Whether you have a roomie or you have the apartment all to yourself, these helpful apartment move-in tips will assist you on Moving Day! Before you move into your new digs, don’t forget to surrender the keys to your old apartment and do a thorough scan of each room, cabinet, corner, and shelf before you say your final goodbye. You wouldn’t want to leave your absolute favorite phone charger behind! When it comes to lists for moving into an apartment, we’ve got you covered!

Step 1: Reserve the Elevator

An essential for apartment move-in tips is the Moving Day elevator! If there is an elevator in the building you are moving to or from, you must reserve it before Moving Day. Be sure to ask building management if there is a designated elevator for moving in and out of the premises, and don’t forget its key! If you fail to reserve the elevator, you might find yourself sharing it with another tenant, or even worse, having to wait until the other moving crew is completely finished. Either way, you will be paying your moving crew by the hour during the delay.

Step 2: Arrange Parking

Before Moving Day, scope out the parking situation in front of your current and future apartment building. Check signs for street cleaning times. Depending on the city, you may be required to obtain temporary parking permits or have the option to reserve a portion of street parking for your moving van on Moving Day. Be aware that any parking fees your moving crew incurs will likely be passed on to you in your final bill. Contact building management or ask your new landlord before Moving Day about local parking protocol.

Step 3: Do a Walk-through With the Landlord

Before you move your belongings into the apartment, walk through the apartment with the landlord and take photos of each room. Also, take note of any damages to the apartment so that you will not bear the responsibility for repairing it in the future. Among our apartment move-in tips, this one will definitely assist you when you want to get your security deposit back. Under local law, the landlord may be required to do a walk-through with you before moving in. If the landlord provides you with a rental inspection checklist, both the landlord and tenant will need to sign it before you begin unpacking. Upon signing, request a copy of the signed checklist and keep it with your lease. That’s a very important item among lists for moving into an apartment. Also, before you unpack, take the time to sweep, mop, and clean surfaces before you arrange your furniture.

Step 4: Settle in the kids and pets

If kids and pets are tagging along during Moving Day, unpack their belongings first and arrange a safe and comfortable area for them to play and hang out while you set up the apartment. Don’t place them in an area that has a lot of foot traffic, especially if you have movers assisting you. Get out some snacks and beverages so that they can keep their tummies full and remain hydrated during the process. Also, don’t forget yourself during this day of frenzy! Take the time to refuel and hydrate while you unpack and organize your new home. If you hired professional movers to assist you in the unpacking process, take a break to unwind with your family before they complete their job. This is certainly the most delicious of our apartment move-in tips!

Step 5: Move Smartly

Whether your family and friends are helping you with the boxes, or if you hired a professional moving squad, place boxes in their appropriate rooms. This will save you time and backache. Unpack the most important items first, such as bedsheets, pajamas, and toiletries. Arrange the beds so that bedtime isn’t stressful. Also, be aware that most professional movers are able to reconnect large appliances, saving you the headache from reinstallation. For those boxes that do not require immediate unpacking, such as office supplies and knick-knacks, reserve an area in the apartment for them to be placed. You can slowly unpack those as you have time during this transitional period. You’re doing great! Just a few more apartment move-in tips.

Step 6: Flatten and Discard

As you unpack, try to flatten or discard boxes and packing supplies as you move. Grab a trash bag so that you can efficiently throw away packing tape and other disposable supplies that are no longer needed. Doing this as you unpack will save you time—an essential on lists for moving into an apartment from an experienced long-distance mover! Consider investing in an unpacking service from your professional movers as well!

Step 7: Inspect Your Belongings

Review your unpacked belongings and furniture in case of any damages. This is especially important for those who hired professional movers. At Camelot Moving & Storage, moving basic coverage, which is based on the weight of the item, is included as required by California law. In order to avoid conflict during Moving Day, contact your professional movers beforehand to understand how your belongings are protected and guaranteed. Be sure not to skip this apartment move-in tip.

Step 8: Pay the Moving Company

Most moving policies require the tenant to pay the professional movers for their services upon completion of the move. Be sure to research accepted forms of payment before Moving Day arrives.

If these apartment move-in tips still have you pulling out your hair over Moving Day challenges, enlist the services of Camelot Moving & Storage, Inc. When it comes to lists for moving into an apartment, we can assure you nothing was missed. Reduce your packing, moving, and unpacking time by hiring a team of professionals who use only the finest equipment to ensure the safety of your belongings. With over 35 years in the moving business, Camelot Moving & Storage, Inc. is a trusted company that has remained strong in an often unstable industry. We guarantee that from start to finish, we will personally see you to your new home without the use of subcontractors or any middleman—a rarity in the business! Get in touch with us today.

Our Best Apartment Move-In Tips