1. Review your lease before move-in day

Even before you pack up your first box, take time to read through your lease agreement. It may not be the most exciting part of moving, but it can help you understand what is expected of you as a renter.

Look for details about:

• Rent due dates and accepted payment methods
• Utility responsibilities
• Parking, pets, guests, and noise policies
• Maintenance request procedures
• Rules about painting, hanging items, or making changes to the apartment
• Renters insurance requirements
• Move-out notice requirements

Lease terms can vary by unit, landlord, property manager, and location, so it is worth checking the exact language in your agreement. If anything is unclear, ask your landlord or property manager for clarification in writing.

2. Set up utilities and important services

Setting up utilities is an essential part of any first apartment checklist. Some utilities may be included in your rent, while others may need to be set up in your name.

Common utilities and services include:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Internet
• Cable or streaming services
• Water and sewer
• Trash or recycling
• Parking

Confirm these details at least a few weeks before move-in day so you are not left without power, internet, or building access when you arrive. You may also want to ask how mail and packages are handled, when trash or recycling is picked up, and whether there are any parking, elevator, gate, or shared-entry instructions for move-in day.

3. Document the apartment’s condition before unpacking

One of the most important things to do before moving into an apartment is to document the condition of the space while it is still empty. This can help you avoid confusion later about which marks, scratches, or issues were already there when you moved in, and may help support your case if questions about the security deposit come up.

Before unpacking, take clear photos and videos of:

• Floors, walls, ceilings, doors, and windows
• Appliances and fixtures
• Cabinets, countertops, sinks, tubs, and toilets
• Scuffs, cracks, dents, carpet stains, or chipped paint
• Any signs of leaks, water damage, or pest issues

Save these files somewhere secure, such as a dedicated folder in the cloud, and share any concerns with your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. If your property provides a move-in inspection form, complete it carefully and keep a copy for your records.

4. Protect your belongings with renters insurance

Many first-time renters assume their landlord’s insurance protects everything inside the apartment. However in most cases, a landlord’s property insurance is designed to cover the building itself, not a tenant’s personal belongings.

Check your lease to see whether renters insurance is required by your landlord or property manager. Even if it is not required, renters insurance can be worth considering as part of your move-in checklist because it may help create a financial safety net for your belongings while you are renting.

As you review renters insurance options, consider these steps:

• Work with an independent insurance agent to compare deductibles, coverage limits, exclusions, and policy conditions before choosing coverage. An agent can also answer questions about how a policy may apply to your situation.
• Ask about possible discounts. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to save by bundling renters insurance with auto insurance, maintaining certain safety features, or qualifying for other available discounts.
• Look at whether the policy includes liability coverage or additional living expense coverage if your rental becomes temporarily unlivable due to a covered event.
• Review personal liability coverage, which may help if someone is injured in your rental or if you are found responsible for accidental damage to someone else’s property, depending on the policy.
• Make a simple home inventory of belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances you own, and other personal items.
• Estimate the value of your belongings so you have a better sense of how much personal property coverage you may need.
• Keep a copy of your policy documents and your home inventory somewhere easy to access, such as a secure digital folder.

Coverage varies by policy, insurer, location, and situation, so it is important to review your options carefully. Before choosing a policy, read the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and ask your agent questions if anything is unclear.

5. Check basic safety features

Once you have the keys to your place, take a few minutes to get familiar with the apartment’s safety features. This simple step can help your new apartment feel more secure from day one.

You’ll want to:

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Locate fire extinguishers, if provided, or ask your landlord or property manager whether you are allowed to keep one in the unit.
• Find emergency exits, stairwells, and any alternate ways out of the building or property.
• Ask where the main water shut-off is, if it is accessible to tenants.
• Make sure doors and windows lock properly.
• Confirm how to submit urgent maintenance requests, including who to contact after hours.

If something does not appear to be working properly, contact your landlord or property manager right away. It is also a good idea to keep your landlord or property manager’s contact information somewhere easy to access so you are not searching for it during a leak, lock issue, power outage, or other urgent situation. 

When getting renters insurance, some companies may offer discounts for certain protective devices or safety features, such as smoke detectors, burglar alarms, monitored security systems, sprinklers, or other eligible devices. If your rental has these features, or if you are considering adding your own security camera or alarm system, ask your landlord or property manager what is allowed and ask your insurance agent whether any discounts may apply.

6. Decorate without risking your deposit

Decorating your first place and making it your own is one of the best parts of moving in. But before you start painting walls, drilling holes, mounting shelves, or swapping fixtures, check your lease for rules about modifications.

Renter-friendly options for decorating include:

• Removable wall hooks
• Tension rods
• Area rugs
• Freestanding shelving
• Lamps and soft lighting
• Curtains, plants, and washable textiles
• Furniture that adds storage without needing to be mounted

Be careful with anything that could leave residue, damage paint, scratch floors, or create holes in the walls. Even products marketed as removable can sometimes cause damage, especially on older paint, textured walls, or delicate surfaces.

When in doubt, ask for written permission before making changes. Keep any approval with your lease documents so you can refer back to it later. This can help you avoid unexpected fees or disputes when it is time to move out.

7. Prepare for everyday emergencies

Ensuring you have a few basic items as soon as you move in can make apartment living easier and give you peace of mind if something were to ever happen.

Consider keeping:

• A small first aid kit
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Basic cleaning supplies
• A plunger
• A small tool kit
• Extra phone chargers
• Important documents stored in one secure place, either physically or digitally
• A list of emergency contacts, plus the nearest urgent care or emergency room

You do not need to buy everything at once, but it helps to have the basics covered early. A few simple supplies and emergency contacts can make your first apartment feel more manageable from day one.