Once the movers bring all of your belongings to your new apartment, you still have some important details to sort through before you can truly feel at home.
Here's a motivating thought: when the work is done, you can really enjoy your new home!
Follow this post-move checklist for tips on how to settle in to your space. We've also created a downloadable checklist that you can print and reference as you go.
Move-in day
- Check to make sure all your utilities are turned on:
- Inspect your furniture to make sure that nothing has been damaged during the move.
- Count your boxes to make sure none of your inventory has been lost.
- If you have used professional movers and anything has been lost or damaged during the move, report it right away.
- Inspect your apartment to see if there are any marks or broken items that were there before you moved in. Report these to your apartment management team so you are not on the hook for the damages when you move out.
- Unpack your priority box or any box with items you will need right away.
- If you have children, let them pick one box of theirs to open so they can have a favorite toy or security item to help them transition to their new apartment.
- Unpack linens and towels so you can make beds and shower.
- Unpack enough clothes to get you through the next few days.
The first week: Inside your apartment
- Check the level of cleanliness in your apartment. It was likely cleaned thoroughly before you moved in, but if not, you might want to give the space a once-over before you unpack.
- File all your moving paper work, including your bill of lading and any receipts.
- Arrange your furniture to maximize the flow of your apartment.
- Begin unpacking in earnest. Decide on a manageable amount to unpack each day so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- As you unpack, you can set up certain rooms in your apartment. The living room, your bedroom and the kitchen all have their own sets of stuff.
- Remove boxes and trash from your apartment as you unpack so you don’t end up with a mass of clutter!
The first week: Outside your apartment
- Check your mail to make sure that it is being forwarded correctly.
- Visit the DMV to update your license or apply for a new one.
- Register to vote with your new address.
- Change your address/contact information with your bank.
- Map out the best commute to work. Test out a few routes against morning traffic.
- If you have not already, register your children at their new school.
- Begin your search for a new primary care doctor (and a veterinarian, if you have pets.)
The first month in your new home
- If at all possible, finish unpacking within the first month. You don’t want to be stuck a year later with a box you still haven’t opened!
- Check in with your friends online and let them know about your move.
- Moving into an apartment is a great time to think "new" and "different." Decorate not only with items you have brought with you, but also new items you buy for your space. Here's a chance to try a new decorating theme, for instance.
- Celebrate your move with an apartment-warming party. You have done a lot of work, you deserve to have some fun! A get-together is a great way to get to know your new neighbors, as well.