As summer winds down, many renters are packing up their belongings and getting ready for moving day! Getting the keys to your new place is an exciting time, and here at Quincy Mutual Group, we want to make sure your home is everything you want and need it to be. To help, we’re offering up some insights about what to look for before you move-in, along with a few tips for protecting your belongings and settling in.
Document Any Existing Damage
We know you’re excited to start unpacking and to make your new place feel like home, but before you settle in, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your apartment. In some states, landlords are required to give you a Statement of Condition form where you can detail any existing damage. Even if your landlord does not offer this, you should still keep a record of any damage you see prior to moving in so that you will not be held responsible for repairs when you move out, especially if you are putting down a security deposit. In addition to writing down details about existing damage, you should also take photos and videos for further proof.
Check For Necessary Safety Measures
While you may have looked for things like working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before you signed your lease, it’s a good idea to check again before you actually move in. Test all smoke and CO detectors and make sure that there are detectors placed both in your unit and in the common spaces of your building. You should also check to see if there is a working fire extinguisher in your apartment. If your landlord has not provided one, you can purchase your own at most hardware stores. Lastly, check that your locks are in working order for both your front and back door and any windows in your apartment.
Protect Yourself and Your Belongings With Renters Insurance
Now that you’re all moved in, you’ll want to ensure your space and belongings are protected with renters insurance. It’s important to understand that while your landlord likely has insurance policies in place to cover your building, these policies do not cover your personal belongings, which is why renters insurance is a must-have! For as little as the price of a cup of coffee per week, you could get a renters insurance policy to protect your personal belongings in the event of a covered loss. A renters insurance policy not only protects your furniture, clothing, appliances, and other personal items, it also provides personal liability coverage and coverage for medical payments, additions and alterations, and loss of use. Personal liability coverage protects you if someone gets injured in your apartment or if you cause property damage to another party and can help pay for resulting legal costs if someone decides to sue. If the injured person requires medical attention, your renters insurance coverage can also help cover medical expenses. In addition, if you choose to make improvements to your home and it suffers a covered loss, these additions or alterations will be covered up to 10% of your personal property coverage limit. Lastly, a renters insurance policy can also provide loss of use coverage. This coverage can help if you are ever forced to vacate your apartment due to a covered property loss, like a fire. Coverage is available for any necessary increase in living expenses incurred by you so that your household can maintain its normal standard of living.
Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home
Once you’ve taken the steps to ensure your home is up to safety standards and protected with proper insurance, it’s time to settle in. Whether you’re living with roommates, friends, or a significant other, it’s important to make the space feel like it belongs to you. Here are some things that you can do to help your apartment feel like home:
Unpack — First things first, no one feels at home if they’re living out of suitcases and boxes. Take the time to unpack all your belongings and organize your bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom just the way you like it.
Get Sentimental — Adorn your walls with your favorite things that remind you of home. Photos, old greeting cards, posters, or framed art are all great options!
Simple Upgrades — Making small changes to your space can make it feel like it’s totally your own. Curtains, lamps, and comfy carpets can all help change the mood of your apartment by adding a little color or texture. The best thing about it — these changes are temporary, and you can take them with you if and when you decide to move again.
Add Some Greenery — Plants are a great way to make your apartment feel like it’s a home. If you don’t have a green thumb, succulents are a good option as they need little maintenance, or you could totally fake your green thumb with beautiful faux plants that last forever!
We want your new apartment to feel like home and hope these tips help you enjoy your new space! If you have more questions about protecting your personal belongings with renters insurance, we work with over 500 independent insurance agents who are ready to help. Visit our website to connect with a local agent near you: bit.ly/QuincyFindAgent.