No matter how many times you’ve moved in or out of an apartment, it can still feel like a lot to juggle — usually with very little time to spare. Ever wish you had a simple apartment moving checklist that clearly laid everything out for you? Something that explained the who, what, where and when of moving from one apartment to another? We felt the same way. That’s why we put together this eight-week apartment moving checklist filled with helpful tips and a clear timeline to keep you organized and on schedule.
Wondering how to make an apartment checklist that’s tailored to your needs?
You can create a personalized apartment moving checklist by listing and organizing everything you need to finish in the weeks leading up to your move. Breaking it down by week gives you a clear timeline but make sure you leave yourself some extra time in case anything unexpected comes up. You can start by using this helpful moving checklist from STI.
If eight weeks feels too early to start preparing, it really isn’t. Many apartment managers now require a two-month notice and you’d be surprised at how quickly those weeks pass. Anyone with moving experience will tell you it’s always better to have extra time than to be rushing at the last minute.
Don’t know where or when to begin? No worries! This apartment moving checklist is a great guide to use throughout your entire move. We’ll walk you through each step, from letting your current apartment know you’re leaving to the first things you should unpack in your new home.
The clock is ticking … let’s get started!
Keep yourself organized by using a binder to store all your important moving papers — including your apartment moving checklist.
8 Weeks Out: Give Notice and Get Organized
Alright, first things first: you’ll need to give your notice and start doing some background research so you understand everything you’ll have to handle for your move.
Give Notice
Even if your lease doesn’t require a full eight weeks’ notice, it’s still a good idea to give it if you can. The more notice you give, the better it reflects on you — which can really help when you need a reference later. And don’t forget to keep it official: submit your notice in writing.
Create Your Moving Folder
Make a copy of your notice letter and place it in a new folder, notebook or file that you’ll use just for your apartment moving checklist. This will be the spot where you keep all important papers, notes, reminders, invoices and anything else related to your move in one safe and easy-to-find place.
Find Out Basic Details for Your Move
The day you give your notice is also a good time to ask about the most recent rules and requirements for moving out of your apartment. Moving into or out of a high-rise? Then this part matters even more. Do you have to book your moving time with the building? Do you need any special permits from management or the city to park a moving truck or container? Even if you’re hiring full-service movers, you still need to confirm these details. This paperwork can take a while, so it’s best to know what you’ll need early so you can plan ahead.
Create Your Moving Budget
This is one of the most important parts of your apartment moving checklist: deciding how much you can spend on your move. Set a range — from the amount you’d like to spend to the maximum you can realistically afford. This range will help guide your decisions throughout the whole process. Knowing what fits your budget (and what doesn’t) helps you prioritize and keeps you from wasting time considering options that simply aren’t possible.
Stop Buying New Things
This may be easier for some people and tougher for others but try to avoid buying anything new until your move is complete. Here’s a simple reminder to help: the more stuff you have, the more you’ll need to pack — and the more your move will cost.
Start on Small Cleanouts
You don’t need to bring everything with you if it’s not necessary. You don’t have to start a full declutter yet, but if there are small, quick areas you can tidy up, go ahead and take care of those now.
What to do before moving out of your apartment?
Follow our apartment moving checklist, of course! This step-by-step guide helps you plan and prepare so that when moving day comes, everything runs smoothly — whether you’re handling the move yourself or hiring professionals. From eight weeks before your move all the way to moving day, these steps will guide you through the entire process.
7 Weeks Out: Start Vetting Moving Companies
Moving companies fill up quickly, especially during the summer, so it’s smart to begin your research right away. Look into both local and long distance movers, what services they offer, their insurance details, reviews — everything — and keep all this information organized in your apartment moving checklist binder. Collect at least three quotes (five is even better) and start comparing prices and services for DIY rental trucks and full-service movers. This is also a good time to casually mention that you’ll be moving — just in case you’ll want help from friends or family later.
6 Weeks Out: Schedule Your Move and Get Familiar With the Details on Your Apartment Moving Checklist
The next step is to book your moving company and any services you need, and to complete any remaining paperwork or requests.
Schedule Your Service
Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, this is the time to book your truck rental or movers. If you’re not completely sure about your moving dates yet, remember that it’s usually easier to adjust or cancel a reservation with a rental truck company than with full-service movers.
Submit Your Permits and Requests
By the end of the week, make sure to finish any paperwork or filings needed for those small but important moving details you looked into two weeks ago — like parking permits, reserving a moving time with your building or applying for curbside access with the city.
5 Weeks Out: Start Planning Ahead
You’ve been preparing for your move but this might be the week when it really starts to feel real. Why? Because your apartment will begin to show the first clear signs that a move is coming. Here’s what you should focus on this week.
Gather Your Supplies
This is the time to start gathering your moving and packing materials. Set aside a specific area in your apartment to store everything until you begin packing. If you’re trying to save money or be more eco-friendly — or both — we also have some tips on how to find free moving boxes.
Snag a Welcome Packet
Some apartment buildings give new residents a welcome packet that explains how things work, where nearby services are and which numbers to call to set up utilities, apply for parking permits, or request repairs. If your new apartment has one, pick it up now so you can start getting everything organized.
Start Selling Things You Don’t Want
A simple way to make back some of your moving costs is to sell items you no longer need. You can hold a yard sale, garage sale or estate sale, or list individual things online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Nextdoor, or OfferUp. Just because you don’t want an item anymore doesn’t mean someone else won’t be willing to pay for it.
4 Weeks Out: Tackle the Tiny Details
Congrats! You’re halfway through your apartment moving checklist — and only about a month away from settling into your new place. Now it’s time to handle the small tasks that are easy to overlook. Not this time, though. This week you’re going after those little details and it’s going to make a big difference.
Handle Service Requests
Submit cancellation requests for utilities at your current apartment and set up service for your new place. Make sure everything is scheduled to be active by the time you move in.
Change Your Address
Set up your change of address with USPSⓇ and update it on other accounts like your cell phone or memberships — but wait to update your banks and credit cards for now (we’ll handle those later).
Get Your Pet to the Vet
If you have a pet, take them to the vet for any certificates, vaccines or medications they may need for the next month or two.
Some apartments require updated vet records before move-in, so make sure to take your pets for a final vet checkup before you relocate.
Request Time Off Work
If you need time off from work, go ahead and ask for it now — even if you’re only moving locally. Sometimes moving and rental rates are cheaper during the week and taking a little PTO can help both your budget and your stress levels. Add this to your apartment moving checklist: R&R.
Sort Out Your Moving and Renters Insurance
If you decide to get moving insurance, sign up now so it’s taken care of. This is also a good time to start your new renters insurance, just in case there’s a waiting period before it becomes active.
Go Over Any Contracts
Things are about to get busy, so take time now to review all the terms in any contracts related to your move — including your old and new apartment agreements and any moving services you’ve booked. If you spot anything unclear or inconsistent, you’ll still have a month to sort it out before moving day arrives.
What can I pack a month before moving?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. If you’re making a checklist for moving into your first apartment, you can include a plan for packing a few small things each week. At this stage, only pack items you won’t need before the move — like books, decorations, collectibles or old files you want to keep. You can also gather extra pillows and blankets to wrap these items in. Just don’t pack all your linens at once, because you’ll need them to wrap other belongings over the next few weeks.
3 Weeks Out: Size Up Your Stuff and Schedule Cleaning
Moving is the ideal time to do a deep decluttering!
Alright, real talk. This week can feel tough because you’ll need to make some big decisions about what you’re actually taking with you. Hopefully you already sold a few things back in week five, because now you’ll have to choose what stays, what goes and how to get rid of the items you’re not keeping.
Decide What to Keep
Yes, you can bring everything with you — but moving is also the perfect chance to downsize and let go of things that are only taking up space, whether it’s furniture, kitchen tools or old sweaters. Not sure whether to keep or get rid of something? Ask yourself if it’s worth paying to move. Remember, the more you bring, the more your move will cost.
Make a Donation Run
Take the items you’re not keeping to a local Goodwill or charity center. Just make sure everything is in good condition and still works. Also double-check that the donation site is accepting drop-offs before you head out.
Schedule Cleaners
If you plan to use a cleaning service, book them now so your current apartment is cleaned according to your rental agreement (and we’ll say it again: read your lease carefully, and if any clause or legal wording confuses you, have a lawyer review it). If your budget allows, it’s also a good idea to have your new apartment cleaned before you move in. Unpacking in a place that’s already clean is like getting into a bed with fresh sheets — it just feels so much better!
What to pack when moving into a new apartment?
You’ll bring all your usual belongings, of course, but apartments often require a few extra items you might not think about. For example, non-damaging wall hooks are great for decorating, and it’s smart to have extra batteries, extension cords, and a box of Day 1 essentials (like cleaning supplies, bed sheets, a shower curtain, cutlery, trash bags, paper towels, etc.). Keeping extra pillows and blankets handy can also make your new place feel cozy right away. Your apartment might look a little empty at first but these items will help you settle in comfortably during the initial chaos.
Getting kids involved in the packing might take a little more time but they’ll feel more comfortable with the move if they’re allowed to help along the way.
2 Weeks Out: Start Packing
You’re so close now — almost there! It’s time to start packing because you always end up having more stuff than you expect. Begin with things you don’t use often, such as seasonal items, decorations, books and extra linens. Save everyday essentials like kitchen items, bathroom supplies and your current clothes for later.
Confirm All the Details
Now is not the time for surprises, so make sure to confirm your movers and double-check any permits or approvals you’ve requested.
Eat Your Stash
Do you really want to pay to move your food? Probably not — and you don’t want to waste it either. With only a few weeks left, start eating the food you already have and avoid buying anything new unless you truly need it and will use it right away. Once you move into your new home, it’s the perfect chance to give your pantry a fresh start.
Moving Week: It’s Go Time!
Now you’re officially in the final stretch. Hopefully, you’ve already handled the basic but important tasks on your apartment moving checklist, so this week can be focused on packing, painting, repairing and cleaning. It’s best to pack one room at a time if you can — this gives you a chance to take breaks from packing and get each room ready for move-out. This is also a great time to make any last-minute donations of items you reconsidered and decided not to keep.
As you get closer to moving day, it’s important to wrap up any final tasks. Here’s a helpful guide for what to take care of in the last few days before your move and on the big day itself.
What are the first things you need when you move into an apartment?
Before you start settling into your new place, make sure you have proper lighting — otherwise, you might end up unpacking in the dark. Keep your box of basic kitchen items, like plates and cutlery, close by too. Even if you order takeout, you’ll still need simple things like cups or forks to use it.
A Few Days Out…
Change Your Address for Credit Cards and Banks
Remember when we said to wait on updating your address for your credit cards and bank accounts? Now is the right time to do it. Waiting until a few days before move-in is smart because you may need to verify information for a purchase. And if you lose a card, the replacement will be mailed to the address on file — and you won’t be living there yet if you update it too early.
Get Cash for Tips
Don’t end up without cash to tip your movers or anyone helping you on moving day. Be sure to withdraw enough money — maybe even a little extra — a few days before the move.
Finish Packing
Having everything packed a few days early feels amazing — and it gives you extra time to deal with anything unexpected that might come up. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell!)
Do a Walk-Through and Pick Up Keys
If possible, pick up your keys and walk through your new apartment before you move anything in. Document the condition of the space so you have a record for the future. Take photos of any damage you notice — like scratched floors, broken blinds, appliances with issues or marks on the walls. After that, go over your apartment moving checklist and get ready for the big day!
Get Confirmations, Again
This is your final round of confirmations. Double-check times, meeting spots, permits, handoffs and anything else a few days before your move so there are no surprises on moving day. Also make sure (yes, one more time) that your utilities will be up and running when you arrive.
Plug In Your Fridge
This often-overlooked step on the apartment moving checklist can lead to a lot of frustration and food waste. If you’re moving locally, you might need to put any leftover refrigerated items in a cooler for the trip — then place them in the fridge as soon as you get to your new apartment. A few days before the move, make sure the fridge at your new place is plugged in and set to the right temperature so it’s fully chilled by the time you arrive.
What to check for when moving into an apartment?
This step is very important — especially if you’ve paid a large security deposit that you want back when you move out. Start by reviewing your lease and noting anything you want to talk about with your landlord. Then inspect the apartment carefully: check for damages or leaks, make sure all appliances work, look around for any signs of pests and confirm that the smoke detectors are working. If you notice anything — even something small — document it with photos and report it in writing to your landlord.
A new apartment is like a blank canvas and moving day is your chance to finally make it feel like your own.
Moving Day
The big day is here. Congratulations — you’re officially moving! Here are a few things to keep in mind…
Get Your Things Out of the Old Place
This is what you’ve been preparing for over the past two months. Make sure you’re on time, keep your moving folder with you and stay organized — whether you’re doing the move yourself or hiring professionals.
Clean Everything
Give your place a final clean and make sure it meets the standards in your lease for moving out. You don’t have to deep-clean every corner but leave it in a condition you’d be happy to move into yourself.
Again, make sure you understand the terms of your lease. Some landlords provide a moving-out checklist that explains exactly what they expect to see when you return the keys. If you have one, follow it closely so you can get your security deposit back.
Do a Final Walk-Through
After everything is moved out and the apartment is cleaned, ask your apartment manager to join you for a walk-through. This lets both of you document the apartment’s condition before you hand over the keys. It helps prevent future disagreements about damages and increases your chances of getting your security deposit back smoothly. If there is any damage, try to estimate the cost right away. This is also the moment when you officially say goodbye and return the keys.
Clean Your New Place
If you haven’t already, take a little time to clean your new apartment before moving everything inside. If the previous tenants (and the landlord) did their job, it should already be in decent condition — but giving the counters a quick wipe and the floors a fast sweep definitely won’t hurt. And remember, sweeping is never easier than when the apartment is completely empty.
Unpack Perishables
Once you’re moved into your new apartment, the first thing you should do is unpack any perishable items right away. Ideally, you separated them during the move and they’re already sitting in the kitchen. And if you brought a bottle of bubbly, go ahead and pop it — cheers to a job well done!
STI Moving & Storage Makes Moving to a New Apartment Easier
Whether you follow this apartment moving checklist step-by-step or just use it as a general guide, we hope it helps you feel more confident and in control during your move. Remember, moving day doesn’t have to be stressful. With STI Moving & Storage, you can take your time and count on a professional team that handles the heavy lifting for you. We provide dependable moving services tailored to your needs — from packing and loading to transportation and unloading at your new place.
Need extra time between moves? No problem. STI Moving & Storage can safely store your belongings for as long as you need, giving you a smoother and more flexible moving experience from beginning to end.
