Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone! To help you stay organized and ensure a smooth transition, here’s a comprehensive move-in checklist:
Before Moving:
- Secure the Apartment:
- Sign the lease agreement.
- Pay the necessary deposits and fees.
- Obtain renter’s insurance.
- Utilities and Services:
- Set up electricity, water, gas, trash/recycling and internet services as applicable. Some leases include utilities so you may not need to do this step.
- Schedule installation appointments if required.
- Change of Address:
- Update your address with the post office.
- Notify relevant parties of your new address (school, banks, employer, subscriptions).
- Packing:
- Gather packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers.
- Start packing non-essential items early.
- Assume your boxes will be bumped, dropped, and stacked. Your help may not care about your stuff as much as you do.
- Declutter:
- Sort through belongings and sell, donate or discard items you no longer need.
- Labeling:
- Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong to.
Moving Day:
- Essential Box:
- Pack a box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and snacks.
- Furniture and Appliances:
- Coordinate transportation for larger items.
- Have tools handy for assembling furniture if needed.
- Cleaning Supplies:
- Bring cleaning supplies to clean before unpacking.
Upon Arrival:
- Inspect the Rental Unit / Residence:
- Check for any existing damage and document it (photos and notes).
- Review things like paint, flooring, lighting, hardware for doors and cabinets, and check appliances for proper operation.
- Report any issues to the landlord.
- Your landlord may provide an inspection form. If they don’t, be sure to prepare your own writeup or use a form like this.
- Unpack Room by Room:
- Start with essentials and gradually unpack other items.
- Set Up Furniture:
- Assemble and arrange furniture to suit your space.
- Kitchen Essentials:
- Unpack kitchenware and organize cabinets.
- Stock basic pantry items and cleaning supplies.
- Bathroom Setup:
- Set up bathroom essentials like toiletries, towels, and shower curtain.
- Bedroom Setup:
- Make the bed and organize clothing and accessories.
- Utilities and Services:
- Confirm that all utilities are functioning properly.
- Test internet connectivity.
- Safety Measures:
- Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
- Ensure proper locks on doors and windows.
- Grocery Shopping:
- Stock up on groceries for your first week.
Post-Move:
- Update Documents:
- Update your driver’s license, ID, and any official documents with your new address.
- Explore the Area:
- Familiarize yourself with local shops, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Meet the Neighbors:
- Introduce yourself to neighbors, if comfortable.
- Change of Address (Online):
- Update your address for online accounts, subscriptions, and services.
- Decorate and Personalize:
- Add personal touches to make your apartment feel like home.
- Finalize Organization:
- Organize storage spaces, closets, and cupboards.
- Relax and Enjoy:
- Take time to settle in, relax, and enjoy your new space!
Remember that moving can be stressful, so take things one step at a time and ask for help if needed. This checklist should serve as a guide, but feel free to customize it according to your preferences and specific needs.