Things to Bring and to Remember Before You Move In
Before you move in to your new home here are some reminders and suggestions.
Get together with your roommate(s) and decide who will bring what:
Kitchen
Can Opener
Coffee maker
Cups/Glasses
Cutting board
Dishcloths
Dish pan
Dish towels
Dishes
Dishwashing liquid
Food & beverages
Forks, knives & spoons
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Microwave
Oven Cleaner
Paper Towels
Pot holders
Pots & pans
Toaster
Bedroom
Alarm Clock
Blankets
Lamp
Pillows & pillow cases
Sheets
Living Room:
Furniture as Needed
Lamps
Drapes/Blinds (most apartments will not allow
blankets as window coverings)
Bathroom
Cleanser
Soap
Toiletries
Shampoo
Shower curtain & hooks
Soap
Toilet brush & cleaner
Toilet Paper
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Towels
Washcloths
Miscellaneous:
Ashtrays & Matches
Basic tools
Batteries
Coat Hangers
Computer, cables, and paper
Deodorizer (Lysol)
Drapes or blinds
Glass cleaner
Extension cords
Iron and ironing board
Laundry detergent
Lightbulbs
Pads of paper
Playing cards
Polish
Scrub brushes
Sponge
Spray Cleaner
Stereo
Television
Throw rugs
Telephone
Tissues
Vacuum cleaner
Wastebaskets
Utilities
Pick up the Center's handout on Utilities and you'll find all the numbers
you need for gas, electric, telephone, cable, etc. Most apartments
will require that you have the utilities put in your name. Some may
take care of it for you; others will require that you have them turned on.
The telephone and cable may take up to a week to get turned on, so try to
arrange it before you arrive. Check the handout for numbers.
Strongly consider Renters' Insurance
Your personal belongings are not covered by the apartment's insurance.
In case of theft, fire, flood, etc., you are responsible. Your parents
should check with their insurance agent to see if you'll be covered on their
current homeowner's policy. If not, they may be able to purchase a
rider to their policy to cover you. Or you can purchase your own renters'
insurance policy from most any insurance agent. The cost is typically
$100-$150 for a year. Ask about "replacement value" for your property.
Confirm your apartment move-in date
Be sure you arrive at a time the office is open to process your move-in
and sign out your keys.
Go through a move-in checklist(ideally
with the landlord)
(Most landlords will provide the list). Note anything and everything
that is broken, burned, cracked, chipped, dirty, etc. Cigarette burns
in the carpet, holes in the wall or screens, missing screens or storm windows,
window clasps that don't work, a stove burner that doesn't work, chips in
the bathtub. If you don't take this action now, on move-out, you may
be charged. Ideally, take pictures, get two sets developed, send one
set certified mail to the manager/landlord along with a letter noting each
item.
Read your lease carefully
You'll probably find a requirement for a written, 30-day notice when you
move out. Failure to provide that means your lease rolls over to an
additional month which you'll have to pay for. Make a note on your
calendar to get that letter out in time next spring. You'll probably
find a number of clauses that contain rules it's important to be aware of
-- rules that could result in your eviction if you don't follow them.
Before you move in, get together
with your roommate(s) and determine who's bringing what
Read and fill in the Roommate Agreement
available at our office
It establishes "house rules" as well as who pays what, when. Also
be aware that if a roommate moves out in the middle of the lease, the remaining
tenants are still responsible for the entire amount of the rent. It's
up to you to pursue the ex-roommate. A Roommate Agreement with his/her
signature next to the amount they agree to pay each month will hold up in
court if it comes to that.
Fill out a change-of-address form
at your home Post Office so your mail will be forwarded.
Send a change-of-address form to magazines, newspapers, etc. to which you
subscribe.
