Congratulations! You finally got your ideal home. After all the apartment tours, applications, paperwork, and waiting around, you finally have the keys in your hands.
But before you start unpacking everything, you need a moving in checklist. Yes, something you can use to confirm that everything is actually okay and in good condition. And that goes beyond your normal to-do list. We’re also talking about the condition of the property itself. Maybe there’s a scratch on the wall, an outlet that isn’t working, or utilities that were never transferred properly.
So, before you settle in completely, read along as we help you put together a moving in checklist that actually helps.
Main Takeaways
- Before move-in day, make sure you understand your lease terms, utility setup, parking access, how key pickup works, and more.
- Don’t start unpacking immediately. Just walk through the apartment, test important fixtures and appliances, and document anything that already looks damaged.
- Keep copies of payment confirmations, inspection forms, and move-in photos somewhere safe in case you need them later during your tenancy.
What Should You Do Before Moving Into an Apartment?
Before moving day even arrives, there are a few things worth confirming first. And if you’re renting with experienced Philadelphia property managers, like BMG, they’ll tell you that the first thing to do is review your lease carefully.
That is because the most important details about your tenancy are there. This typically includes your move-in date, payment terms, parking rules, and more. You may also find instructions on keys, building access, and other important information for your move-in process.
However, the lease is only part of the process. There are also a few practical things you need to check, like confirming which utilities still need to be activated and whether your furniture can actually fit through the hallways and elevator.
To make things easier, here’s a simple checklist you can go through before move-in day:
Before Moving Day Checklist |
Done |
| Confirm your move-in date and time | ☐ |
| Ask how key pickup works | ☐ |
| Confirm parking instructions or elevator reservations | ☐ |
| Check which utilities you need to activate | ☐ |
| Measure large furniture before moving | ☐ |
| Confirm pet policies and related fees | ☐ |
| Save important contact numbers for the property | ☐ |
What to Check on Move-In Day
After confirming everything before moving in, you also need a checklist for the actual move-in day itself. At this point, you have to keep in mind that you will be moving furniture and boxes around. And for that reason, you might miss some important details.
So, before fully unpacking, walk through the unit to confirm that everything is working. Open cabinets and drawers, test outlets, turn lights on and off, and flush toilets. Make sure that you run the shower and check the water pressure as well. Also, lock and unlock windows and doors to confirm they are functional.
You can use this simple checklist as your reference:
Move-In Day Apartment Checklist |
Done |
| Test outlets and light switches | ☐ |
| Turn faucets on and check water pressure | ☐ |
| Flush toilets and check drainage | ☐ |
| Open and close windows | ☐ |
| Test door locks | ☐ |
| Check walls for scratches or chipped paint | ☐ |
| Inspect floors for stains or damage | ☐ |
| Check cabinets and drawers | ☐ |
| Test appliances | ☐ |
| Look for leaks under sinks | ☐ |
| Take photos and videos before unpacking | ☐ |
After you have done all the check-ups, don’t ignore cosmetic damage either. Small scratches on the floors or damaged blinds may not seem serious right away, but they could cost you your security deposit when moving out.
What Documents and Payments Should You Confirm First?
Apart from the physical check-ins, you need to have the documents in order. So, make sure you have copies of everything important. That includes your signed lease agreement, payment receipts, pet agreements if applicable, and any move-in inspection forms.
You should make sure the following payments are in order:
- Security deposit payment – This is a refundable amount you pay before moving in, which usually covers things like damages beyond normal wear and tear after move-out.
- First month’s rent confirmation – This is the rent payment that covers the first month in the apartment. This is typically paid at the same time as the security deposit or any other fees the landlord may charge before moving in.
- Utility responsibilities – Confirm who handles utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet, or parking fees, and work on it accordingly.
- Parking fees or passes – Some apartments may require parking permits, access cards, or additional parking payments. Make sure you have access before settling in.
- Mailbox keys or access codes – Ensure you receive any mailbox keys, building entry codes, or access cards if applicable.
- Renter’s insurance requirements – Some apartments require renter’s insurance before move-in. The insurance helps protect your belongings in case of damage or loss.
And honestly, keeping records matters because months later, it becomes surprisingly hard to remember which fees were already paid or what was included in the agreement. That said, you can have them saved via confirmation emails or even by saving a screenshot. After that, you will be more than okay to start your tenancy.
Common Moving-In Mistakes Tenants Make During Move-In
Let’s now look at some of the most common mistakes tenants make during move-in. That way, you know what to avoid and what to pay attention to before the actual move-in date.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is tenants unpacking too quickly before properly documenting the apartment. And honestly, that can become a logistical problem. Your furniture and belongings are suddenly everywhere, which makes it harder to take clear photos or notice existing damage.
Another mistake is assuming everything works automatically. You move in without doing a proper walkthrough, then later realize the shower isn’t working or some appliances have issues. That’s why it’s important to test appliances, outlets, and plumbing before you actually need them.
Other mistakes tenants make include forgetting to:
- Update their mailing address
- Transfer utilities
- Keep payment records
- Read move-in instructions carefully
- Ask about maintenance procedures
You can avoid most of these problems simply by being hands-on with your checklist.
What to Set Up Immediately After Moving In
Once you’re officially inside the apartment, you need to handle a few things right away. Some of them are internet, utilities, trash, and more.
Here is a more detailed list:
What to Set Up or Check |
Why It Matters |
| Utilities and internet | You don’t want delays once you fully move in. |
| Emergency maintenance contacts | Helps you know who to call if something suddenly stops working. |
| Repair request system | Some properties use apps or tenant portals for maintenance requests. |
| Trash collection rules | Every property handles trash differently, especially apartments and condos. |
| Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors | Important for safety and worth testing immediately. |
| Door and window locks | Helps confirm the apartment feels secure from day one. |
| Water shut-off valves | Useful to know in case of leaks or emergencies later on. |
If your lease terms allow it or you get permission from your landlord, you may be able to replace or rekey certain locks for extra peace of mind.
Start Your Tenancy on the Right Foot
With those checklists, you’ll be in a much better place throughout your tenancy, both at the beginning and even toward the end. And when you think about it, moving in should feel exciting, not like you’re solving problems on day one. After all, it’s a new beginning for you.
And if you find that any of the steps are unclear, always communicate with your property manager or landlord.
That’s part of what we focus on at Bay Property Management Group. We work to make the rental experience feel more organized for our renters from the very beginning, so you can spend less time stressing over move-in details and more time settling into your new home.
If you’re currently looking for a professionally managed rental, explore our available properties and find a place you can call home.
