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Moving to Your First Apartment? A To-Do Checklist
websitebuilder • Nov 19, 2019
Nothing contributes to a sense of maturity and excitement like moving into your first apartment. This is your first experience living on your own, so chances are that you don't completely understand the basics of what you need, how to decorate, and how to ensure your transition goes smoothly. Create a simple checklist to ensure that the entire process is as seamless as possible.
Here are a few tips to create your own first apartment move-in checklist.
Pack and Purchase Essentials
Moving into your first apartment often means that you are gifted a lot of household items. Anything you don’t receive as a gift, you will need to purchase. Because you may be on a tight budget, stick to the basics and only purchase, pack, and move what you will need to start your new life.
Here is a room-by-room breakdown of what you should either purchase or ask your parents and loved ones to gift you:
- Kitchen. Grab cooking utensils, pots and pans, dish towels, plates, bowls, eating utensils, a can opener, mixing bowls, coffee mugs, a toaster, and a coffee pot.
- Bathroom. Keep it simple and purchase a bath mat, toothbrush holder, shower curtain, toilet brush, toilet plunger, hand towels, and bath towels.
- Bedroom. Purchase a bed frame, a mattress, sheets, a dresser, a table lamp, and curtains.
- Living room. Get whatever you can afford, such as a couch, coffee table, television, television stand, end tables, and lamps.
Purchase other necessities and odds and ends that you might forget you need on a daily basis. This includes toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper towels, and anything else you need to keep your new apartment clean and comfortable.
Hire Movers and Purchase Renter's Insurance
When you purchase essentials and packing boxes, hire a moving company and research renter's insurance. Be sure to choose a moving company that is within your budget. Ask friends and family for help and rent a moving truck, if you are tight on cash. Provide professionals movers or friends and family at least three- or four-weeks' notice to ensure there is plenty of time to get organized.
Research renter's insurance and purchase a policy that will fit your budget and needs. For example, an actual cash value policy is more cost-effective, but you will only be paid for what any damaged or stolen items are actually worth, not what you may have paid for them.
Fill Out a Change of Address Form and Set Up Your Utilities
Head to your local post office and fill out a change of address form at least one to two weeks before you move. This will ensure there is plenty of time for the postal service to redirect your mail.
Turn on your utilities, cable, and telephone service. Provide the utility companies with an exact move-in date so you don't accidentally pay for services you aren't using.
Prepare for Moving Day
Talk to your landlord or property manager to determine when you can move in. Some apartment complexes have rules about which days and times you are able to move in your belongings. Consider loading the moving trucks the night before to ensure you have plenty of time to move the next day. When you get there, snap photos of your new apartment and note any damage you see.
Carefully move in your boxes and furniture, making sure to not cause any damage. If any moving-related damage occurs, tell your landlord immediately to ensure it is repaired quickly. Lay down carpet or flooring film to protect the floors from any damage.
Moving into your first apartment can be stressful, which is why it is crucial to plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary bumps in the road. Contact the professionals at Meadowdale Apartments
with all your move-in questions.