The First Things To Do When You Move Into a New Apartment

By Danni White on November 21, 2017

Moving can be both a hassle and a headache but there is nothing like being moved into your new apartment. Everything seems better after it is done. Once everything is settled and you’ve unpacked and created a mini home for all your belongings and favorite things, you may be surprised at the comfortable feeling you get.

The moments that follow that one amazingly special moment may not be as comfortable as you would like. So, I would say the very first thing to do when you move into a new apartment is celebrate. Invite your friends and family over (even if everything is not quite set up yet) and pull out the wine cellar and finger foods. You have successfully moved and that next step in life is worth a celebration. The celebration need not last into all hours of the night or early morning though.

Here are some essential things to do when you move into your new apartment:

via Pixabay

1. Organize your new place.
If you used a professional moving company, most likely they just set the furniture and boxes in a group on the living room floor. No problem. You didn’t hire them to fully set up the place, did you? Now you must go through the painstaking task of putting everything in its rightful place. The move itself is over and you’re probably filled with a good dose of relief. But you can’t get too comfortable, at least, not yet.

It is very important that you take time to organize your new place in the best way possible. Perhaps, you will need to pull out your moving/packing checklist and identify what goes into the different rooms. Figure out where all your things will go. For example, all boxes marked “kitchen” should be transported to the kitchen area. Then, you can unpack your kitchen supplies in the kitchen and put them away in the kitchen. This saves a little bit of hassle in trying to go through one box at a time and zig-zagging from room to room.

2. Do all the paperwork first.
If your landlord has asked you to complete additional paperwork such as a condition report or getting a garage tag for your vehicle so it won’t be towed in the night, make sure you do that as soon as possible. Sometimes, it really is the minor things that get us in trouble. Follow the instructions given to you, cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s. Drop off the paperwork if necessary or ask if you can send digital files. Digital files are best when it comes to paperwork and record-keeping. Include photos if you can.

Additionally, make notes for yourself. What did you turn in? When did you turn it in? Who did you give it to? Having such information can be important if an issue ever arises. Consider walking through the apartment inside and outside to get to know your surroundings. Take note of maintenance that needs to be done. You don’t have to do it all in one day. Just make a list and keep it nearby as you get things done.

3. Start with the bedroom.
Unless you have a good number of hands on board, you likely won’t unpack everything in one day. If this is the case, it is a good idea to begin with your bedroom — your personal space, your haven from all the insanity of the world. Trust me on this one, all of your boxes can still be unpacked on your living room floor, but at the end of a long day or week of moving things, you will be pleasantly happy that you don’t have to struggle with finding a comfortable place to go to sleep.

So, assemble your bed first. Make the bed, complete with sheets, blankets, and pillows. By this time, you will probably want to get some sleep, so go ahead, and do just that.

4. Unpack and arrange all the daily stuff.
There are simply some items that you need as soon as you move into your new apartment, or, at least, the very next day. For example, toiletries and towels will likely be needed upon arrival. You don’t want to waste time looking for toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, a toothbrush or toothpaste, and so forth. Other things such as coffee-making equipment, breakfast items, dishes, eating utensils, and more, will also need to come out of their boxes early. It makes working around your new move much easier if you have daily stuff at your disposal.

5. Get to know your neighbors.
Your neighbors are the people you are living next to or near. Don’t be shy. Get to know them even if it is just for a minute or two in between moving things in. You don’t have to immediately bring baked goods to their front door or attend tomorrow’s neighborhood poolside party, but if you happen to see your neighbors while moving in, take a minute to introduce yourself and be friendly.

With all its responsibilities and headaches, moving can be a fun experience. This is your new and maybe even your first apartment. Don’t let the stress of everything that needs to be done overwhelm the exciting and freeing feeling of being where you are in life.

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