The Apartment Hunt: The Pre-Move Apartment Inspection
Getting a new apartment is both an exciting and a stressful time. There are so many things to consider before and after you move. However, if you want to make your move as painless as possible, here’s a list of things to keep an eye on before you start your relocation.
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Check floors and walls
Even though they are literally under your nose, many people forget to check out the floors. Make sure the floors are clean and in good shape. The most important thing is that carpets are steam cleaned and not worn-out. Additionally, note down any missing porcelain or parquet tiles, so you don’t end up having to pay for the damage that’s not your fault. Also, make sure the wall paint is not chipped and that there are no loose boards on paneled walls.
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Inspect the bathroom
There’s no way you can live in a place without a working bathroom. So, check the shower and all the faucets. If the water is flowing in a steady stream and you can’t notice any sudden changes in water temperature, your bathroom will be fine. However, don’t forget to check the walls for any mold (mold is not only ugly and stinky, but it can cause many health issues). Also, check all fixtures for leaks, especially below the sink.
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Kitchen inspection
Make sure to check all the burners on your stove to avoid any inconveniences, and check for gas leaks. Don’t be embarrassed to open the fridge and give all the appliances a tryout. However, the most important thing to pay attention to is mouse or cockroach drippings. Check the corners, cabinets and drawers for these nasty little surprises.
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Pro tip: make a moving checklist
Before you start packing, take a look at your new place and decide on the position of your things. Sometimes, what you had in your old apartment can’t fit in the new one and you just end up cluttering the space and wasting money and time on packing and moving. After you decide on all the things you need to transport to your new place, it’s time to move. A truck or a utility vehicle is usually enough, but people from urban environments like Brisbane or Sydney very rarely drive such cars, so you’ll need to rely on a moving company. Luckily, there are companies that offer practical ute hire in Brisbane for your easy moving. Utes are perfect for people with a moderate amount of things, or when you need to transport a few smaller pieces of furniture, which is the usual situation with apartment moving.
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Inspect the bedroom
If you want to be comfortable and cozy in your new bedroom, make sure to conduct a thorough inspection of the bed and closets. Your bed should be sturdy and have minimal or no creaking if you want to catch some sleep. Additionally, see if all the shelves are bolted in and if closet rods are in place. Pay close attention to the smell of the closet. A stench of mold coming from your closet is not a very good sign, and it can mean your clothes will stink too.
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Flick the lights
Also, don’t forget to flick all the lights in your new apartment (keep this in mind, because it might not come naturally to you if you’re making your inspection during the day). Make sure all the switches are in good condition with a firm faceplate and without any damage or loose wires. If some of the lights aren’t working, check the bulbs. You might also want to bring your phone charger to check whether the outlets are functional.
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Pay attention to security
Your safety and the safety of your family should be your top priority. So, make sure the doors are sturdy and have no signs of break-in. You might also want to inspect the deadbolts for any loose screws and signs of weakness. Do the same for windows, especially if the apartment is near the ground or has a connecting balcony. Your exterior lights should all be working too, and don’t forget to ask for any security codes and phone numbers of superintendents.
After you conduct your inspection and go through all of these points, you can rest assured your new apartment will be perfect for living. Moving and adjusting will be a piece of cake!
