First-Time Renter Checklist: Everything You Need Before Moving Into Your First Apartment

Getting the keys to your first apartment is such an exciting milestone. On the other hand,  figuring out everything you’re supposed to do before you get those keys is, well, slightly less exciting. 

From getting approved to setting up utilities, buying furniture, booking movers, and figuring out what renters insurance even is, there are a lot of little things that come with renting an apartment for the first time.

Lucky for you, we do this kind of thing everyday and we made you a checklist! Save it, send it to your roommate, and check things off as you go. You can find the full checklist at the end of this post. 

1. Know Your Budget Before You Start Looking

Before falling emotionally attached to an apartment you saw on TikTok, figure out what you’re actually comfortable spending each month.

And remember: rent isn’t your only monthly housing expense. Depending on the apartment, you may also need to budget for utilities, parking, internet, renters insurance, pet fees, amenity fees, and other recurring costs.

You’ll also want some money set aside for upfront expenses like application fees, deposits, moving costs, and everything you inevitably realize you need once you start setting the place up.

2. Get Your Application Documents Together

Found the one? Congrats! Apartment communities typically have income and screening requirements, so having your documents ready ahead of time can make the application process much smoother.

Depending on the property, you may be asked for things like proof of income, identification, employment information, rental history, or information for a guarantor.

Requirements vary by property, so always confirm exactly what you’ll need before applying.

3. Actually Read Your Lease

We know it’s not exactly beach-reading material, but your lease tells you what you’re agreeing to for the next however-many months. Don’t just scroll to the signature line, or you might end up signing something with incorrect information.

Pay attention to your lease dates, monthly charges, move-out requirements, guest policies, pet policies, renewal terms, and any other rules specific to your building. If something doesn’t make sense, ask before you sign.

4. Get Renters Insurance

Your apartment community may require renters insurance before you can move in, but even when it isn’t required, it’s something worth looking into.

Renters insurance can provide coverage for your personal belongings and certain liability situations, depending on your policy.

Not sure where to start? We like to recommend Lemonade for renters insurance because their service is super easy to use and their rates are almost too good to be true. On top of renters insurance, they also offer pet insurance and even the option to bundle renters and car insurance for a 10% discount. Pro tip: Play around with the quote options. Some clients have gotten coverage for as low as $5 a month. (Available via Smart City in ATL, ATX, DTX, CHI, DEN, FTW, HOU, SATX)

5. Set Up Your Utilities + Internet

Nothing says “welcome to adulthood” quite like realizing the electricity isn’t magically included.

Ask your property which utilities you’ll be responsible for and which providers service the building. You’ll generally want everything scheduled to begin by your lease start date.

That could include electricity, gas, water, internet, or other services depending on where you live. 

Our Concierge specialists can run a search to find the best electricity, internet, cable, and security providers for your needs, make sure you get premier pricing, and even sign you up/process your orders! Service and providers vary by market. For example, energy is only deregulated in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, so our electricity offerings are exclusive to those cities. However, setting up internet, cable, and security services is an available option in all of our operating markets.

For those with deregulated electricity , we love to recommend Compare Power. They are a trusted energy marketplace that makes finding the right electricity plan simple and transparent. By entering your zip code, you can instantly compare vetted providers, see real pricing without the guesswork, and enroll in minutes. It’s one of the easiest ways to shop confidently for electricity in deregulated Texas markets.

6. Figure Out How You’re Actually Moving Everything

Don’t wait until the week of your move to decide whether you’re hiring movers or bribing four friends with pizza.

If you’re hiring movers, start comparing options early, especially if you’re moving during a busy season. You’ll also want to ask your new building about loading docks, freight elevators, move-in windows, parking restrictions, and whether movers need to provide proof of insurance. 

We’ve vetted tons of moving companies to find the ones that truly care about their customers and provide above and beyond moving experiences. Plus, most of our moving partners offer discounts just for mentioning you were referred by Smart City! Check out all of our moving discounts HERE. 

7. Don’t Forget About Furniture

Your first apartment has a funny way of making you realize how many things your parents’ house just… had.

Before buying everything at once, start with what you’ll actually need immediately: somewhere to sleep, somewhere to sit, basic kitchen supplies, towels, a shower curtain, cleaning supplies, and lighting if your apartment doesn’t have much built in.

If buying an entire apartment’s worth of furniture isn’t in the budget, or you don’t want to commit to furniture you’ll have to move again, renting can be another option.

To name a few, we love to recommend our furniture rental partners CORT ( Available in ATL, ATX, DTX, CHI, DEN, FTW, HOU, SA) & Nickson Living (Available in: DTX, FTW, HOU, ATX). With CORT you can rent specific items like a washer and dryer or furnish an entire room. Plus, you could get 50% off your first month when you use our link and code SMARTCITY50. With Nickson Living, you can rent furniture on a month-to-month basis, plus, get custom design recommendations! Use code SMARTCITY for $100 off the installation fee. 

Does your apartment come with a washer and dryer hookup, but no actual… washer and dryer? No need to drop thousands of dollars on those, with Precision you can lease a washer and dryer! They offer next day delivery and next day service if something goes wrong with your machine. 

8. Do a Move-In Walkthrough

Before the boxes take over, take a few minutes to document the condition of your apartment.

Take detailed photos or videos of each room and make note of any existing damage, scratches, stains, or maintenance issues. Follow your property’s process for submitting a move-in condition report, if they have one. This could make or break the chance of you getting your security deposit back, or avoid damage fees, because you will have proof the damage was there before you moved in. Trust us, future-you will be glad you did this. 

Full Checklist

Budget

☐ Set your maximum monthly budget
☐ Account for utilities and recurring fees
☐ Set aside money for move-in expenses

Application Process

☐ Have a valid ID ready
☐ Gather proof of income/employment
☐ Know whether you’ll need a guarantor
☐ Ask about application requirements before applying

Read your lease

☐ Confirm your lease dates
☐ Review all monthly fees
☐ Check pet and guest policies
☐ Understand renewal and move-out requirements
☐ Ask questions about anything you don’t understand

Insurance Set Up

☐ Check your property’s insurance requirements
☐ Get coverage before move-in
☐ Send proof of insurance to your property if required

Set up utilities

☐ Electricity
☐ Gas, if applicable
☐ Water, if applicable
☐ Internet/Wi-Fi

Time to Move

☐ Decide between movers vs. DIY
☐ Book movers/truck
☐ Reserve a freight elevator or loading dock if needed
☐ Confirm your building’s move-in rules

Apartment Essentials to Buy

☐ Bed + bedding
☐ Basic furniture (Couch, barstools, coffee table, side tables, chairs, etc.)
☐ Kitchen essentials
☐ Bathroom essentials
☐ Cleaning supplies
☐ Measure before ordering anything!

Move-In Day Precautions

☐ Take photos/videos before unpacking
☐ Document existing damage
☐ Submit your move-in condition form
☐ Report anything that needs maintenance

Your First Apartment Doesn’t Have to Be a Figure-It-Out-Yourself Situation

There’s a lot to think about when you’re renting for the first time. Luckily, finding the actual apartment doesn’t have to be one of the stressful parts.

A Smart City agent can help you understand your options, find apartments that fit what you’re looking for, navigate the search process, and connect you with resources for everything that comes after you sign.

Planning your first move? Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll connect you with a Smart City agent in your city!