There are several perks to living in an older apartment unit. To start with, older units have larger storage spaces when compared to newer developments, and they also tend to be more affordable and also have a more solid construction base. While finding an older apartment to rent may be a huge advantage to you, here are some things to look out for before signing your lease.
Hire a full-service moving company.
Moving to a new apartment is a thrilling new chapter, but the stress associated with the moving process can feel overwhelming. Luckily, a bit of planning can help, and it all starts with hiring a professional moving company. Professional movers are trained to manage all aspects of residential moves. Some of the professional services offered by the best Miami movers include furniture disassembly, unpacking and packing services, storage services, unloading, and junk removal.
If you are making big home renovations or decluttering, need a place to store some of your specialty items, or have some time in between leases, consider hiring a mover that also offers storage solutions. The property market is one that’s riddled with uncertainty, so while it may be ideal to have your new apartment renovated before your move day, this may not always be a possibility.
When your new home is undergoing complex renovations, a self-storage facility can provide safe temporary storage space for your valuable items. Belongings such as antiques, artwork, pieces of furniture, pianos, books, and other valuable household items require great care. So, as you look to hire moving professionals, ensure that their storage pads or warehouses are climate controlled, have 24-hour security, and are easily accessible.
Have the apartment thoroughly cleaned.
Your landlord should have taken complete care of your renovation needs and thoroughly cleaned your new apartment. However, there are some parts of the home that they may have overlooked. For instance, while the carpet may have been vacuumed or your draperies freshly laundered, unpleasant odors—pet urine, mildew, cigarette smells, candle smoke—may still be lingering. But by using a smoke smell eliminator from Smell Veil after you deep clean, you’ll feel more comfortable in your new home.
Exposed surfaces in your new apartment—door jams, light switches, thermostats, countertops—have been touched several times by the previous tenants. Knowing this, make it a point to wipe down all your surfaces with some disinfectant sprays and wipes.
Perform a thorough apartment inspection.
As you plan your relocation, don’t overlook the importance of performing an apartment inspection. Once you’ve found an apartment you love, an apartment checklist can help you figure out what renovations and repairs you need to make before moving in. While the property owner may have their list of needed repairs, have one of your own and set up an apartment inspection with them.
During the home inspection, consider the state of the apartment’s plumbing, HVAC system, safety features, electrical wiring, doors, and windows. While inspecting the windows, test them to see if they close and open fully without getting stuck. Ensure that they aren’t drafty and point out any issues you notice to your landlord.
To test the power outlets, have your phone charger with you and plug it into every electrical outlet to confirm they all work. Also, try switching the wall switches off and on to confirm that they’re working properly. Further, a great way to tell if an apartment has a plumbing problem is water stains on walls and ceilings, so pay attention to these areas.
Lastly, it’s important to know that a majority of the homes built before 1980 contain asbestos in the HVAC system, ceiling tiles, roof shingles, and siding. If your furnace or boiler is insulated with asbestos, this can turn your home into a health hazard. To avoid potential health risks, have a professional run a thorough inspection on your unit before you move in.