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What to Do After Moving into a New Apartment

What to Do After Moving into a New Apartment

You’ve finally signed your lease, paid your deposit, and received the keys to your new place. It’s an exciting time. It might be tempting to dive into the process of unpacking and getting settled, but before you unpack your first box there are a few things you should do beforehand. These shouldn’t take too long, but by taking the time to follow this checklist you can make your first few months much easier.

As tempting as it might be to kick back and relax,  take the time to follow these new apartment tips to know what to do after moving:

Document Everything and Revisit the Apartment

If you’re renting an apartment, chances are you had to put down a security deposit. If this is your first place, a security deposit essentially is money your landlord/building owner can use to fix your apartment if there is excessive damage. Unfortunately, many landlords do their best not to pay back security deposits after a tenant moves out. If you don’t take pictures of how the apartment looked before you moved in, you could be on the hook for damages made by the previous tenant.

It might seem silly, but take the time to take pictures of absolutely everything no matter how small. Note every knick or scratch you find and create a folder on your phone and compute for later reference. You should also email these to your landlord/building manager so that you can have a paper trail in case they say that you changed the timestamp on your photos. Many bad landlords and building managers will pull every trick in the book to keep you from paying back your security deposit. Be vigilant!

While you’re documenting everything, also make a note of items that need to be fixed such as:

  • Leaky faucets
  • Clogged drains
  • Windows that won’t shut properly
  • Doors that don’t lock
  • Bug infestation
  • Broken heating system

And so on. Immediately report these to your landlord to get them fixed. If you let these issues fester until you move out, the landlord can withhold your security deposit! A more serious problem like the last two are very important to document to your landlord immediately. Should they not fix it ASAP, you can take your landlord to small claims court.

Get Friendly with Your New Neighbors When You Move

You don’t have to bring over homemade cookies to your neighbors, but it’s a good idea to say hello to them if you happen to come across any when you first move in. Simply say hello and let them know what apartment you’re in. You don’t have to chit-chat too long, but don’t just ignore them. Your neighbors can be your biggest allies and can help you out in times of need, but that’s only if they know you. You don’t need to become their best friend, but make the connection and maintain it for as long as you are living in your new apartment. You never know when you might need help.

Better yet, people are less likely to be jerks to neighbors when they know them. If your neighbors are loud, they are more likely to turn down the volume if they know the person complaining. After all, no one wants to be considered a jerk by people they know! This goes both ways, of course. You must be also a good neighbor. Even if you’re a night owl, avoid doing loud things like hanging paintings or vacuuming late at night. Your neighbors are just trying to enjoy their lives as they normally do so save the extra noisy stuff for earlier in the day.

Organize Your Belongings by Priority

You don’t need to unpack everything yet, but if you went the DIY moving route then you should at least move all the boxes into the appropriate rooms. You can even organize the boxes by order of importance in the rooms so you can focus on unpacking essential items first. So whether you unpack all at once or over the course of a few weeks, it’s much easier to do so room by room than darting between the different rooms. If you hire professional movers you should direct them where to put the boxes so you don’t have to do the work afterwards.

Speaking of unpacking, make sure to take out and arrange your daily items. This includes items such as:

  • Toiletries
  • Towels
  • Coffee-making supplies
  • Cooking utensils
  • Bedsheets
  • Pillows
  • Clothes for the next few days

And so on. Even if it’s only a handful of things, organizing and placing these items can really make your apartment feel more like a home and encourage you to keep unpacking. Plus, you won’t have to worry about digging through boxes to find your toothpaste or hairbrush before going to bed the first night in your new apartment. Speaking of, you should also take some time to pick up some essentials you might have tossed for the move such as body wash, soap, hair care products, and so on.

Update Your Information and Note the New One

The best time to your address for various bills, insurance, etc. was before you moved. The next best time is right when you move. It’s easy to let your address change fall through the gaps especially for things like your regular mail. After all, who gets paper mail anymore? While you can set up mail forwarding with USPS, it will only continue this service for 60 days. After that, they will stop the service so it will be up to you to update your address directly with these companies.

Beyond the obvious ones such as banking institutions, insurance companies, etc. don’t forget to notify your place of employment and update your tax documents. You should also update your favorite shopping sites and medical providers. If you have kids, make sure to notify their school of the address change if you are still going to the same school.

Speaking of updating information, if you have rental insurance, you might need to adjust it. If you don’t have one, now is a great time to get it as it can protect you against fires, floods, theft, natural disasters, and more. Rental insurance costs vary based on location and amenities, but the average cost is around $180 a year.

Try to Finish at Least One Selected Room

Yes, you might be exhausted after the move, but try to set up at least one room the day of the move. Choose an important space like the living room or bedroom to tidy up. Unpack the boxes and place the items in the appropriate areas while also noting any storage solutions you might need for that space. You don’t have to hang up all the decorations at this stage, but you do at least want to get the majority of the boxes out of the way.

Don’t get too carried away! The goal is to complete a single room as much as possible. That way in the coming weeks of unpacking, you at least have one spot in your home where you can relax. As you continue to unpack, follow this same method where you unpack to completion. That way you’ll see the progress you’ve made as each room comes together in the coming weeks.

Hire the Best Professional NJ Movers

Moving apartments can be a daunting and tiring task. If you want to make it easier one yourself, why not let professional NJ movers take the load off your shoulders and do the moving part for you.  Heck, many also offer packing and unpacking services so all you need to focus on is making sure you document everything in your new apartment and updating your information. Whatever option you choose when moving, following these tips can make your life in your new place go a lot smoother.

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Best Places to Live in New Jersey in 2024

Best Places to Live in New Jersey 2022

The new year brings with it new opportunities including a chance to find a new home. While many New Yorkers like to make fun of New Jersey, the state itself has a lot to offer from national parks to amazing beaches. If you’re in the market for a new home this year, moving to New Jersey might be in the cards. Not only can you get more space for the money you would spend on apartments in New York City, but you also aren’t too far away from the city life.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in New Jersey. You’re also dealing with high taxes, expensive homes, insane traffic, lots of landfills, and a lot of people (NJ is actually the most densely populated state with 9.3 million residents residing within the 7,354 square miles that make up the state). However, if you know where to look you can find some amazing places where you can experience all of the benefits with very few negatives. Below are some of the best places to live in New Jersey.

Princeton – A Popular University City

As the name suggests, this town is home to the prestigious Ivy League university of the same name. However, it boasts more than just an amazing university. The town is home to 31,000 residents including many young families and professionals. Thanks to the presence of the university, the town boasts a more urban feel and has a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, local retail shops, and cultural attractions. There’s also plenty of green spaces for you to enjoy during those warm summer days either at Morven Museum & Garden or Princeton Battlefield State Park.

While Princeton might be most known for the university, the emphasis on education is apparent at all levels. In fact, Princeton has some of the best public schools in the entire state. You can easily start a family, living in Princeton and have them attend excellent schools from kindergarten to college. Besides offering world-class education, Princeton University also has some excellent college lacrosse and basketball teams. So don the school colors (orange and black) and cheer with your neighbors.

Chatham: A Great Location for Families and Professionals

Located less than 25 miles away from Manhattan, Chatham offers all the charm of a quiet neighborhood while still being close enough to the bustle of a large city. It’s a great location for families and professionals as the downtown offers a great selection of restaurants and local stores to shop from. It’s also commuter-friendly and you can easily get around the town without a car. Of course, if you do want to travel outside of the town you have access to well-maintained roads and public transportation thanks to the NJ Transit.

Chatham is a great place for families. It’s safe and has plenty of family-friendly recreational locations to choose from. It’s located close to the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, which preserves Thomas Edison’s lab and residence where you can check out his inventions and tour the grounds. There’s also Liberty Hall Museum and Arboretum where you and your children can explore the mansion that hosted many distinguished guests such as George Washington, William Howard Taft, and Benjamin Franklin. Chatham is also home to some amazing public schools that are rated some of the best in New Jersey.

Elizabeth: One of the Largest Cities in New Jersey

If you’re still working in New York City, then Elizabeth might be a great option for you as it has two train stations and is close to both the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. With a population of 128,000, Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey. While housing prices aren’t cheap, you could potentially find a decent place for around $400,000. When compared to places like Princeton or Chatham, that price tag doesn’t look so bad!

One of the greatest strengths of Elizabeth is its diversity as it is home to 37 different languages and residents from 50 different countries. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to find cuisine from around the world whether you’re looking for Columbian, Indian, Japanese, or Portuguese. There’s definitely something for everyone and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Of course, if you want to, Elizabeth is very pedestrian-friendly and thanks to the two train stations, you probably don’t need a car unless you plan on visiting other areas of New Jersey.

Thanks to its large size, it’s also relatively to find a job in Elizabeth and the city even offers incentives to business owners to bring commerce to the community. If you’re an entrepreneur, this could be a great place to start.

Ho-Ho-Kus: A Small Community for Peaceful Living

If you’re looking for a more small-town feel, then Ho-Ho-Kus might be the place you’re looking for. This quaint town is home to around 4,000 people and, as you would imagine, is a very tight-knit community. Despite that, the residents are welcoming so you don’t have to worry about feeling iced out by your neighbors when you move in. While many of the residents have spent their entire lives in the area, many still are transplants who wanted a quieter lifestyle with more nature.

Despite its small population, Ho-Ho-Kus offers a cute downtown lined with shops and restaurants as well as a commercial center and train station. If you’re looking for a bit more nature, you just need to travel a short distance and you’ll find yourself walking along Saddle River or Brewster Pond. The area does have an elementary and middle school, though kids will have to go outside the town for high school. Due to its attractive amenities and picturesque scenery, houses are not cheap in Ho-Ho-Kus, but if you can afford it, it’s a wonderful place to live.

Springdale: The Best Suburb in New Jersey

If you prefer being closer to Philadelphia than New York City, then Springdale might be the perfect option. Located just over 45 miles from Philadelphia, Springdale is a neighborhood of Cherry Hill, NJ, and offers quiet suburban living with city life just under an hour away so you get to enjoy both the quiet and peaceful streets and small-town vibe without sacrificing the delights of a big city. Compared to some of the places on this list, Springdale is on the more affordable end when it comes to home prices.

With a population of under 14,000 Springdale offers a sparse suburban feel. While there is a downtown, you’ll mostly find big-box retailers and chain stores. If you want an active nightlife scene, this might not be the best option as Springdale is home mainly to families and retirees. With that said, the restaurants are quite good and there are other amenities such as local gyms, pools, and close proximity to some green areas such as Pennypacker Park and Wharton State Park. As it is a neighborhood in Cherry Hill, you also have access to top-tier public and private schools. In 2021, Springdale was ranked in the top ten of best suburbs to live in New Jersey.

Moving to NJ

Once you’re ready to make your NJ move, why not give trusted professional movers a call to help make your transition smoother? NJ Great Movers offers plenty of moving services and we can cater to your needs and budget. We also know New Jersey like the back of our hand and can get you moved into your new place with no issues. As a trusted NJ moving company, our goal is to make your move as stress and hassle-free as possible. So give us a call and we’ll get you started on the moving process.

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How to Choose a Good Long-Distance Mover

Good Long-Distance Mover

The days where people live and die in the same town are long gone. The average person in the United States moves around 11 times in their life. Sure, all of these could be local moves, but around 40 percent of the adult Americans reside in a state they were not born in. Although people move for a variety of reasons, work-related ones tend to top the list whether people are looking for new opportunities or were transferred to a new location.

If you’re making a long distance move, it might feel overwhelming especially when it comes to finding the right long-distance movers. There are so many potential pitfalls and scams out there it might almost seem easier to do it all yourself. However, if you know what to look out for, you can find trustworthy and affordable long distance movers.

Confirm Your Dates and Destination

Before you hire long distance movers, you first need some sort of schedule and destination. Even if you haven’t signed a lease yet, you should at least know the town or city you’re moving to. Dates are also an important part of the equation. Do you have a specific day you need to move out? Maybe you’re starting a new job or enrolling in school. You should take these dates into account when you are planning your move. After all, you want to make sure all of your belongings arrive before you start your new life!

With that said, you don’t need to have your entire schedule sorted out, although it will make it easier for you and the movers. Still, as long as you have some general idea of when and where you want to move, it should make long distance moving a bit earlier. Of course, you will need to firm up all this information once you decide to hire professional long distance movers, so don’t take too long to make a decision.

Take Note of Their Reputation

The best long distance moving companies will have an excellent reputation among current and former customers. An easy way to see how reputable your cross country movers are is to read online reviews about their services on Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. If you notice a lot of negative reviews, you should definitely avoid them. With that said, you shouldn’t trust online reviews 100 percent of the time. There have been plenty of exposes showing how companies game the system to either take down negative reviews or even pay for positive reviews.

Do you know someone who has recently moved? Ask them how their move went. Personal referrals, whether from friends, family, or coworkers, are a great way to find trustworthy long distance movers. If a family member or friend used a moving service you are considering, get as much detail as possible to see if they are a right fit for you.

Confirm the Reliability of the Moving Company

All long distance moving companies must be licensed by the US Department of Transportation. A quick check on the USDOT website will give you access to the record of each licensed long distance mover along with their USDOT number. If you don’t find them, chances are the company is either operating illegally or a scam. The top interstate movers will list their USDOT number directly on their website so you can easily search for them. You can then see if they are licensed and if their license is still active.

Another excellent site to check is the Better Business Bureau. Top-rated long distance moving companies will have proper BBB accreditation. While not required, this extra accreditation does provide an extra level of trust between you and your soon-to-be movers since if they do drop the ball, you can file a complaint and have the BBB find a resolution to the problem.

Ensure It Fits Your Budget

It’s all too easy to go with the most affordable long distance movers. However, what might seem like less money upfront could actually cost you more down the road as you deal with lost or broken items, hidden charges, and more. As tempting as it might be, price alone should not be the deciding factor when picking a moving company and that’s true for local moves as well!

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to pay an exorbitant amount of money either. There are affordable long distance movers available, but they might look more expensive when you initially compare quotes. So take a good look at what services each mover provides along with their rates. Don’t be afraid to call each company and get clarification on the quote. Some questions to ask include:

  • Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? A binding estimate is the best option as this means the price is guaranteed and not subject to change even if the final weight of your move is more or less than estimated. Keep in mind that the estimate only accounts for the transportation portion. If your estimate was based on self-packing but on move day the moving company packs everything, you will have to pay for the additional service!
  • Are there any additional fees that are not listed on this estimate? Many shady companies tack on extra fees that they do not list out in the initial quote for stairs, long-carry, gas, tolls, etc. You want to work with companies that are as transparent as possible so there are no surprises after you arrive at your new home.

Trust Your Guts on Which Company Is Reliable

While all of the tips above can definitely help you weed out the obvious scammers, moving scams have become more sophisticated over the years. If you feel that something is off about some long distance movers when you speak to them over the phone, trust your gut! Chances are your brain noticed some subtle red flags.

Of course, there are also times where you have several great options and the research didn’t point to any outright winners. In this case, you should choose the one that you think will be the best one for you.

Hire Professional Movers for an Easy Move

Making a long distance move isn’t an easy feat, but when you hire the right cross-country movers, it won’t be nearly as stressful. While it does require some planning and research, you’ll be happy you spent the time finding the right movers for your needs. If you’re in the market for long distance movers, why not give us a call? We can offer a free quote based on the information you provide and, once hired, we’ll be with you every step of the way until you’re in your new home.

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5 Exciting and Fun Things to Do Before Moving

5 Exciting and Fun Things to Do Before Moving

Even when you’re moving into your dream house, the actual moving process can be grueling and emotional. The months before a move are busy, even when you hire professional movers and are super organized. While moving can be stressful, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun to make the process a bit easier. If you need a break, the following activities can help refresh your batteries so you can get back to moving with gusto.

Throw a Party Before Moving to a New City

Whether you’re moving to a new city or a new state, organizing a going away party can be a nice distraction from all the packing and planning. Sure, it’s not particularly fun to say goodbye to good friends and neighbors, but a party is a great opportunity to see everyone in one place and spend time with the people who matter.

You don’t need additional stress during your move, so plan to make this party very informal. Reach out to your closest friends and neighbors and have a laid-back get together on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Make sure you have some drinks and snacks, but you can also ask guests to bring something as well. At the end of the party, make sure you exchange your new contact information. Heck, you can even mix business with pleasure and have the moving-away part after your friends have helped you pack for the day. If you’re hiring movers, you can encourage your guests to take some items that you don’t plan on bringing with you.

Visit Your New and Old Places

Unless you really hated your area, chances are there are a few spots in town that you love. Maybe it’s a cozy diner, a small museum, or a quiet green area in a park. Wherever it is, take some time out of your hectic moving plans to enjoy your neighborhood for the last time. Don’t rush yourself either! Take your time and truly relish the experience. That might mean clearing up a day or two in your busy moving schedule, but it will be worth it!

If your schedules align, take one or two friends on a greatest hits ‘tour’ and visit your favorite places. You could even take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of your old haunts. If that’s not your style, why not be a tourist in your town for the day? If you live somewhere like NYC, chances are you probably avoid tourist locations like the plague. Now is the time to take in all the attractions and enjoy them! It’s a great way to recharge your battery for the tough relocation ahead.

Capture Beautiful Memories Before You Leave

Leaving your old home can be an emotional experience, especially if you have a lot of good memories in it. It’s hard on everyone, but doubly so for children as they have come to associate the house with comfort, love, and warmth. Fortunately, your upcoming move doesn’t have to be a somber affair as long as you believe your new home will be even better.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to forget all about your old house. If anything, to make the transition easier, you should capture some memories before you leave. Maybe that means making a farewell video where each member of the family tells their favorite story or memory linked to a particular room. Avoid scripted takes as you want authenticity!

If you’re not into video, take some time to take some pictures as you move out. Later on, you can arrange these pictures, along with others you have taken during your stay at your old house, into a photo album. If you have kids, let them contribute to the album as well so everyone will have fond memories to look back on.

Speaking of memories, if you can bring a memento from your old place to your new one. This might be a bit harder if you live in a rental as you could be charged for not leaving the apartment in good condition. Choose something that is meaningful and either add it to the photo album/scrapbook or add it to your new home. This way, every time you look at the memento, you’ll be reminded of good memories.

Reward Yourself  in a Way You Choose

If you hire trustworthy movers, hopefully your residential move will be perfect from start to finish. Many people will wait until after the move to treat themselves, but there’s no rule saying you can’t take a much needed pre-move break. In fact, it’s a great way to keep your motivation high, especially during the height of moving.

It might be tempting to try and push through all the tedious packing and organizing, but take some time to relax. Maybe that means catching a movie with some friends, going out for romantic dinner with your significant other, or attending a concert. If you’re moving alone, it could be as simple as taking a luxurious bath or relaxing in bed watching your favorite show. Whatever it is, you want to choose an activity that will recharge your batteries. The point is to do something you love and enjoy. You’ll be less stressed the next day and you might even be able to get everything done faster by taking a break.

Create a Proven Floor Plan to Avoid Mistakes

When moving into a new place, you have the opportunity to truly transform it into the home of your dreams. Sure, there might be some limitations, especially if you decide to move into an apartment. However, there are still plenty of ways you can unleash your creativity and create a cozy dwelling that reflects your personality while also guaranteeing maximum comfort. And you can start planning all of this out before you even move! In fact, you should create a floor plan before you move, that way you can avoid costly mistakes such as:

  • Incorrect furniture size – there’s no point in spending money moving heavy furniture if it won’t fit in your new home. A detailed floor plan will tell you which pieces you can keep and which ones you can donate or throw away.
  • Poor furniture placement – you’ll have to know the exact dimensions of your house and furniture for this, but it’s well worth the effort as you can figure out where to place each item to maximize open areas and traffic flow
  • Rearranging furniture after move in – why spend time rearranging furniture after you move in when you can simply have the movers place items exactly where you want it? With a floor plan, you can tell the movers exactly where you want each item to go. Not only does this save you time, it also reduces the chances of you or loved ones getting injured because you’re trying to move heavy items.

In order for the floor plan to work as intended, you need exact measurements of everything. Make sure to include quirky wall layouts such as round sections or slanted walls. Also make sure to note the location of all windows, doors, and doorways as you don’t want to block any of these areas with furniture. While you’re at it, you should also look for the location of electric outlets, ceiling lights, and heating vents on your floor plan. When you have all the information, draw the rooms to scale. It usually works best when you use graph paper and represent one foot with two squares on the graph paper.

Once that’s done, measure all of your furniture and decide which ones you want to move into your new home and see whether they will fit. Draw the outlines of your furniture onto another piece of graph paper using the same scaling method as you did for the actual house/apartment. From there, cut the furniture shapes from the paper and start arranging on your floor plan. Pay special attention to the flow of traffic and how you can break up a large room into different ‘sections.’ Sure, you can always rearrange furniture later on, but a good floor plan can save you time and reduce unnecessary stress. Plus, you can keep the plan for future use if you ever replace your old furniture.

Hire the Best Professional NJ Movers

The moving process can be grueling and stress-full, but these tips can hopefully help make it a little more bearable. Another great way to reduce stress is to hire professional movers who can help load and unload your belongings and even arrange your furniture based on your specifications. Working with the pros means you don’t have to worry about broken items or injuries. And that’s a great way to start a new chapter in your life!