Our tips will help you stay on task before, during, and after your move
Moving into an apartment is a big project, especially if it’s your first one. Amidst all the planning, scheduling, and excitement, it would sure be nice if someone came up with a checklist to remind you of all the important steps you shouldn’t forget. That’s why we’re here!
Our apartment moving tips will make the process seamless: We’ll go over the important supplies you need for a first apartment, how to prepare, what to do on moving day, and what tasks to complete after all your stuff is there.
Finding an apartment can be a hectic process. But once you have a space locked down and the lease is signed, it’s time to get started on these tasks:
Set a moving budget. It doesn’t have to be big, but you’ll want to set aside some cash for unexpected moving costs and supplies, takeout while you’re getting your kitchen set up, etc. If you’ll be hiring a moving company near you, call around to see who’s available, and get a few quotes.
Schedule your move. Once you’ve landed on a date and time for your move, ask your landlord or property manager for any instructions. Many will have a packet explaining what to do, or at least gate codes and an assigned parking spot you should know about. Schedule time off work for your move if necessary.
Do a walkthrough. Once your new apartment is vacant, schedule a walkthrough with your landlord. This is your chance to document any existing damage to the space—be sure to take photos as proof, because you’ll be on the hook for any new damage, and the repairs will come out of your security deposit. Test faucets, toilets, switches, and appliances, and alert your landlord to any repairs that need to be completed before you move in. This is also a good time to make note of any supplies that come with the apartment, such as window treatments.
Clean and organize your belongings. Before packing, toss or donate anything you don’t need and get your belongings ready. Save a box for essentials and valuables that you’ll carry with you, like your toothbrush, phone charger, identification, and medications.
Forward your mail and change your address. Make sure your employer and anyone else who sends you mail has your new address. And change your address at usps.com so that your mail gets forwarded to your new place.
Set up or transfer utilities. Your lease will specify which utilities and services your landlord will handle and which ones you’re in charge of. Be sure to set up or transfer as much as you can ahead of time so that you’re not stuck without power on moving day.
Set up or transfer your renter’s insurance. Many landlords require you to have this coverage.
Clean your old apartment. If you’re moving out of a different rental, give it a thorough cleaning and make whatever repairs you can so that you get your security deposit back. Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord to ensure there aren’t any surprises.
Make things easier on the big day with this quick checklist.
Pick up your keys/access cards. Get what you need from your landlord or property manager to gain access to your apartment, mailbox, and parking garage ASAP. This is their responsibility, but they’re not always on the ball.
Figure out where to park. Whether you’ll have a huge moving truck, a rented van, or your own car, you’ll need to determine where you can legally park that makes unloading as easy as possible.
Test your utilities. Check that basics like water and electricity are functioning before you start unloading boxes. If you find problems, contact your landlord or property manager immediately.
Measure your apartment before unloading oversize items. You don’t want to get halfway up the stairs before discovering your couch won’t fit through your front door, so keep a measuring tape handy and double-check.
Provide water and snacks. Whether you’ve hired a moving company or enlisted friends to help, water and snacks are appreciated. (Your friends will probably expect a pizza, too.)
Grab cash for a tip. This is optional, but it’s customary to tip professional movers $4 to $10 per hour or $20 for a full day move per mover if you’re happy with the service.
With your belongings safely inside and the keys in your pocket, your new apartment is about to become home! But even when the move is over, there are still several important tasks to accomplish as you start unpacking.
Learn about trash day. Unpacking is messy, so make sure you understand where to bring your trash and recycling in your new apartment complex. You can often use a service like Facebook Marketplace to give away used moving boxes and other packing supplies.
Get connected. It’s usually not possible to set up cable TV or internet ahead of time, so book an appointment ASAP after moving day.
Stock up on supplies. Use the shopping list below to make sure you have the essentials on hand to get through the first few days. As you unpack, make a note of what else you’ll need, whether it’s a coffee maker, a window A/C unit, or trash cans.
Decorating your new apartment is the fun part, but before you start picking out the perfect lamps and houseplants, make sure you have the essentials on hand for moving day. These include:
Basic cleaning supplies, including a broom and dust pan, trash bags, and a disinfectant spray
Dishwashing and laundry supplies
Toilet paper and paper towels
Toilet plunger and toilet brush
Shower curtain and bath mat
Hand soap
Window treatments like shades or curtains (if not provided by your landlord)
Bedding and bath towels
Clothes hangers
Disposable cups, plates, and utensils to use until you unpack or buy the real ones
A few pieces of basic cookware such as a saucepan, skillet, spatula, and chef’s knife
Can opener and corkscrew
Salt and pepper
Food storage containers and plastic wrap
Flashlight and batteries
Surge protector and at least one extension cord
Fire extinguisher (if not provided by your landlord)
First aid kit
Basic tool kit with a hammer, screwdrivers, measuring tape, and duct tape
Box cutter and scissors
Pen and paper
Basics like these will help you get by until you can unpack and figure out what else you need to be fully set up in your new apartment.
This additional advice will help make your move go smoother.
Keep valuables with you. Heirlooms, mementos, laptops, jewelry, and other precious items shouldn’t go on a moving truck; keep these items with you at all times.
Get custom boxes. Custom boxes and wooden crates exist to help safely move things like larger TVs, fragile artwork, and wardrobe items that shouldn’t be scrunched down into a box.
Consider creating a floor plan. Maybe you have a lot of furniture and aren’t sure what should go where. Or maybe your new apartment has an especially challenging layout. Creating a floor plan ahead of time and mapping out where things should go will save a lot of time on moving day.
Check if you have to reserve the freight elevator. If your new apartment has a freight elevator, you may not have access to it unless you reserve it ahead of time. Call to find out.
How long it takes to move into an apartment depends on many factors, including the amount of belongings you’re bringing with you, how accessible the apartment is (do you have an elevator, or will you be walking up and down several flights of stairs with boxes?), and whether or not you’re hiring a moving company. Having said that, for a local one-bedroom apartment, it usually takes a moving company between two and five hours to move you in.
Up to a point, you can change your mind about moving into a new apartment. But once you’ve signed a lease, you are under certain obligations that can make changing your mind very expensive, at the very least. That’s one reason it’s important to do a walkthrough and to read all documents carefully before signing.
Apartments come with strict regulations about what pets are allowed, so check before you sign a lease. If you have a fish or reptile, wait to move them until everything is set up and you’re ready to do a special move just for them and their aquarium/terrarium.
For a dog or cat, be sure you have a carrier before the move. On moving day, it’s best to designate a “safe room” or even a crate for your pet to help them get used to the new space. Keep everything they need in the safe room, and let them explore the rest of the apartment in their own time.
If you aren’t able to prove a certain level of income and stability, your landlord may require that someone else cosign your lease. This is often a family member with a more established financial background; by cosigning, this person agrees to pay the rent if you’re unable to.
