Moving out of your parents’ home and into your very own apartment, condo or house is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life. Even if you went away to college or university, having your very own place is very different from living in a dorm or sharing an apartment with other people. Regardless of whether you are 22 and just out of school or 32 with a job and some significant savings, being on your own is both exhilarating and a little bit overwhelming.

Hopefully you have been planning this new adventure for a while, but as the time grows closer it makes sense to create a moving out checklist to keep you on track. This way the move will be organized and less stressful, and you won’t be lying awake at night worrying about what you may have forgotten.  

Residence Details Moving Checklist for Apartment or Condo

  • Check with building manager to make sure all of the paperwork is in order at least a week before the move-in date.
  • Book elevator for an appropriate amount of time. Make this reservation as far in advance as possible to get your preferred date. Some buildings have time restrictions so using a professional mover makes sense.
  • Arrange for utilities, if required. While heat, water and electricity are usually included with rent, many condo buildings require separate meters for condo units. Check with building manager as to what is required.
  • Arrange an appointment for cable, telephone and internet connections.
  • If using a moving company, confirm the schedule and make sure they know about access to the building’s unloading dock and times reserved for elevator.
  • If you are using a moving company and need help with packing or need packing supplies, contact them to make the necessary arrangements or purchase professional quality packing materials.

Household Necessities and the Comforts of Home

Depending on your budget, acquiring furniture and other household items for your new home will likely be a combination of items from your parent’s home, thrift shops or new purchases. Make a list of the basic furniture pieces and other items you will need to furnish your new home. Discuss what you can take from the family home and add it to your moving out checklist.

When it comes to the kitchen you may think “I don’t cook…I eat out at restaurants or do takeout”. However you will soon find that your budget doesn’t stretch far enough, so cooking at home makes more sense. As well, entertaining your friends is one of the best parts of having your own place.

While it is possible to “make-do” with less the following, a moving checklist is simply a guide. It is easy to overlook all of the things that you use every day simply because they are already there. However when you set up your own home, having a moving out checklist that includes most of the things that make day-to-day living comfortable can be very useful.

Furniture Basics

  • Bed,
  • Dresser,
  • Night table,
  • Sofa,
  • Chair,
  • Coffee table,
  • Side tables,
  • Lamps,
  • A kitchen table or bistro table,
  • Chairs.

Bedroom and Bathroom Necessities

  • Sheets,
  • Pillows, blankets or duvet, pillowcases,
  • Curtains or blinds,
  • Hangers,
  • Hand and bath towels, wash cloths,
  • Shower curtain and liner,
  • Bathroom rug,
  • Waste basket,
  • Toothbrush holder, hand soap,
  • Toilet brush.

Kitchen Necessities

  • Plates, bowls, cups,
  • Forks, knives, spoons,
  • Frying pan, pots, baking pans,
  • Mixing bowls,
  • Measuring spoons, measuring cup,
  • Spatula,
  • Cutting board,
  • Can opener, bottle opener,
  • Whisk,
  • Knife set,
  • Salt and pepper shakers,
  • Coffee maker, kettle,
  • Toaster, microwave,
  • Colander,
  • Plastic storage containers,
  • Shelf liner paper,
  • Garbage can.

Cleaning Supplies

  • Vacuum,
  • Floor mop or steam mop,
  • Broom and dustpan,
  • Sponges, pot scrubbers,
  • Paper towels,
  • Multiple purpose cleaner,
  • Laundry detergent and dryer sheets,
  • Dishwasher and hand soap,
  • Glass cleaner,
  • Sink cleaner,
  • Garbage bags.

Miscellaneous

  • Light bulbs,
  • Flash light,
  • Scissors,
  • First aid kit,
  • Extension cords,
  • Candles and matches (in case of a power outage),
  • Basic tool kit.

As you can see, using a moving checklist will help make your new apartment or condo a comfortable place to call home! For more information about making a moving out checklist and to book your movers, contact us at Premiere Van Lines.