First Apartment Checklist: 12 Essential Steps for a Smooth Move

Is this your first time renting an apartment? Finding a new apartment can be frustrating, whether you’re ending your four-year run in a dorm or finding a rental space post-break-up or divorce. However, the process does not have to be too time-consuming or difficult. Here are some of our top tips for moving into your first apartment.

Choose Your Budget

Setting a budget for your first apartment requires careful planning to balance affordability and comfort. Start by calculating your monthly income and following the 30% rule, which suggests allocating no more than 30% of your earnings to rent. Factor in additional expenses such as utilities, renter’s insurance, internet, and groceries to get a complete picture of your cost of living.

Remember to budget for security deposits, moving costs, self-storage, and furniture. These will be unavoidable up-front costs for moving day. If you find yourself needing to save more and spend less, consider having a roommate.

Using a budgeting app can help you track expenses and ensure you stay within your financial limits. Experts from Nerdwallet recommend YNAB, Goodbudget, and PocketGuard as top budgeting apps for 2025.

Select a Neighborhood

Choosing the right neighborhood for your first apartment is as important as selecting the unit. Start by researching safety ratings, crime rates, and local amenities like grocery stores, public transportation, and healthcare facilities. Consider other amenities you may want to live near: a gym, shopping center, pickleball court – what stores and entertainment options match your lifestyle?

Other considerations for the neighborhood include commute time to work, access to major highways, reliable public transit, and parking options.

The cost of living, as well as rent, can vary significantly between neighborhoods. A quick Google search and comparison of home prices on Zillow can give you insight into the affordability of an area (even if you’re not buying a home!). Also, compare unit prices on an aggregator like Apartments.com.

You should also visit the areas at different times of the day. This will give you a better idea of traffic patterns, noise, and the direction sunlight will hit the apartment building (key if you work from home and take Zoom calls from your desk!).

Determine Your Must-Have Amenities

Apartment complexes vary in what features they offer. Write a list of your must-haves, which may include an on-site gym, pool, clubhouse, business center, or dog park. This list will help you narrow down potential options during the research phase.

Figure Out Parking

If you do not rely on mass transit, walking, or biking, another major consideration will be your parking needs. Before researching, answer the following questions:

• Do you need a garage?

• Do you need one or two outdoor parking spaces?

• Are you OK with street parking? Or do you want private parking in a parking lot or driveway?

• Do you prefer gated parking or a parking ramp with an access code?

Begin Researching

Researching your first apartment online can save time and help you find the best options within your budget. Begin by using apartment listing websites.

Filter your search by price, location, and amenities. Look for features like in-unit laundry, the number of bedrooms, parking, or if pets are allowed. Look at lease terms like month-to-month or 12-month leases. Check the security deposit needed and what utilities are included. This will help you narrow down your options.

Read reviews from current and past tenants to learn about maintenance responsiveness, noise levels, and landlord reliability.

Go On an Apartment Tour

Before you sign your lease, make sure to schedule an apartment tour (in-person or virtual). 

When touring an apartment, you should ask the leasing agent:

• What is the monthly cost, and what are the additional fees?

• What utilities are included in the monthly rent fee?

• Are there any current move-in promotions or discounts?

• What is the typical annual rent increase?

• Where are the laundry facilities? (in-unit, shared on-site, or off-site)

• Is the apartment pet-friendly?

• What is the maintenance policy, and how do you submit a maintenance request?

• What is the policy on breaking a lease early?

• Are there smoking and non-smoking units?

• What parking is available? Where is guest parking?

During an apartment tour, you should also look for signs of property damage. Keep an eye on:

• Walls & Ceilings: Cracks, stains, peeling paint, and any signs of water damage

• Floor & Rugs: Stains, damage, creaky floorboard, and pet odors

• Doors & Windows: All should open easily. Any exterior doors should have proper locks

• Garage Door: It should open easily and come with a remote

• Lighting & Outlets: Switches should turn lights on/off, and outlets should work. Take a phone charger along with you if you’d like to test out the outlets.

• Appliances: Open the appliances to make sure they’re clean and in working order.

• Signs of Mold and pests

• Noise Level of the building

• Trash and recycling dumpsters and proximity to the unit you may be renting

• Additional security features around the property, such as a gated entrance or security cameras

Apply for a Lease

Before renting, you will most likely need to go through an application process. Many apartment complexes require a valid photo ID, proof of employment and/or monthly income (possibly paystubs from multiple pay periods), and proof of renter’s insurance. A non-refundable application fee may also be required.

The management company may also perform a credit check when completing your rental application. A credit score may not fully decide if you qualify, but it's a good idea to check your credit report when you start looking for places!

If you plan to park a car on their property, the apartment management may require vehicle information, including your license plate number and registration.

Purchase Renters Insurance

Is it worth getting renter’s insurance? 100%. As mentioned above, most apartments require proof of renter’s insurance before or during the lease application process.

It’s important to discuss coverage minimums with your landlord, too. Some landlords mandate minimums, such as $20,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage.

Personal property coverage is essential for you, the renter, as it will protect your possessions from theft, fire, and other natural disasters. Renters insurance will also significantly reduce the cost of replacing your belongings in these situations.

Do an Apartment Inspection Walkthrough

While you may have already inspected the unit during your initial apartment tour, it’s best to check it out again carefully. Identify any damage, maintenance issues, or missing amenities and document them. If anything is broken, stained, or not working, take photos or videos and report it immediately to the landlord or property manager.

Many apartment complexes ask you to complete a walkthrough checklist before you move in. This formal process will help ensure you’re not liable for any pre-existing damages and prompt the management team to complete repairs before moving day.

Read & Sign Your Lease Agreement

Before you sign your lease agreement, read each clause carefully. Make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Pay attention to key details such as:

• The terms of the lease

• Rent due date

• Fees for early termination or late payment

• Cleaning requirements when you move out

• Other policies, such as smoking, guest hours, or using a grill

If your new landlord made any verbal commitments during the walkthrough, ensure you include them in the lease. Lastly, keep a copy of the signed lease for future reference. If the lease is digital, keeping a printed copy on hand is best.

Set Up Your Utilities

Ask your new landlord which utilities you need to set up. This includes electric, gas, water, internet, and trash collection.

For any service you are responsible for, you can contact the providers early. Schedule the service activation and have the meters read. Make sure you keep track of account details and set up your payments.

Deep Clean Your Apartment

Before settling into your new apartment, a deep clean ensures a fresh and comfortable start. Begin by wiping down all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and shelves, to remove dust and residue left behind.

Scrub the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly, paying special attention to appliances, sinks, and floors. Disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handles. Vacuum and mop all floors, and consider steam-cleaning carpets if needed.

Determine Additional Storage Needs

Using self storage when moving into a new apartment can help streamline the transition and organize your space. A storage unit, particularly a 10x10, is excellent for keeping seasonal items, extra furniture, or things that don’t fit in your new apartment.

Storage Star can assist with your self storage needs and has flexible lease terms that can fit your timeline. We can help make your move-in process less stressful. Find self storage near you and begin your rental with Storage Star today!