College Move Preparations. Part 6 in a series by Matthew Forman

As with all of these articles, the information in this one may or may not apply to your personal situation. Some of the items will apply to everyone, and many will only apply to a smaller segment of you – now! Eventually, they will all apply to all of you!

We are going to make a few assumptions here. First, for whatever reason, you are moving to an apartment where the rent does not include utilities. Second, you are responsible for all of your own bills; car insurance, a payment, and any credit cards (hopefully none!). For whatever reason, you will no longer be considered a dependent of your parents. Scary thought, for some of you, I know!

When you sign the lease for your new place, you should try to do it about a month before you move. In this scenario, most apartments will be requiring a first month, last month and security deposit (between $100 and a full month’s rent), as well as any pet deposit, and a non-refundable application fee! Best case scenario is just under $1,000 at the time of the lease signing. When you sign your lease, make sure that you get the names and contact numbers for all of the utility providers.

In some cities, there may be more than one electric company, water company and cable or internet provider, and you need to make sure that you contact the right one that is contracted with the complex. It’s also a good idea to call the electric, water and gas (if the apartment is not all electric) companies before you sign the lease. Ask the customer service representative you speak with what the average monthly bill was for the specific apartment. Just explain that you are looking at renting and want to make sure you can budget for them. They will be glad to give you the information, first because they don’t want to have a bad debt from you, and second, the law says that they have to. Do not take the word of the person at the apartment complex!

They might not tell you the truth, shocking as that may sound! Also, when you call the utilities, ask them how much deposit they will require, and if you can start on a budget plan.

Three weeks before the move, make a reservation with the rental company for the small truck you will be using, and make certain to get the insurance if your car insurance does not cover a rental truck (contact your insurer to find out). Also, spend the extra $20 to $50 for a dolly/hand cart and furniture pads. You can skip the pads if you have a few quilts, but not just light blankets.

Two weeks before the move, file a change of address with your current post office. This will give them time to set up forwarding. At the same time, call you insurance company again, and give them the date of your move, the new address, and ask about renters insurance. Your personal property is NOT covered by the landlord’s insurance in the event of fire, flood, tornado, or burglary. Most insurance companies offer renters insurance at a very reasonable price, and you may be able to get a discount on your car insurance for multiple policies.

You also need to go to your bank (assuming you are keeping the same account), and fill out a change of address with them, and call any other creditors you have to give them the information.

Four days before the move, pick up the rental equipment, and make the runs to get the boxes and other supplies you are going to need, and start packing NOW! Yes, the extra time will cost a bit more on the equipment, but the peace of mind is worth it. Also, get a good padlock for the back of the rental truck so you can keep your belongings safe as you move.

The day you move in, arrive EARLY! Before you unload the first item, get the landlord or apartment manager and MAKE them do a walk-through inspection with you. Check everything! If there is any damage, make notes, and make them sign the notes that it was damaged before you moved in, otherwise, YOU WILL BE LIABLE!

In the first week after you have moved in, after returning the rental equipment, go to the local DMV and change your driver’s license.

Again, not all of this will apply to all of you now, but it will eventually! Based on your situation, use the information that does apply, and enjoy the experience! If you are like the “average” person, you will be repeating this process every 5 ½ years from now on!