Welcome home to your new residence! Whether you’ve chosen an apartment in Joplin, Webb City, or one of our other gorgeous properties, we’re here to help you live your best life with upscale family living or luxury apartments.
One thing to keep in mind is planning an effective and efficient move so you can get settled in with as few hassles as possible. Our guide explains more.
Plan Your Move at Least Three Months Ahead
To make the moving process go more smoothly, we recommend planning your move three months in advance. Yes, we recognize that apartment moves might have a month-to-month timeline. But if you know you’ll be moving into an apartment in Joplin several weeks ahead of time, we strongly recommend planning well ahead of the actual day you move.
Create a Timeline
Start by creating a detailed timeline. Break tasks into manageable chunks and assign deadlines. For instance, focus on decluttering during the first few weeks, researching movers in the second month (or reserving your moving truck if you are moving yourself), and packing essentials as the move date approaches. Use a calendar or a digital app to track progress and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Closely Examine Your Belongings
Next, sort through belongings to eliminate unnecessary items to make the move easier. If you still have a lot of items you want to keep but won’t have enough room in the apartment, consider getting a storage unit. Putting items into storage weeks before the move will make getting into your Joplin apartment easier.
Divide possessions into categories such as keep, donate, and discard. Organize a garage sale or schedule donation pickups for unwanted items. This process reduces packing stress and ensures the new space remains clutter-free. Commit to this effort early to enjoy a streamlined move.
Two Months Before the Move
During the second month, gather quotes from multiple moving companies or compare rental truck options. Assess their services, pricing, and reviews to select the best fit for your needs. Confirm the booking to make sure you secure the truck or movers for the right day.
If handling the move independently, talk to friends or family to plan for that day. Some moving companies will allow you to just hire them for labor without using their trucks, so keep that in mind as you budget for a move.
30 Days to Moving Day
As the move date nears, pack systematically. Label boxes clearly by room and list contents for easier unpacking. Begin with items rarely used, like seasonal clothing or decorative pieces, and then perhaps put them in storage. Keep essentials, such as toiletries, important documents, and daily-use kitchenware, in a separate, easily accessible box. Efficient packing minimizes chaos on moving day.
Finally, notify relevant parties about the change of address. Update information with banks, utility providers, post office, and subscription services. Schedule utility transfers or installations for the new apartment in Joplin to avoid delays. Confirm the move date with movers and double-check all arrangements a week before the move.
Purchase Renter’s Insurance
Many property owners, including Bell Management, require renter’s insurance to protect your belongings in the event of a fire, flood, or other disasters. Renter’s insurance coverage is based on the value of the items you want to cover.
Assign a Value to Your Possessions
Begin by evaluating your possessions. Create a detailed inventory of items such as electronics, furniture, clothing, and valuables. Estimate the total value of your belongings to determine the coverage amount you need for renter’s insurance. The goal of this step is to see what renter’s insurance policies could adequately protect your assets.
Research Renter’s Insurance Providers
You need to balance a renter’s insurance policy that covers your valuables yet gives you an affordable monthly payment. Compare options based on coverage limits, deductibles, and monthly premiums. Keep in mind that a lower deductible typically means a higher monthly premium.
Read customer reviews to assess satisfaction levels and responsiveness during claims. Shortlist providers with strong reputations and a history of delivering reliable service. Contact agents to clarify policy details and confirm availability for your location.
Gather Your Documents
Gather the necessary documents and prepare for the renter’s insurance application process. Compile records such as your lease agreement, proof of residency, and personal identification. Take photographs of high-value items and save receipts when available in case you need to file a claim later. Organize this information to streamline the quoting process and avoid delays.
Sign Up for Your Renter’s Insurance Policy
Select a policy that matches your needs after reviewing all available options. Focus on the coverage terms, exclusions, and liability limits outlined in the policy. Confirm that the protection extends to risks such as theft, fire, or natural disasters, depending on your area. Schedule the policy to begin the day you move into your Joplin apartment to avoid gaps in coverage.
After securing a policy, organize important documents for easy access. Save both physical and digital copies of the agreement, along with proof of coverage. Share the policy number and emergency contact details with trusted family members or roommates. Maintain records of high-value items to support potential claims. Most importantly, send us proof of renter’s insurance so we can finalize your lease agreement.
Measure Your New Space Versus the Old Space
Before moving, you need to determine how much room you’ll have for your belongings. If you don’t already know the square footage of your current space, measure each room along the walls to get a width and length measurement. Then, add them up. Compare them with the new Joplin apartment you’re about to rent. If your new place has more space, you probably have enough room for everything.
Typical dimensions are:
- Living Room: 10’×12’
- Bedroom: 10’×12’
- Kitchen: 9’×14’
- Bathroom: 10’×7’
You Can Get More Specific
Arranging your furniture is both a science and an art form. You can get as specific as you want ahead of your move. Measure your space from floor to ceiling if you have tall bookshelves. When placing a wide TV or couch against a wall, measure the space between the edge of each window and the corner of the room in your current place. You can do this for every room if you need to.
Then, take similar measurements at your new apartment. Compare the measurements of the old space to the new space. Will your TV fit? How will you position the couch? What about the couch and loveseat?
The reason for doing this is to determine how to arrange your furniture in a new space. For example, if your new living room features less wall space, consider mounting a TV or opting for multifunctional furniture. If closets hold less storage, purchase organizers or additional shelving. Making these decisions ahead of time prevents clutter and streamlines the unpacking process.
Consider downsizing or getting a storage unit if your next apartment in Joplin simply doesn’t have enough space for everything.
Do You Need a Storage Unit?
Sometimes, getting a storage unit can save space during a move. It can also save you money if you don’t want to rent a larger apartment when you consider the rent, utilities, and availability of certain sizes or floorplans.
Make a List, Check It Twice
Create an inventory of belongings that won’t fit in your new home or that you don’t immediately need after the move. Categorize items by type, such as furniture, seasonal decorations, or documents, and estimate their sizes. This step helps you visualize the amount of space required in the storage unit. Many storage unit locations will have a size calculator that can help you determine the size you require for your items.
Measure Larger Items
Next, measure larger items to calculate the total storage area needed. Use a tape measure to determine the length, width, and height of furniture, appliances, and stacked boxes. Consider how efficiently you can arrange items in the unit, such as placing lighter boxes on top of heavier ones or using vertical space for taller objects. A well-organized approach minimizes wasted space.
Read Reviews
Research storage facilities in your area and compare unit sizes, costs, and accessibility. Look for climate-controlled options if you plan to store temperature-sensitive items, such as electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture. Ask about security features like cameras, gated access, and locks. Contact the facilities directly to confirm availability and inquire about move-in specials or discounts.
Prepare for Moving Items to Storage
After selecting a storage unit, prepare your items for long-term storage. Clean and dry everything thoroughly to prevent damage or mold. Disassemble larger furniture, such as bed frames or tables, to save space. Pack smaller items in sturdy boxes, labeling each one clearly for easy retrieval. Use protective coverings, such as bubble wrap or blankets, for fragile or valuable items.
On move-in day, arrange items strategically in the unit. Place frequently needed belongings near the front for easy access and heavier or less-used items at the back. Leave walkways to navigate the space efficiently. If you have seasonal items and decorations, leave those toward the front of the unit so you can switch them out easily.
Changing Utilities and Other Services
Remember, when you move, you should change your address with service providers, like your bank, insurance, and cell phone. Some services you won’t need anymore, like utilities at your current place. Careful planning can help with this process.
Make a List of Services to Contact
List all utilities and services currently in use, including electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash collection. Include subscriptions such as streaming platforms or mail-order deliveries. Creating a list can help prevent lapses.
Set Up Utilities, Internet
Next, contact your current utility providers to schedule disconnection dates. Make these dates as close to your moving date as possible. Verify whether providers serve your new address or if you need to set up accounts with new companies. For overlapping services like the internet, schedule the connection at your new place for the day you move in, if possible. An alternative to this is to use your smartphone for a temporary internet connection. You can also use Wi-Fi at our clubhouse if you have a laptop.
Set up utilities at your new apartment in Joplin early. Contact providers for electricity, gas, and water at least two weeks before the move. Share your move-in date to activate services promptly. If switching internet or cable services, confirm installation appointments and gather any equipment required, such as routers or modems. You can keep track of these appointments through a time-management or calendar app.
Change Addresses
Notify banks, credit cards, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and the post office with your new address. Change billing addresses for subscriptions and online retailers to prevent delays or missed deliveries. Most of these places have easy ways to change your address online. Just make sure you follow their instructions and security protocols.
Confirm Everything Before Moving Day
Finally, confirm all changes before the move. Double-check disconnection and activation dates with utility companies. Keep confirmation numbers and contact information handy for any follow-up. Test services at the new apartment, such as running water or internet speed, so that things work as you expect them to.
Have a Plan for Moving Day
Create a plan for the day of your move, whether you hire a moving company or do it yourself when renting a moving truck. Start with a timeline for the day, including tasks such as loading the truck, travel time, and unloading. Allocate extra time for unexpected delays to keep the process on track.
Verify Timing of the Truck and Helpers
Double-check all logistics ahead of time. Verify the arrival time of movers or the pickup time for a rental truck. Contact friends or family helping with the move, so that they know the schedule and their responsibilities. Ensure access to both locations, including keys, parking spots, and the elevator. Factor in meal breaks for the people helping you, and determine how those meals will happen, from eating out or prepping sandwiches to keep in a cooler packed with ice on moving day.
Have an Essentials Box Handy
Prepare an essentials box or bag the night before. Include items you’ll need immediately, such as toiletries, snacks, important documents, and a change of clothes. Keep this box easily accessible during the move. Pack any fragile or valuable items, such as electronics or jewelry, separately and transport them in your personal vehicle or a family member’s vehicle to avoid damage or loss.
On moving day, oversee the loading process. Label boxes clearly by room to streamline unpacking later. Direct your helpers on where to place large items in the truck to balance the load (professional movers should already know how to do this). Secure furniture and boxes with straps or padding to prevent shifting during transit. A well-organized loading process minimizes the risk of damage and makes moving day run more efficiently.
Walk through each room of your new space to confirm its readiness, noting any issues like uncleaned areas or maintenance needs. Direct movers or helpers to place furniture and boxes according to your plan. Remember, allow for some flexibility in the timeline to account for breaks, transit times, and unexpected issues.
Three Top Moving Companies in Joplin
If you need professional assistance for your move, we have a list of the top three moving companies in Joplin based on their reviews. We encourage you to do your own research and choose a moving company based on your requirements, budget, and availability.
JoMO Moving: 4.9 stars and 343 Google reviews
5 Star Moving Services: 4.9 stars and 254 Google reviews
Action Moving: 5 stars and 132 Google reviews
Welcome Home to Your Joplin or Webb City Apartments
Ready to experience upscale or luxury living? Contact us or call (417) 622-0391 to schedule a tour of our apartments. We look forward to meeting you!
