One of the most exciting days of a person’s life is when they close the sale of their new home. Regardless of whether it’s their first or fifth home, nothing beats the possibilities that a new home can offer and the pride you feel over your new property. But as moving day slowly approaches, you tend to realize how much is needed to be done in order to successfully move into your new place.
If this is your first time moving into a condo, there may be a few elements that you have forgotten to consider. While packing your belongings into boxes and tracking down a moving truck might be a given, condos are a special type of residential property. Luxury condos, such as The Views, are always willing to offer support and advice if you so ask, but in the meantime, here are a few things to consider when moving into a condo.
Speak With The Property Manager
Start off on a good foot with your neighbours while making the move as smooth as possible. By reaching out to the property manager in advance, they can prepare the building for your arrival. This can include notifying the neighbours (if necessary), reserving a parking space for your moving truck, and booking the service elevator if you feel that you’ll need it. By working with the property manager, rather than showing up unannounced, you’ll find that the process will be much simpler.
Learn The Measurements
Obtaining the measurements of your new unit can be an invaluable tool when it comes to packing up your belongings. Particularly if you’re downsizing from a traditional house, you may realize that your sectional is too large or that your second table isn’t needed. By learning the dimensions of your condo unit in advance, you can save yourself the headache of lugging up a bunch of furniture, only to discover that it doesn’t fit or make sense in your new space.
Purchase Condo Insurance
As with every other type of residential property, condos come with their own type of insurance. It’s important to know that there are two types of condo insurance: corporation and personal. A typical condo corporation’s insurance is designed to cover the main structure of the building, including the lobby, elevators, and gym. As a new condo owner, this is not something you need to worry about, as the condo corporation covers this. Your personal condo coverage insurance takes care of your own personal belongings and unit, while also protecting you against liability in the case of a leaky pipe or an accidental fire. Some policy plans also cover future renovations and upgrades, so if this is something that you are interested in, consider speaking to your advisor about adding that element into your policy.
Arrange For Your Utilities
With condos, you are expected to pay a monthly condo fee on top of your mortgage. While most understand that condo fees go towards the maintenance of the property, you may be surprised to learn that they also go towards your monthly utility bills. Typically, condo fees cover at least a portion of your water or hydro bill, and sometimes heat.
By arranging for your utilities, including electricity, water, heat, and internet, before you move in, as well as establishing how much your condo fees will cover, you can make moving day that much easier. That way, you can properly use your new home without limitations at the end of the day.
Conclusion
While moving day will look similar regardless of what kind of residential property you are moving into, condos come with their own set of considerations. By checking the above items off your list before you move, you’ll find the transition to be that much easier.
