Moving into a new apartment: A checklist for renters

Key takeaways

• Apartment walkthroughs are vital to ensure that everything is in good working order prior to you moving in.
• Get renters insurance! Renters insurance is important coverage to have to protect your personal property from theft, water damage, and fire.
• Knowing what to buy when moving into a new apartment can reduce stress and help you to feel settled sooner rather than later.

Part 1: 5 steps to take before moving in

1. Get your utilities and internet set up. Check with your landlord or lease to see which utilities, if any, are covered in your monthly rent. Give yourself enough time to arrange for services to be turned on in your name well ahead of your move-in date. You want everything to be up and running when you when you are ready to move in.
2. Update your address. Make sure your mail follows you to your new apartment by submitting a change of address with the post office. You'll also want to update your voter registration, driver's license, and any subscriptions or billing accounts linked to your old address.
3. Get a renters insurance policy. Many properties require renters insurance, but even if yours doesn't, it's a good idea to have coverage to protect your personal property in case of theft, water damage, or fire. Try and get quotes from a few different insurance companies and be sure to ask about bundling your renters policy with your auto insurance to save money.
4. Cancel certain services or memberships. If you are moving into a new apartment in a different city, be sure to cancel any local memberships that you will no longer be using, such as your gym membership or any monthly delivery services.
5. Get recognized for paying rent on time. Ask your landlord if they can report your on-time rent payments to all three major credit bureaus. If they don't offer this, consider signing up for a rent reporting service that lets you do it yourself. It's an extra step, but a smart move to help strengthen your credit and increase your financial flexibility.

Part 2: What to buy when moving into a new apartment

Whether you need to buy new items for your apartment or boxing up what you already have, the following list can help keep you organized. Of course, you may not need everything on it, but it's a good place to start when preparing to move into your new apartment.

For the kitchen:

• Plates, bowls, cups, and utensils
• Pots, pans, and cooking tools
• Dish soap, cleaning products, sponges
• Trash can and bags

For the bedroom:

• Mattress and bed frame
• Sheets, pillows, and blanket
• Alarm clock
• Curtains or blinds
• Laundry basket or clothes hamper

For the bathroom:

• Towels and bathmat
• Shower curtain and hooks
• Toilet paper and toiletries
• Plunger and toilet brush
• First aid kit

For the main living area:

• Basic seating such as a couch or chair
• Lamp or lighting
• Small table or TV/computer stand

For the laundry/utility room:

• Laundry detergent
• Clothes basket
• Broom, mop, or vacuum
• All-purpose cleaner and wipes
• Paper towels

Part 3: Your apartment walkthrough checklist

You've signed a lease, secured renters insurance, and gone through a list of tasks to get ready for move in day. But before you can settle in, it's essential to do an apartment walk-through.

This third part of your new apartment checklist is a step that can help you identify any issues, document existing damage, and ensure appliances are working properly. This way, if anything needs attention, you can bring it up with your landlord and have it resolved before move-in day. So, grab a clipboard, this checklist, something to write with, and get started!

5 areas to check when conducting your new apartment walkthrough:

Area #1: General condition of the apartment

• Check the walls, floors, and ceilings for visible signs of damage or discoloration
• Make sure doors and windows open, close, and lock properly
• Make sure smoke detectors work
• Confirm that all major lighting fixtures work
• Check floors and carpets for stains, damage, loose tiles, or tears

Area #2: Bathrooms

• Flush the toilet and check for leaks
• Check mirrors and vanity for damage
• Run water in the sink and shower to test faucets
• Look for signs of mold or mildew in the shower and tub
• Make sure the exhaust fan works and operates quietly

Area #3: Kitchen

• Check to see if the refrigerator and freezer are cold and that doors close properly
• Briefly turn on the oven, stove, and microwave to make sure they are functional, clean, and don't give off strange smells.
• Turn on the kitchen faucet to make sure there are no clogs and that the sink drains well
• Check under the sink for water or leaks
• If possible, switch on the dishwasher and check for leaks
• Check the countertops for burns, stains, or cracks

Area #4: Utilities

• Switch on the heating and air
• Test a few outlets to make sure they work
• Turn on the kitchen faucet to make sure there are no clogs and that the sink drains well
• Turn on a faucet and check for hot water
• Locate the breaker box so you can access it if needed

Area #5: Outside and final check

• Make sure the front door securely locks
• Inspect the balcony or patio for potential safety hazards
• Check your assigned parking spot for accessibility
• Check your mailbox and test the mail key
• Look inside cabinets for signs of pests
• Take photos of any damage, tell your landlord, and get a date as to when repairs will be completed
• Review the lease agreement to make sure it matches what was promised (rent, utilities, amenities)

How to sign up for renters insurance

Get a quote for renters insurance online from Liberty Mutual or give our representatives a call so they can walk you through the process: 844-349-8391