Moving Guide: Timeline to Your New Apartment

Updated: May 2019

From finding a new apartment to packing up your belongings, there’s a lot to do when you’re moving. Use this eight-week moving checklist to help keep you on task as you move to your new apartment.

• Organize documents: Create a file for all of your move-related documents, says Apartment Guide. You can do this digitally or in a physical binder, but it’s helpful to have your moving information in one place.
• Give notice: Check your lease to see when you need to let your current landlord know you’re moving, says Moving.com. You may be required to give at least 60 days’ notice.
• Contact movers: If you’ll be using professional movers, ask friends and family for references and research reviews, says Apartment Guide. Moving.com recommends getting at least three estimates, either in-home or by video chat.

• Sort and purge: Go through your belongings and determine if there are items you won’t be taking with you. Sell or donate belongings that you no longer want or that won’t fit in your new place, says Moving.com. Start separating your valuables so that they don’t get damaged during the move, says Apartment Guide.
• Change of address: File a change of address form with the post office. Update your address with your bank, credit card companies and anyone else who may contact you by mail.
• Contact utility providers: Transfer or cancel your current services, such as gas, electricity and cable, says Apartment Guide. If your new neighborhood uses different utility providers, contact them to set up service at your new apartment.
• Start packing: Moving.com recommends you start packing up seasonal and nonessential items.

• Child and pet care. If necessary, arrange for child and pet care for the day of your move, says Moving.com.
• Request time off. Let your employer know if you need to take time off of work for the move, says Moving.com.
• Clean out the fridge and pantry: Apartment Guide recommends that you eat the food your refrigerator and freezer so that you do not have to pack it.
• Clean and repair: Make any necessary repairs, such as covering nail holes, at your current rental home. Apartment Guide also recommends you schedule a day to clean so that you leave your place in the condition required by your lease.

• Pack essentials: Start packing everyday items, says Moving.com. Apartment Guide recommends that you set aside a box for items you’ll need the day of the move.
• Call the moving company: Confirm the schedule with the moving company.
• Talk with your landlords: Schedule a final walkthrough with your current landlord, says Apartment Guide. Contact your new property manager to schedule a walkthrough and ask when you can pick up the keys.
• Pack a suitcase: Moving.com recommends packing the clothes and toiletries you’ll need just before and after the move.
• Get cash: If you’re using movers, have cash on hand for their tip, says Moving.com.
• Get moving day items: Be prepared for moving day by having extra packing supplies, water and snacks on hand.

• Clean and double-check: Take care of last-minute cleaning and take out the trash at your old place, says Apartment Guide. Walk through each room, checking cabinets and closets, to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
• Pack essentials in your car: Make sure your box of essentials and suitcase are with you.
• Drop off keys: Turn off the lights and drop off the keys to your old place, says Apartment Guide.
• Arrive early: Get to your new apartment before the movers and do a walkthrough before you start unloading anything.
• Keep an inventory: Take note of items as they are unloaded, says Apartment Guide, to be sure everything is there and your belongings weren’t damaged in transit.
• Unpack: Start settling in by unpacking your essentials.

Moving to a new rental home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Having a timeline of the tasks you’ll need to take care of helps make your move easier.