Move-in checklist: Eight things to do after moving into a new rental

The moving company has delivered the boxes and furniture, and they’re ready with the paperwork. First, check for:

• Missing belongings 

• Damaged boxes 

• Scuffs and dings on furniture that happened in transit 

If anything’s missing or damaged, immediately tell your moving company. If you purchased insurance through the mover, submit a claim. If you have renters insurance for the new apartment, also document damages and submit a claim.

Moving review

Landlords tend to do a superficial wipe down before a tenant takes possession. If you can access your rental before the move, try a cleaning service – like TIDY or The Cleaning Authority – to scrub it top to bottom (you're busy enough with the move). Otherwise, spot-clean areas that need attention with disinfecting wipes or spray. Be sure to wipe down high-touch areas:

• Door handles, faucets, cabinet pulls and appliance handles

• Kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces and tub – there’s nothing better than a clean, hot shower at the end of moving day

Arrange furniture first to avoid, say, having to move a bookshelf recently loaded with books. Then unpack!

• Start with the bedroom so that it’s ready for sleep whenever you are

• Tackle essentials such as bathroom toiletries and important kitchen items (find that coffee maker and mug!)

• Any needed paperwork or important documents

If you're thinking of adding a few new pieces to your collection, check out our guide to renting furniture.

Make a grocery run for basics to last the next few days, including:

• Coffee and/or tea

• Milk, butter, favorite condiments

• Eggs, bread, cereal or granola

• Lunch meats and cheese

• Frozen dinners

This is more efficient to do before you move, but if you haven't arranged for internet or cable to be connected, now's the time to do it.

Don't forget to call your insurance agent and update your policy information. The rate you pay is calculated, in part, by the building you're in. Newer construction and increased security, for instance, contribute to a lower rate.

If you don't have renters insurance, now is the time to get it. Contrary to popular belief, your landlord's insurance doesn’t cover the cost of replacing your property should a pipe burst or part of the ceiling falls in. 

This is also best to do before you move, but it’s an easy one to fall through the cracks. If you haven’t yet, fill out a Change-of-Address form online at USPS.com (if you're in the US), or in person at your local post office. In the UK, you can sign up for Royal Mail's Redirection service to ensure any mail delivered to your old address is redirected to your new place (for a specified length of time).

It's also a good idea to make a checklist of everyone who needs to know that your address has changed and make sure they're all aware. That way you won't miss important mail from financial institutions, insurance providers — or friends and family.

Let the fun begin! It’s time to settle in: 

• Locate your fuse box, water and gas valves, and heating unit

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace detector batteries upon move-in and swap them out every six months

• Learn about the building’s emergency evacuation route or devise your own plan

• Plan your route to work

• Walk the neighborhood and familiarize yourself with the local stores

• Finish unpacking

• Place photos, hang up artwork, and make sure plants get sun

Tired yet? Perfect timing. Now you get to nest! 

Trustpilot is a review platform that is open to all. The companies and profile pages referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not recommended, endorsed by, or representative of the views of Trustpilot. The Trustpilot companies linked in this post are expected to abide by Trustpilot’s Guidelines, but have not been reviewed for compliance.