9 Things To Do Now Before Moving Into First Apartment

This post will guide you through crucial things to do before moving into first apartment. Don’t forget these must-do steps, as they are often overlooked!

Congratulations! Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure what to expect. With all the paperwork, planning, and packing involved, it’s easy to overlook something important.

When I moved into my first apartment, I did a ton of research to ensure I wasn’t forgetting any steps. There are several important tasks you must complete before moving into your first apartment. I have created the ultimate guide to ensure the process and transition is as smooth as possible!

There’s nothing worse than moving into your new place and realizing you’ve forgotten something essential. This checklist will help you prepare and ensure you don’t miss anything crucial before moving into first apartment. Believe me when I say being prepared will save you time, money, and stress!

This post is about moving into first apartment checklist.

Moving Into First Apartment

1. Purchasing First Apartment Essentials

Forgetting essentials on your move-in day is scary! It’s so important to have all your first apartment essentials ready before you move in. I found that buying my essentials ahead of time made my life so much easier. I was able to save money by taking advantage of shopping deals, like those during Black Friday.

Keep in mind when you move into your first apartment, you will need to pay for the first month’s rent, deposits, etc. If you start shopping in advance, it will be one less thing to spend your money on!

To make sure you do not forget an important apartment essential, click here for the Ultimate First Apartment Essentials Checklist. This checklist was a lifesaver and definitely worth reviewing!

2. Review Your Lease & Confirm All Paperwork

We’re so excited and ready to move in that we often rush to sign our leases without reviewing them. Please protect yourself by taking the time to review your lease! When I reviewed mine, I found that my agreed-upon rent amount was incorrect. If I hadn’t caught this mistake, I would have been responsible for paying the wrong amount. That’s why I can’t emphasize enough the importance of reviewing your lease!

3. Budget

Budgeting before moving into your first apartment is hands down one of the most important tasks you should complete. In my opinion, you should complete this task before looking at apartments. In fact, Life-Saving First Apartment Tips You Need To Know Before Moving In, it was explained to stop moving into apartments you cannot afford! Just because you’ve been approved to move into that apartment doesn’t mean you can necessarily afford it. Make sure to budget for unexpected expenses as well as for the things you enjoy, like getting your nails done or going to the hair salon. I would hate for you to move into your first apartment and give up the things that bring you joy!

4. Renters’ Insurance

Make sure to purchase renter’s insurance! Most apartments require it, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s a good idea to get it to protect yourself. Renter’s insurance covers your belongings in case of fire, theft, water damage, and other incidents. I chose to bundle my car insurance with my renter’s insurance to save money. It literally cost you less than $20 a month to ensure you’re protected. Accidents can happen at any time. For example, what if your neighbor forgets to turn off her hot tool and a fire occurs? Be safe!

5. Setting Up Utility Services & Paying Deposit

As I mentioned earlier, be sure to purchase as many essential items for your first apartment as soon as possible, because when it’s time to move, you’ll have a lot of expenses for deposits and other costs. Work with your leasing office to determine if your utilities (water, gas, lights, etc.) are included in your rent. If they’re not, identify the utility companies and contact them to learn about the deposit required for setting up service in your new apartment.

As we return to #3: Budgeting, be sure to include utilities in your monthly budget. You can reach out to the utility companies, and they should be able to provide you with a rough estimate of what your apartment typically pays for these services.

Additionally, if you want internet access, be sure to reach out to an internet provider as well. I made sure the internet was installed and ready within a few days of moving in.

6. Updating Address

Don’t miss your important mail! As soon as you have your address and are ready to move in, change your address. Update the post office, banks, subscriptions, your employer, etc.

7. Set Up a Move-In Box

After a long day of moving, who wants to go digging through boxes on their first night? Not I, it sounds even more overwhelming. To make things easier, create a “first-night” box containing all the essentials you’ll need for that night or the next couple of days. I labeled my box “first-night” to ensure that I wouldn’t overlook it. Inside, I packed all the necessities, including items such as toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, snacks, bedding, chargers, and more. You might also want to include important documents and cleaning supplies.

8. Plan Move-In Day

Let’s be honest: as exciting as move-in day is, it can also be very chaotic! When I first moved into my apartment, I wanted to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible. I created a detailed schedule for the day, including times for each task. For example: 9 AM – pick up keys, 10 AM – load boxes, and so on. I even shared my itinerary with the friends and family who were helping me out. It’s important to ask for help! It saved me SO much time.

Other important tips:

• Make sure all boxes are labeled and placed in the appropriate destination in your apartment!
• If you are moving in the summer, make sure you have a fan, because you will be sweating!
• If you are able to purchase or rent a dolly, it will make loading boxes 10xs easier!
• If you can, consider providing thank-you snacks for your helpers!

9. Deep Clean The Apartment & Check for Safety

Before moving into your apartment, be sure to deep clean it, and replace the toilet seat. Even if the apartment looks clean, it’s always best to do a thorough cleaning before you are fully moved in. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. Click here to read The Must-Have Apartment Cleaning Supplies You Need To Buy. I swear by each of these products and bought them before moving into my first apartment!

Please remember to complete your maintenance sheet. You will receive a form to document any issues you may have in your apartment. It is important to fill out this sheet, as you will be held responsible for any problems that arise after you move out if they were not recorded. For example, I discovered that several outlets in my apartment were not functioning. If I hadn’t listed this issue on the maintenance sheet, I would have been responsible for repairs when I moved out.

Lastly, safety checks! Check smoke detectors, locks, exits, etc. To ensure you are safe! Do not overlook your basic safety measures.

Congratulations! You are now fully prepared to move into your first apartment!

This post was all about things to do before moving into first apartment.

Other Posts You Might Like:

• The Ultimate First Apartment Essentials Checklist
• Life-Saving First Apartment Tips You Need To Know Before Moving In
• Must-Have Apartment Cleaning Supplies You Need To Buy