This is the Most Helpful Apartment Move In Checklist

Congratulations on moving to your new apartment! Whether you are upsizing to a better area or downsizing to save money, be happy about your new abode.

If you remember our last checklist for moving out of your apartment, you saw how hectic it could be to get to move-in day. It’s understandable to be overwhelmed and let certain tasks slip through the cracks.

Let’s make sure you get settled into your apartment home with ease because we all know adapting to a new place can be a challenge. Take a look at our apartment move in checklist below to set you on a path to an organized life. In a few weeks, you’ll have all the loose ends tied off for a fresh, new start.

Day After Moving In

It’s not unusual to be exhausted and hoping to sleep for a few days. However, remember your first day after moving in can be essential to ensuring you enjoy your new apartment.

Check that all of your major utilities are working.

Or at least be sure that all utilities are scheduled to be turned on within the next 24 to 48 hours. In general, leasing companies control electricity, sewer, gas, and trash pickup. If this is the case in your apartment and your utilities aren’t working, contact the management immediately.

Look over your items, electronics, and major furnishings.

This step is especially crucial if your belongings were moved by professional movers. Remove bubble wrap and moving blankets to confirm they aren’t damaged or nicked. If you see any damage, contact the moving company as soon as possible and take digital pictures of the damage to submit as proof.

If any items are missing or delayed in transit, call the moving company to ask for an estimated time of arrival or to file a damaged or missing item report.

Start unpacking the essentials.

It is common to want to open up every box and start pulling out everything! Resist the urge. A better plan of attack is to unpack the essentials first. If you have children, unpack a few days’ worth of clothing, toys, and toiletries for them to be comfortable, clean and occupied. Next, tackle the following move-in tasks:

• Set up beds first with bed linens in all rooms so you will have a place to sleep after a long day of unpacking.
• Unpack your moving essentials tote or suitcase for you and your roommates or spouse that should have a few days’ worth of clothes and toiletries for you to use until you get the furniture in place throughout your apartment.
• Unpack a few kitchen pots, pans, and utensils to cook.
• Put out fresh pet food and water if you’ve taken your pets out of boarding.

Read Also: What Do You Need for a First Apartment? Checklist for Renters on a Budget

Week After Moving In

Now that you’ve been in your apartment for about a week, determine what areas of your apartment need the most attention. Often closets, pantries, linen closets and other storage areas will require some thought as to how you’d like to organize them based on your lifestyle.

Start organizing your apartment section by section.

Invest in shelf paper, organization containers and other receptacles to store and display your items for quick access. If the apartment wasn’t cleaned well before you moved in, clean out shelves and closets before putting in your items.

Figure out the best placement for furniture.

Next, discuss furniture set up with your family or roommates; this is especially important for the home office and shared areas of the apartment. Make it a group effort so everyone’s opinions are heard, and so the home will be comfortable for all members involved.

Don’t forget to recycle as you go.

As you unpack boxes, flatten cardboard boxes and consult your leasing company about where to place corrugated cardboard for recycling. Keep a good handle on your trash (bubble wrap, newspaper, and tape) and other packing materials, so you don’t junk up your apartment and create more work than you had before you started unpacking!

Following Weeks After the Move

Some tasks are quickly forgotten about during the stress of the move, even if you followed a checklist. Now is the time to get everything in order and running smoothly.

Request back a security deposit on your old apartment.

Now that the inside of your apartment is livable, call your past leasing company if applicable and inquire if everything was left according to your agreement. If you are due back a deposit, confirm your banking info is correct or arrange to pick up a check.

Notify and update information as needed.

Did you forget about someone or something during the move? Here are some common items you should make sure are addressed after moving day. Once you have completed these items, you will feel like the move is official.

• If your mail was stopped, fill out a change of address form with the Post Office.
• Go through your online bills and change addresses on your bank accounts.
• Provide new contact info at your job, your children’s schools, your doctors and veterinarian, and other essential places.