So you read all my tips for finding your first apartment and then you carefully read and signed a lease. You move in on the first of the month — so now what?
There are a few things that you need to do before you show up on day one.
Pack! - This is obvious, but how you pack is what matters. If you have a lot of belongings, it’s really crucial that you think through what you are going to need your first week in the apartment.
Pack a suitcase with the clothes you need for that first week. Are you going to work? Make sure you have the clothes you need for that. Having a few friends over for a housewarming that first Friday night? Think through that too.
Think through what you can’t live without - think coffee maker, cups, plates, and silverware if you don’t want to buy some disposables (although that definitely makes life easier). If you don’t want to eat out, you will need a few kitchen items. For me, I always make sure I include my champagne stopper and favorite coffee mug. Label this box so you know which one it is.
Whatever you will be sleeping on. I have started sleeping on floors before (this is something my husband can’t wrap his head around), but whether you are sleeping on the floor or a bed, make sure you have whatever bedding you need without digging through a bunch of boxes when you are exhausted on that first night.
All of these items should be packed last. Probably in your car or the last box on the truck, so its the first one you can unpack when you arrive.
Suggestion: if you don’t have furniture yet, make sure you have some pillows included in this group so you have something to sit on the floor with until you get that furniture.
Make sure you have a basic toolset! You will need one. When my husband moved in with me, he made fun of my $7 Ikea toolset, but that baby got me through 3 moves, disassembling and reassembling furniture. We have upgraded to this one which has everything you might need, but if you just need a very basic set, this one is perfect.
Head to the store and make sure you have the following items:
Paper towels
All-purpose cleaning spray
Toilet paper!!!
Shower Curtain (make sure you know what the shower situation is and if you need a tension rod, curtain rings, etc.)
Trash bags
Disposable plates, cups, and silverware (if you are going that route)
Once you have all these items, you are ready to go until you have those keys in hand. A few more things to consider:
Who is going to help you move? Friends? Family? Movers? Or are you bold and going at it alone? Either way, make sure you think about what food will be available for those hungry movers.
Create a tradition! Whether this is actually your first place or not, moving is always a great time to create a new tradition. I have one of eating good local pizza and drinking cheap champagne on the floor on the first night. It started on accident in my first apartment, but I have carried it on on the first night of each of the moves since. It helps give you a feeling of consistency, in an otherwise stressful and uncertain time.
I highly recommend unpacking your must-have items before you eat dinner. Once you open that pizza box, you will lose your last bit of energy and it will be a lot more enjoyable if your bedding is already set up and your coffee maker already ready for the morning.
Clean the next morning. You bought those cleaning supplies because the very first thing you should do once your belongings have arrived at your new place is clean! Wipe down every single surface in the place. You don’t want to put your dishes away in cabinets that are still a little dirty from the last tenant. This includes appliances (fridge, stove, etc.) and closet shelves.
These are definitely some of the little things that I have learned to make life a lot easier when moving into a new place. But above all, I really stress making a new tradition. It has been one of my best memories in each apartment.
Did I miss any tips? Have you created any moving traditions? I would love to hear about them!