Moving as a homeowner can be a complex and difficult task, but moving as a renter is a different beast altogether. At least when you buy a property you know everything about it and all that’s left is to move in, but when you’re a renter, you have a lot of research and preparation to do beforehand. Add to that, you need to make sure that all the papers are in order and that you’re working with a decent, trustworthy landlord, and suddenly, this exciting project becomes a daunting chore.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many ways you can find first-time landlords and experienced property-owners who run everything by the book, and if you’re smart about your moving options, you can take the stress out of this process with ease. With that in mind, let’s look at the five tips that will help you find the right rental and move without a hitch.
1. Start with diligent research.
Firstly, you have to find a reputable and trustworthy landlord or property management company. Therefore, Google is your best friend, because you can easily find numerous rentals in your chosen area and check their reviews and the opinions of past tenants with a single search.
Don’t just trust the flashy advertisements, instead, be sure to go to the testimonials and reviews sections, and visit relevant forums to find some truly honest opinions. Once you find a landlord with stellar reviews, you can book a visit.
2. Do a thorough inspection.
It should go without saying that you should never sign on the dotted line without conducting a thorough inspection of the rental property first. There is no telling what might be hiding in plain sight or behind the freshly painted walls, so you have to be as thorough as possible. It’s also important to check the overall functionality and energy-saving potential of the property, because a beautiful rental that wastes resources is simply not worth your money.
3. Move efficiently and without hassle.
When it comes to moving as a renter, you have to find an efficient and affordable option, because chances are that you are going to move several times over the years. Of course, you can rely on a moving company, but seeing as how you’re probably not moving anything cumbersome, you can instead opt for an affordable trailer hire option to move quickly and on your own terms. Renting a trailer for a day is a great way to save money and organize a stress-free move.
You can do this online with just about any trailer company, and you can even take advantage of special deals and discounts to save even more money on your move. Just be sure to monitor their website and snag a good deal when the time comes.
4. Scrutinize the lease agreement.
Of course, don’t sign on the dotted line until you have analyzed the lease agreement in full. If you’re unsure of the specifics, have a lawyer take a look, because it’s better to be safe than sorry. That said, if you’re going through a trusted property management company, this should be a straightforward process. Also, check if the landlord has obtained a home warranty for their rental – it can save you a lot of cash in the long run.
5. Be on the lookout for amazing vacation rentals.
Lastly, now that the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed renters out of the big urban hots pots, keep in mind that many popular types of vacation rentals can serve as an excellent long-term home. The main benefit is, of course, the location, but these rentals usually boast an amazing interior design as well that will make you feel like you’re on vacation all the time.
Moving into a new rental can seem like a chore, but it can really be a fun and rewarding experience. Use these tips to move efficiently and save some money in the process.
Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced content writer with a focus in real estate, home improvement, and the construction industry.
