Step 1: The Move-In Inspection
Before you accept the keys and before you move a single item in, do a thorough walkthrough with your landlord or property manager. This is not optional.
- Go through every room and document all existing damage: scuffs on walls, stains on carpet, scratches on floors, broken fixtures, anything.
- Take photos and video of everything. Date-stamp if possible.
- Get a written record. If the landlord has a move-in checklist, sign it and keep a copy. If they don't, send them an email listing what you found immediately after the walkthrough.
This documentation protects your security deposit. Without it, if anything is damaged when you move out, it's your word against theirs.
Step 2: Setting Up Utilities
Some utilities may be included in your rent. Ask your landlord what's covered and what you're responsible for before move-in. For each one you need to set up yourself:
Electricity
Search your city plus "electric utility" to find the provider that serves your address, or ask your landlord directly. Call or sign up online to open an account in your name. You'll need your new address, Social Security number, and possibly a small deposit if you have limited credit history. Set it up a few days before move-in so power is on when you arrive.
Gas
Same process as electricity. Some units use gas for heat, hot water, or the stove. If you're not sure, ask the landlord before move-in.
Water
Water is included in rent for most apartments. If it isn't, your landlord will let you know.
Internet
Research which providers serve your address before move-in. Options vary a lot by location. Compare plans by speed and price. For a single person or small household, 200 to 400 Mbps is more than enough for streaming, video calls, and general use. Schedule installation in advance. Appointments can take one to two weeks to get.
Renters Insurance
Technically not a utility, but treat it like one. Renters insurance covers your belongings if there's a fire, theft, or water damage. It typically costs $10 to $20 per month. Many landlords require it. You can get a quote through Lemonade, your auto insurer (bundling usually gets a discount), or any major insurance company.
Step 3: Change Your Address
As soon as you have your new address, start updating it everywhere. The list is longer than most people expect:
- USPS: Submit a mail forwarding request at usps.com. This forwards mail from your old address for up to 12 months while you update everything else.
- Your employer (for W-2s and paychecks)
- Your bank and credit cards
- The IRS (Form 8822, or update it on your next tax return)
- Your state DMV (most states require updating your license within 30 days of moving)
- Voter registration
- Any subscription services or online shopping accounts
- Doctors, dentists, and insurance providers
Step 4: The Roommate Agreement
If you're living with roommates, have a real conversation about expectations before move-in. This feels awkward, especially with friends. Do it anyway. More roommate situations go badly from unspoken assumptions than from genuine incompatibility.
Cover at least these areas:
Finances
- How is rent split? Equal, or by room size?
- Who pays which utilities, and how is reimbursement handled?
- What shared expenses (cleaning supplies, dish soap, toilet paper) will you split?
- What happens if someone can't make rent one month?
Shared Spaces
- Who is responsible for which chores, and how often?
- What are the expectations for the kitchen, bathroom, and living room?
- How long can dishes sit in the sink?
Guests and Noise
- Are overnight guests okay? How often, and for how long?
- What are the quiet hours?
- Are parties or gatherings allowed, and how much notice is expected?
Personal Boundaries
- Is sharing food okay, or is everything separate?
- What are the rules around borrowing each other's things?
Agree upfront that you'll bring up problems directly and calmly before they get serious. Letting resentment build quietly is how roommate situations turn toxic. A shared Google Doc covering all of the above, signed off by everyone, takes 20 minutes and prevents months of friction.
First-Week Essentials Checklist
Things that seem obvious until you show up to an empty apartment without them:
- Toilet paper (the most commonly forgotten item for a reason)
- Shower curtain and rings, if not already installed
- Bath towels
- Dish soap and a sponge
- Trash bags and at least one trash can
- Basic cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, paper towels
- Laundry detergent
- Basic tools: hammer, screwdrivers, measuring tape
- Lightbulbs (fixtures are sometimes empty)
- Extension cord or power strip
- First aid kit
Monthly Bills to Budget For
Add these up before you sign a lease to make sure the total fits your budget:
| Bill | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Rent | Varies by location |
| Electricity | $50 to $150/month depending on unit size and climate |
| Gas (if applicable) | $20 to $80/month |
| Internet | $40 to $80/month |
| Renters insurance | ~$15/month |
| Subscriptions and phone plan | Varies |