Pre-Move Checklist for Your Rental in Bend, Oregon

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Congratulations on your move to Bend! Before the movers arrive, it’s important to have a checklist in place to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to your rental in Bend, Oregon. By being organized and prepared, you can save valuable time and money while navigating the competitive housing market.

Bend Relocation Services offers a comprehensive range of services to assist you in finding the perfect rental, understanding the neighborhoods and schools, and making informed decisions. Our local expertise and personalized approach sets us apart, ensuring a seamless relocation experience. Our partnership with property management companies gives you an advantage in securing a rental in the desirable Bend area.

Meanwhile, here’s a detailed pre-move checklist for your new rental in Bend:

1. Review the Lease Agreement

  • Understanding Terms: Carefully read every clause to understand your rights and responsibilities. Look for information on lease duration, rent payment procedures, and rules regarding pets, noise, and alterations to the property.
  • Security Deposit Details: Check how much is required, under what conditions it will be returned, and whether any part of it is non-refundable.
  • Maintenance and Repairs: Know what your obligations are regarding property upkeep and how to request repairs from the landlord.
  • Subletting and Termination: Understand the conditions under which you can sublet your space or terminate the lease early, including any associated penalties or procedures.

2. Set Up Utilities

Setting up utilities is one of the first things you should do when moving to a new rental. It’s important to contact utility companies in advance to transfer or set up new accounts. This will ensure that electricity, water, gas, internet, and other utilities are ready before moving day. By taking care of this task early on, you can avoid any inconvenience or delays in getting essential services up and running in your new home.

  • Essential Services: Contact local utility providers for electricity, water, gas, and waste disposal to ensure they are operational by the time you move in.
  • Internet and Cable: Arrange for internet and cable services if they are not included in your rent. Compare providers to find the best package for your needs.
  • Change of Ownership: Ensure all utilities are transferred to your name to avoid disruptions and to establish responsibility for the bills.

3. Check Renters Insurance

  • Contact Your Insurance: verify that your policy covers your new rental and that you have the necessary protection in place. Renters insurance can provide financial protection in case of unforeseen events, such as theft, fire, or damage to your personal belongings.

4. Document the Property’s Condition

  • Detailed Inspection: Examine all aspects of the property, including appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, windows, and doors. Ensure everything is in working order.
  • Recording Defects: Use your phone or camera to take clear pictures or videos as proof of the pre-existing condition. This will be crucial for recovering your full security deposit when you move out.
  • Immediate Reporting: Submit a detailed report of any pre-existing damages or issues to your landlord to have them acknowledged or fixed.

5. Check for Safety and Security

  • Safety Devices: Ensure that all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in place and working. Know where the gas and water shut-off valves are located.
  • Secure Locks: Confirm that all locks are sturdy and have been changed from the previous tenant. This includes mailboxes, gates, and storage units.
  • General Safety: Check for tripping hazards, adequate lighting in common areas, and secure windows and balconies.

6. Clean the Property

  • Sanitization Focus: Prioritize areas like the bathroom and kitchen, which require the highest levels of cleanliness. Look for mold, especially in damp areas, and ensure the refrigerator, oven, and other appliances are clean.
  • Professional Cleaning: If the property’s cleanliness is not up to standard, consider hiring professional cleaners to ensure a healthy living environment.
  • Pest Inspection: Look for droppings or signs of infestation. If pests are present, arrange for professional pest control treatments before you move in.

7. Plan the Layout of Your Home

  • Furniture Placement: Use a tape measure to get accurate dimensions of each room. Plan the layout of your furniture and consider the flow of traffic in your home.
  • Maximizing Space: Think about storage solutions for organizing your belongings, especially if the space is compact. Use shelves, hooks, and under-bed storage to maximize space.

8. Update Your Address

When it comes to updating your address and personal information, there are a few key steps to follow:

  • Notification Checklist: Update your address with relevant organizations and subscriptions, such as your bank, credit card companies, and any subscriptions or memberships you have. This will help ensure that you continue to receive important documents and correspondence at your new address.
  • Government Documents: Update your address with government agencies, such as the postal service, electoral office, and vehicle registration bureau to ensure compliance with local laws.

9. Pest Control and Maintenance

  • Regular Inspections: Plan for regular pest inspections and know the signs of infestation. Keep your landlord informed of any issues.
  • Maintenance Requests: Understand the procedure for submitting maintenance requests. Keep communication lines open with your landlord or property manager.

10. Emergency Preparedness

  • Safety Equipment: Ensure that all safety equipment is easily accessible and that you are familiar with the operation of fire extinguishers and emergency break glass points.
  • Escape Plan: Review the property’s evacuation plan and practice an escape route with family members.

11. Connect with Your Landlord or Property Manager

  • Open Lines of Communication: Establish a respectful, professional relationship with your landlord. Clarify the best methods for communication and response times for inquiries.

This expanded checklist will help ensure that you have addressed all necessary preparations to make your rental a safe, enjoyable, and functional home.

Take Advantage of Our Relocation Services

But our services don’t stop there. Bend Relocation Services offers a range of relocation services to assist individuals and families in their move to Bend, Oregon.

  • Finding rentals
  • Personalized city tours
  • Consulting with Bend experts
  • A four-step relocation process

Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly rental or need assistance with finding a rental in Bend, we have the expertise and resources to help.

So, why go through the hassle of moving on your own when you can rely on Bend Relocation Services? Let us take care of the logistics while you focus on settling into your new rental.