First Apartment Checklist: Everything to Do Before and After You Move In

Getting your first apartment is exciting, and it comes with a surprisingly long to-do list. Beyond furniture and kitchen gear, there are documents to read, accounts to set up, inspections to complete and habits to start that protect your money and your deposit down the road.

This checklist focuses on the tasks, organized by timeline, so you know what to tackle and when. For a shopping list of household items, see our companion guide to first apartment essentials. For the logistics of the move itself, our complete apartment moving checklist and printable moving checklist tool have you covered.

Before you sign the lease

The decisions you make before signing shape your entire tenancy, so slow down at this stage.

• Set your budget. Decide what you can comfortably spend on rent and the extras that come with it. Our guide to how much rent you can afford and the rent affordability calculator can help.
• Gather your paperwork. Landlords typically ask for photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or an offer letter, and references. If you have little rental or credit history, ask whether a guarantor is accepted. See our rental application tips.
• Tour in person or by live video. Check water pressure, outlets, windows, locks, cell signal and signs of pests or leaks. Visit at different times of day if you can to get a feel for noise and parking.
• Verify the listing is legitimate. Never send money for a place you have not seen or cannot confirm is offered by its owner or manager. Our guide on how to spot a rental scam explains the warning signs.
• Read the entire lease. Pay attention to the lease length, rent due date, late fees, renewal terms, rules on guests, pets and subletting, and who handles which repairs. Our article on lease clauses to understand walks through the important ones.
• Ask about utilities. Find out which ones you pay, which companies serve the building, and whether anything must be in your name by move-in day.
• Know your rights. A little background on tenant rights makes it easier to spot a problem before you commit.
• Get everything in writing. Promises about repairs, painting or new appliances should be written into the lease or an addendum.

Two to four weeks before moving day

• Buy renters insurance. Many leases require it, and it protects your belongings and liability. Have the policy start on or before your move-in date. Learn more in renters insurance explained.
• Schedule utilities and internet. Internet installation appointments can book up, so arrange service early.
• Book movers or a truck. Reserve early, especially at the end of the month. Read how to choose a moving company before you hire anyone.
• Confirm move-in details with your landlord. Ask about key pickup, elevator reservations, loading zones and any building move-in rules.
• Measure the space. Measure rooms, doorways and stairwells before buying large furniture, so you do not end up with a sofa that will not fit.
• Start packing and decluttering. Our packing tips make this faster.
• Update your address. File a change of address with USPS and update your bank, employer, insurance and subscriptions.

Move-in day

The first hours in your new home are when you create the record that protects your security deposit.

• Do a walk-through before unloading. Go room by room while the apartment is still empty.
• Document everything. Take date-stamped photos and video of walls, floors, carpet, appliances, cabinets, windows, blinds and bathroom fixtures. Note scratches, stains, dents and anything that does not work.
• Complete the move-in inspection form. If your landlord provides a checklist, fill it out carefully, keep a copy and send it back promptly. If not, write your own list and send it to the landlord in writing so there is a record. This step pays off later; see how to get your security deposit back.
• Test the essentials. Run the faucets and shower, flush toilets, check hot water, turn on the stove, fridge and heating or cooling, and test every outlet and light.
• Check safety devices. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms work, and locate the fire extinguisher, circuit breaker panel and water shutoff valve.
• Check the locks. Ask whether the locks were changed since the previous tenant left.
• Keep a first-night box handy. Pack toilet paper, a phone charger, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, bedding, basic tools and snacks where you can reach them without digging.

Your first week

• Report problems in writing. Send maintenance requests through the landlord’s portal or in writing so there is a dated record, and keep copies.
• Set up rent payments. Learn how your landlord accepts rent and set a reminder or automatic payment so you are never late.
• Organize your documents. Keep the lease, inspection checklist, photos, receipts and insurance policy together in a folder or cloud drive.
• Unpack the kitchen and bedroom first. A place to cook and a comfortable bed make everything else easier.
• Learn building rules. Find out about trash and recycling days, laundry room hours, quiet hours, guest parking and package delivery.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors. A friendly hello makes it easier to resolve small issues later.

Your first month

• Make a budget for real costs. Once the first utility bills arrive, update your monthly budget with actual numbers.
• Explore your neighborhood. Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care, transit stops and a few places to eat. If you moved to Los Angeles, our LA neighborhood guides cover areas such as Koreatown, Silver Lake and Pasadena.
• Decorate without risking your deposit. Use removable hooks, rugs, lamps and plants to personalize the space. Our small apartment decorating ideas, storage solutions and renter-friendly kitchen upgrades offer plenty of ideas.
• Agree on house rules with roommates. Cover rent splits, bills, chores, guests and noise. A written roommate agreement helps.
• Start an emergency fund. Set aside a little each month for unexpected costs.

Habits that protect you all year

• Pay rent on time and keep proof of every payment.
• Report leaks, mold and other problems quickly before they get worse.
• Clean regularly, including inside appliances and around tubs and sinks.
• Replace HVAC filters and smoke detector batteries if your lease makes those your responsibility.
• Keep all communication with your landlord in writing, or follow up conversations with a short written summary.
• Mark your lease end date and review your options a few months ahead. Read how to negotiate a lease renewal, and if you need to leave early, your options for breaking a lease.

Common first-apartment mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the move-in photos. Without a record of the starting condition, it is harder to dispute deductions when you move out.
• Buying everything at once. Live in the space for a few weeks before purchasing big items, so you know what you actually need and what fits.
• Forgetting one-time costs. Deposits, utility setup fees, movers and basic supplies add up quickly. Budget for them separately from monthly rent.
• Relying on verbal agreements. If your landlord agrees to something, such as a repair or permission for a pet, ask for it in writing.
• Ignoring small repairs. A slow drip or a sticky window may seem minor, but reporting it early helps prevent bigger problems and shows you are a responsible tenant.

Ready to start?

Your first apartment is a big step, and you do not need to do everything at once. Work through this checklist one stage at a time, keep good records, and you will be settled in with your deposit and your peace of mind intact. When you are ready to look, browse apartments for rent on our listings board, or start with our guide on how to find an apartment.