Apartment Moving Checklist: What To Do Before, During, and After
The Only Apartment Moving Checklist You’ll Need
Moving apartments is a complex process. A good apartment moving checklist breaks that process into manageable steps, from planning weeks ahead to unpacking your final box. And when moving day arrives, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving can handle the heavy lifting for you.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
It may seem early, but you should begin your moving process at least eight weeks out. Now’s the time to review your lease, define your budget, and begin planning for the big day. Put these suggestions at the top of your checklist for moving to a new apartment so you can avoid last-minute problems.
Give Notice to Your Landlord
Many apartment leases require 30 or 60 days’ notice before you move out. Depending on the fine print, missing that notice period may cost you a full month’s rent. If this is your first time moving out of an apartment, review your lease carefully before sending notice. Once it’s time to provide your notice, do so in writing and keep a timestamped copy.
Create a Moving Budget
Create a moving budget in whatever format works best for you, whether that’s a spreadsheet, notes app, or a simple checklist. Add a line item for the movers’ fee, packing supplies, and even the move-in deposit on your new place. If you’d rather not spend all weekend taping up boxes, price out packing services, too.
Start Decluttering
Go room by room and set aside items you no longer use, from old clothes to forgotten kitchen gadgets. Sell items that still have value, then donate the rest. College HUNKS can run donations to charity and haul away junk in a single trip to make decluttering easier.
Research Moving Companies
Reach out to multiple moving companies and get at least two written quotes so you can compare options. Check that each company has the proper credentials, then read a mix of reviews. Price can be an important factor in hiring a crew, but quality customer service and expertise are just as important.
4-6 Weeks Before Your Move
Once you’ve compared your options, it’s time to start scheduling. Sign with the moving company, claim the freight elevator in your building, and start boxing up anything you don’t need before the big day. Your moving plan at this point should also focus on the paperwork necessary to change your address and move your utilities.
Book Your Movers and Reserve the Elevator
After you find a moving company you want to work with, go ahead and book them. Ask them for a certificate of insurance and put it, along with your contract and other important documents, in an organized file or binder. Confirm the date in writing. If your building has a freight elevator, speak with the landlord to reserve it. Now is also the time to secure any parking permits or other municipal requirements for the move.
File a Change of Address
You should file a change of address with USPS to ensure your mail routes to your new address. The whole process takes a few minutes. There’s a small charge if you file online, but it’s free in person. You also need to update your address elsewhere, such as with the bank and your employer.
Transfer or Cancel Utilities
Contact your utility providers to shut off service at your old place and set up services at your new residence. This may include electricity, gas, water, and internet. If possible, schedule a short overlap between services so you aren’t without essentials during the transition. Book your internet setup early. It often takes time to schedule a technician (sometimes a week or two).
Start Packing Non-Essentials
Your nonessentials include anything you don’t need this month, such as off-season clothing, books, and wall art. When you pack, label boxes on all sides. Keep a running inventory of your boxes and note any items that require special attention so you can confirm everything arrives safely. Packing for a long-distance or cross-country move calls for extra padding and additional time.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Move
The final two weeks before your move are about confirming details, finishing your packing, and preparing the apartment for move-out. Before the big day, run your apartment moving list top to bottom to ensure you didn’t miss anything.
Confirm Moving Day Details
Two to three days before your move, call the moving company to reconfirm the date. Now’s a good time to ask about their arrival window and provide the team with any gate codes. Then, double-check any elevator reservations or parking requirements with the landlord.
Pack An Essentials Box
Your essentials box should contain anything you may need immediately, such as medications, chargers, toiletries, and a change of clothes. These are the things needed to move into an apartment on day one, while the rest of your boxes wait to be unpacked. Load it into the truck last or take it with you in your own car.
Do a Move-Out Walkthrough
Once you pack and load every box, clean the apartment and walk through it with the property manager. It’s wise to photograph each room, including behind doors and inside appliances or cabinets, to dispute any damage claims after you leave.
Apartment Moving Day Checklist
Your goal on moving day is to keep everything organized while you clean your old apartment and get set up in the new one.
Leaving Your Old Apartment
If you’ve hired movers, it’s helpful to oversee them loading up the old apartment. You can answer questions and complete a final walkthrough of your old place. Once the truck is loaded, sweep every closet and cabinet. You don’t want to drive back for a missing item.
Arriving at Your New Apartment
The first item on your checklist for moving into a new apartment should be taking photos and video of the place while empty. Double-check that the fixtures and smoke detectors all work; if they don’t, you can flag them to your new landlord ASAP. Make yourself visible so you can direct movers and answer questions.
Pay and Tip Your Movers
Once everything is unloaded, pay the agreed rate and tip your movers (if you so choose). A good rule of thumb for tipping is to calculate 20% of your final moving bill and divide it among the crew.
Plan Your Apartment Move With the Pros
Creating a to-do list when moving apartments makes the process smoother from end to end. Following a timeline helps you book services early, stay ahead of the paperwork, and avoid unnecessary stress when moving day arrives.
When you’re ready for extra help, College HUNKS can handle everything from packing and loading to hauling away unwanted items. The crew handles everything from packing and loading to transportation, unloading, junk removal, and donation drop-offs. Book your moving services and reserve your date today.
FAQ
How Far in Advance Should I Start My Apartment Moving Checklist?
Starting about eight weeks before your move gives you enough time to handle important details without rushing. If your lease requires 60 days’ notice before a move, start your checklist ten weeks out. You can never start too early, especially if you’re moving during the busy summer season.
What Do I Need To Do Before Moving Out of an Apartment?
Some tasks you need to do before moving out of an apartment include:
Providing written notice within your lease window
- Paying any final rent or fees due
- Cleaning the apartment
- Scheduling a final walkthrough
- Ending your utilities
- Forwarding your mail
- Comparing and booking movers
Should I Hire Movers for an Apartment Move?
For a small, ground-floor apartment, you might get away with a DIY move. But add in stairs or street parking, and a professional moving crew earns its price tag. If you’re heading out of state, preparing and packing for a long-distance move poses unique challenges that pros can help you tackle.