Ultimate Guide to Apartment Moving: Step-by-Step Planning

Moving to an apartment in another state without the hassle

10 easy steps for moving into an apartment

After you find the perfect apartment, start the moving process immediately to avoid any unpleasant surprises. 

1. Establish a moving timeframe

Your moving timeframe may be determined by the start date of a new job or the end of a lease, but if not, you’ll need to decide when to move.

It’s best to plan a move at least 1-2 months in advance to ensure there’s enough time to take care of all the details, like giving notice, paying deposits, setting up utilities and packing. 

2. Examine the lease

Examine your current lease (if already renting) and the new rental agreement. The lease document is essential for knowing the rules of each apartment complex, which may differ between cities.

Here’s what to look for: 

• Rent amount, due date and how to submit the payment 
• Deposits and what’s required to get them back 
• Length of the lease (common ones are 6-month, 12-month and month-to-month) 
• Fees for breaking the lease 
• Length of notice required to move out (usually 30-60 days) 
• Rules or regulations regarding parking, pets, guests and noise 

If anything is unclear, get clarification from the landlord or building manager before signing the lease (when moving in) and always keep a signed copy of everything. 

3. Give notice (if already renting) and set up utilities 

If you’re already living in an apartment, notify the landlord or building manager of an upcoming move. It’s best to give written notice by email or with a printed letter. Most leases require 30-60 days’ notice and may have fees for breaking the lease.  

You’ll also need to contact utility companies to start service at the new apartment or make arrangements to transfer services to the new place if you’re already established with companies serving the new state.  

4. Hire a moving company familiar with apartment moves

Hiring a company accustomed to handling apartment moves is the best way to ensure a hassle-free process. 

U-Pack’s ReloCube® moving containers hold the contents of a studio apartment or one large room. With U-Pack, you handle the packing and loading, and then we transport everything to the new place. 

5. Get permission to park at the complex

When moving into or out of an apartment, you might need permits or permission to park the moving equipment to avoid tickets or fines on moving day.  

Depending on the complex, you may need to reserve parking spaces in advance. ReloCubes fit in a standard parking space and work great for complexes where parking is often limited.  

If there isn’t space to park the moving equipment, it’s possible to schedule loading or unloading at a local service center and save money! 

6. Make travel arrangements

A last-minute weekend trip can be fun, but waiting to book travel for your move can add unnecessary stress. Make any personal reservations you’ll need, like airfare or hotel. You can save money by booking early and avoiding extra fees for last-minute arrangements.

7. Update your mailing address

An essential part of moving is updating contact information with banks and other companies. Our complete moving checklist will help determine which places to contact before and after the move.  

If you need a new bank, research which branches are in your new state. You can often set up a new account online or with a local branch in your current state to be ready when you arrive at the new apartment.

8. Declutter and pack

Declutter your belongings before the move (two weeks to a month ahead of time). Next, start packing so you’ll be ready for moving day. If it’s your first move or you’re unsure what to bring, try this shopping list for moving into an apartment. 

9. Clean and inspect new and old places 

It is much easier to deep clean an apartment when it’s empty. Allow time for some last-minute scrubbing after loading stuff when moving out, and be prepared to clean the new place (if needed) before moving in. 

Whether you’re moving out or in, do a walk-through of the place — with the landlord if possible — while it’s empty to locate any damage.  

Document and take photos of any issues like stains, holes, scuff marks, broken items or electrical issues to share with the landlord before moving in or out, and don’t forget to keep a copy. This will come in handy when discussing security or pet deposits later. 

Here’s what to examine: 

• Flat surfaces: walls, ceilings, floors, trim and countertops 
• Doors and windows  
• Accessories: blinds, outlet covers, hinges and knobs 
• Appliances: Refrigerator, dishwasher, stove/oven, microwave, garbage disposal, heater, air conditioner, laundry machines, water heater
• Fixtures: ceiling fans, lighting, light switches, electrical outlets, toilets, sinks, tubs and showers (don’t forget the hardware)

10. Be considerate on moving day

Be mindful of other residents by not blocking stairwells or tying up the elevators for too long when loading or unloading belongings. 

When moving in, wait until everything is inside before unpacking. 

Have a stress-free apartment move with U-Pack

U-Pack takes the stress out of small moves out of state. Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for a free apartment moving quote or request one online. 

If you have any questions about U-Pack or apartment moves, let us know in the comments. We’re happy to help! 

Suggested reading: What is the cheapest way to move a one-bedroom apartment cross country?