Things to Bring and to Remember Before You Move In
Before you move in to your new home here are some reminders and suggestions. Get together with your roommate(s) and decide who will bring what:Kitchen
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Bedroom
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Bathroom
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Miscellaneous:
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- Utilities
Pick up the Center's handout on Utilities and you'll find all the numbers you need for gas, electric, telephone, cable, etc. Most apartments will require that you have the utilities put in your name. Some may take care of it for you; others will require that you have them turned on. The telephone and cable may take up to a week to get turned on, so try to arrange it before you arrive. Check the handout for numbers. - Strongly consider Renters' Insurance.
Your personal belongings are not covered by the apartment's insurance. In case of theft, fire, flood, etc., you are responsible. Your parents should check with their insurance agent to see if you'll be covered on their current homeowner's policy. If not, they may be able to purchase a rider to their policy to cover you. Or you can purchase your own renters' insurance policy from most any insurance agent. The cost is typically $100-$150 for a year. Ask about "replacement value" for your property. - Confirm your apartment move-in date.
Be sure you arrive at a time the office is open to process your move-in and sign out your keys. - Go through a move-in checklist (ideally with the landlord).
Most landlords will provide the list. Note anything and everything that is broken, burned, cracked, chipped, dirty, etc. Cigarette burns in the carpet, holes in the wall or screens, missing screens or storm windows, window clasps that don't work, a stove burner that doesn't work, chips in the bathtub. If you don't take this action now, on move-out, you may be charged. Ideally, take pictures, get two sets developed, send one set certified mail to the manager/landlord along with a letter noting each item. - Read your lease carefully.
You'll probably find a requirement for a written, 30-day notice when you move out. Failure to provide that means your lease rolls over to an additional month which you'll have to pay for. Make a note on your calendar to get that letter out in time next spring. You'll probably find a number of clauses that contain rules it's important to be aware of -- rules that could result in your eviction if you don't follow them. - Before you move in, get together with your roommate(s) and determine who's bringing what.
- Read and fill in the Roommate Agreement available at our office.
It establishes "house rules" as well as who pays what, when. Also be aware that if a roommate moves out in the middle of the lease, the remaining tenants are still responsible for the entire amount of the rent. It's up to you to pursue the ex-roommate. A Roommate Agreement with his/her signature next to the amount they agree to pay each month will hold up in court if it comes to that. - Fill out a change-of-address form at your home Post Office so your mail will be forwarded.
Send a change-of-address form to magazines, newspapers, etc. to which you subscribe. - Any tips or suggestions? Let us know. Send an e-mail to the coordinator. terry.teagarden@utoledo.edu