Apartment Move-In Checklist
What do I need to do before moving into an apartment?
Follow this move-in checklist for a smooth apartment move.
Four weeks before you move
- Apartments are limited on space. Decide which items you will discard or give away. If you wish to turn unwanted items into cash, follow the tips here: How to Hold a Moving Sale.
- Ask your physician and dentist to recommend a colleague near your new apartment. Get copies of refillable prescriptions.
- If you have school-aged children living with you, arrange a transfer of school records.
- Transfer personal insurance records.
- Check your renter's insurance policy to see if moving is covered. Make sure you have the coverage you need in your new apartment.
- If you plan to move house plants, read How To Move Your Plants and start preparing them.
Three weeks before your move
- Plan to use up perishable food items before your move.
- Movers can't take aerosols, flammables, corrosives, ammunition, or propane tanks (see Moving Non-allowables). Plan to use them up or give them away.
- Drain fuel tanks on gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws.
- Complete a change-of-address form for each person in the household who will receive mail at your new apartment. You can get the forms at the post office or use the U.S. Postal Service's online form.
- If you have pets, read How To Move Your Pets.
Two weeks before your move
- Make confirmed travel reservations.
- Decide which items you'll pack, and which you'd like Atlas to pack.
- Close or transfer charge accounts.
- Return library books and other things you've borrowed.
- Collect things you've lent to others, and any items in lay-away or cold storage. Pick up the dry cleaning.
- Dispose of cleaning fluids, acids, caustic drain cleaners, and other non-allowable items.
- Draw up a floor plan of your new apartment for placement of furnishings.
- Arrange to have your TV and utilities disconnected. Movers are not permitted to take down TV antennas, but your Atlas Agent can arrange for a third party to perform the service.
One week before your move
- Transfer bank accounts, and ask your local credit bureau to transfer your records to your new city.
- Reconfirm travel reservations.
- Your Professional Van Operator will need payment before unloading your goods. If you are paying for your own move, arrange to have cash, certified check, or money order on hand. If you wish to pay by personal check or credit card, check with your mover first.
- If you're moving into an apartment complex, ensure that your van operator is aware of any rules or regulations about parking moving trucks.
- Set aside items to take in your car: medicines and important papers, maps, games, snacks, flashlight.
- Drain water from garden hoses.
- Start packing suitcases.
- Get the name, address and phone number of the Atlas Agent in your new community.
- Call the business office of your local phone provider to let them know when they may disconnect your service. They may also help you with phone service at your new apartment.
- Leave anything Atlas will pack in place. It's easier and safer to pack glassware right from the cabinet.
The day before you move
- Pack items you may need right away in a special box. Atlas will load it last and unload it first. You may want to include:
- cleaning supplies
- toiletries
- coffee pot
- phone
- paper and pen
- medical supplies (aspirin, bandages, etc.)
- towels
- kitchen utensils and paper plates
- Finish packing suitcases.
- Defrost, clean and dry the refrigerator.
Keep a personal bag filled with clothes, medicines you must take daily, and a roll of toilet paper with you. This way you know you will be ready the day after your move even if you don’t start unpacking.
Moving day
- Plan to be available to your movers all day. You will need to accompany the van operator during inventory, sign the Bill of Lading, and confirm your new address and delivery date. Let the van operator know where you will be staying and the best way to reach you during transit.
- Make a final check of every room and storage area. Make sure windows and doors are locked, keys are transferred, and lights are out.