Awhile back, we wrote a post outlining 5 Things to Consider when Shopping for a Rental. Since the heavy rental season is upon us - and September 1st, the biggest rental move in date of the year is quickly approaching, we thought the timing would be perfect for another post about rentals - specifically a checklist for your September 1st move in (keep in mind that September 1st is a Tuesday this year, so the weekend leading up to that will be busy as well). Of course there's the obvious: pack, call about utilities, etc., but there are some other tasks that should definitely be checked off the list sooner rather than later. Here they are, in order of time sensitivity:
-Secure a U-Haul: There are more than 36,000 students at Boston-based colleges and universities who are renting apartments in Boston neighborhoods. This number alone makes for a serious crowd of Sept. 1st movers, but throw in the additional renters in and around the city and you've got a number that's staggering. If you need help moving, be it a truck or a moving service, book it now! Call your local U-Haul, bribe your friends, whatever it takes to make sure you're not alone, strapping a mattress to the top of your Smart Car on 9/1. If all the U-Hauls in the city are already taken, look for one outside the city in the suburbs. Also, check to see if you'll need a parking permit for the moving truck, or if the moving company you're using will secure parking signs from the city.
-Elevator / Loading dock reservations: Will you need access to your new building's elevator or loading dock on 9/1? Chances are, other people will to0, so make sure that you reserve your time if required by the building.
-Parking permit: Will you need a residential sticker in order to park in your new neighborbood? Better to get it taken care of now so you don't have to deal with a parking ticket on top of all the other stresses that come along with moving day. Visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/parking/residentparking/ for more information about applying for a residential parking pass.
-Doors and window measurements: Don't want to saw the legs off your new dining room table? Better measure the doors and take a look at stairwells to make sure all of your furniture will fit. In particularly tight situations, some folks will even use cranes to get furniture through windows, so if you'll need a crane, it's better to know that sooner rather than later. Also, don't forget to measure windows - blinds and window treatments will offer much needed privacy while living in the city.
-Hire cleaners: Your new place should be relatively clean when you move in, but the previous tenant might not have the same standards for cleanliness so it's always a good idea to hire a cleaner to make your new home feel fresh and inviting. If possible, book them for early in the morning so they can be in and out before you start your move.
-Key collection: Check with your rental agent for key collection. When you pick them up, make sure your unit keys also include your mailbox keys.
-Check to see if your building management company charges a move in or move out fee.
-Trash/Recycling schedules: Moving generates a lot of trash, so it's definitely good to know which days of the week your trash and recycling are picked up. Here's a link to the trash schedule, http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/wastereduction/collection.asp.
And since September 1st always seems to be one of the hottest days of the Summer, make sure you have plenty of refreshments for you and your friends!
Fore more tips on preparing for moving day, and for general information about renting in Boston, contact our experts at http://www.thecharlesrealty.com.
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