Moving from one apartment to another can feel overwhelming. You have to pack everything, deal with two different landlords, and figure out what to do if your move-out date doesn’t match your move-in date. The biggest challenge is timing. What happens when you leave your old place on the 30th but can’t move into your new apartment until the 5th?
This guide covers everything from dealing with lease gaps to protecting your security deposit. We’ll also show you how portable storage containers from STOMO can make the process easier by giving you a place to store your stuff between apartments.
Dealing With Lease Gaps
A lease gap happens when there’s time between when you move out of your old apartment and when you can move into your new one. This is one of the biggest headaches when moving apartments.
Dealing With Short Lease Gaps
If you only have a few days between apartments, you have several options that can make things easier.
Check Both Leases Carefully
Read both your old lease and your new lease carefully. Look for the exact move-out and move-in times. Some leases let you start moving in after a certain time the day before your lease starts. Your new lease might start on November 1st, but you might be allowed to move stuff in after 3 PM on October 31st. Call both landlords and ask about the specific times. This simple step can save you a lot of stress.
Try Negotiating With Either or Both Landlords
Most landlords understand that moving is hard. Your old landlord might let you stay an extra day. Your new landlord might let you start moving in early. This works best with private owners instead of big management companies. But even large companies sometimes make exceptions. Just ask nicely and explain your situation.
Plan for an Overlap in Leases
Sometimes the best solution is to pay rent at both places for a few days. Yes, it costs more money, but it can actually save you money compared to other options. If you overlap your leases by three days, you can move slowly and carefully. You won’t need to rush or pay for a hotel. And you can clean your old apartment well to get your full security deposit back.
Dealing With Longer Lease Gaps
When you have a week or more between apartments, you need a different plan.
Rent a Storage Unit
For longer gaps, you’ll need somewhere to put your stuff. Portable storage containers make this easy. Instead of moving everything twice, you can have a container delivered right to your apartment. Here’s how it works with STOMO. They bring a storage container to your old apartment. You pack it on your schedule. Then they store it and deliver it to your new place when you’re ready. You only move your stuff once, and you get flat-rate pricing. Regular storage units mean loading a truck, driving to storage, unloading, and then doing it all again at your new apartment. That’s a lot of extra work.
Find a Long-Term Place to Stay
While your stuff is in storage, you need somewhere to sleep. Extended stay hotels offer weekly or monthly rates that are cheaper than regular hotels. You might also look for short-term sublets online. Sometimes college students go home for the summer and sublet their apartments. If you have family or friends nearby, ask if you can stay with them for a week.
Tips for Moving Apartments Within the Same Building
Sometimes you’re just switching to a bigger apartment in the same building, or you want a different floor or better view. Moving within the same building is easier in some ways, but you still need to do it right.
Talk to Your Landlord
The first step is talking to your building manager or landlord. Tell them you want to switch apartments. Ask them these questions: Do you have any apartments available that fit what you need? Is there a transfer fee? Can you move some stuff before your new lease officially starts? Will you need to fill out a new application? Can you get some time where both apartments overlap? Most landlords are happy when good tenants want to stay in the building. They might waive some fees or give you extra time to move.
Spread Out the Moving Process as Much as Possible
The best part about moving within the same building is that you can take your time. If your landlord lets you access your new apartment early, start moving boxes gradually. Take a few boxes over each day after work. This is way less stressful than moving everything in one day. You won’t need to take time off work or rent a truck.
Be Creative When Packing and Moving Your Items to Your New Apartment
When you’re moving within the same building, you can use some tricks that don’t work for longer moves. Reuse the same moving boxes multiple times. Pack three boxes, carry them to your new apartment, unpack them, and bring the boxes back. You only need a few boxes instead of buying dozens.
Don’t empty your dresser drawers. Just take the drawers out, carry them to the new place, and put them back in the dresser. Keep your clothes on the hangers. Put a trash bag over a bunch of hanging clothes and carry them to your new closet. Use what you already own instead of buying bubble wrap. Wrap dishes in your towels. Use your blankets and pillows to protect breakable items.
Set Up New Utility Accounts
Even in the same building, you need new utility accounts for your different apartment number. Call the electric company and internet provider at least two weeks before you move.
Other Tips for Moving and Navigating Lease Gaps
Start Early
Start looking for your new apartment at least two months before you need to move. This gives you time to find the right place and work out any lease gap problems. Starting early also means you can compare prices and visit multiple apartments instead of taking whatever’s available.
Stay Organized
Keep all your moving paperwork in one folder. This includes your old lease, new lease, utility bills, and receipts. Take photos of everything. Photos of your old apartment to prove it was clean. Photos of your new apartment to show any existing damage. Make a checklist and cross things off as you complete them.
Plan Your Move
If you’re hiring movers, book them at least a month in advance. The end of the month is always busy for moving companies because that’s when most leases end. If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you have enough friends committed to helping. Plan to feed them pizza and drinks.
Budget for the Gap
Lease gaps cost money. You might pay rent at two places at once, need a hotel, or use storage. Set aside extra money in your savings for moving costs. Remember the hidden costs like application fees, security deposits, cleaning supplies, packing materials, and gas money.
Rental Move Out Checklist
Step 1: Get Rid of Unnecessary Items
Before packing, get rid of things you don’t need. Donate clothes you don’t wear. Sell furniture that won’t fit. Throw away broken items. The less stuff you have, the easier and cheaper your move will be.
Step 2: Notify Your Landlord of the Upcoming Move
Most leases require 30 or 60 days written notice before you move out. Send your landlord a letter or email with your move-out date. Ask about any rules for moving day, like elevator reservations or time restrictions.
Step 3: Do a Thorough Cleaning
Clean your apartment really well to get your security deposit back. Clean the oven, fridge, bathrooms, and all floors. Fix small damages like nail holes in the walls with spackle.
Step 4: Take Care of Bills
Pay all your final bills. Call your electric company, water company, and internet provider with your move-out date. Set up utilities at your new place before you move in.
Step 5: Document the Condition of Your Rental
Take photos and videos of every room after you clean and remove your stuff. This proves you left it in good condition. Do the same at your new apartment before moving anything in.
Step 6: Pay Attention to Additional Space
Check your storage unit, garage, parking spot, and any outdoor space. Remove everything that belongs to you.
Notify People and Institutions of Your New Address
After you move, update your address with important places. Go to the post office and fill out a change of address form to forward your mail. Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, insurance, and employer. Tell your doctor’s office and dentist. Update your driver’s license at the DMV within 30 days.
Make Your Apartment Move Stress-Free
Moving from apartment to apartment doesn’t have to be terrible. Plan ahead, stay organized, and solve the lease gap problem before it becomes a crisis. Check both leases carefully, negotiate with your landlords, and consider overlapping your leases for a few days. For longer gaps, portable storage is your best option. Clean your old apartment well and document everything with photos.
Ready to make your apartment move easier? STOMO delivers portable storage containers in Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach. Pack at your own pace and store your stuff between leases. Get flat-rate pricing with no surprises. Call 844-439-7866 or get a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid paying double rent when moving between apartments?
Negotiate prorated rent with your landlord, time your leases so they overlap by just a few days, or arrange a sublet or lease takeover for your old unit. Using short-term storage during the gap can also help you move out on time without paying for two places at once.
How much notice do I need to give my landlord before moving out?
Most leases require 30 to 60 days written notice before your move-out date. Always send it via email or letter and keep a copy for your records to avoid losing your security deposit or facing penalties.
Can I switch apartments within the same building before my lease ends?
It depends on your landlord and lease agreement. Talk to your property manager many will allow a transfer, but you may need to pay a transfer fee, fill out a new application, and sign a new lease.
What is the best time of year to move to save money?
Moving between October and March is usually the cheapest option, as demand for movers and rental units drops significantly after summer. Landlords are also more likely to negotiate during the off-season.
How do I get my full security deposit back when moving out?
Deep clean the entire apartment, fix minor damages like nail holes, and take photos or videos of every room after cleaning. Schedule a walk-through with your landlord to confirm everything is in good condition before handing back the keys.