notifying the landlord, sorting, packing, and figuring out the logistics.
But creating a proper plan doesn’t end here; it involves a few other things. If this is your first time moving apartments, here are other important factors you’d like to consider while making your moving plan.
Decide on a Timeline
Before you move your belongings, create a proper timeline (approximately six weeks before the moving date) and list all the items you need to pack before the moving day.
Decide Your Moving Date
Decide on your moving date early to give yourself plenty of time to plan. This is especially important if you plan to hire movers, as they may not be available on short notice.
Make a Moving Checklist
A moving checklist helps you keep track of what to pack and what to leave behind. It makes sure you don’t forget anything or pack the wrong items.
Set a Budget For Apartment Move
Set a budget for your move to estimate your expenses, including packing materials, rental trucks, and any costs associated with hiring a moving company. A detailed budget will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
2. Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
You won’t need that toaster in your new apartment; get rid of that. We often don’t give up the stuff we don’t use anymore because of our emotional attachments, but relocation is the perfect opportunity to let go of the things you’ll no longer need.
Here are a few apartment moving tips to downsize your studio apartment:
Remove Old and Worn-out Items
Get rid of old and worn-out items you no longer need. When packing and moving from an apartment, consider discarding the following.
1. Old and rusty furniture
If you’re packing an apartment, you might not want to take old furniture that you hardly use and doesn’t fit your new home’s vibe. Consider giving it away instead.
2. Worn-out and ill-fitted clothes
Go through your wardrobe and discard the clothes you no longer wear. You can categorize them as “keep,” “sell,” or “donate.” Be honest– if you haven’t worn that dress in the whole year, you’ll probably never wear it.
3. Expired items
Throw the expired items in your home, including skincare, makeup products, or medicines.
4. Outdated devices
Discard old computers, laptops, printing machines, mobile phones, and other old and outdated electrical appliances that can occupy space in your home.
Sell the Stuff Online
If you haven’t used that vacuum cleaner since you bought it, think twice before bringing it to your new home.
Sell any items that are more of a liability than an asset. This will make your move easier and provide you with some extra cash—who doesn’t love that?
Donate or Give Away the Items You Don’t Need
Donate the items you don’t need or no longer use. This will free up space for things you require in your new apartment.
Put the Stuff You Don’t Need Immediately in Storage
Deciding what to keep and discard can be tough, especially now. If you’re unsure about specific items, renting a storage unit can be a practical solution for things you don’t need immediately but want to hold onto for a while. Storage units can be great for items that take up too much space, like a washer and dryer, mattresses stored in plastic mattress bags, or seasonal clothing. This way, you can take your time to figure out what you want to keep.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials
Throw away or recycle the stuff that you don’t need anymore. Dispose of all hazardous materials, including oil-based cleaners, weed killers, paints, etc. Do not throw these hazardous materials together with regular garbage.
3. Buy Essential Packing Supplies
You must choose suitable packing materials to prevent damage to your belongings while moving out of a studio apartment. Gathering these moving supplies beforehand can help you save a lot of time and energy. Here is the list of supplies that you’ll need while packing –
Moving Boxes
While packing a studio apartment, use moving boxes of different sizes, including small, medium, and large. Here are various sizes of boxes that can be used during moving.
Larger Boxes
1.1 Bulky yet lightweight items, including bedding, pillows, and cushions.
1.2 Kitchenware like cookers and toasters (if wrapped properly)
Medium Boxes
2.1 Pans, Pots, and other kitchenware items
2.2 Books (but make sure not to overfill the box)
2.3 Folded clothes, shoes and bags
Small Boxes
3.1 Jewellery and other accessories
3.2 Toiletries and cosmetics
3.3 Mugs and glassware but label them as FRAGILE
Packing Tape
Seal the boxes with strong and sturdy packing tape, preventing them from opening during transit.
Markers For Labeling
Label all the boxes with the contents inside and the room they belong to to make it easier for you to unpack.
Bubble Wraps
Wrap fragile items, including glassware dishes, with bubble wrap to prevent them from breaking. Secure these items with extra cushioning in the box and place them vertically.
Packing Paper
Wrap your items with packing paper and fill any empty spaces in the boxes to prevent them from moving during transit. If you run out of packing paper, don’t worry—newspaper is an alternative for added protection.
Moving Dollies
Moving dollies can make transporting boxes much easier and help you load them into the truck without straining yourself or risking injury.
4. Focus on One Area At a Time in Your Studio Apartment
Starting early and packing one area at a time in a studio apartment can make the packing process easier. Begin with spaces with fewer items, like the bathroom or entryway, before moving on to the main living area. This way, you’ll stay organized and be ready when moving day arrives.
Here are some ways you can efficiently pack each room:
Bedroom
Sort your clothes and set aside the ones you don’t need immediately. Fold them neatly and place them in a packing box. Disassemble the bed frame and wrap the smaller parts in bubble wrap, storing them in Ziploc bags. Use a mattress protection bag to keep the mattress safe during the move.
Living Area
Since it’s a studio apartment, packing the stuff from the living area won’t be too daunting. You can start by removing the plugs of your electronic items, including your television, laptop, etc., and placing them safely in a box well cushioned with packing paper. Label them as Fragile.
While packing the furniture, remove the sofa covers and cushions and place them in a larger box. Detach the legs of the tables and chairs, bubble wrap them, and cover them with a moving blanket to protect them during the transit.
Kitchen
Packing a kitchen can be challenging. Start by packing pots and pans in medium-sized boxes with ample cushioning. Wrap each fragile item, such as glassware and dishes, individually in packing paper and place them vertically in the box to reduce the risk of breakage. Add a layer of towels at the bottom for extra cushioning, fill any gaps to prevent movement, and label the box as “FRAGILE” for careful handling.
Bathroom
Pack toiletries and skincare items in a separate box. Discard any expired or unused products.
Pro Tip – Create a Packing Inventory List
Create a packing inventory list that lists what is in each box and the total number of boxes so that when unpacking, you can refer to the list to check off items and ensure nothing is left behind.
5. Fragile Items: Pack Separately
Pack all the fragile items separately so they aren’t damaged during transit. Here are some ways you can pack all your valuable items safely:
Use Proper Packing Materials
Pack your valuable and fragile items in sturdy boxes, and wrap breakables in bubble wrap. Add towels, packing paper, or newspapers inside the box for extra cushioning to keep everything secure.
Mark Them as “FRAGILE” OR “HANDLE WITH CARE”
Mark the boxes as “Fragile” or “Handle with care” to alert the movers or anyone handling the boxes.
Keep Important Documents Handy
Gather all your essential documents, like your passport and social security number, in a binder or folder and keep it easily accessible. You don’t want to risk losing them in the last-minute rush of moving.
6. Label The Boxes
Labeling your boxes is essential during moving as it helps identify your belongings and simplifies unpacking. To make it easier, here are some labeling tips
Put Color-Coded Labels
Since it’s a studio apartment, use color-coded labels to identify what’s in each box. For example, give different colors to each area, such as the Bathroom and bedroom.
Number Your Boxes
Assign a number to each box in a room (e.g., Kitchen 1, Kitchen 2) to help identify the contents. Numbering the boxes also lets you link them to the packing inventory list, making tracking what’s inside each box easy.
7. Hiring an Apartment Moving Company or DIY
Deciding between professional movers vs. diy moving while moving a studio apartment will depend upon your set budget. Hiring professional movers will offer convenience and release the stress of moving, saving you from the physical and mental stress that comes with it. Meanwhile, DIY moving can save you money.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing between local movers or DIY moving.
Professional Moving Companies
Professional moving companies can help you manage valuable, bulky, and fragile furniture, reducing the risk of injury that can occur if you attempt to handle it yourself.
When confused about choosing the right moving company, contact multiple companies and compare their prices and services according to your budget.
DIY Moving
On the other hand, DIY moving is beneficial if you’re on a tight, moving budget. You can rent a truck and ask your friends for help. In DIY moving, you feel you’re in complete control, and it allows flexibility with timing.
Both are feasible; it depends on the budget and the stuff you have at your home. Take your time to think through and see what works best for you!
8. Book an Elevator
If you’re moving from a higher floor, reserve the elevator for your moving day. Moving heavy furniture without elevator access can be a nightmare, so booking early helps avoid problems.
To prevent conflicts with other residents, especially during busy times like the start or end of the month, call your building management company and try to reserve the elevator at least a month in advance. This will avoid delays and ensure a smoother moving day.
9. Avoid Peak Moving Hours
Traffic peaks from 8 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Schedule your move between 11 AM and 4 PM so that you can escape from the traffic and make your moving process easier.
Moving on weekends is often more convenient, as you can avoid heavy work traffic. Additionally, stay informed about local events, road closures, and potential delays, as these can impact your moving schedule.
10. Moving Insurance For Studio Apartment
Moving Insurance is a crucial factor when you are planning to move apartments. It protects your expensive belongings and fragile items that might get broken during transportation.
You might feel that you have securely packed all your stuff, but getting moving insurance can help you protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances, including thefts and accidents, that can occur at any time. It’s better to pay a little extra for insurance than regretting later about your misplaced or broken belongings.
When hiring professional movers, it’s essential to research their insurance coverage. Contact multiple companies to find out what is included and not included in their coverage.
11. Reserve Parking Spots
If you live in an apartment, reserve a parking spot in your building. You may require a permit if you need to park on the street. It’s also a good idea to communicate with your neighbors ahead of the moving date; they might be able to reserve an additional spot and move their cars when the movers arrive.
The shorter the distance between your home and the truck, the easier the moving process will be. Don’t stress about the cost of the permit; if the moving truck can’t park, any delays will likely be more expensive than the permit itself.
12. Load Carefully
You’re almost there! The final step in moving a studio apartment involves loading your belongings into the truck. Check twice to ensure all your belongings are packed properly and all the boxes are there. Then, take a final look at your apartment so you don’t miss out on anything.
While loading, place the heavy and bulky objects at the bottom and then the lighter and fragile items on top while filling it. Use moving blankets and straps to secure them so they don’t move during the transit.
Before you close the truck door, ensure all your items are appropriately placed and carefully secured.
13. Repair Any Damage in Your Apartment
Before cleaning, look around your home for any minor repairs you can handle. Touch up paint, patch wall holes, and fix any broken fixtures to help increase your chances of getting your security deposit back.
For any damage you didn’t cause, take photos and make notes to share with your landlord so you won’t be held responsible.
14. Clean Before Moving Out
Before moving out of your studio apartment, create a move-out cleaning checklist and ensure it’s clean and ready for the next tenant. Here are a few steps to leave your house clean and increase your chances of getting your security deposit back.
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors.
- Dust vents, windows, and ceiling fans
- Clean the toilet, sink, and shower thoroughly
- Wipe and disinfect countertops and any shelves
- Clean out cabinets and drawers, removing any leftover items
- Wipe down all appliances, including the fridge, microwave, and oven
- Empty the trash and recycling bins
- Sweep and tidy up the patio or balcony if you have one.
15. Unpacking
There’s nothing like the feeling of stepping into your new home. Take a moment to enjoy the space—don’t feel pressured to unpack everything immediately. Give yourself some time to relax.
Here are some tips to make the unpacking process easier:
- Before opening all the boxes, plan to unpack one room at a time, starting with the essentials.
- Keep your packing inventory list close so you can easily find what you need.
- Involve your family to make unpacking feel less overwhelming and turn it into a fun activity you can enjoy together.
Final Thoughts
Moving a studio apartment may seem daunting, but it won’t be too difficult with proper planning and starting early. Whether you do it yourself or hire professional movers, planning things 6-8 weeks ahead can help you make a stress-free move. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time mover or experienced; plan things strategically, and don’t procrastinate or leave things until the end. That’s the key!
FAQ
How long should you prepare for a move?
You should start planning 6-8 weeks before your move. This will give you enough time to list what you must do in the coming weeks. These include deciding whether to hire an experienced moving company or plan a do-it-yourself move, buying moving insurance, arranging the packing materials, etc.
How soon should I start packing the studio apartment?
Start packing 2-3 weeks before your move, focusing on one area at a time, like the bathroom or bedroom. This will help you stay organized and reduce last-minute chaos and stress. Take time with each room, and remember to sort through your belongings to decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Should I hire professional movers for a studio apartment?
Deciding whether to hire a moving company depends on your budget, the distance of the move, and the amount of belongings you have. While a DIY move might work for a studio apartment, professional moving companies are more equipped to handle bulky and fragile items.
How many boxes do I need to move into a studio apartment?
To move a studio apartment, you’ll typically need about 13 small, 10 medium, and 5 large boxes. Additionally, consider using specialized boxes, such as wardrobe boxes with a metal rod for hanging clothes that can’t be folded and banker boxes for organizing files and documents. Banker boxes make it easier to transport your paperwork. Be sure to tape the lids securely while packing.
What size of truck do I need to move a studio apartment?
The size of a truck depends on the number of rooms in your home and the number and size of your belongings. A cargo van or 10-16 ft. truck would be suitable for moving a studio apartment.
