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• I Utilized Notes for Creating Comprehensive Lists and Monitoring Inventory

• iMessage Assisted Me in Managing Logistics

• Apple Maps Aided in Familiarizing Myself with New Surroundings

• My iPhone Served as My Internet Source Until Wi-Fi Was Established

• Facebook and Karrot Facilitated Buying and Selling Furniture

• Google Drive Was Used to Store My Documents

• Reminders and Calendar Helped Me Stay Organized During the Move

• Google Sheets and Photos Enabled Me to Track My Boxes

• I Managed My Budget Using Numbers

• Measure Assisted in Settling Into My New Space

• Compass Helped Me Plan My Room Layout

Are you aware that your iPhone could be your ultimate tool for a seamless move? Well, to a certain extent. Relocating can be an incredibly daunting task, particularly if you're handling it solo.

I recently moved and managed everything using just my iPhone. Here’s how I leveraged the device in my pocket to simplify my moving process, and which applications were instrumental in handling moving-related tasks.

I Utilized Notes for Creating Comprehensive Lists and Monitoring Inventory

The cornerstone of my planning was to compile detailed lists using the Notes app. I tracked my inventory of packed furniture and boxes, essential documents to carry, and supplies needed post-move. For quick access, I added a Notes widget to my iPhone's home screen and set up a Notes shortcut.

Related ##### 10 Apple Notes Features You Should Be Utilizing

Did you know you can access Apple Notes from any device?

PostsI created a "master" moving note that I pinned at the top of the app, where I jotted down the most crucial tasks of the day or week. Smart Folders streamlined my organization, neatly categorizing my moving-related notes. Notes also allowed me to attach photos and documents, highlight key points, create simple tables for quick expense tracking, and share them with collaborators.

Occasionally, I used Math Notes for conversions and quick calculations during logging, which I preferred over using a spreadsheet.

iMessage Assisted Me in Managing Logistics

To ensure smooth communication, I used iMessage to coordinate my move with family and friends. Apple's messaging service facilitated easy sharing of my location, house viewing videos, photos, and voice messages. Sharing documents created on Apple apps like Pages was also effortless.

I utilized iMessage to streamline conversations, especially with family, through group chats. However, this method is contingent on the other parties having Apple devices. For those without, I switched to platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to share moving-related videos and links.

Apple Maps Aided in Familiarizing Myself with New Surroundings

Apple Maps was my primary navigation tool during the move. Moving between cities meant I needed to get accustomed to the new area. I used Apple Maps to scout potential homes, share locations with my roommates, and assess transit options and driving times during our house search.

On moving day, we planned our commute to the new house, considering drive times, potential traffic, and locating nearby restaurants and grocery stores. Apple Maps proved invaluable.

Apple's mapping app provides numerous features to ease your move, such as saving frequently visited places, place cards, and exploring points of interest.

My iPhone Served as My Internet Source Until Wi-Fi Was Established

While not part of my moving apps folder, ensuring internet connectivity immediately after moving in was crucial. It took two days to set up my Wi-Fi and install a new router, so I had to arrange for additional mobile data during this period, especially since I needed it for work and phone usage. Although I had Wi-Fi access in common areas like the gym and study room, staying home to unpack led to higher mobile data consumption than anticipated.

Setting up a personal hotspot when moving in with others can be a smart move.

Facebook and Karrot Facilitated Buying and Selling Furniture

One of the biggest challenges of moving is dealing with furniture. Without a moving service, transporting furniture can be complex, especially with loading and unloading. Although I used a moving service, I still had to decide what to bring and what to discard. This is where apps like Facebook and Karrot were useful.

Before packing or disassembling furniture, I sold items that would be cumbersome to move. Facebook Marketplace offers a smooth platform for second-hand selling (though caution is advised when buying items requiring cleanliness, like bedding), allowing you to set prices and choose delivery or pick-up methods.

Related ##### Avoid These Pitfalls When Selling on Facebook Marketplace

Sell unwanted items safely and effectively.

PostsKarrot serves as an alternative to Marketplace, offering free items, gardening supplies, and furniture. Local sellers and referrals upon sign-up helped me save on moving expenses. Through Karrot, I acquired DIY home decor and tools for furniture assembly, reducing my reliance on Amazon purchases.

Google Drive Was Used to Store My Documents

Managing documents is a vital part of moving, and storing digital scans on your iPhone simplifies the process. I used Pages and Google Drive for document management. Pages helped create invoices and detailed notes, mostly on my Mac but accessible on my iPhone thanks to Apple's integration. Pages includes templates tailored for moving, like a moving flyer to connect with neighbors or a "For Rent" poster.

Moving with roommates, Google Drive's organized structure allowed for easy document segregation and collaboration. Sharing features enabled me to send a single link for multiple documents and folders. I uploaded documents such as pay stubs, IDs, and rental agreements to Google Drive, and also used Google Sheets to track potential homes, our preferences, and offer submissions.

Reminders and Calendar Helped Me Stay Organized During the Move

To stay on top of important moving dates, I used the Reminders app to set notifications for installation dates, packing schedules, and house showings. Setting priority reminders helped organize my monthly schedule, while lists served as shopping checklists.

Using tags helped distinguish moving-related reminders from my usual ones, and custom Smart Lists organized all reminders efficiently for easy access.

Planning was facilitated by events in Apple's Calendar app. As reminders can be added to the Calendar, receiving notifications before key dates ensured I never missed an event.

Google Sheets and Photos Enabled Me to Track My Boxes

Moving involved extensive packing, which I was not prepared for. Transitioning from a large house to a smaller condo required packing a garage full of items into a few boxes. I used Google Sheets to plan what to pack and where, and decided what to sell or discard. Labeling was crucial to track boxes during transit.

I utilized the Photos app to document each packed box, capturing images of labels on furniture, Amazon, and my packed boxes. After taking a photo, I added a description of the box's contents (in addition to the label) by clicking the "i" button, selecting "Add a Caption," and describing the photo.

I Managed My Budget Using Numbers

Effective budgeting is essential for a smooth move, and tracking moving expenses was streamlined with Numbers. I recorded all moving costs, from packaging and cleaning supplies to moving and packing service fees, using Numbers, which offers efficient spreadsheet creation.

I used the basic budget template to gain insights into my moving expenses, utilizing multiple tabs to track individual costs. Although I logged most expenses on my Mac, I accessed my spreadsheets on the go via my iPhone.

Numbers' spreadsheets being accessible to non-Apple users allowed me to share our budget sheet with a roommate using an Android device.

Related ##### 7 Ways Apple Numbers Outshines Google Sheets

Google Sheets isn't the only free spreadsheet app available.

PostsIn addition to Numbers for overall budget tracking, I used Splitwise to divide bills among roommates, creating a house group for convenience. I also monitored my moving-related spending through my bank app, which provided weekly and monthly spending insights.

Measure Assisted in Settling Into My New Space

After packing and moving, the final phase of settling into our new condo began in earnest: unpacking and organizing. I used my iPhone, the Photos app, and Google Sheets to ensure everything was accounted for before beginning.

I employed the Measure app to visualize furniture placement, making room planning easier. The Measure app transforms your iPhone into a virtual tape measure, helping to precisely position items like wall hangings and furniture, and measure wall or door heights. The level feature, utilizing elevation, aided in hanging nails and arranging delicate pieces in the house.

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