Checklists You Need in Your Life
- The Long Way Home
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Three printable checklists to keep you sane through apartment hunting, spring cleaning, and moving day, plus the brand-new Move-In Checklist, laid out below in full.
There are certain moments in life where a good checklist is the difference between "I've got this handled" and pure chaos. Hunting for an apartment, deep-cleaning your space every spring, and moving into a new home are three of the biggest ones, so I made a printable for each. Here's the roundup, with the full Move-In Checklist below for you to use right now.
The Apartment Hunting Checklist
Everything to check, ask, and compare before you sign a lease — from water pressure to noise levels to what's actually included in rent.
The Spring Cleaning Checklist
A room-by-room deep clean guide, so nothing — baseboards, vents, the inside of your fridge — gets missed this year.
The Complete Move-In Checklist
This is the big one. It covers everything from the weeks before your move to your first week settled in — utilities, mail, insurance, safety checks, a move-in inventory, and more. Use it here, or grab the printable, multi-page version for your fridge.
Before You Move — Utilities & Accounts
Handle these 2–3 weeks before moving day to avoid a headache later (trust us!)
Schedule electricity, gas, and water to start at new address
Cancel or transfer utilities at old address (set end date for day after move-out)
Set up or transfer internet & cable service
Update address with bank(s) and credit card companies
Update address with employer / payroll
Transfer or set up renters insurance for new unit
Cancel or transfer any subscription boxes or memberships tied to address
Set up trash & recycling service if not included
Address & Mail
Make sure nothing important gets lost in the shuffle.
Submit mail forwarding request
Update address on driver's license / state ID
Update voter registration
Notify subscriptions: streaming, meal kits, etc.
Update address for online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.)
Tell close friends & family your new address
Update address with your bank
Insurance & Legal
Protect yourself and your belongings before you're settled.
Confirm renters/homeowners insurance is active on move-in day
Photograph valuables for insurance records
Read through lease, condo or HOA rules
Confirm security deposit and move-in fee receipts
Note lease start date and renewal terms
Save landlord/property manager contact info in your phone (if applicable)
Deep Clean Before Unpacking
Easiest to clean an empty space — do this before boxes go in.
Wipe down all cabinets and drawers (kitchen & bathroom)
Clean inside of fridge, oven, and dishwasher
Vacuum or mop all floors
Wipe down baseboards and window sills
Clean bathroom fixtures, tile, and grout
Replace or clean air filters
Spray for pests if needed
Safety Check
A quick walkthrough that can save you real headaches later.
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Locate circuit breaker and water shut-off valve
Check all door and window locks work properly
Test all light switches and outlets
Confirm heating/cooling system is working
Check for visible leaks under sinks and around toilets
Locate fire extinguisher or add one
Move-In Inventory
Document the unit's condition before you settle in.
Photograph and video every room before unpacking
Note existing scuffs, stains, or damage in writing
Test all appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher, washer/dryer)
Confirm all keys, fobs, and garage remotes were provided
Count and label boxes as they're unloaded
Send documentation to landlord/property manager if required
Moving Day
The essentials for the day itself.
Pack a first-night bag (toiletries, chargers, meds, pajamas)
Keep important documents (lease, IDs, insurance) with you, not in the truck
Confirm movers' arrival time and parking access
Do a final walkthrough of old place before leaving
Take photos of empty old apartment for deposit records
Return old keys, garage remotes, and mailbox keys
Tip movers if applicable
First Week Settling In
The little tasks that make a house feel like home.
Unpack kitchen and bathroom first
Locate nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and urgent care
Introduce yourself to neighbors
Set up Wi-Fi router and smart home devices
Childproof or petproof the space if needed
Hang curtains/blinds for privacy
Change locks or re-key if landlord allows
Want all three, printed and pretty?
The Apartment Hunting, Spring Cleaning, and Move-In checklists are all available as instant-download printables in the shop.
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