Apartment Moving Checklist: What to Pack First and Last

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting and challenging experience at the same time. While the thought of settling into a fresh space may feel exhilarating, the moving process itself can be overwhelming. From packing all your belongings to figuring out logistics, there's a lot to manage. Fortunately, with a detailed apartment moving checklist, the process becomes much more manageable.

When you begin planning for your move, whether it's your first time or not, having a clear roadmap is essential. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through the key stages of your move, ensuring that you don't overlook important tasks. You'll find tips for what to pack first and last, as well as guidance on hiring help, changing your address, and making sure your utilities are set up. Having a comprehensive ‘moving checklist apartment’ will keep you organized and prepared, making the transition to your new home seamless.

1. Pre-Move Planning: Setting Up for Success (2 Months Before Moving Day)

Research and Preparation

The first step in any move is early research, and two months before your moving day is the perfect time to get started. You'll want to dive deep into the specifics of your new apartment. Understanding the layout, the building rules and any restrictions will help you plan better. For example, check if you're moving to a high-rise or a building with stairs. These details might affect how you move your furniture or the time it takes to complete the move.

Additionally, knowing about the neighborhood and its amenities will also help. If your new place is far from grocery stores, public transport, or schools, it's something to consider when planning your moving schedule. You may also want to explore whether the building requires a moving fee or insurance for movers. This will be a key part of your moving apartment checklist, ensuring that no surprises come up at the last minute.

Don't forget to also research the move-in policies of the building. Some apartments have specific rules about moving hours, parking, or elevator use, so be sure to confirm this with your landlord or management ahead of time.

Budgeting for Your Move

Setting a moving budget is crucial to avoid overspending. You might think of moving as just the cost of hiring movers, but there's much more to it. Start by calculating the cost of moving supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and any custom crates for fragile items. If you're contemplating renting a moving truck, this will also be a significant part of your budget.

Another major cost is hiring help. Depending on the size of your move, you may need professional movers or Taskers to assist with packing, heavy lifting, and unpacking. The fees can vary based on whether you're hiring a full-service moving company or just looking for help with certain tasks. If you're planning a small move, this might involve less help, but if you have large furniture or delicate items, you'll need experienced movers to handle them safely.

Make sure to account for all expenses, including cleaning services if needed, and don't forget to plan for tips for the movers. Planning your budget early will help you stay on track financially.

Gathering Packing Supplies

One of the most important tasks on your moving apartment checklist is gathering packing materials. You don't want to wait until the last minute to start looking for boxes and tape. A few months before the move, it's a good idea to start collecting boxes of various sizes, bubble packs for fragile items, and packing tape. Keep in mind that sturdy, clean boxes are crucial to keeping your belongings safe during transport.

You can easily find free boxes at local grocery stores or online marketplaces, but make sure the boxes are still sturdy enough to carry heavier items. It's also worth investing in specialty packing materials like furniture covers or mattress bags if you're moving larger items. The earlier you start collecting these materials, the less stressful the packing process will be.

Hiring Help

Whether you're planning on handling the move yourself or need some professional help, hiring assistance should be done early. For a small move, you may only need a few extra hands, but for larger or more complex moves, hiring a full-service moving company is highly recommended. Movers can take up everything from packing to heavy lifting and unloading, which will save you time and energy.

Don't forget about hiring Taskers for specific tasks like furniture disassembly or packing fragile items. Taskers are affordable and flexible, and they can help you with various aspects of the move, from unloading boxes to cleaning your old apartment. It's important to book movers early to ensure availability, especially if you're moving during a busy season.

2. One Month Before the Move: Finalizing Plans and Packing Non-Essential Items

Changing Your Address

A month before your move, you should start updating your address with important organizations. Begin by filing a change of address with USPS so that your mail can be forwarded to the new place. Then, update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and any subscriptions or services you use regularly.

It's also a good time to reach out to utility providers, including electricity, gas, and internet, to set up service for your new apartment. If you are moving to a new city or state, make sure to check for any local utility companies or services that you need to contact.

Measuring Your New Space

Knowing the dimensions of your new apartment is useful for planning your move. Take measurements of rooms and furniture to make sure everything will fit. This step helps you avoid the frustration of finding out that your sofa won't fit through the door or that your bed is too large for the bedroom.

If possible, visit the new apartment and measure yourself. If you're unable to do so, ask your landlord for the dimensions of key rooms, such as the living room and bedroom. This will make it easier to plan where to place your furniture and decide whether you need to buy or rent additional furniture. You can also get an estimate of the cost of movers for a 2-bedroom apartment to better budget for your move.

Packing Non-Essential Items

Once you've figured out the basics of your new apartment and are ready to begin packing, start with the non-essentials. These are items you won't need until after the move, such as off-season clothing, extra kitchenware, and décor that you don't use on a daily basis. By packing up these non-essential items, you'll make your final days in the old apartment much easier.

Use this time to declutter. Go through your belongings and decide what you really need to bring with you. Don't hold on to things just because they have sentimental value or because you're unsure if you'll use them in the future. If you haven't used an item in the past year, it's probably time to donate or discard it.

Renter's Insurance

If you haven't already done so, consider purchasing renter's insurance before the move. While many landlords require renters to have insurance, even if it's not required, it's still a smart investment. Renter's insurance will safeguard your personal belongings in case of fire, theft, or natural disasters. It can also provide liability coverage if someone is injured on your property.

When you're moving to a new apartment, it's essential to have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are covered.

3. Two Weeks Before the Move: Final Preparations and Packing Essentials

Packing Essentials

With just two weeks left, it's time to start packing your essentials. These are the items you'll need right up until moving day, such as toiletries, medications, and daily-use kitchen items. You'll want to pack these things last but keep them easily accessible so you don't have to go hunting for them when you need them.

In addition, consider packing a “first-night box” that contains everything you'll need when you first arrive at your new apartment. This might include a change of clothes, a toothbrush, toilet paper, soap, and sheets for the bed. Having these items on hand will ensure that you don't have to dig through all your boxes to find basic necessities.

Confirming Moving Help

At this stage, you should confirm the details of your move with any hired professionals. Double-check the timing with your movers or Taskers to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you're hiring a moving company, confirm the type of services you've arranged, whether it's just transport or full-service packing and unpacking.

Also, make sure you have the correct contact information for the movers in case any issues arise on moving day. You don't want to leave anything to chance on the big day.

Cleaning Arrangements

As moving day approaches, it's important to think about cleaning both your old and new apartments. If you're renting, many leases require that you leave the apartment in good condition to claim your security deposit back. Hire a cleaning service to take care of this for you, or set aside time to clean yourself.

At your new apartment, it's a good idea to schedule a cleaning before you move in. A professional cleaning will give you peace of mind, knowing that the space is fresh and ready for you to settle in.

4. One Week Before the Move: Wrapping Up the Packing Process

Packing Final Items

With only a week left, it's time to pack the final items. Start by packing things you won't need until the last minute, like your remaining kitchenware or extra clothes. You should aim to have everything packed except for the essentials you'll need for the last day.

This is also a good time to go through your belongings one more time and make sure nothing has been overlooked. You can do this by going room by room and double-checking that everything is packed and labeled correctly.

Confirming Details

Reconfirm everything with your movers, cleaning services, and any other help you've arranged. Double-check that all the utilities are set up at your new apartment, and make sure your old place is ready to be handed over.

Make sure you also have the keys to your new apartment, and ensure that all details about the move-in process are clear. This includes checking the move-in time and ensuring that your new place will be ready when you arrive.

5. Moving Day: What to Expect and Stay Organized

Conducting a Final Walkthrough

Before you leave your old apartment, take a final walkthrough to check for any damage or missing items. Take photos of the apartment's condition for your records, and make sure everything is in order. If you're renting, this will be crucial for getting your security deposit back.

When you arrive at your new apartment, conduct a similar inspection. Take photos of any pre-existing damage so you aren't held responsible later.

Assisting Movers

When the movers arrive, make sure you're organized and ready to go. If you've hired full-service movers, you can relax while they handle the heavy lifting. However, if you're handling some of the work yourself, make sure to direct the movers on where each item should go.

Unpacking

Once everything is in your new apartment, start by unpacking the essentials. Focus on getting your bedroom and bathroom set up first so you have a comfortable place to sleep. From there, move on to the kitchen and living room.

Take your time, and don't rush. Moving can be exhausting, so pace yourself and enjoy the process of turning your new apartment into a home.

6. Room-by-Room Packing and Moving Strategy

When it comes to moving, one of the best strategies is to approach your packing room by room. This not only helps keep things organized but also ensures you don't accidentally forget important items. Here's how you can tackle each room in your apartment and decide what to pack first and last.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the busiest and most important areas to pack when you move. It's also a place where you'll want to consider both practicality and efficiency. First, pack the items you rarely use. These could be spare appliances, extra sets of dishes, or unused kitchen gadgets. Items like baking dishes, seasonal items (e.g., holiday platters), and seldom-used small appliances can go into boxes well ahead of time.

As you get closer to the move, begin packing up the less essential kitchen items you still use—this might include extra pots, pans, and glassware. You'll want to leave only the most used kitchenware, such as your daily dishes, cooking utensils, and your coffee machine, for the last day. When the time comes to pack up these last items, make sure they're safely packed with plenty of padding to prevent breakage. If you've got fragile kitchenware, take extra care and use bubble wrapping or packing paper to protect them.

Make sure to pack your pantry items separately, considering whether you want to move non-perishable items like canned goods or dry foods. These should be packed last so you can use up what's left in your pantry before moving day.

Also Read: How to Move Big and Heavy Kitchen Appliances

Bedroom

Your bedroom is where you'll want to ensure that all important items are easily accessible when you arrive at your new apartment. Start by packing up the non-essentials like extra bedding, seasonal clothing, and spare furniture pieces. For example, extra throw pillows, blankets, and non-essential clothing should be packed in advance.

As your moving day approaches, start packing up everything you can live without—things like decorative items, extra linens, and off-season clothes. The last things you'll want to pack are your bed linens, pillows, and personal items. The bed itself can either be disassembled the day before or on moving day, depending on the size and type of your bed frame. Remember to label everything clearly so you can set up your bedroom first at the new place. If you’re curious about the typical Movers' Cost for a 1-bedroom Apartment, checking ahead can help you budget and plan efficiently. You'll be grateful to have your bed ready when you're tired from moving in!

Living Room

The living room is often the largest room in your apartment, and it requires special attention when packing. Start by packing up items like books, DVDs, and any decorations you're not planning on using in the days leading up to the move. If you have any art or wall décor, make sure to wrap those carefully in bubble wrap or a blanket to avoid damage.

Once you've handled the smaller items, start packing the larger furniture. Sofas, chairs, and TVs should be carefully wrapped in moving blankets or plastic. If your TV is still in its original box, use it for extra protection, but if not, consider purchasing a TV box specifically designed to protect electronics. You'll want to keep your remotes, cables, and chargers accessible, so make sure to place them in a bag or small box and label them clearly for easy access.

As you pack your living room, be mindful of the space in your new home. If you need to rearrange furniture or buy new pieces to fit, now is a good time to plan for that.

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the smaller and easier-to-arrange rooms, but it requires attention when packing. Most of your bathroom items can be packed up well in advance, such as extra towels, bath mats, and toiletries that aren't in use. Make sure to keep a small bag of essentials that you'll need on the last day, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any medications.

The night before the move, pack up your daily-use toiletries last. This includes the shower curtain, toilet paper, and anything you use to get ready in the morning. You'll want these items to be easily accessible when you arrive at your new apartment, so make sure to pack them separately in a box or bag that is easy to find.

7. Post-Move Activities: Settling into Your New Apartment

After the move is complete, it's time to focus on the next steps: unpacking and settling into your new apartment. This phase is equally important as the packing process because how you handle it will determine how quickly and smoothly you can adjust to your new home. Here's what you should focus on in the days following your move.

Unpacking and Organizing

Unpacking is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming part of moving. Once your movers have unloaded all your boxes, the first thing to do is unpack your essentials. Start with your kitchen and bedroom—these are the rooms you'll need to function as quickly as possible. Set up your bed and unpack the basics in your kitchen, such as plates, cups, and your most-used cooking utensils. Don't feel like you have to unpack everything at once—take your time.

Next, tackle the bathroom. Unpack your toiletries and bathroom essentials so you have everything you need for your first shower and to get ready in the morning. The bathroom is small, so unpacking it should be straightforward. From there, work your way through your living room and any other rooms that need attention.

As you unpack, organize your space as you go. Use storage bins or organizers to sort through things like books, media, or office supplies. Keeping your space organized from the start will help you avoid clutter later on.

Final Touches and Personalization

Once you've unpacked the essentials, it's time to personalize your new apartment. This is the fun part! Start by adding your personal touch—decorate your walls with artwork or family photos, hang up curtains, and arrange furniture in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

Don't rush through this process; take your time to make your new space feel like home. You may also want to add some plants or new decorative items to make the space feel cozier. If you've been thinking about getting new furniture or upgrading some old pieces, now is a good time to do so.

The goal is to create a space that reflects your style and makes you feel comfortable. By focusing on personalization, you'll be able to transform your new apartment into a place where you can relax and enjoy your new life.

Making Your Move Stress-Free with the Right Planning

Moving doesn't have to be stressful if you're well-prepared. By following this comprehensive apartment moving checklist, you'll stay organized every step of the way. Remember, a successful move depends on planning ahead, starting early, and staying organized.

Affordable Moving & Storage is here to help you with every step of your move, whether it's a small move or a large relocation. Our expert team is ready to assist with packing, heavy lifting, and safely transporting your items. We offer customized moving solutions to meet your needs and budget. Reach out today to make your move easier than ever!

Ready to make your move stress-free? Contact Affordable Moving & Storage for expert moving services. Get a free quote today, and let us take care of everything so you can focus on settling into your new apartment!

FAQs

When should I start preparing for my apartment move?

Start preparing at least 2 months before your move. This gives you enough time to research, hire movers if necessary, gather packing supplies, and begin decluttering. The more time you give yourself, the smoother the process will be.

What should be on my apartment moving checklist?

Your checklist should include tasks like booking movers, packing non-essentials early, changing your address, setting up utilities, and organizing items room by room. Don't forget to plan to clean your old place and confirm all moving details well in advance.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

If you have a lot of heavy furniture or fragile items, hiring movers is a smart choice. Professional movers save you time and stress as they are experienced and insured. However, if you're making a small move and have only a few items, doing it yourself with friends can work as well, though it may still be exhausting.

How do I pack efficiently for an apartment move?

Pack room by room and start with non-essentials. Use sturdy boxes and bubble wrap for fragile items, and label each box clearly. Be sure to declutter before packing to reduce what you need to move. Pack essential items separately and keep them easily accessible for the final days.

What should I do on moving day?

On a moving day, conduct a final walkthrough of your old place, check that everything is packed, and guide movers as needed. Stay organized by having essential items ready to go and keep your new apartment's layout in mind. Once everything is moved in, begin unpacking the essentials first, then tackle the rest room by room.