Moving Into Your First Apartment

Moving into your very first apartment can single-handedly be one of the most thrilling achievements in your life. Whether you’re finally getting ready to move out of your parents’ house, leaving that college dorm or striking out on your own with a couple of best friends, make your first apartment a home like you’ve never experienced before! You may be anxious about getting all your living essentials completed but, we’ve got your back. Check off your list of To Do’s with our five easy steps for moving into your first apartment!

Step 1: Find An Apartment

Once you’ve decided on your budget and where you want live, it’s time to find an apartment that meets your needs.  Start your search with us to make sure you receive perfect apartment matches based on your move-in date, location, apartment size, and more.

Step 2: Sign The Lease

Before you sign on that dotted line take the time to glance over your lease. Once you sign a lease, typically six months to a year, you are stuck until the lease term is up. Before signing, ask the landlord some important questions:

• What are the penalties for breaking the lease under extreme circumstances?
• Is painting the walls allowed?
• Are pets permitted?
• What is the policy for overnight guests?
• What parking is available?

These questions will assure your comfort prior to move-in day and no surprises later in your lease. Last but not least, do not fail to request a copy of your lease for future reference and while you are at it why not ask for a walkthrough to check the overall condition of the unit?

Step 3: Set Up Utilities

Simple step. HAVE ALL YOUR UTILITIES SET UP IN ADVANCE. You do not want to get into your apartment only to find that you have no electricity or water. What a nightmare! Make the arrangements of setting up your electricity, water, cable and/or internet ahead of time to avoid an unnecessary disaster. Your landlord can put you in contact with the best services and preferred vendors for your unit. Also, don’t forget to set up renters insurance to protect all your belongings before moving in.

Step 4: Get Packing

Getting a head start on packing before you move is an important step that is often overlooked. You are probably overwhelmed with anticipation of getting into your new apartment but, being organized before you move can save you both time and energy. Organize and label your moving boxes according to what’s inside. In addition to labeling what’s in your boxes, add what room they’ll be going into as well. Pack the items you will need first and set them to the side along with an overnight bag containing all the essentials.

Typical essentials for your overnight bag or first night box:

Step 5: The Big Move

It’s time… you’ve finally unlocked the door to your very first apartment. Everything looks perfect but, why not make it shine? As you are sitting in awe, take the time to clean before the movers arrive with your boxes. Your apartment should be in great condition prior to moving in but, it will not hurt to take a moment to wipe over everything before your belongings come. It’s easier to do a thorough cleaning in the emptiness of your apartment, so change the toilet seats and disinfect the fridge. Also, if you have any concerns about pests, this period before your boxes reach the apartment is the best time to spray and set traps. Grab some vinegar and baking soda and get cleaning!

Step 6: Making Yourself At Home

Now that you’ve cleaned up and unpacked, it’s time to have some fun and make this place your own! Splurge a little and take a trip to a local home goods shop to get all the must haves to make your apartment represent you.  Here are some of our favorite places to shop that will be sure to have all the bits and pieces you need to make your new apartment feel like home without breaking the bank.   When you’re moving out on your own for the first time, you’re really kind of starting from scratch when it comes to household supplies.  Here’s a basic checklist of some common items you’ll want to pick up for your new place: