{"id":17214,"date":"2023-05-25T20:17:30","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T03:17:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kinsta.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/?p=17214"},"modified":"2023-08-07T11:07:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-07T18:07:53","slug":"apartment-moving-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taskrabbit.com\/blog\/apartment-moving-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"First Apartment Moving Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The feeling of moving into your first apartment is incredible, but making your first move can be daunting. There\u2019s so much planning required, and the logistics alone are so overwhelming! Fortunately, our moving checklist for your first apartment makes it easy to figure out what you need to do before the big day!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover our PDF checklist, a moving timeline, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PDF Checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check out our PDF moving checklists<\/a> and get going on your move ASAP!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving Timeline<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve found your new place and signed the lease, it\u2019s time to start planning.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2 Months Out:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll want to start preparing for your move at least 2 months before the actual move date. This will ensure you\u2019re able to be comprehensive when the day comes. 2 months prior, you should:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover the details of your new place: <\/b>Moving to a new location is exciting, but it always requires some investigation! Are you moving to a third-floor apartment, a small space, or a building with an HOA? It\u2019s important to hash out the details a few months before to avoid any snags. You\u2019ll want to find out things like move-in policies, apartment rules, and utility costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determine your moving budget: <\/b>Whether you\u2019re <\/span>hiring movers<\/span><\/a> or planning to tackle the move on your own, it\u2019s important to figure out how much you\u2019ll need to spend to get your move done effectively. Be sure to consider all costs: packing supplies, a moving truck, movers, equipment like dolleys, lifting straps, and so-on. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create an inventory: <\/b>Creating an inventory of what you\u2019ll be bringing with you is essential to make sure you don\u2019t leave anything behind (or take too much). When moving into your first apartment, it can be tempting to keep a lot of things for their sentimental value, but it\u2019s key to bring only the necessary items (especially if you\u2019re moving into a small or shared space). A good way to create an inventory is to tackle your current living space room by room and make a list of what you\u2019ll need from each area.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research moving companies: <\/b>This is a crucial step if you\u2019ve got a lot of stuff or if you\u2019re short on time. While there are many options for moving companies, we recommend hiring a Tasker to help with your move! Taskers are experienced and efficient and have flexible rates that work with your budget. What\u2019s more, Taskers can do it all, from <\/span>unpacking<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>heavy lifting<\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gather packing supplies: <\/b>While it may seem a bit preemptive to gather packing supplies a few months out, you\u2019ll save yourself time and energy in the long run if you do it ahead of time. Buy a couple of rolls of duck tape, some boxes, and other supplies early on to avoid a last minute scramble.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1 Month Out:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With a month to go until your move, anxiety might start to overtake the excitement. But don\u2019t fret! Just do these few things to get yourself prepared:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change your address: <\/b>Update your address with the <\/span>USPS<\/span><\/a> and any other services you\u2019re registered with. If you\u2019re moving into your first apartment, you probably won\u2019t have much to change, but you can always get a jumpstart on directing services like electricity, internet, and gas to your new address. Check with your new landlord to determine what needs to be set up!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measure your new space: <\/b>One of the most exciting parts of moving is planning the decor for your new space. In order to get started on that, you\u2019ll need to know room dimensions. If your new space is vacant a month out, ask your landlord to let you in to take measurements. If there\u2019s someone still living there, you can ask your landlord for dimensions or schedule time via your landlord to measure when the current tenants aren\u2019t home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin packing non-essential items: <\/b>Non-essential items (like spare blankets, seldom used appliances, etc.) can be packed in advance to save you hassle down the line. It\u2019s helpful to have some boxes on hand to start packing things away so they\u2019re ready for the big day!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get rid of old junk: <\/b>Once non-essentials are packed, you can start to determine what you won\u2019t need (or have space for) in your new place. Old notebooks? Junk. Maybe you\u2019ve got an old dresser that you\u2019re ready to toss in favor of a new one? <\/span>Hire a Tasker to haul it away!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obtain renter\u2019s insurance: <\/b>While your new landlord may or may not require renter\u2019s insurance, it\u2019s a good idea to obtain it either way. Renter\u2019s insurance can protect you from accidental damage, natural disasters, and more. It\u2019s essential for first-time renters and students!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review your lease: <\/b>A month out is the perfect time to review your lease. Are you allowed to have pets, parties, or perhaps <\/span>wall-mounted TVs<\/span><\/a>? It\u2019s important to figure these things out ahead of time so you have an easier time settling in. Be sure to review the lease thoroughly to get a full understanding of the dos and don’ts of your new place.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2 Weeks Out:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moving day is around the corner and there are a few essential things to check off your list:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determine what\u2019s essential (and pack the rest): <\/b>2 weeks out, you\u2019ll want to determine what can be <\/span>packed away<\/span><\/a> and what you\u2019ll need to keep out until the day of (or day before) the move. Keep things like your phone charger and tooth brush accessible until the last minute, but pack away as much as possible to minimize stress the day of. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book moving help: <\/b>You likely have your movers in mind already, so about a month out, it\u2019s time to book! One simple way to get started is to <\/span>book a Tasker (or two) for moving assistance<\/span><\/a>. You can provide details well in advance so your Tasker is ready to help when moving day rolls around. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule cleaning services for your new place: <\/b>One thing that\u2019s often overlooked is the necessity of cleaning before you <\/span>move into your first apartment.<\/span><\/a> It\u2019s a good idea to hire someone to help with the cleaning so you can focus on settling in. No one wants to be scrubbing shower mold when they\u2019ve got a new space to decorate!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get rid of last-minute items: <\/b>Two weeks out is a good time to throw away (or donate) smaller last-minute items: things like books, unused appliances, and trinkets can be disposed of at this point to lighten your load.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1 Week Out:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With only a week to go, there are a few final things to do:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finish packing: <\/b>Pack the last of the last, and leave out only the things you\u2019ll need access to the day of. Get those last books, tools, and treasures tightly packed and ready to go!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the keys to your new place: <\/b>Make sure you have the keys to your new place so you can easily go in and out. Ensure in advance that the keys fit the locks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make final confirmations: <\/b>Confirm the details of your move with movers, finalize address changes, and ensure any utilities are in place. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Moving Day:<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The big day has arrived! Stay organized and focused with these essential moving day tasks:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conduct a final walkthrough:<\/b> You\u2019ll want to do a walkthrough of your new place and take photos of its condition. Take note of any damage or defects. If you\u2019re moving out of an apartment, you\u2019ll want to document everything in that space as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assist movers: <\/b>It can be helpful if you assist your movers with the moving process, but if you have <\/span>full-service movers<\/span><\/a>, you can just sit back and relax!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin unpacking: <\/b>Once everything is moved in, it\u2019s time to unpack! Whether you\u2019re doing it alone, with friends, or with help from a Tasker, you can finally start to get settled in. Enjoy your new space!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What To Pack – Checklist By Room<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While a timeline is helpful, some folks prefer to make their checklist room by room. Here\u2019s our outline for moving into your first apartment one room at a time:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n