Your Guide to Finding the Best Apartment Rentals & Homes for Sale

Moving to a new home can be overwhelming - from searching for your ideal place and packing your stuff, to hiring reliable movers and relocating. HuffingtonPost outlined the best resources out there to make your move nice and smooth.

Finding A Rental Apartment:

Apartments.com: This one's a snap. Just type in the maximum rent you want to pay, and you're on your way to finding your next home.

ForRent: This site does it all and has special sections for those who are living off campus or relocating.

Rent Jungle: You can choose features you can't live without, like a fireplace or hardwood floors, from thousands of listings in the area of your choice.

Hotpads: Use this site's interactive map to find a new place exactly where you want it.

Apartable: If you're in the New York area, Apartable can help you find NO FEE rentals. Which, if you live in this city, is huge.

StreetEasy: Available only in certain metro areas so far, this site simplifies the process and connects you to the most viable rental and sales listings in your area.

A Moving Guide to Help You Prepare for Your Job Relocation

Relocating for a job can be a stressful and complicated process. Here's what you need to do for a successful transition:

Do less

Anything that didn't get done before you were moving can wait until after you've arrived. Don’t stuff your time full of non-pressing overdue tasks that will surely stress you out. For me this means buying a car. I will buy it after I get settled when my mind is clear and will rent in the meantime.

Ask for help

Reach out to anyone who may know your new area. The more sets of eyes looking for apartments, moving deals or even upcoming fun events, the better. I emailed over a dozen new people I met at the conference I went to in April and have gotten great website referrals and offers to meet up.

Estimate a budget 

Deposits, gas, scouting trips, meals on the go…add up quick. Think ahead about what you want to spend during your transition and how you need to pay for things (credit card vs cash).

Take the Stress Out of Your Big Move: 7 Relocation Tips

Relocation is stressful because you change more than your address. You will begin to navigate a new way to be a friend, coworker, and more.

Here are seven tips to a help you tune in to your inner compass when your world is spinning.

Ask, "Who am I? What do I need to be happy?"
The secret to a successful moving depends on how you answer the question, "Can I still be me?

To answer this question, write ten "I am" statements about yourself -- anything from "I am a dog-owner" to "I am friendly and outgoing."

Before you move, ask yourself, "How will this list change after I move?" You may still be a dog-owner...but will you create that role the same way?

Take a test drive

When you buy a car, you don't just go around the block. You try the freeways and the rough roads.

Considering a move to New Jersey? Study the culture as if you were an anthropologist. What do people do? How do they dress? How do they talk to each other?

Most importantly, how do you feel? Did you develop new allergies, headaches or back pain during your visit? Or did you find yourself wishing you cold stay forever?

8 Tips to Simplifying Your Moving Day

While the prospect of a new home can be very exciting, actually making the big move can also be extremely stressful. To get all your stuff from one place to the next in one piece is no easy task, especially if you decide to do the move yourself. However, if you plan ahead and prepare carefully, moving isn't nearly so daunting. To ensure that your moving day goes off without a hitch, here are a few important tips to have you moving like a pro.

• Label, Labels & More Labels: Mark your boxes with clear descriptions so that you can remember which boxes are fragile, which ones are headed for the kitchen and which get left in the garage. Trying to divine the contents of mystery boxes is a waste of time and you already have enough to do on moving day.
• Inventory: While it is important to mark boxes, you’ll also want a complete inventory that travels with you on moving day so that you can be sure that all your stuff has arrived. If you've hired a moving company, they should work with you to put together an inventory. If you’re moving your own stuff, however, or just want an extra layer of insurance, get an app like Moving day for the iPhone which allows you build a complete inventory, create barcodes for your boxes that you can scan with your phone & document damaged items. 
• Over-Prepare: It’s much better to have too many boxes than too few. Make sure you have plenty of tape, dollies, padding, bubble wrap and anything else you need to ensure your stuff arrives undamaged. Start packing up little-used items a week or two before your move, so that you can reduce your workload on moving day.

Tips for Packing Your Belongings the Easy Way

One of the most difficult parts of packing is getting started. To make things easier when you move, follow these tips:

• Plan how you will pack. Pack items first that you don’t use often.
• Start packing as soon as you find out you are moving.
• Use generous amounts of paper inside the carton on the top and bottom to provide good cushion.
• Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items.
• List contents and room on the outside of the carton.
• Clearly mark “Fragile” on the outside of cartons on all sides. Mark GLASS on boxes containing items like mirrors or picture frames.
• Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items. Clean “newsprint” paper is available from your local agent.
• Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.
• Separate breakables and non-breakables.
• Pack all cartons tightly.
• Use professional packing tape. Masking tape isn't strong enough to support fully packed cartons. Packing tape is available from your local agent.
• Medications should be placed in a leak-proof container.
• Use the right boxes and be careful not to over pack.
• Don't forget to draw arrows on each side of the box indicating the right direction. This will ensure that the package is kept in an upright position throughout the entire moving day.

Things To Do Before Moving Into A New House

If you just bought a new house, we bet you're spending some of your time getting it ready to live in. As a new homeowner, you should prioritize tasks such as cleaning, touching up the paint, fixing up the yard, and more. Since it's already winter, you can get only the most basic outside things done. What you need to prepare is the inside so you can live there comfortably throughout this season.

Here's a list of tasks that you consider doing first before moving into your new home:

Change the exterior door locks. As soon as you got the keys, have new locks installed. This will give you a peace of mind.

Install window treatments. You can buy inexpensive and temporary shades for both privacy and decorative purposes. Change this later on for a more personalized option once you have a certain design in your mind.

Do a major cleanup. Not all previous homeowners leave their house clean before selling. Make sure to tidy things up before you move it. You can hire a service to do this given that you don't have enough time to do it yourself. If you'd stick with your DIY prowess, we suggest setting up an area where you will place all of the supplies and tools needed to get the job done easily - gloves, buckets, mops, brooms, a vacuum, and cleaners for different types of surfaces, just to name a few. Wash down countertops and plumbing fixtures and clean the cabinets and carpets to make you feel good about your new house.

Repaint the walls and ceilings. Because this task is time consuming, you can leave this to the experts. They can check if there are holes, cracks, and other damages on the walls and ceilings. They can also prep the surfaces for you. Hiring a professional can save you a lot of time.

Tips for Moving During Winter

Although it's not the ideal time to move, it can be a blessing in disguise. Perhaps you have been promoted at work and it requires you to relocate, or you've just found a new job, or there's an unforeseen event wherein it demands a necessary move.

Whatever reason you have for the sudden change of path, you might not have a choice but you can plan ahead so you can pack and execute the move smoothly.

• Find a moving company you can trust and get in contact with them as soon as possible. Ask for a written quote and on-site estimation. Do background checks to avoid scams, read reviews online, and most importantly, find out about the movers from the Better Business Bureau, U.S Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. 

• When it comes to packing your belongings, don't wait until the last minute. Get those boxes ready or avail packing options. 

• On the day of your move, be on the lookout for the winter weather and prepare yourself for anything and everything. Also, monitor the traffic in the interstates you'll be travelling. Try to schedule your move and avoid the busiest times.

• As soon as you step into the house, unpack the essentials. Explore your neighborhood or invite over friends in nearby area. Or just sit back, relax, and enjoy your new home while sipping a cup of coffee or spending time with your family.

Useful Packing tips for Musical Instruments

To avoid sad symphony during your move, follow these tips for assuring musical instruments, music and equipment are stored in optimal conditions:

Tips for Storing Musical Instruments

• Properly prepare instruments for storage, cleaning and conditioning them with paste wax for wood, resin, etc. Never use an oil-based polish or alcohol on wood instruments. Disassemble parts, remove reeds, mouthpieces, mutes and straps, and relax strings
• Whenever possible, store instruments in cases designed for them. Cases should be in good condition – clean, with no fraying or powdering. If a case is not in great condition, line it with buffered acid-free paper (available for purchase at music stores). Inside the case, drape a clean cloth over strings. For additional protection against humidity, after placing the instrument in the case, place the case in a polyethylene bag.
• Cover a piano with a sheet or tarp to protect it from dust
• After storing musical instruments for a lengthy period, be sure to clean and tune them before playing
• In the storage unit, keep instruments away from vents and doors. Make sure they are stored off the floor, on a pallets or shelves
• If you're storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for additional protection. Storage and moving facilities often sell large heavy-duty bags for this purpose.

Moving to New Jersey: What You Need To Know

Moving into a new home can be stressful sometimes. But when it's in New Jersey, you are in for excitement! There are already nearly 9 million people who call NJ home. To make you feel great about choosing the state of liberty and prosperity on your next move, read along.

We're perfectly happy living in New Jersey and here are some facts you should know:

Cities and Metro Areas

There are numerous cities and towns to choose from when moving to New Jersey. There’s Trenton, the state capital; Newark, the largest city in the state and a shipping and transportation port; West Orange, a Newark suburb; Elizabeth, adjacent to Newark and a busy transportation and commercial center; and Jersey City, with its thriving financial district. Other cities to consider are Paterson, where tourism is becoming increasingly more important, the rapidly expanding town of Edison, and the wealthy seaside resort towns of Atlantic City, Ocean City and Cape May.

Cost of Living

Compared to the US average, the cost of living in New Jersey is 22.5 percent higher. Fortunately, the average household income is $57,338 per annum, which is also higher than the country’s average. The cost of living in New Jersey is most likely higher due to relatively steep housing costs, as well as taxation levels that top those of other states. In addition, the average commute time is 30 minutes, which means gas can add a significant amount to any household’s budget.

Factors such as housing, utilities costs, prices of food, consumer goods, education and healthcare, as well as state and local taxes, all play an important role in determining the cost of living in New Jersey.

10 Most Forgotten Items When You Move

With more than 43 million Americans planning to move this year, odds are even the most organized may not remember every detail of a move -- or every item. Remembering the “out of sight, out of mind” objects increases your success in moving all of your belongings. Mayflower suggests adding the following 10 points to the top of your preparation list: 

 
For the record -- Obtain copies of your and your family's medical records, including any dental and vaccine/immunization information, as well as any veterinary records for the family pet. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive official documentation; you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your new state's needs. You might also consider transferring current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.

Another record you'll want to be sure to have in hand is your child's permanent school record. School records are usually required when registering your child at his/her new school. Often, copies are not sufficient and require a raised seal 

 
Buried treasure -- If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. You should carry valuable items such as jewelry with you or keep them in a safe deposit box instead of packing them on the moving van.

Old phone numbers -- Pack phone books from your existing residence to take with you. You may think you'll remember the numbers you frequently call now, but more likely you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.

10 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be stressful for your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process a breeze.

Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.

Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.

Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.

Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.

8 Ways to Spot Movers You Can Trust

1. Verify the license of the moving company

If you are moving within NJ (called intrastate moving) Make sure the mover you are considering is licensed by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, as required by law for local moving; be sure that his license number is current.

You call call 973-504-6512 or 6442 to speak to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs if you can get through: Remember that A responsible mover might have a few complaints lodged against him but should not have any unresolved complaints. A DOT or ICC number does not mean he is licensed for NJ moving; all movers are required to have them for interstate moving (out of NJ).

If you are moving from one state to another (Called interstate moving) you can check the size of the company and their DOT number at the FMCSA website; see if it is current and check the company name and address is correct; When you are find the mover, click on the name of the company and look at the number of trucks registered to see if they really are a large mover, or they just say they are.

2. Make sure his place of business really does exists
Paying a visit tells you something about the mover's integrity and professionalism, you can confirm that his place of business is really there. Some movers operate legitimately from a residential address. The important thing is that he actually is located there and not using a fictitious address to make you think he is.

3. Be wary of low price tactics from telemarketers
This could be a ploy simply to get a sales person into your home to give you an estimate. If they tell you you don't need an estimator, find another company. Be careful, do research and you decide whom to invite into your home, based on references, not low prices given on the phone or internet before they even see what work needs to be done.

4. Only accept a mover that provides an in person estimate
Movers are required to come to your house to give the estimate in writing; check to be sure all your furniture is listed on the back of the estimate. A quality firm doesn't need to knock the competition, or to criticize other moving firms in an attempt to make themselves look better.

Secrets to Packing and Moving Like a Pro

A bit of organization and planning will make packing and moving easier. Read on for our top 9 moving/relocation tips and tricks that are less commonly known.

TIP-1: PACKING YOUR PLACE
There's more to packing than hunting down used boxes online or at the grocery store. Packing moving boxes is a special art. The trick is to get specialized boxes for fragile or oddly shaped items. You can purchase these boxes from moving or storage companies. You may have to shell out a few extra dollars($$), but it will be worth it when your items arrive in one piece.

• For kitchen breakables, purchase "dish barrel" boxes to hold your dishes in place.
• Wall art & mirrors are better protected in long, flat boxes.
• They're not exactly boxes, but vacuum-sealing bags for coats and other clothing can help you save a lot of space.
• Cylindrical poster tubes are an ideal container for art that can be rolled up.
• Wardrobe boxes with a bar for hanging your clothes may seem decadent, but they're huge timesavers when it's time to unpack.So how do you find the right agent for you? Here are some helpful tips.

TIP-2: DON'T RESIST LABELS
You really can't over-label when it comes to moving. Consider numbering your boxes and keeping a reference list. That way, if you need to find something, you'll know which box number to look for. Some movers will even color code each box to its appropriate room. Make your labels highly visible. Mark boxes on their tops and sides so you can read them even if they're vertically stacked.

TIP-3: LEAVE A PAPER TRAIL
Packing paper is extremely useful and fairly cheap. It's also easily recyclable, as opposed to Styrofoam or bubble wrap. Newsprint can serve the same function, but the ink may stain your belongings. You can use packing paper to line the bottom of boxes and to wrap fragile items like dishes, mirrors, or pictures in frames. Crumple it up and you have the perfect cushioning material.

TIP-4: EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE
Try to leave items/things in their usual places so you don't waste time putting everything back when it's time to unpack. For instance, make sure knives are firmly secure in their knife block with lots of sturdy packing tape and paper. Do the same for silverware in fitted trays. If you have clothing in your dresser, tape the drawers shut and secure them closed with tape and moving pads.

Moving Day Guide and Checklist

Planning a move can be a difficult and stressful process, but the actual day of your move can be downright overwhelming. Knowing what you need to get done -- and in what order -- will help to put your mind at ease when the big moving day arrives.

To keep moving chaos at bay, here is a moving day checklist to guide you through the process. Many of the items can be done ahead, so do yourself a favor and get organized in advance. Come moving day, you will be ready to handle the whole ordeal, without worry or distraction.

1. Clearly Mark and Set Aside Items You Don't Want Loaded
This will remind you to tell the driver what not to load as you conduct your preload walk-through. Make sure your important paperwork pertaining to the move doesn't get packed and shipped with your household goods.

2. Prepare with Children
Have the kids pack a box of their "special" items, things they'll want to have nearby as soon as you arrive at your new home. You might also consider allowing your child to help fill the box of special items to make them feel like they are part of the move. Point this box out to the driver so that it's one of the first to be unloaded.

3. Dump Trash and Flammable Items
Eliminate as much trash as you can before moving day. Last-minute garbage will inevitably build up the day prior to and the day of loading. Try making a deal with a neighbor to use their trash container for your last-minute debris.

Many items that are considered flammable are not going to be loaded by the driver and crew. Understand what these items are so that you are not stuck trying to get rid of them at loading time. If you are uncertain what items can't be loaded, ask your estimator for a list. Because movers can't transport most household cleaners, they will be available for you to use throughout the day. Also, remember to remove items from inaccessible areas like crawl spaces or attics.

Protecting Yourself While Loading Items

There are a lot of things you can do to ensure that you and your belongings travel safely to your new home. Here are some quick tips for an injury-free moving when loading or unloading your items.

• Ask someone to help you lift heavy items. But don't overdo it and avoid lifting loads that are too heavy. 
• Use a dolly for heavy items and boxes. Make sure the blades are centered and completely under the load. Keep the load balanced and always walk with the dolly in front of you, with heavier items on the bottom. Avoid loading items onto the dolly higher than chest-level.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing that may get snagged while carrying furniture out of doorways and into the moving truck.
• Consider wearing leather gloves when dealing with large, heavy objects with sharp edges.
• Wear durable, supportive footwear with a good grip. As much as possible, avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
• Take small breaks throughout the loading process especially when you have a lot of stuff to move.
• Make sure you can see where you're walking.

Tips for a Successful Interstate Move

Moving to a new place can be an overwhelming task. Aside from the preparations you have to deal with, you will soon face the uncertainty of adjusting to a new environment. To give you peace of mind during the move, here's some information you need to know:

Be informed of your rights and responsibilities before selecting a mover
Knowing your rights and responsibilities is very important before moving your household goods. The moving company of your choice will discuss basic information that will help you understand the required documents that you have to sign.

Read and understand all information provided by the mover

When you finally decided to hire a professional mover, make sure you have these basic documents as part of your move:

• Estimates - In this document, you will find all charges for services we will perform.
• Order for Service - This is a list of all the services we will perform and shows the dates your household goods will be picked up and delivered.
• Bill of Lading - This is the contract between you and the moving company as well as a receipt of your belongings. You should be able to receive a partially completed copy of the bill of lading. We will hand this over to you before we leave your residence of origin.
• Inventory List - You will also get a receipt showing each item shipped and its condition. You will receive a written copy of the inventory upon agreeing with the description (whether the goods are in good condition or not) and after your household goods are loaded. 

Keep in touch with your mover
Get the driver's name and contact information, and give him your contact numbers. Also, confirm directions to your new home with your driver.

During the moving day, make sure you arrive to your new home before the movers to avoid additional charges for waiting if you are late. Once you receive your household goods, check the condition of each and note them on the inventory form.You can personally report damages or loss to our representative. To avoid possible damage to your TV and other appliances, let them adjust to the room temperature before using.

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Ready to move? The most important thing is to make sure you hire professional movers you can trust.

Hiring Professional Movers: 3 Things to Consider

No matter how excited you are in moving to a new place, you may start to cringe at the thought of packing, loading, organizing, moving, and re-packing again. You might think of doing it all but to save you from all the hassle, seeking help from professional movers is the best option.

Consider these factors to help you determine if you should stick to your DIY prowess or just hire a full-service mover:

Distance
You might think that hiring a mover isn't necessary if you will move just a few miles down the road. But think again. If you don't have a large vehicle, taking multiple trips can be pricey in terms of gas. Not to mention it will take much of your time. To avoid wasting your time and the stress it could make, hire the best moving company.

Time
Doing your own packing takes time - from gathering supplies to packing breakables, small items and appliances. You need at least six weeks ahead to carefully plan your move. If you have a lot of stuff and don't have enough time to pack and organize your belongings, spending a few dollars in getting a full-service moving package could be worth the investment. Let your movers do all the work that could take you weeks to accomplish.

Extra Hands
Consider hiring help if you are on your own but if you have friends who are willing to help you out from simple things like watching your kids and pets while you pack or cleaning your old place when you move, then consider yourself lucky. Some of them might even volunteer to keep things organized for friendship sake. Make sure to show your appreciation for their time and effort.

Your full-service moving company will give estimates based on a variety of factors, including the number of items and how heavy they are, how far you are going, and how much work is required. Ask for packing options to fit your needs and budget.