Moving into a new apartment is an exciting milestone. However, it’s often accompanied by a sense of overwhelm as you face the challenge of ensuring nothing is overlooked.
From setting up utilities to the final inspection of your new space, the details can quickly become daunting, threatening to tarnish the joy of your new beginning. Without a strategic approach, essential tasks can slip through the cracks, leading to last-minute hassles and potential disruptions. However, the solution lies in a meticulously crafted checklist tailored for moving into a new apartment.
This article introduces a comprehensive checklist that promises to streamline your move, covering every necessary step from start to finish. Dive in to discover how this guide can transform your moving experience into a seamless and stress-free journey, letting you focus on the excitement of settling into your new home.
Your Apartment Moving Timeline
Things to do Before Moving into an Apartment
Between the excitement of having your own apartment, you may have moments of panic about what you need to do next. Our checklist for moving into a new apartment aims to ease your concerns about moving into your first apartment.
1 Month Before Moving
- Removal Services – contact and book removalists, hire a truck, or contact friends and family to help.
- Utility Services – some utility services allow you to preselect moving dates and sign for services early.
- Change of Address – don’t forget to start changing your address with any existing utility services.
- Insurance – do you have home and contents insurance?
- Home Necessities – things you need when moving out? Check out our list below.
- Clear Out – moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your belongings. Donating excess items to charity, sell on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
- Start Packing – don’t wait until the last week to start packing, identify what items you can live without for the next month and box them up. If this is too overwhelming, ask us about our packing services.
1-2 Weeks Before Moving
- Access – confirm access dates to your new apartment. If you’re in an apartment block, check the compound rules for using the lifts.
- Furniture – start disassembling and storing any existing furniture you own.
- New Furniture – arrange a delivery date for all your new furniture including fridges, couches and beds.
- Utilities – check your final utility meterage.
- Mail – arrange to redirect your mail via AusPost services.
During Moving Week
- Packing – pack all remaining items in boxes except the absolute necessities. Take extra care packing your fragile items. We recommend a “contents list” so you know which boxes contain what items.
- Boxes – label all the boxes with an inventory list to assist in the unpacking process.
- Do you have access to your new apartment? – If you have access to your new apartment, give it a thorough clean. Don’t forget to take property photos if you’re renting!
- Food – do you have perishable items that need moving? Keep your esky on hand. Pack all other kitchen items.
- Cupboards – check all cupboards for any remaining items you may have overlooked.
What to do When Moving into a New Apartment
On Moving Day
- Start Early – moving can take longer than you expect. Start early to give yourself plenty of time.
- Fridge and Freezers – unplug and keep your fridge and freezers upright. Plug them into your new kitchen after 12 hours to let the gases settle.
- Clean – once your old place is empty, clean thoroughly or hire a cleaning service.
- Walkthrough – check all your old rooms, and lock doors and windows before exiting
- Utilities – turn off utilities when you leave. Unpacking the truck – when you arrive, sort and move your boxes to the appropriate rooms.
After Moving Day
- Unpacking Boxes – if you have planned out your contents list, with each box you can prioritise unpacking necessities
Even the most well-organised checklist requires additions. However, creating a checklist can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with moving and ensure a smoother transition to your new apartment. Our checklist can serve as a guide to ensure you don’t forget or overlook anything during the moving process.
What to Buy When Moving into a New Apartment
When moving, you may need to purchase furniture, kitchen appliances, household items, and outdoor equipment depending on your new apartment’s size and location. We have created a checklist with the most recommended items to turn an apartment into your home.
Bedroom
A bedroom is your private and intimate space where you can relax and unwind after a long day. A well-designed bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of the outside world and recharge your batteries for the day ahead. To turn it into your sanctuary you may need;
- Bed – this includes the mattress, frame, pillows, bedsheets and blankets
- Bedside Table – a small piece of furniture where you can store your phone, bedside light and other essentials.
- Wardrobe – do you need a standalone wardrobe for your new bedroom? Coat hangers? Dressers?
- Washing Basket
Kitchen
The kitchen is the centre of every household and will be one of the first rooms you use. First-time kitchens can be notoriously under-equipped, so here’s a quick list of the key items everyone needs in their first kitchen;
- White Goods – fridges, freezers, dishwashers and microwaves are essential in every kitchen. Make sure these are purchased in advance to save you from using an esky for long periods.
- Kitchenware – make sure you have at least one frying pan, a couple of saucepans, a baking tray or oven-safe cookware.
- Cooking Utensils – spatulas, spoons, peelers and can openers will be used regularly in your new kitchen.
- Crockery – have a set of plates, bowls, knives, forks and spoons handy.
- Knife Set – a small set of kitchen knives for preparing your meals.
- Glasses and Mugs – a small collection of mugs, water glasses and wine glasses.
- Cleaning Equipment – dish racks, tea towels, detergent, sponges, surface cleaner and paper towels.
- Small Goods – toaster, kettle, jaffle maker and slow cooker are essentials for every kitchen.
- Random Extras – plastic wrap, baking paper, aluminium foil, food storage containers.
Bathroom
Your bathroom essentials are extremely important for your first week in your new apartment. Bathrooms are used daily, so don’t forget to plan accordingly with these items;
- Bath Towels and Mats – buy a small set of bath towels and mats for your new apartment.
- Soaps – have all your hand soaps and washcloths ready to go.
- Cleaning Supplies – cleaning brushes, plungers, disinfectants and cleaning solutions, squeegees.
- Toilet Paper – do not forget!
Laundry
Often the last room you immediately need, ensure you do not overlook its importance with this quick guide to items you will need;
- Clothes washer and washing powder.
- Mop and bucket.
- Cleaning supplies.
- Rubbish bags.
- Dustpan and brush.
- Brooms.
- Iron and ironing board.
Lounge Room
- Coming home from work and wanting to relax? Your lounge room will be your first port of call. Turn it into your space with these necessary items;
- Couches – plan your couches out when you first secure your new apartment, do you need a 2 or 3-seater? Straight or L-shaped? Single chairs?
- TV and TV stand.
- Rug.
- Coffee table.
- Additional lamps or lighting.Indoor plants.
From Apartment Checklist to Check-In: Fox Removals Simplifies Your Apartment Move
Ready to make your apartment move as seamless as possible? Fox Removals is here to turn that comprehensive apartment move checklist into action. With our experienced team by your side, every item on your list, from packing to settling in, will be handled with utmost care and efficiency. Don’t let the stress of moving dampen the excitement of your new apartment.
Let Fox Removals manage the heavy lifting and logistics, ensuring your move is smooth, swift, and stress-free. Start your new chapter on the right foot with Fox Removals – your trusted partner in making moving day a breeze.