Apartment Moving Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide for Renters

This is the “ugh” phase. The boring-but-critical part. My logistics background kicks in hard here. You can’t just wing it.

First thing: Talk to your current landlord.

Get the move-out rules in writing. Are there specific moving hours? Do you need to use a service elevator? Do you require a certificate of insurance from your moving company? Get the answers now.

Then, immediately call your new apartment building. Ask them the exact same questions for moving in. Nothing is worse than showing up with a truck and finding out you can’t move in on a Saturday.

This is also “Decluttering” month.

My wife is a genius at this. We use the four-box method: Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash. An apartment move is a terrible time to realize you don’t actually want half your stuff. Space is precious, and movers charge by weight or time. Don’t pay to move junk you’re just going to throw out later. This is the single best way to save money.

While you’re at it, start getting moving quotes. Decide if you’re hiring a full-service moving company, renting a truck, or (God bless you) bribing friends with pizza. For apartment moves, especially with stairs, I lean toward pros. My back still hurts from my college move in Austin.

Alright, it’s getting real.

This is when you start packing everything you don’t use every day. Books, seasonal clothes, that pasta maker you used once, fancy dishes.

My biggest tip here: Label like a maniac.

Don’t just write “Kitchen.” That’s useless. When you’re standing in a sea of brown cardboard, “Kitchen” tells you nothing. Write “Kitchen – Glasses & Mugs” or “Kitchen – Pots & Pans.” Be specific. Label the top and at least one side of the box. You’ll thank me when they’re all stacked up.

This is also the time to make your “First Night” box. I mentioned it before, but it’s worth saying again. This box stays with you. In your car. It does not go on the truck.

This box has literally saved our sanity on more than one move.

While you’re packing, make an inventory list. It can be simple. You can find an apartment moving checklist printable sheet online, or just use a notebook. It just helps you keep track of how many boxes you have and what’s in them. This is all part of how to pack for a move properly. It’s also super helpful if, heaven forbid, something goes missing.

Welcome to panic week. Just kidding. You’re fine. You have this checklist for moving apartments.

This week is all about cleaning, confirming, and packing the essentials.

It’s here. Coffee. Lots of coffee.

You’re done with the old place. Deep breath.

You made it to the new place. But you’re not done.

STOP! Before you move a single box inside, do this. This is your apartment move-in checklist.

Grab your phone. Walk through the empty new apartment and take pictures of every single flaw. Every carpet stain, every scuff on the wall, every cracked tile, the blinds that don’t work. Every. Single. Thing.

Then, open your email, attach all those photos, and send them to your new landlord right now. Just a friendly email: “Hey [Landlord], so excited to be here! Just documenting the apartment’s condition upon move-in for our records. See attached.”

This. Will. Save. You. When. You. Move. Out.

Okay, now you can move in.

Order a pizza. Sit on the floor. And relax. You did it.

Moving is always a bit of a nightmare. An apartment move is just a nightmare with more stairs and tighter corners.

But you can get through it. That’s what this checklist for moving apartments is all about. It’s not about having a “perfect” move – I’ve been in logistics and moving for over 15 years, and I’ve never seen a “perfect” move. Not even once.

It’s about controlling the chaos and avoiding common moving mistakes. It’s about knowing where your coffee maker is. And most importantly, it’s about getting that security deposit back.

You’ve got this.