What Do You Need to Move Into an Apartment?

Moving into a new apartment requires careful planning and preparation. Understanding financial obligations, logistical arrangements, and essential household items helps prospective tenants navigate the process with confidence.

Financial and Documentation Requirements

Securing an apartment begins with fulfilling specific financial and documentation requirements. Applicants typically encounter initial costs, including application fees, which commonly range from $20 to $100 per person. These fees cover administrative expenses like background and credit checks.

Beyond application fees, tenants often pay a security deposit, typically one or two months’ rent. This deposit protects the landlord against damages or unpaid rent. Many landlords also require the first month’s rent, and sometimes the last month’s rent, upfront.

A comprehensive application includes documents verifying identity, income, and rental history. Government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID, is required. Landlords generally seek tenants whose gross income is at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent.

Acceptable income verification includes:
Recent pay stubs (last two to three months)
Employment verification letters
Official job offer letters for new hires
Tax returns (IRS Form 1040) or bank statements for self-employed individuals

Landlords review credit history for financial responsibility, examining reports for timely payments, outstanding debts, and past bankruptcies or judgments. Applicants can obtain free copies of their credit reports annually from services like AnnualCreditReport.com. Providing rental history with contact information for previous landlords, and recommendation letters if available, strengthens an application.

Reviewing the lease agreement is an important step before signing. This legally binding document outlines tenancy terms, including lease duration (typically 12 months), rent payment details, and late fees. Tenants should also examine clauses related to pet policies, maintenance responsibilities, and early lease termination provisions.

Preparing for Move-In Day

After securing an apartment, focus shifts to logistical and administrative preparations. Arranging essential utility services ensures the apartment is functional upon arrival. This includes setting up electricity and gas accounts by contacting local utility companies, providing identification, and scheduling activation. Water, sewer, and trash services are sometimes included in rent; confirm with the landlord and arrange separate billing if needed. Establishing internet and cable services involves researching providers, selecting a plan, and scheduling installation, which can have a lead time of one to two weeks.

Obtaining renter’s insurance is important for protecting personal assets. Many landlords require a policy, even if not legally mandated. Renter’s insurance covers personal belongings against theft, fire, and vandalism, and includes liability protection. A landlord’s property insurance does not cover a tenant’s personal possessions. Policies are generally affordable, averaging $12 to $27 per month, depending on coverage and location. Tenants can acquire a policy by contacting insurance providers and comparing quotes.

Efficient packing involves decluttering, clearly labeling boxes by room and contents, and packing an “essentials” box for the first night. When considering professional movers versus a self-move, evaluate cost, time constraints, and volume of belongings.

Updating your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) ensures mail continuity. This can be done online for a small fee or in person at a post office, with mail forwarding typically beginning within three business days. Notify other entities, including:
Banks
Credit card companies
Employers
Subscription services
Government agencies like the IRS and DMV

A pre-move-in walkthrough with the landlord is an important practice. This joint inspection documents the apartment’s condition before occupancy. Use a move-in checklist provided by the landlord and take photos or videos, ideally timestamped, of any existing damage. This documentation protects the tenant against disputes over security deposit deductions for pre-existing conditions. Both parties should sign and retain a copy of the completed checklist.

Essential Items for Your New Apartment

Equipping an unfurnished apartment requires considering immediate necessities. Starting with basic items in core areas ensures a comfortable transition.

For the bedroom, fundamental items include a mattress, bed frame, sheets, pillows, and blankets.

In the bathroom, immediate needs include toiletries, towels, a shower curtain, and toilet paper. Basic bathroom cleaning supplies, such as a toilet brush and bowl cleaner, are also needed.

The kitchen requires basic cooking utensils (frying pan, saucepan), dishes, glasses, and cutlery. Essential kitchen cleaning supplies like dish soap and sponges, along with a few non-perishable food items, allow for initial meal preparation.

General cleaning supplies for the apartment include an all-purpose cleaner, trash bags, a broom, dustpan, mop, and bucket. Microfiber cloths are versatile, and a vacuum cleaner is useful, especially for carpeted areas. A basic tool kit (screwdriver, hammer) is useful for minor repairs and assembly. Spare light bulbs, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher (if not provided) contribute to household safety.