Apartment Moving Checklist: Your Week-by-Week Guide to Moving Day

No matter how many times you’ve done it, moving to a new apartment can require a surprisingly complex plan — and often on a tight schedule. That’s where a thorough apartment moving checklist comes in. Starting about eight weeks from moving day gives you enough breathing room to handle the apartment-specific logistics, from reserving the service elevator to finding out where your moving container can legally go.

Week-By-Week Apartment Moving Checklist

8 Weeks Before Your Move: Give Notice and Get Organized

Two months may sound early, but leases and landlords aren’t always super flexible. It’s smart to start sooner and know exactly what you’re dealing with.

• Give your landlord notice. Check your lease to confirm how much notice is required, and then submit it in writing.
• Create a moving folder. Keep your lease, notice letter, receipts, mover information, and apartment moving checklist all together.
• Review guidelines for move-in and move-out. Ask about approved moving hours, elevator reservations, permits, deposits, insurance, and any restrictions concerning moving trucks or portable container delivery requirements.
• Set your budget for the move. Account for transportation, moving help, cleaning, insurance, and any fees. This is likely the heart of your apartment moving checklist — so be realistic.
• Start to declutter. Easy targets like junk drawers and pantries are a great place to begin decluttering before moving.
• Stop shopping. If it’s not on your apartment moving checklist, you don’t need it.

A key step on any apartment moving checklist is vetting moving companies and getting three to four estimates to compare.

7 Weeks Before Your Move: Compare Your Moving Options  

Moving companies get booked quickly, especially during summer, weekends, and at the end of the month. Don’t leave this until your boxes are packed.

• Evaluate moving options. Compare the cost and convenience of full-service movers, DIY rental trucks, and portable moving containers, and decide what’s best for your circumstances.
• Get multiple quotes. If you decide to hire movers, compare at least three estimates and make sure you understand what each one requires and includes — e.g., insurance, packing materials, cost per mile, etc. Keep a record of everything in your moving checklist/apartment folder.
• Research movers carefully. Read reviews and verify the company’s registration information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Ask about moving company restrictions. Look into laws regarding items that aren’t allowed in trucks or portable containers, such as propane tanks, certain perishables, and hazardous chemicals.
• Start lining up help. If you’re relying on friends and family to lend a hand with the move, get your date on their calendars now. PODS can also connect you with local packing and loading assistance if you need help with the heavy lifting.

Keep a calendar handy along with your apartment moving checklist, so you can plan out your moving schedule.
(Source: Anete Lusina via Pexels)

6 Weeks Before Your Move: Book Your Move

Decision made? Book it and cross it off your apartment moving checklist.

• Schedule your moving service. Book your movers, rental truck, moving assistance, or portable moving container.
• Reserve building access. Schedule the elevator, loading dock, time window, or any other building-related need for your move.
• Apply for permits. If your moving truck or portable moving container will be on a public street, check into local requirements and submit an application for a permit.

5 Weeks Before Your Move: Gather Supplies

This week may be the week that it finally hits you — because your apartment will start to show telltale signs. Boxes and packing tape appear. Closets start to look empty. It’s really happening.

• Gather packing supplies: Start stocking up on moving and packing supplies like boxes, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
• Create a packing station. Designate one spot in your apartment as “supply central” so you know where everything is when you need it.
• Purge. An easy way to recoup some of your moving costs is to sell the things you don’t want. Look into estate sale planning — or host an old-fashioned garage sale.
• Check your new resident information. Find out details about package delivery, trash procedures, pets, and other community info.

Some apartments require vet records before you move in, so be sure to take your pets for a final vet visit before you relocate.

4 Weeks Before Your Move: Tackle the Details

You’re halfway there. This is the perfect week for the admin tasks on your apartment moving checklist. (And keep in mind that the small stuff has a big payoff.)

• Schedule utilities. Submit a cancellation request for utilities at your current apartment and turn on utilities at the new apartment.
• Change your address. Set up a change-of-address and forwarding with USPS.
• Review all your contracts. Recheck your leases, moving insurance, renters insurance, and permits.
• Get your pet to the vet. Update vaccines, licenses, or medication you might need to cover your BFF for the next month or two.  
• Request time off. If you’ll need a weekday to move or a recovery day away from work, get it approved now.

3 Weeks Before Your Move: Declutter and Schedule Cleaning

With moving day getting ever closer, this is a good time to decide what you actually want to take with you.

• Should it stay or should it go? Be ruthless with outdated furniture, kitchen gear you have in triplicate, and clothing you haven’t worn since the Bush administration.
• Donate usable items. Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity are good choices.
• Return borrowed belongings. Give books, tools, and anything else you’ve borrowed back to friends, family, or neighbors.
• Schedule cleaning. Book move-out cleaning if you’re using a service.
• Review your lease’s move-out language. Make sure you’re addressing anything that might affect your security deposit.

Pack non-essentials first and save the everyday items for last.
(Source: Cottonbro via Pexels) 

2 Weeks Before Your Move: Start Packing

With just two weeks to go, it’s time to shift your apartment moving checklist from planning to packing.

• Pack non-essentials first. Start with things like seasonal items, extra linens, and anything you can live without for two weeks.
• Photograph valuables. Take pictures and create an inventory of your jewelry, electronics, and other precious items.
• Label your boxes by room and contents. Mark “fragile” as needed.
• Start clearing out your kitchen. Plan meals for the next two weeks around frozen and refrigerated food, and try not to buy groceries unless absolutely necessary.

1 Week Before Your Move: Finish Packing and Prep Both Apartments

Crunch time. Tie up loose ends on your apartment moving checklist and get ready to make your move.

• Finish most of your packing. Keep only what you’ll need for the first night in your new apartment.
• Pack a first-night bag. Include any essentials you need to keep with you, like medications, chargers, toiletries, pet food, and a change of clothing.
• Arrange childcare or pet care. Moving day is calmer — and safer — when small creatures aren’t underfoot.
• Update your financial accounts. Change your address on credit cards, banks, and other accounts.
• Confirm everything again. Movers, packing and loading help, container delivery — you don’t want any surprises.
• Photograph your old apartment. Take photos of every room for your records.
• Pick up your new keys and do a walk-through. Photograph any damages. Test appliances, plumbing, lights, locks, and blinds.
• Get cash for tips. This might seem trivial compared with other items on your moving-to-an-apartment checklist, but don’t forget to tip your movers and helpers.

Moving Day: It’s Go Time!

If you’ve followed the apartment moving checklist, today should be a breeze. Your job: Making sure your belongings get from the old apartment to the new apartment.

• Stay close to the movers — within reason. Be sure you’re on time, keep your moving folder handy, and stay near your things.
• Do one final sweep. Check closets, cabinets, balconies, the refrigerator, the dishwasher, and outlets.
• Complete the move-out walk-through. Grab your apartment manager and do a walk-through before the handover. Return keys, fobs, and remotes.
• Give your former landlord your forwarding address. They’ll send your security deposit and any other mail or documents.
• Before you unload at the new apartment, check it out. Make sure the movers have a clear path.
• Unpack perishables and essentials. Keep refrigerated food cold, make the beds, hang the shower curtain, and congratulate yourself!

Apartment-Specific Logistics

Apartment moves have their own potential complications you won’t find in a single-family home. Here are a few things to consider on your apartment moving checklist.

Reserve Elevator and Loading Area

Some apartment buildings and complexes only allow moves during designated times. Ask both your old and new apartment managers about requirements.

Ask About a Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Your building may require proof of insurance from your movers. Ask the leasing office exactly what they need and where to send it.

Find Out Where Your Portable Moving Container Can Go

Check with your leasing office about any rules regarding the parking lot, loading zones, or garages. If the building faces a street, you may need to get a city permit.

Check the Stairs, Stoops, and Walk-Ups

Make sure there aren’t any loose bricks or pavers on your movers’ path. Check for hazards that they might not be able to see with a couch on their shoulders.

Measure Before You Move

The move-in might be tricky if your new place has tight corners to get around with big pieces. Measure your bulkiest furniture and compare with the dimensions it needs to fit. 

Choose the Right Size PODS Container for Your Apartment Move

^{*Suggested container sizes are for guidance only. Larger items and how efficiently containers are loaded can significantly impact the size and quantity of containers you'll need.}

Your apartment moving checklist should include a list of essentials for your new place, so you can feel at home right away.
(Source: Philipp Berndt via Unsplash)

What You Need for Your New Apartment

Your checklist for moving apartments isn’t complete without some essentials. Here’s a look at what you’ll need in your main rooms.

Kitchen

• Dishes and utensils
• Pots and pans
• Spatula and serving spoons
• Dish soap and sponge
• Trash bags and trash can
• Paper towels
• Water

Bedroom

• Sheets and pillows
• Blankets
• Lighting
• Phone charger

Bathroom

• Toilet paper
• Towels and washcloths
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Shower curtain
• Plunger

Household Cleaning

Vacuum, broom, dustpan

• Mop and bucket
• Multipurpose spray cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Scissors
• Extension cords
• Toolkit
• Batteries

Settling Into Your New Apartment

 So you survived the move — congrats! Now it’s time to make your new apartment start to feel like home. Here are some things to consider during the first week.

• Take more photographs. Yes, you did a walk-through prior to move-in (if you followed the apartment moving checklist), but it’s never a bad idea to give it another look. Check inside cabinets, under the sink, and other places you might have missed.
• Test alarms and monitors. Make sure the smoke detectors are working. Note the location of fire escapes or emergency exits.
• Make sure your locks and keys work properly. Check all the doors and windows.
• Do a deep cleaning. Presumably your landlord or building manager has had the apartment cleaned. A second round is a good idea.
• Update registrations. Change your address on your voter registration, car registration, driver’s license, and any other official documents.
• Explore the building. Find spots like the mailroom, package-delivery area, laundry room, trash and recycling, and bike racks.
• Meet the neighbors. A friendly “hello” in the hallway is a good first step toward making your new apartment feel more like home.

Apartment Moving Checklist — FAQs

Q: How do I make an apartment checklist that’s personalized for me?
A: Create a personalized apartment moving checklist by mapping out what you specifically need to get done. Start with this apartment moving checklist from PODS.

Q: What can I pack a month before moving?
A: Limit your packing to things you won’t use in the next four weeks. Good candidates include books, knick-knacks, out-of-season clothing, and extra linens.

Q: What should I include on my apartment move-in list?
A: Your apartment moving checklist should include checking for safety essentials like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, and the closest emergency exit. Your list should also cover getting the keys, transferring utilities, and procuring renters insurance.

Q: What do most apartments require to move in?
A: Requirements vary by landlord, but most will ask for a signed lease, proof of renters insurance, and a deposit. If you’re using movers, the new apartment might also want a certificate of insurance.

Q: What to check in an apartment before moving in?
A: Review your lease and note anything you want to discuss. Then inspect the apartment thoroughly: Look for damage or leaks, make sure appliances and smoke detectors work, and check nooks and crannies for any evidence of pests. If anything is amiss, put it in writing for your landlord.

Q: What do apartments list as the things you need to do when you move out?
A: Common requirements include giving proper notice, cleaning, completing an inspection with the landlord, and returning keys. Review your lease for specifics.

PODS Makes Moving to a New Apartment Flexible

When you’re ready to make your apartment move, keep things flexible with PODS portable moving containers. Have the container delivered right to your door, where you can pack and load on your schedule. PODS will then pick it up and deliver it to your new apartment. And don’t stress too much if your move-out and move-in dates don’t match up. One month’s storage is included in the cost of every move, so you can park your belongings in a Secure PODS Storage Center until the new apartment’s all set. Need a hand with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Alex Keight is a frequent contributor to the PODS Blog who has moved 20+ times because she loves to experience new places.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}