40+ tasks for inspecting, documenting, setting up, and making your new apartment home.
First 4 hours: inspect everything, document all damage with photos, clean before unpacking, test locks and smoke detectors. Day 1: set up bed, bathroom, kitchen basics. Day 2: unpack remaining rooms, set up internet, meet your neighbors.
🔍 Inspect (Hour 1) [ ] Test all faucets + water pressure [ ] Flush all toilets [ ] Test all lights + outlets [ ] Test all windows (open/close/lock) [ ] Test door locks (front + back) [ ] Check smoke detectors [ ] Run all appliances [ ] Check HVAC / thermostat 📸 Document (Hour 1) [ ] Photo every room — walls, floors, ceilings [ ] Photo all fixtures, appliances, counters [ ] Email photos to landlord + yourself 🧹 Clean (Hour 2–3) [ ] Wipe all counters + shelves [ ] Clean inside all cabinets [ ] Clean bathroom (toilet, tub, sink) [ ] Sweep/mop all floors 🛏️ Set Up (Day 1) [ ] Make the bed [ ] Hang shower curtain [ ] Stock bathroom (towels, TP) [ ] Unpack kitchen basics [ ] Set up phone charger 📋 Admin (Day 1–2) [ ] Confirm utilities are on [ ] Set up internet [ ] Get renters insurance [ ] Make spare key [ ] Add name to mailbox
Print it and use during your apartment walkthrough.
Ctrl+P /
Cmd+P.Test all faucets, toilets, lights, outlets, locks, windows, smoke detectors, and appliances. Document all damage with photos.
Photograph every room — walls, floors, fixtures. Email all photos to your landlord AND yourself on move-in day with the date and unit number.
Inspect and document damage, test everything, clean before unpacking, change locks, set up bed and essentials.
Yes, if your lease allows it. Previous tenants may have copies. Ask your landlord — many will change them for free.
2–3 weeks before move-in. Schedule electric, gas, water for move-in day. Internet often has 1–2 week lead time.
Yes. Even "professionally cleaned" apartments have dust and grime. Wipe surfaces and mop while rooms are empty.
Call the ISP 2–3 weeks early. Schedule install for move-in day. Ask your building which providers are available.
Not testing appliances, not checking water pressure, not looking in cabinets, not photographing, not sending docs to landlord in writing.
Bed and bedding, bathroom essentials (towels, TP, shower curtain), kitchen basics, and your open-first box (charger, snacks, tools).
Knock on adjacent doors the first week. "Hi, I just moved in next door" is all it takes. Knowing neighbors improves safety.