Moving is a hassle that few Americans enjoy. But when you're moving out of a shared home or apartment, you have a few extra challenges to deal with. How can you make things easier on everyone? Here are a few tips for success.

1. Hire Professional Movers

One thing you can do to make this transition smooth is to work with professional movers. 

Many people rely on their friends and family to help them move, but this can lead to conflict or damage by well-meaning amateurs. And you may or may not want to rely on help from your roommate. In contrast, the professionalism and training of experienced movers will help keep everything as stress-free as possible and keep to a timeline. 

2. Keep Things Neat and Tidy

Avoid leaving on a bad note by ensuring that the work is done as neatly as you can. 

Professional movers will put down protection over flooring, work to prevent debris and dirt from being tracked, and navigate your stuff safely around your roommate's belongings and the apartment. They may also offer additional services like proper disassembly and reassembly or final cleaning. 

3. Prepare to Move Things Early

The situation between departing roommates can be volatile for a number of reasons. If you're parting due to friction, you want to get everything done as quickly as possible. And if your roommate is securing another roommate, you may need to depart early. 

Prepare for these possibilities by moving the majority of things as early as possible. Work with a moving service that can respond quickly and has some flexibility about the timing of your move. 

4. Offer Help to Your Roommate

If you contract with movers to empty out your own belongings, take the initiative to do something kind for your roommate. For instance, ask the movers to help rearrange their furnishings to accommodate the changes in the apartment. Or you could even offer to help your replacement roommate with some of their furnishings. 

If you're moving out on bad terms, this can help everyone walk away with less rancor and a positive final impression. And if you had a good roommate experience, consider this a parting gift. 

Where to Start

No matter what challenges you face as you move out of a shared home, the best place to begin is to meet with experienced movers in your area. Make an appointment today to learn more about their services.