Signing the Lease Isn't the End!

You signed the lease! Finally, you have your own space. But wait—have you prepared for the actual move? Honestly, my first move was a disaster because I didn't prepare properly.

I forgot to register my address, so my mail didn't arrive. I didn't schedule internet installation, so I survived on mobile data for a week... To help you avoid these mistakes, I've compiled a complete pre-move checklist.

1. Two Weeks Before Moving

Book Your Moving Service

Think you don't have much stuff? You still have a bed and desk, right? Those are heavy to carry alone.

  • Small truck service: For minimal belongings. Cheaper but you help with the loading
  • Full-service moving: They do everything. More expensive but stress-free
  • Partial service: They handle big items, you handle small ones. Mid-range price

For your first apartment, a small truck service is usually enough. Weekdays are also cheaper than weekends!

Schedule Internet Installation

This is crucial. Having no internet on moving day is incredibly frustrating.

  • Contact your ISP two weeks before and schedule installation
  • If the building already has infrastructure, same-day activation might be possible
  • If not, installation could take a week or more

Pro tip: Ask your landlord "What internet does this building use?" Using the existing provider often means faster setup.

2. One Week Before Moving

Organize Your Belongings

Declutter before you move. There's no point bringing stuff you don't use to make your new place cramped.

  • Items unused for a year+: Throw away or sell them
  • Clothes: Be ruthless with things you don't wear
  • Books: Sell or donate books you won't read again

Get Moving Boxes

Don't buy moving boxes! Local grocery stores and convenience stores give them away for free.

  • Just ask staff "Do you have any spare boxes?"
  • Fruit boxes are sturdy and work great
  • You'll need to buy packing tape though—get 2-3 rolls

List Address Changes Needed

More things need address updates than you'd think:

  • Banks (credit cards won't arrive without the update)
  • Credit card companies
  • Online shopping delivery addresses
  • Subscription services
  • Work/School emergency contacts

3. The Day Before Moving

Empty the Refrigerator

Your fridge needs to be empty for the move!

  • Eat or throw away frozen food
  • Pack condiments in ziplock bags
  • Unplug the fridge the night before to defrost

Set Aside Valuables

This is important. Things get lost easily during moves.

  • ID, bank cards, wallet: Keep these in your personal bag
  • Chargers, laptop: Pack separately
  • Toiletries: Set aside what you'll need that first night

4. Moving Day Tasks

Before Bringing In Your Stuff

  • Open all windows to air out the new place
  • Do a quick clean if the floor is dusty
  • Confirm gas, water, and electricity are working

After Moving In

  • Address registration: Do this the same day! Very important
  • Lease registration: Get this done to protect your deposit
  • Notify building management of your move-in (for apartments)

5. Moving Checklist Summary

Two Weeks Before

  • ☐ Book moving service
  • ☐ Schedule internet installation

One Week Before

  • ☐ Declutter and organize
  • ☐ Get boxes and tape
  • ☐ List address changes

Day Before

  • ☐ Empty refrigerator
  • ☐ Pack valuables separately
  • ☐ Set aside toiletries

Moving Day

  • ☐ Air out new place
  • ☐ Check utilities
  • ☐ Address registration
  • ☐ Update utility accounts

Wrapping Up

Moving involves more tasks than you'd expect, right? But follow this checklist step by step and you'll be fine. The most important thing is address registration. Forget that and you'll have headaches later.

In the next part, we'll cover essential items for your first apartment. Wondering what to buy for your new place?

※ This article is based on personal experience and may vary by situation.

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