If you’re thinking of hunting for a bigger apartment or you decided to downsize, you need to start the search at least 60 days ahead of time. That may sound exaggerated, but apartment hunting can get daunting quickly, especially when you take budget and location into account.
One study found that people see moving as stressful as getting a divorce. But starting early can make this easier.
So, what does an apartment hunting checklist look like? The first thing you need to do is review your lease and find the move out clause. How much heads up does the property manager need before you move out? What are the related move out tasks, like cleaning and painting?
Once that’s taken care of, you should immediately start looking for your new digs. We’ve put together apartment hunting tips on a timeline so you can get through this process stress-free.
How to rent an apartment
Your landlord gives you the thumbs up to start looking for a new place, but where do you start? Give yourself a minimum of 60 days to search since you don’t want to have to rush into making a decision.
First, check your credit score with a free app like Credit Karma, it hits two out of three credit reports without inquiries. That way, you know where you stand before you apply for an apartment.
Decide on factors like:
- Do you want to downsize, stay the same or go bigger in square footage and the number of bedrooms?
- Are you staying in the same city? If so, what neighborhoods do you want to focus on?
- What are your must-have amenities, like a doorman, a pool, a gym or trash collection? This will help you understand what you can sacrifice during your search.
- How much do you want to spend a month in your new rental? Knowing your budget will help narrow down the search. Also, don’t forget about your security deposit.
60 days before moving day
Your completed wishlist for a dream apartment can now help your search. You can use sites like Apartment Guide, reach out to a realtor, use apps and reach out to friends to alert you of any opportunities.
- Contact a realtor and ask for their finder fee process. Learn about their timeline and costs before you agree to work together. It may be outside your budget as they can charge from 10 percent to more than a month’s rent.
- Set up alerts with customized filters with prices and neighborhoods. Find your favorite rental sites, and set up daily emails, so you don’t miss vacancies.
- Reach out to your network. Get in touch with friends and relatives via text, email or social media, and ask them to keep you informed of any opportunities they come across. Referrals often yield hidden gems.
While you scour the internet for the perfect place and start narrowing down your wants, you should do these things at the same time:
- Start decluttering. There’s no time like moving to start that overdue spring cleaning than when planning to move. Look through your closet, bathroom and kitchen for things that go unused and can be donated.
- Get some boxes. Head to your neighborhood liquor store and grocery store on delivery day and ask to grab some boxes for free. Use this time to get a good inventory of newspaper, packing tape and bubble wrap.
- Make a list of your bills. This list will help you update your address once you find your dream apartment, so you don’t miss one or have a rejected payment.
45 days before moving day
Your search has yielded a handful of suitable apartments, and you’ve started scheduling some tours. Depending on health regulations or personal preferences, you might do this stage virtually.
Your apartment hunting checklist should include the following for your appointments:
- When you schedule the meeting, remember to bring a blank check and the application filled out, if available, so you don’t miss out on the unit.
- Remember to note things that you dislike and things that you love as you walk around the apartment
- Note any damage to the walls, appliances, carpet and plumbing, and ask the landlord about the repair status on these items
- Confirm amenities available to tenants and any other details on rent payments, repairs, lawn care (if applicable), etc.
- Review the lease agreement carefully before signing the dotted line
Once you’ve toured a handful of apartments, sit down and weigh the pros and cons. First, think about price, location and distance to your favorite places and work. Then, if needed, dive deeper into square footage, neighborhood and amenities.
If you still can’t decide, drive around the neighborhood in the afternoon and evening to see how the residents like to spend their time.
When you decide, reach out to the landlord to submit your application, security deposit and complete a background check. When approved, sign the lease with the landlord after review.
Time to get a move on at 30 days out
Congratulations — you’ve landed an apartment with beautiful natural light and great amenities. First, schedule a time to drop off your donations to your local thrift store to start clearing out your old apartment.
Next up on the apartment hunting checklist, book the movers. Call the new landlord and ask for moving instructions and if you have to set aside a window for the elevator or loading dock.
Then, call the movers to get a quote based on your needs. Have the following information ready for them:
- Size of your apartment, including the number of bedrooms and large furniture pieces
- Your new address and the distance from your old address
- Do you need them to pack things for you?
- Is there elevator access at either place? How about the stairs?
- Are they quoting you by the hour? Have the time window ready for them.
Once you check off the movers from your list, continue packing until you’re down to your essentials. If you’re prone to procrastinate, follow a daily packing list to stay on task.
14 days before moving day
At this point in the timeline, you should have signed your new lease, booked the movers, packed about 85 percent of your apartment and donated any items to your local thrift store or charity.
Looking good? Let’s keep it going. Next up, we’ve got bills. It’s time to call the following people:
- Call your utility companies (water, gas, electric, cable/internet) and transfer all bills to your new address
- Get all the necessary forms from the post office to change your mailing address and forward all mail to your new address
- Use the list of bills you made earlier to change your billing address on your Netflix, Amazon, Uber Eats, gym memberships, bank, employer and any other monthly charges you receive
- Call your renter’s insurance to alert them of your move, and transfer it to your new apartment
- Call your vet and schedule a daycare appointment for your pet. Move out day is the perfect time to complete their vaccines, get a bath and stay safe away from movers.
It’s also time to schedule a walk-through date with your current leasing office to make sure everything looks good, and you can get your security deposit back. Schedule a walk-through of your new unit, as well. If possible, schedule it during this time for a day or two before you move out.
Finally, do an inventory of your fridge and eat everything that will spoil when moved — think leftovers and frozen meals.
The week before moving day
You’ve got things pretty much packed up, except for the daily essentials that keep you going until moving day arrives. What’s next on the apartment hunting checklist? Walk-throughs.
- Do a deep clean of your current apartment, including patching any holes in the walls and painting any walls that need it
- Do a walkthrough with your current landlord and get in writing that everything looks good and you’ll get back the security deposit
- Double-check that the new leasing office has executed all the details you discussed, from new carpet to new appliances, as you walk your new unit
- During the walk-through, make notes of needed repairs. Any damaged walls or broken sockets need to be fixed ASAP.
This week will go faster than you think. Do a final inventory of every cabinet, appliance and closet to make sure you packed everything. Throw away any leftover food or trash now. If possible, switch to take out for the last few days, so you don’t have dishes to do.
Moving day has arrived
After two months of preparation, you’re at the end of the apartment hunting timeline. Your apartment hunting checklist is done! If you followed the steps above through the last two months, moving day should be a breeze.
- Drop off your pet early in the morning at the vet
- Push all boxes toward the door so that the movers can get started upon arrival
- Take out all trash and wash any remaining dishes
- Check that all move-out rules from the lease are completed during your final walk-through
- Once the movers finish, share the new address with them again and your cellphone number just in case
- Grab any fragile belongings that fit in your car, turn in your keys and head to your new apartment to wait for the movers.
Mission accomplished with our apartment hunting checklist
In a few hours, you’ll be able to cook dinner in your new place, unpack everything and relax with your four-legged friend. It’s time to make this new apartment feel like home.