Congrats on securing your new rental apartment! Planning your move is always exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. At Plaza East, we believe moving to a new home marks a fresh start, and that start shouldn’t come with unnecessary stress. To help ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into your new apartment in Kansas City, follow these practical tips:

1. Begin Planning Early

One of the biggest mistakes renters make is waiting too long to create a moving plan. You never want to wait until it’s too late to start packing and moving your belongings into your new apartment. As a general rule, it’s best to start at least 6-8 weeks in advance of the actual move-in date. Break down the moving process into small manageable phases and create a deadline for better planning. Try sticking to it to avoid making last-minute chaos.

  • Start packing non-essentials first, then move on to daily-use items.

  • Create a moving timeline with key goals.

  • Make a checklist of essentials like tape, boxes, bubble wrap, and markers.

2. Make Room By Decluttering

Before packing anything, take a moment to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Doing so will help you eliminate a lot of clutter and unwanted items. This will help you reduce clutter and make the move lighter and more affordable. You may even find gently used items that someone else can benefit from. With fewer unnecessary items, your new home will feel more organized and intentional.

3. Get Some Moving Supplies

After deciding what’s staying with you at your new home, you can look for moving supplies. Collect moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and any other necessary packing materials. You might already have some of these at home, or you can ask local stores if they have extra boxes to spare.

  • Use small boxes for heavy items like canned goods and tools.

  • Use medium boxes for kitchenware and small appliances.

  • Use large boxes for bedding and clothing.

  • Use specialty boxes for fragile or oddly shaped items.

You can also check with your neighbors for recommendations for moving supplies or see if they have any they can spare.

4. Start With One Room At A Time

Renters often struggle with packing their belongings when moving. Starting with one room at a time can help to not become overwhelmed.  Start with spaces that aren’t often used, such as guest rooms or storage rooms. After that, you can continue with rooms that require more careful packing, such as the living room or kitchen. Keep packed boxes grouped by room, and remember to pack a first-night essentials box.

5. Label Everything Well

Labeling is essential when planning for a move. Labeling not only helps you pack items correctly, but it is also makes a big difference when unpacking.

  • Write the room and contents on each box.

  • Use color-coded labels or tape for even easier sorting.

  • Mark fragile items and indicate which side should face up.

7. Notify Your Landlord And Hire Movers

Check your lease to confirm how much notice is required, then inform your landlord about your move. Also, book professional movers in advance to avoid the stress and risk of moving on your own. Be sure to compare quotes and choose a reputable company with experience.

8. Update Your Address

In the chaos of moving, don’t forget to update your address. Missing this step could lead to lost mail or service interruptions.

Notify:

  • Banks and credit card companies

  • Insurance and medical providers

  • Utilities (like internet or electricity)

  • Your employer, DMV, voter registration, and pet registry

  • Subscription services (magazines, streaming, etc.)

9. Document The Condition Of Your New Apartment

Before unpacking, document your apartment’s condition with photos and videos, including any pre-existing damage. Share this documentation with your landlord to avoid disputes later.

Plaza East – Ready To Move Luxury Apartments For Rent In Kansas City

Plaza East Luxury Apartments offers a seamless blend of comfort, style, and convenience, making your transition to a new home effortless. Located near Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and minutes from Highway 71 and I-70, our luxury apartments offer an unbeatable combination of lifestyle, location, and comfort.

Our community features one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as spacious two- and three-bedroom townhome-style residences. With stylish finishes and contemporary layouts, you’re sure to find your perfect fit. Contact us to schedule a tour and discover what life could be like at Plaza East.