You might be excited to start your life in a new condo but moving there is another story. It’s a tough job that promises a lot of hard work, so it’s natural to feel stressed before the big day. You might even lose sleep as the big day creeps closer.
If you’re feeling the pre-move jitters, don’t worry. You’re in the right place. Whether you’re buying or renting a condo, these tips below will take some of the stress out of your move.
1. Prepare to Downsize
A condo comes with a lot of perks. Things like built-in amenities, less upkeep, security, and a killer location with public transit steps from your door are all part of the appeal of living in a condo.
But one thing you’ll have to sacrifice on is space. Data shows that condo sizes are shrinking in major cities, and the newer your building is, the less space you have.
In Vancouver, for example, the median size of a condo built in 2016–2017 is a tight 769 square feet. That’s 3.5 percent smaller than condos built from 2011–2015, and 16 percent less space than condos built between 1971 and 1990.
Downsizing before you put down roots in your new condo means you won’t have to worry about where you’ll put everything. And, if you can sell your best stuff, you might even generate some cash to put toward your move.
2. Find Local Movers
Moving can be challenging even after you downsize to fit your smaller space. It isn’t something you can do on your own, and your loved ones aren’t always available (or willing) to do the heavy lifting.
If you need help lugging furniture, start researching local movers that understand the unique conditions of your city’s condos.
Let’s say you’re moving into one of the many condos in Vancouver. You’ll want to compare Vancouver movers like Metropolitan Movers Vancouver that specialize in apartment and condo moving services. Take the time to shop around for estimates to ensure you find the best fit for your budget.
Moving companies in Vancouver (and other major cities) offer more than just heavy lifting. They can help with every step of the moving process, including packing, furniture disassembly, and installation. Make sure they provide a binding quote for any of the services you need.
3. Talk to Your Building Management
You’ll want to speak with your property management company’s representative about their move-in process. A quick chat will let you know any rules you have to follow on the big day.
These rules tend to focus on booking service elevators so that you don’t hijack one of the few passenger elevators ferrying people up and down the building.
Pass along any time constraints to your moving company. They’ll want to know any details so that they can adjust their plans to best suit your property management’s needs. You’ll be able to make the best first impression on moving day when your movers follow the rules.
Manage Stress by Being Prepared
It’s easy to feel powerless when you’re stressed out, but there are ways to get a handle on your anxiety. Remember these tips as you get closer to your move-in date. They’ll help you organize a smooth transition to your new condo.