Moving day can be chaotic, but proper preparation makes it manageable. This checklist covers everything from the night before to settling into your new place.
The night before, pack a moving day essentials bag. Include phone chargers, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, snacks, and water bottles. This bag stays with you, not on the moving truck.
Do a final walkthrough of your old apartment before the movers leave. Check every closet, cabinet, shelf, and drawer. Look behind doors and under sinks. It is easy to forget items in less obvious spots.
Label boxes clearly on multiple sides with contents and destination room. This saves enormous time when unloading and unpacking. Color-coded labels or numbered systems help movers place boxes in the correct rooms.
Protect floors in both your old and new apartment. Cardboard runners and furniture pads prevent scratches and scuffs that could cost you your security deposit.
Transfer or set up utilities before move-in day. Having electricity, water, internet, and gas ready when you arrive makes the transition much smoother. Schedule installations for the morning of your move if possible.
Take photos of your new apartment before moving anything in, just as you did when documenting your old place. This baseline documentation protects you when it comes time to move out.
After unloading, prioritize setting up the bedroom and bathroom first. Having a made bed and functional bathroom at the end of a long moving day makes everything feel more manageable.