Pack to Move

Free New Apartment Checklist

Lists

My Lists Lists saved in this browser Ready-Made Lists Start from a list we made
All Ready-Made Lists
Now Open

New Apartment

of 204 done

Share, print, save, copy or reset New Apartment.

of 204 done

Also leaving a rented home?

  • 0 of 27 done

  • 0 of 9 done

  • 0 of 3 done

  • 0 of 12 done

  • 0 of 15 done

  • 0 of 8 done

  • 0 of 11 done

  • 0 of 9 done

  • 0 of 13 done

  • 0 of 5 done

  • 0 of 6 done

  • 0 of 13 done

  • 0 of 3 done

  • 0 of 7 done

  • 0 of 7 done

  • 0 of 6 done

  • 0 of 9 done

  • 0 of 8 done

  • 0 of 8 done

  • 0 of 3 done

  • 0 of 7 done

  • 0 of 15 done

What Is in This New Apartment Checklist

This new apartment checklist is for a move into a rented apartment in the US. It has 204 items in 22 groups: the lease, the building, the walk-through, what to pack and buy, and the tasks of the move. 25 items are this list's own, and 179 come from the General Moving List.

It works for a first apartment, a college apartment or the next one. Groups that do not fit your move, such as Children or Pets, can go all at once: More, then Delete by Group or Tag.

Apartments have limited space, so plan what fits before you pack: measure the big furniture against the doors and elevator, draw where it goes, and sell or give away what will not fit.

When to Ask the Building, Book and Walk Through

Some apartment buildings allow moves only at set times, so ask the building before you book anything.

  • 8 weeks before: learn the building's move rules, from the hours to the papers it needs.
  • 6 weeks before: book the movers or the truck, the elevator and loading dock, and any street permit.
  • 4 weeks before: start the utilities at the new home and change your address.
  • When you get the keys: walk through the new apartment, before anything comes in.

If the building wants a certificate of insurance, most moving companies can issue one within 1 to 3 business days. Without it, building staff may turn the movers away on the day.

Why the Walk-Through Protects Your Deposit

The walk-through protects your security deposit when it is time to move out.

Do it before anything comes in, and report problems right away, not after you unpack.

When it is time to leave, the Moving Out list picks up from here: the notice, the move-out clean and getting the deposit back.

Move-In Checklist Rules by State

Some states make the move-in check a written form, with set days to fill it in.

  • Washington: the owner can take a deposit only with a written checklist of the apartment's condition, signed and dated by you both. You get a copy.
  • Virginia: within 5 days after you move in, the owner sends a written report of existing damage. It counts as correct unless you object in writing within 5 days.
  • Michigan: the owner gives you 2 blank checklists. You note the condition and return one within 7 days of moving in.

First Apartment Checklist: What to Buy

If this is your first apartment and you own little yet, the groups Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedding, Cleaning and Tools work as a shopping list.

To see one group at a time, use Group and filter and show only that category. Some items, like toilet paper and dish soap, are already tagged To buy. Check each item off as you buy it.

Print, Share or Change This List

The controls on a phone and on a computer are in How to Use This Moving Checklist App, and paper and PDF files in Printable Moving Checklist and PDF.

The list is saved in this browser from your first change.

New Apartment Checklist FAQ

  1. What should be on my apartment move-in checklist?

    A check of every room before you bring anything in, with photos and notes, and a written list of the problems for the owner or agent. The steps are in Test everything in the new home before you move in, and why it matters is in Why the Walk-Through Protects Your Deposit.

  2. What do I need for my first apartment?

    Safety items: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher and spare batteries. Then the basics for each room, and renter's insurance, which is often required. First Apartment Checklist: What to Buy shows which groups of this list to use as a shopping list.

  3. What is a certificate of insurance for movers?

    A paper from the moving company that shows it is insured, sent to your building before moving day. Some buildings ask for one. How long it takes is in When to Ask the Building, Book and Walk Through.

  4. Do I need renters insurance for an apartment?

    Often, yes: many owners require it before you move in. Even when it is not required, the owner's insurance does not replace your belongings.

  5. What should I ask the building before moving in?

    Ask about its move rules: the hours, the elevator and loading dock, any deposit and the papers it needs. When to ask is in When to Ask the Building, Book and Walk Through.