What To Take When Looking At New Homes

House search

You’ll want to be prepared once you start looking for a new house or apartment. Having some basic items to take with you to each viewing can help to recall things you liked, things that perhaps you weren’t so keen on, or where some repairs might be needed.  

What should I bring to a house viewing? 

Have something to write notes on. This could be a notebook and pen, or an electronic tablet of some form. Taking a camera is a good idea. Most smartphones have good cameras. People ask if you can you take photos when viewing a house? If the property is empty, snap away. However, if you are viewing a home that is still occupied, it’s important that you ask before taking any photos. A tape measure is also an important item to take when viewing new homes. If you have furniture you want to move to the new home, its good to know whether or not it will fit. If certain features are required in the new home, make sure to bring a checklist to each viewing that can be checked off. Knowing what questions should you ask when viewing a house can assist with making informed decisions. If you see a house or apartment that checks all your boxes and you want to make an immediate application, arrive to each viewing prepared with all the information you’ll be required to provide, such as previous addresses, employer information, and references.  

Are There Special Considerations for Selling a Home During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Selling a home during the coronavirus pandemic requires extra precautions and adaptations. Here are some essential tips for selling your home in these uncertain times. Prioritize virtual tours and digital marketing to attract potential buyers. Implement strict safety measures such as wearing masks and using sanitizers during in-person visits. Consider flexible and remote closing processes to minimize physical contact. Adapting to these considerations can help ensure a successful home sale while prioritizing the health and safety of all parties involved.

How can I pack my house efficiently?

Like other rooms in the house, before packing begins, its best to organize what will be kept donated or discarded. Once ready to packa , you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary packing materials, this is especially important if you have fine china, glass and silverware.

What should I pack in a small box?

 Once you’re ready to pack the smaller items, the dining table can be used as your packing station. You will of course want to ensure it is well protected before placing any items or materials on the table. Once all the fragile items are safely packed in boxes, begin protecting any larger pieces of furniture. Many people moving often wonder how do you wrap a dining room table for moving? This does of course depend on the style of the table, and whether or not it can come apart. When possible, table leaves and legs should be removed and packed separately. Make sure that any hardware, such as screws etc. are packed away where they can easily be located. Taping the hardware in a ziploc bag to the underside, or inside of the corresponding piece of furniture is recommended. You might also be wondering, how do you pack dining room chairs? These should be packed separately. Either wrap the whole chair in a moving blanket secured with tape, or with bubble wrap. It’s a good idea to give your furniture an extra layer of protection by using stretch wrap, which can also prevent moisture.

Before moving into your new rental

Find out what questions should you ask before signing a lease 

What should I do before signing a lease?  

Before you sign the lease on your new home, make sure to ask some questions to the landlord, or agent representing the landlord 

What are the terms of the lease?

If you agree on the terms, make sure they are clearly stated in the lease agreement.  

What is the moving in fee?

Moving into a rental usually requires a security deposit plus the first months rent.  These amounts should be written on the lease agreement.  

Will the security deposit be refunded?

Find out under what circumstances a security deposit might not be returned.  

How will the rent be paid?

Will a check be mailed every month, or direct debit? Find out and make sure all relevant information is on the lease agreement.  

Are there any existing damages?

If there are existing damages at the property, these need to be acknowledged by the landlord with a signature.  

 If both parties are in agreement, it’s important to know what to bring when you sign a lease, this will include: identification, proof of employment, proof of income, previous addresses, references, check or money order. 

 Should you do a walk through before signing a lease?  

 When possible, yes, a walk through should be done before signing a lease!  

Are Green Cleaning Products Necessary for Cleaning My First Apartment?

When cleaning your first apartment, considering green cleaning products is a wise choice. By utilizing tips for green cleaning, you can maintain a healthy living environment while minimizing environmental impact. Opting for eco-friendly cleaning products and methods reduces exposure to harmful chemicals and promotes sustainability.

Essentials For Your First Apartment

  Moving into your first apartment will be an exciting experience. You will however need some basic essentials, which we outline below. Having these items will help ease you into the new apartment. Cleaning supplies – Even if cleaning isn’t your forte, having some basic supplies is a must have. Some essential supplies include: Dishwashing liquid, dish sponge, garbage bags, multi-purpose cleaner, broom and dustpan, mop, cloths, rubber gloves and laundry detergent.

First steps

Kitchen basics – Over time, if cooking is something you enjoy, than there are many items that you will want in your kitchen. However, there are a few items you probably want in your kitchen when you first move into your apartment, these include: Kettle/coffee maker, mugs, glasses, cutlery, different knives (bread, butter, kitchen), chopping board, pots, saucepans, bottle opener, dish towels, garbage bin etc. Apartment building Bathroom – The bathroom can be as fancy as you make it, in the beginning though, only a few essentials are needed to keep this room functioning, they include: Shower curtain, bath/shower mat, towels, and a plunger is always a good idea. Living room – The living room is a space for “living” and depending on your lifestyle, what is considered first essentials is unique to the individual. Some basic essentials might include: Sofa, armchairs, pillows, coffee table, and lighting.

How Can Dealing with Culture Shock Impact Long Distance Moves?

Moving internationally can be an exciting adventure, but dealing with culture shock while moving internationally can have a significant impact. Adjusting to a new country's customs, language, and lifestyle can be overwhelming, affecting both your mental and emotional well-being. By seeking support, connecting with locals, and being open-minded, you can navigate this challenge and adapt smoothly to your new environment.

Extra Services For Long Distance Moves


Moving to a new home can be very simple. However, some moves require special services, also referred to as accessorial services within the moving industry.

Extra services could include:

Packing/unpacking – professional packers pack and unpack your belongings.

Bulky items – Pianos, pool tables, motorcycles, etc. are considered bulky items. They are heavy and hard to maneuver.

Expedited service – Receiving delivery on a guaranteed date.

Stairs – Flight charge is common above a certain number of stairs. Check with your moving company.

Elevator – Elevator charges are common in the city. More time is spent loading and unloading an elevator when done more than once.

Long carry - If your items need to be carried above a certain distance from the moving truck to delivery location.

Shuttle service – If a large moving truck cannot park by your home, a smaller shuttle truck will need to be used.

Other moving services

cross country moving services

Extra services are charged at an additional cost, on top of the estimate provided from your moving company. Before the movers pick up your items, you might have already arranged extra services; therefore they will already be included in your estimate. In some situations, extra services are necessary without prior knowledge, due to unforeseen circumstances. Knowing what the extra services mean will help you better understand what you are being charged for.

Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

Back to top