Questions To Ask Before Signing A New Lease

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.

What Are Some Tips for Moving to a New City with Children?

Moving to los angeles with children can be a daunting task, but some tips can ease the process. Firstly, involve your children in the planning and decision-making to make them feel included. Research the new city's schools, parks, and activities to ensure a smooth transition. Prioritize finding a family-friendly neighborhood and join local parent groups for support and advice. Lastly, maintain open communication and address any concerns your children may have to help them adjust to their new environment.

Moving to San Francisco with Children

  Often described as vibrant, and fantastic, San Francisco is a great city to move to with children. With its small size of almost 47 square miles, you have everything you need to raise children in this dynamic, and multi cultural city. moving with kidsLike New York, San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and you’ll pay high prices in housing to live in this city. But for many, nothing beats living in San Francisco! Depending on the needs of your family, San Francisco offers many child friendly areas to live where your family will discover the hidden gems of this city.

Outdoor activities

San Francisco is an outdoor adventurers paradise. There is so much to do and see. Depending on the ages of your children, there is something for all ages. Take a walk across the famous Golden Gate Bridge or through the Golden Gate Park, which is full of activities for children. Parks and greenery surround San Francisco. On a clear day, visit the beach or take stroll through one of the neighborhoods, or through Chinatown. San Francisco boasts some of the finest children’s museums, for both after school and vacation fun. There’s always something to do! And soon enough you’ll be part of a community of familiar faces. San Francisco offers some of the top rated schools, and once your children are ready for university, San Francisco is home to three of the most notable universities.

Are There Ways to Cut Costs on Moving Day?

Moving day expectations can be overwhelming, but there are ways to cut costs. Start by decluttering before the move to reduce the number of items being transported. Research local moving companies and compare quotes to find the best deal. Consider packing your belongings yourself or using reusable packing materials to save on supplies. Finally, plan your move during off-peak times to potentially get lower rates.

Budget moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting time! It can also become a costly endeavor, whether it’s locally, or long distance to the other side of the country. Knowing how to cut your moving costs can keep the price down, and at the same time be an enjoyable experience. moving cross countryBefore you begin packing, declutter your home. You’ll be amazed at how much stuff you don’t need. It’s also an opportunity to leave some of the larger furniture behind. Think about how you would like your new home to be furnished. Items not being moved can be donated, given to friends and family, or anything of value can be sold. Lighting your load will really have an impact on the price you pay to transport your belongings to your new home.

Get an estimate

Obtain estimates from at least three different moving companies and compare quotes. It’s very important to review each company to see what is being offered. Beware of any quote that is priced very low. Doing your own packing and gathering packing supplies can keep the cost of moving down. Many household items, such as linens and clothing can be used to protect your items, and as padding for boxes. This will save on purchasing paper filling, and keep the number of boxes down. With an online search, used packing materials can be found locally. Another way to cut costs is to have flexibility with your moving date. Certain times of the year, and times of the month cost less.
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

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