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The cost of living continues to grow in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with housing being 53% and 60% more expensive than the state and national average. Utilities, food, and transportation expenses also incur higher costs, and the city remains at increased risk during hurricane seasons every year.
Whether you are leaving Fort Lauderdale for any of these factors or simply starting fresh, moving into a new rental home can get exhausting after weeks of house hunting and negotiations. Your relocation can be made stress-free through mindful decisions right from the get-go.
Here’s our advice on the 12 things to do when moving into a new rental home.
Pay Attention to the Lease Agreement
Carefully go through the lease agreement to understand the terms and conditions. To avoid any unpleasant surprises after moving into your new rental home, you should be fully aware of your rights and the terms of rent, security deposit, notice period, maintenance responsibilities, subleasing, modifications, pet policy, etc.Find Good Relocation Professionals
Moving to a new place can be exciting, but transporting one’s possessions out of the city or state can be daunting for many. From fragile items to heavy furniture, your possessions have varied needs requiring special packing, handling techniques, and equipment. You can take this stress out of relocation by hiring Long distance moving company in Fort Lauderdale that is BBB-accredited and offers budget-friendly packing and storage solutions according to your timeline. Professional services like these are well-equipped to efficiently handle your move's heavy lifting, logistics, and transportation.Organize Your Packing
To avoid a last-minute rush, pack your possessions well before moving. Begin two weeks or ten days earlier with non-essential items first. Lighten your load by removing things you no longer need or want. If they are in good condition, you can donate them. If not, throw them away. This will make your move cost less and keep your new rental home clutter-free.Make a box or two of the essential items you need the first day or night in your new rental. Pack items from the same room and number to simplify unpacking and label the boxes for easy tracking and identification.
Inspect the Property
Before you move into your new rental home, scrutinize it to find damage and maintenance problems such as chipped paint, floor scratches, etc. Get a move-in checklist from your landlord or make a detailed inventory list to document these conditions and take photos or videos. This ensures that you are not charged or blamed for these pre-existing damages in the future and don’t lose your security deposit when moving out.Check if the thermostat, intercom, dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, lights, stove, taps, etc. work well. Report any problem right away to the landlord for fixing.
Get Renters Insurance
While your landlord may have insured the rental home you are moving into, it will not cover your personal belongings in case of a fire, theft, flooding, vandalism, etc. In such an event, renters insurance can prevent financial loss and help you replace the lost items. It can also cover your additional living expenses in a hotel or temporary housing while your rental property is repaired.Renters insurance also includes tenancy liability coverage, which can cover repairs or replacement of fixtures, fittings, or furniture you may have damaged accidentally. The policy can also cover medical and legal costs if someone is injured in your rental home and sues you.
Establish Good Terms with Your Landlord
For a positive renting experience, it is important that you build clear communication with the landlord or property manager. Keep their contact numbers handy for reporting maintenance issues or discussing possibilities for redecoration or space modifications. Be cordial and cooperative in your exchanges.Change the Locks
To ensure your security and peace of mind, change the locks of all entry points and drawers or cupboards where you will be keeping your jewelry or other valuables. Ensure that all windows, the back door, the garage door, etc., are properly secured. If there’s a security system pre-installed, change its code.Update Your Address
To get your mail forwarded, update your address with the post office and all subscriptions. Also, notify your healthcare provider, insurance provider, and your bank. Let friends and family know, too.Set up Utility Services
To avoid any interruptions in power, water, and gas supply, transfer or set up the services before moving into your new rental home. Check your area for the available cable, TV, or broadband services. If your current providers have coverage in the area where you are moving, you may also be able to switch the service location for a small fee.Explore the Area
Acquaint yourself with the new area you have moved into. Locate your mailbox and check that the key works. Find where the trash chute or recycling bin area is located. Explore the neighborhood to find the nearest grocery store, laundry service, and gas station. Get the contact details for the nearest police station and hospital for emergencies. Find public transportation routes and schedules. Look for recreational options available nearby.Make Copies of Your Keys
A spare key in your bag or hidden somewhere can be helpful when locked out of the home or losing the originals. Make duplicates of your house keys from a home improvement store for backup, emergencies, or sharing with other family members or friends.Revamp and Decorate
You will want to put your own stamp on the new rental to make it more personal. Review the lease agreement to see if you can make specific modifications without going against the lease agreement terms. Connect with your landlord to discuss and remove any confusion that may lead to disagreement or you losing your security deposit.Go for options that don’t require modifications in the fittings or fixtures. Use removable wallpaper options that don’t damage walls on removal. Go for wall-protecting stick-on hooks for wall hangings and photo frames. Add soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, and curtains to personalize the space. Add planters around the new house to add color and improve the air quality.
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