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First Apartment Move In List

Plan and streamline your move to a new apartment with this comprehensive first apartment move in list and timeline.

Moving into a new apartment is exciting but with so much to plan and organize, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This apartment move in checklist, helps you create an effective schedule and remember all the essentials.

First Apartment Move In List (PDF Download) 2024

Apartment Move In List

Start planning your move today by printing your free apartment move in checklist. With a 6 to 8-week timeline, you’ll have plenty of time to get everything done, keeping stress to a minimum. For easy reference, keep the apartment moving list in the front of your moving binder.

6 – 8 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Create a moving binder: This is the place for all the documents, checklists, receipts, lease copies, and notes related to your move.
  • Discover the details of your new place: Find out about move-in policies, apartment rules, and utility costs.
  • Set a moving budget: Outline costs for movers or a hire truck/trailer, packing supplies, short-term storage, and additional expenses (pet sitter, hotel, etc.)
  • Pick a moving date: Moving mid-week or mid-month is usually cheaper than peak times.
  • Research moving companies: Get quotes from several movers or truck rental companies.
  • Create an inventory: Go through your living space room by room and list the items you want to take with you. Make separate lists for items to donate, sell, or junk.
  • Organize renters insurance: Purchase new insurance or have your renter’s insurance policy updated to cover both your current and new address during the move. Check if your policy covers moving-related damages.
  • Declutter: Working from your inventory, box up the items you aren’t taking with you.
  • Organize a yard sale: Sell items you don’t need with a simple yard sale or list items at online marketplaces.
  • Donate unwanted Items: Drop off donations at local charities or post giveaways in your local Facebook group.
  • Gather packing supplies: Buy boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape & dispenser, and marker pens.
  • Clothing rack moving boxes: Rent or buy wardrobe boxes to move hanging clothes without having to fold or rehang them.
  • Pack non-essentials: Pack items you don’t need (seasonal clothes, books, and décor).
  • Storage options: Consider renting a storage unit for items you don’t need immediately. This can help make moving day less overwhelming.
  • Provide notice: Check your lease for the required notice period (usually 30-60 days) and inform your current landlord, in writing, of your move-out date.
  • Schedule a walkthrough: Arrange a time for a final walkthrough with your current landlord to check the condition of the apartment. Mark it on your calendar.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Change address: Notify USPS, banks, credit card companies, subscription services, and any other service providers.
  • Transfer utilities: Arrange to disconnect electricity, water, gas, and internet at your old place and start service at your new apartment.
  • Update employers and schools: Inform your employer and children’s schools about the move.
  • Update pet microchip information: Notify the microchip company about the update to your address and contact details.

2 -3 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Pack items by room: Continue packing room by room, starting with items you use least.
  • Children and pets: Make arrangements for child and pet care on moving day.
  • Request time off work: Ensure you have time off for the move.
  • Confirm details: Reconfirm dates with the moving company or truck rental.
  • Pack storage items: Pack items you want to put into storage and label them clearly. Transport these items to the storage unit. Keep an inventory of items in storage for easy reference later.
  • Rent a moving dolly: Rent a dolly to move heavy items safely.
  • Parking permits: Check with local authorities or building management to find out if you need a permit to park a moving truck on city streets.
  • High-rise moves: If you’re moving to or from a high-rise apartment, book the service elevator and reserve parking for the moving truck.

1 Week Before Moving Day

  • Pack an essentials box: Include items you’ll need immediately (toiletries, toilet paper, medication, fresh clothes, important documents, snacks, and phone chargers).
  • Finish packing non-essentials: Make sure everything is packed except for essentials and items needed overnight.
  • Prepare appliances: Clean and prep large appliances. Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer.
  • Disassemble furniture: Take apart large furniture (beds, bookcases, desks).
  • Pick up keys: Make sure you’ve got your new keys to avoid delays on moving day.
  • Confirm with moving helpers: Check friends or family helping with the move are still available.
  • Confirm details with movers/truck rental: Finalize all arrangements and details.

Day Before Moving Day

  • Finish packing: Ensure everything is packed except for immediate essentials.
  • Secure valuables: Keep important items like jewelry, passports, and legal documents in a safe place.
  • Pack snacks: Prepare snacks for tomorrow.
  • Clean the apartment: Vacuum, dust, and clean each room as you pack up.
  • Review inventory list: Ensure all items are accounted for and boxes are properly labeled.
  • Pets and children: Drop off pets and children with caregivers.

Moving Day

  • Get up early: Start the day early to ensure everything is ready.
  • Protect floors and walls: Put down protective coverings to prevent damage during the move.
  • Don’t skip breakfast: Eat a hearty breakfast to load up on energy for the busy day ahead.
  • Pick up the truck: DIY movers – arrive on time to pick up the rental truck. Verify that it matches the size you reserved.
  • Inspect the truck: Check the truck for damage and make sure it’s clean. Inform the rental company about any issues.
  • Drive safely: Take extra care while driving an unfamiliar vehicle.
  • Load heavy items first: Place heavy items at the bottom and towards the front of the truck.
  • Distribute weight evenly: Balance the load to avoid shifting on the road.
  • Secure items: Use straps and blankets to secure items and prevent breakages.
  • Keep essentials handy: Make sure your essentials box and personal items are easily accessible.
  • Document apartment condition: Take photos or videos of each room to document its condition for your records.
  • Turn off utilities: Make sure all utilities are turned off.
  • Return keys: Hand over keys to your landlord or property manager as agreed.

Day After Move (& 1st Week)

  • Set up furniture: Assemble and arrange furniture before unpacking smaller items.
  • Clean new apartment: Vacuum carpets. Sanitize surfaces and cupboard interiors.
  • Organize by room: Unpack one room at a time to stay organized.
  • Check appliances: Make sure all appliances are working properly.
  • Pick up children and pets: Pick up your family and settle them into their new home.
  • Address check: Confirm USPS, banks, and other services have your new address.
  • Explore the neighborhood: Check out the local shops, restaurants, gyms, services, and transportation.
  • Meet your neighbors: Say hello to your neighbors and building staff.
  • Request refund: Contact your previous landlord to ask about the return of your security deposit. Confirm your previous landlord has your new address to send the deposit refund.
  • Review itemized deductions: If any deductions are made, review the itemized list provided by your landlord and contest any discrepancies.

Move In Checklist Apartment Furnishings & Equipment

Move In Checklist Apartment Furnishings & Equipment

Use this handy apartment packing list as a starter template for your inventory or as a shopping list if you’re furnishing your first apartment.

Kitchen

  • Dining table and chairs
  • Pots and pans
  • Plates and bowls
  • Utensils
  • Placemats
  • Dish soap, sponges, and cloths
  • Dishtowels
  • Dish rack
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Cups, glasses, etc.
  • Cooking utensils
  • Strainer/Colander
  • Storage containers
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Bottle opener
  • Aluminum foil and cling wrap
  • Oven mitts
  • Baking sheets
  • Casserole dish
  • Blender
  • Water filter
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microwave
  • Toaster/toaster oven
  • Coffeemaker
  • Paper towels and holder
  • Ice trays
  • Trashcan and trash bags

Living Room

  • Couch/seating
  • TV
  • TV stand OR hanging accessories
  • Bookshelves
  • Coffee table/End tables
  • Lamps
  • Desk and chair
  • Rugs
  • Computer
  • Games Console

Bedroom

  • Bed
  • Mattress
  • Sheets
  • Comforter
  • Blankets
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Dresser
  • Nightstand
  • Lamp(s)
  • Curtains
  • Clothes hangers
  • Mirror
  • Hamper

Bathroom

  • Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Shower curtain and liner
  • Trashcan
  • Bath mat
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Hand soap
  • Plunger
  • First aid items

Cleaning Supplies

  • Broom and dustpan
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mop
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Bathtub and sink cleaner
  • Laundry detergent
  • Carpet cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Glass cleaner
  • Duster
  • Rubber gloves
  • Ironing board & Iron

Miscellaneous

  • Décor (framed photos, artwork)
  • Command Strips and hooks
  • Extra batteries
  • Extension cords
  • Light bulbs
  • Candles and matches
  • Storage bins
  • Flashlight
  • Smoke alarm
  • Carbon Monoxide detector
  • Screwdriver set

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