15 Dos and 5 Don’ts of Moving into Your First Apartment (2024)

Moving into your first apartment is as exciting as it is overwhelming – it will give you the chance to start a life of independence and freedom, but will bring you a lot of challenges and responsibilities as well.

Whether you’re signing a lease or closing on a purchase, your new home will be truly yours – you’ll be able to furnish it according to your choice, arrange and decorate it according to your taste, and make it reflect your personality and your style.

Finding the right apartment for you, though, and organizing a safe and smooth relocation is not an easy task. Not to mention all the anxiety of facing the unknown and dealing with life on new terms.

To succeed in your big adventure, you need to be aware of all the challenges and pitfalls you may encounter and have efficient solutions for any problems that may arise. In other words, you need to know what to do and what not to do when moving into your first apartment.

Here are some foolproof first apartment tips to help you simplify your move and turn your new place into your sweet home.

Things to Do When Moving into Your First Apartment

A smooth and successful first apartment move involves a number of important steps:

1. DO save up

Before making such a big step in your life, you need to feel financially comfortable with your decision. Costs add up quickly when moving house and you need to be able to cover them – and all your living expenses for some time after the move – without difficulty in order to avoid financial problems during your relocation and the first several months of your new life.

Before moving into your first apartment, you should have enough money saved up to pay all your moving costs, first three months’ rent (or mortgage) and utility bills, any required security deposits, and your living expenses for a couple of months. You’ll also want to have some money set aside for emergencies as well.

See also: How much money to save when moving

2. DO make a budget and stick to it

Budgeting for your move, your new place, and your new life can be quite tricky – you need to plan your finances very carefully so you have enough for all the essentials for moving into your first apartment:

• Estimate your moving costs;
• Plan for the purchases you will need to make for your first apartment – necessities like furnishings, cleaning supplies, bathroom essentials, pantry items, etc.;
• Know your net monthly income (the money you actually take home after all taxes have been deducted) and find out what your average monthly living expenses will be after the move (consider the housing costs and costs of living in your new area, as well as your spending habits). Use these figure to determine how much rent or mortgage you can afford to pay – it shouldn’t exceed 30% of your disposable income (if utilities are included, it may be ok to pay as much as 40% in rent).

Related: How to make a moving budget; How to cut moving costs

3. DO choose the right location

Before you start shopping around for a suitable apartment to rent or to buy, you need to decide where exactly you want to live. Consider important factors like:

• Proximity to your workplace and other places you need to visit on a daily basis;
• Transportation options – road infrastructure, traffic patterns, parking issues, availability of public transport, ;
• Amenities – local business, grocery stores and shopping centers, bars and restaurants, entertainment and recreational options, etc.;
• Landscape features and green areas;
• Safety and crime rates.

See also: How to choose a good neighborhood to move to

4. DO inspect potential apartments

When moving into a new apartment, it’s crucial to explore all your options and look at many properties in your preferred neighborhood before making your final decision. When viewing potential apartment, make sure you:

• Assess the overall condition of the property – look for signs of water damage (mold patches, musty smells, crumbling paint, dark spots on ceilings and walls, etc.), poor upkeep (broken items, loose windows and doors, rusty metal pieces, leaking faucets, stains on carpeting, etc.), HVAC issues, and other potential problems;
• Check for pest infestations;
• Consider security issues (building security systems, fire alarms and fire escapes, possible window access for break-ins, etc.).

Good to remember: If you’re renting the place, it’s crucial to find and document any pre-existing damage – make pictures and videos as you will need evidence of the initial condition of the property when it’s time to move out and get your security deposit back.

5. DO be careful with the lease

Once you’ve found an apartment that meets your needs and preferences and fits within your budget, it’s time to sign a lease. Read the document very carefully and make sure you fully understand all its terms and conditions before signing it.

• Pay close attention to the policy for rent payment and late rent, pet policies, and visitor policies;
• Ask about important issues such as availability of storage and parking space, trash pickup days, possible maintenance hours, etc.;
• Discuss with your landlord any special conditions, clauses you fail to comprehend, and terms you are not comfortable with.

6. DO know the rules

Before moving into your chosen apartment, learn any rules and regulations your new place may have – safety regulations, cleaning requirements, etc. – and be sure to observe them strictly. You may be required to move within a certain time frame, use the freight elevator only, or pay parking fees for the moving truck, for example. It’s important to know what’s expected of you and act accordingly.

When you’ve put your finances in order and found the right home for you, you can start the actual moving preparations. Read on to find out how to prepare for moving into your first apartment:

7. DO make a floor plan of your new place

Before you can start organizing your belongings and packing them for moving, you need to know what you can and what you can’t bring to your new place – that is, you need to know your new apartment’s layout.

So, the first thing to do when preparing to move into your first apartment is to assess the available space and take some measurements – measure the doors and windows of your new home, as well as any areas where you intend to place furniture and other larger household items, so that you know which of your belongings you will be able to take with you, what items you will need to buy, and where each specific piece will fit best.

A detailed floor plan will help you make informed decisions, avoid rookie moving mistakes, and create the best interior design for your new apartment.

See also: How to make a floor plan before you move

8. DO sort out your belongings and get rid of unneeded items

Once you know what you’re going to need in your new apartment and what you will have enough space for, it’s time to decide what to move to your new place – and what to do with the rest of your stuff.

See also: How to decide what to keep and what to throw away when moving house

Go through everything you own and set aside outdated and outgrown items, duplicate items, items you won’t be able to use in your new surroundings, and anything else you no longer need or like. Sell or donate those of your unneeded belongings that are still in good condition and recycle or throw away damaged and worn out items that cannot be used anymore.

Related: How to get rid of unwanted items when moving

Make a detailed inventory of the items you’re going to take to your new apartment – things that you need and things that you love – and start packing them for moving.

9. DO pack your items safely and efficiently

Proper packing means the difference between receiving your items intact and unscathed and having them arrive at your new home in pieces. To ensure the safety of your cherished belongings during the moving process, you’re advised to:

• Get hold of appropriate packing supplies;
• Start packing as early as possible and follow an efficient packing timeline;
• Pack your boxes the right way;
• Pack fragile items and valuables with extra care;
• Provide furniture, appliances, and electronics with adequate protection;
• Pack an essentials box;
• Label all your items and boxes clearly and with as much detail as possible.

10. DO hire a professional moving company

Moving into your first apartment is a big step and it’s vital to get it right. Using professional moving services is your best bet to achieve a smooth and successful transition to your new life – the experienced professionals will take the stress and hassle out of your move and will do all the hard work for you, so you have the time to take care of other important aspects of your relocation adventure. Besides, you won’t have to worry about making rookie moving mistakes and ruining your items and your entire moving experience – the pros will perform your move in the safest and most efficient way possible and will ensure the success of your relocation endeavor.

So, unless you’re moving to your first apartment without any furniture or other large or delicate household items, make sure you hire professional movers to help you relocate. Just be careful to choose licensed, experienced, and trustworthy moving professionals to work with.

See also: Reasons to hire professional movers; How to choose the best movers for you

11. DO make reservations

Usually, it’s the small things that make the big difference, so make sure you take care of all the little details – like making the necessary reservations – when planning your first apartment move.

When moving into an apartment building, it’s essential to reserve a parking space for the moving truck and an elevator for the time when you expect your items to be delivered (if possible, reserve a freight elevator specifically designed to move heavy and bulky items up and down the floors). Such reservations will significantly speed up the unloading process and will save you plenty of time and nerves (as well as possible fines).

Related: What movers want you to know

12. DO coordinate deliveries

In case you don’t have all the things you need for your first apartment and need to buy some furniture or other larger items, arrange to have them all delivered at the time you’re moving in – that way, you will be able to have everything brought in at the same time (which is very convenient as many apartment buildings have strict policies about big deliveries).

If some of your larger or more oddly-shaped items don’t fit in the elevator or through the doors, stairways, or corridors of your new apartment building, you may need to use hoisting services so the bulky pieces are taken into your apartment through the window. This issue must be discussed with your movers beforehand, so they include the extra fee for the additional service in your price estimate and bring the necessary equipment on move-in day.

Related: Additional moving services

13. DO get your apartment ready before move-in day

One of the most essential steps in your first apartment moving checklist is to ensure your new place is completely ready to move in by the time the movers arrive. Make sure you:

• Complete any necessary repairs and desired renovations ahead of time (keep in mind that some buildings allow renovations only by licensed contractors and only during pre-defined hours and some landlords may not allow renovations at all). Consider upgrading the HVAC system, repainting the walls and ceilings, polishing the wooden surfaces, etc. to make your new living environment more beautiful and more enjoyable (See also: Renovations to make before moving into a new home);
• Arrange to have the most essential utilities running on move-in day. Some not-so-vital services (like Internet, cable TV, etc.) may wait a bit, but you need electricity, gas and water from day one in your new apartment (See also: How to transfer utilities when moving);
• Give the apartment a thorough cleaning. Not only will it be much easier to clean your new place before your items are brought in, but your first apartment will also look much more inviting if it is spotless and shining on move-in day (See also: Move-in cleaning checklist);
• Secure your new apartment as soon as possible (change the locks, install smoke detectors in every room, make sure you have a couple of working fire extinguishers in the apartment, etc.)

14. DO make your new apartment feel like home

To be able to truly feel at home in your new apartment, you need to bring your own spirit into the place. So, once you’ve unpacked and arranged your items, be sure to add some finishing touches that will turn your new place into your sweet home – add character to the space with colorful curtains, artistic area rugs, and cozy pillows; put plants throughout the apartment to make the atmosphere fresh, lively and welcoming; hang your favorite pictures and photos on the walls; surround yourself with special items and beloved possessions, etc.

What matters is to bring comfort and warmth to your new home and make it reflect your personality, so your first apartment becomes your safe haven and your personal paradise.

See also: How to make your new place feel like home

15. DO get to know your new area and your new community

One of the most important things to remember when moving into your first apartment is that the sooner you become a part of your new community, the easier it will be to adjust to your new life – and make the most out of it. So, don’t just hide in your new apartment – a whole new world is waiting for you out there:

• Explore your new surroundings and get to know your new area;
• Meet your new neighbors and do your best to get on friendly terms with them;
• Get involved with your new community and become a useful part of it;
• Make new friends in your new area;
• Enjoy your new life!

See also: Things to do after moving into a new house; How to adapt after moving

The above tips for moving into your first apartment will help you get your new life off to a flying start, but your success won’t be guaranteed unless you steer clear of critical first apartment moving mistakes.

Things NOT to Do When Moving into Your First Apartment

See Also

Apartment Essentials: First Apartment Checklist - Moving.com

Now that you know what to do when moving onto your first apartment, you need to know what to avoid doing as well:

1. DON’T pick an apartment that doesn’t suit your lifestyle

When moving into your first apartment, you may not be able to afford your dream home in your dream location, but you still need to find an appropriate home for you.

Moving into an apartment that doesn’t meet your needs and preferences, doesn’t suit your lifestyle, doesn’t’ fit within your budget, or doesn’t provide the safety, comfort, and warmth you’re looking for, can be a grave and costly mistake.

If it turns out that your new apartment is located in bad neighborhood, you don’t have access to desirable amenities, your transportation options are very inconvenient, your neighbors are horrible, or you don’t feel at home in your new place, you will likely want to move out after just a few months. Moving out of a newly rented property will cost you a lot of money and nerves (as you’ll have to break the lease) and moving out of a newly bought property will be a real nightmare (as you’ll have to sell the apartment), not to mention how stressful, troublesome, and expensive it will be to move again in such a short period of time.

See also: Critical mistakes to avoid when moving into a new home

2. DON’T forget the basics

There are many things you’ll need when moving into your first apartment – from everyday necessities to personal favorites you can’t live without. Check out a detailed first apartment essentials checklist to find out what you already have and what you’ll have to buy for your new place and make sure you don’t forget anything important.

Keep in mind that some of the items needed for your first apartment are basics you must have from the very begging (first apartment furniture, basic kitchenware, cleaning supplies, bathroom necessities, window treatments, bedding, lighting, essential electrical and electronic devices, hand tools, etc.) and some are desirable but not-so-essential extras that can wait until you have some more money in your pocket (comfort items, specialized items, artwork, etc.).

3. DON’T procrastinate

Moving takes plenty of time and effort – there are so many preparations to make that you may feel overwhelmed and exhausted at the mere thought of dealing with them. Failing to take care of an important moving task, however, or leaving things to the last minute can result in great problems and costly mistakes. To succeed in your relocation endeavor, you need to complete all the necessary moving preparations in a timely and efficient manner.

So, don’t put off packing, addressing the necessary paperwork, or booking a moving company – make a detailed first apartment moving calendar and try to finish every relocation task within its preset time limit. Your efforts will pay off on Moving day.

See also: How to get motivated to pack for moving

4. DON’T be afraid to ask for help

Moving house is a big endeavor and moving out for the first time is a great challenge. There is no reason to try and handle everything by yourself – every extra word of advice and every extra set of hands will take some of the hassle and stress out of your move and will help keep you on the path to success.

So, don’t hesitate to ask for help – having your family and your friends assist you with your moving preparations will make things not only easier, but also much more fun. And if you’re moving out of your parents’ home, mom and dad may be willing to assist you with much more than packing and heavy-lifting – they may give you some of the things you need for your first apartment together with some invaluable tips on living on your own.

See also: Let friends help you move; Pros and cons of moving out of parents’ house

5. DON’T splurge after the move

There will be many things to buy for your first apartment in order to make it functional, comfortable, and beautiful and turn it into your dream home, but as much as you may wish to rush into the stores and get all the needed items right after the move, you probably won’t be able to afford buying it all in one fell swoop. You need to assess your finances and your needs, prioritize your first apartment shopping list, and get the most essential items first. To avoid financial difficulties, make sure you research your most affordable shopping options – look for sales and discounts, go to neighborhood garage sales, check online auctions, etc.

Once you have the basic necessities, start putting money back with every paycheck and gradually buying all the other things you’d like to have in your first apartment – soon enough, your new place will turn into a nice and cozy home.

See also: Money-saving tips after moving to a new home

Armed with the above checklist for moving into your first apartment, you can embark on your relocation adventure without fear or trepidation. Just remember:

# DO plan ahead, make informed decisions, and have fun!

# DON’T be afraid to make the big step or let stress overtake the excitement of moving into your first apartment!

1. I like what you said about choosing something that has an optimal location for work, amenities, and crime. My niece is moving out of home for the first time and needs to find an apartment. I’ll have her read your article so she knows what she needs to do and what to look for.

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2. It was really helpful when you said that you need to plan a budget very carefully. My 19-year-old daughter is planning on finding an apartment to move into so she can move out soon. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to her as she searches for apartments!

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3. I agree with the point about making a list of apartment essentials to see what you already have. My son is currently looking for a new apartment to move into that is close to downtown since he works there now. I’ll have to share this article with him so he can be aware of the things he should pack and prepare for.

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4. Thanks for reminding me that I need to keep a detailed inventory of my things as I move out of my apartment. I think that doing this can make the unpacking process easier, especially if I have a lot of stuff. I’ll also try to purchase moving supplies as early as now so I can start organizing the things that I don’t frequently use.

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5. My older brother and his wife are trying to find a new apartment to move into by the summer for his new job. I love how you mentioned the importance of taking into consideration to proximity of the apartment to your workplaces. I will be sure to suggest that my brother looks for a great apartment that is close to both his and his wife’s workplaces.

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6. I agree that you should inspect for things like mold and pests. I recently got promoted to a management position and want to live closer to my work. Your advice will be helpful as I look for a new apartment next month.

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7. I agree with what you said that it’s important to have the apartment you plan on taking inspected before signing the lease. This way, you would be able to assess the overall condition of the apartment. This will help you decide what apartment to get over the ones you are considering, making the entire apartment-hunting process much smoother. Thanks for this!

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8. I like that you suggested setting a budget for your move so you can have your finances ready. This is something that my husband and I will consider because we are planning to rent a two-bedroom apartment near his workplace. We want to ensure that we will find a unit that won’t break our monthly expenses since we lost one of our jobs when the pandemic started.

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9. Thanks for the tip about not splurging after the move. I’m hoping to finally move into my own place. I would love to find an apartment with an extra bedroom.

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10. I love that you explained how it’s incredibly important to pay close attention to your apartment’s location before renting it. My younger sister’s moving to the city in a few months, so she needs to find a place to live, and I think your guide could help her out. I appreciate your advice on moving to an apartment for the first time and how to succeed at it.

    Reply

11. Thank you for your advice to make a floor plan of your new place so you know where everything will be going. I’ve been wondering how to organize everything before we move into our new apartment. I’ll be sure to plan this out so we can have a plan going into moving day.

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12. Thanks for mentioning that the first thing you need to do is assess the available space in your apartment. My husband and I are looking to move to a bigger apartment this month. We’d really like to find a luxury apartment that has enough room for our two kids.

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13. It’s good to know that when you’re moving to an apartment, you should have enough money for three months’ rent. My husband and I are looking to move to a different apartment that’s closer to my work. I’ll have to look at our accounts to make sure we know what our budget is.

    Reply

14. I appreciate your advice about cleaning the new place before we move in. As you said, it will be more inviting if it was spotless. That’s a good bit of advice, especially since I plan on moving the large objects on the first day. It would be troublesome to clean once my items have been arranged.

    Reply

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