First Apartment Essentials Checklist for Young Adults

Are you moving to your first Central New Jersey apartment or your first apartment without roommates? Checking and double-checking all of the minor and major details is the key to a stress-free move-in experience. Our checklist will help you ensure that you haven’t forgotten a thing.

Think About Furniture 

There’s nothing worse than discovering your couch or bed doesn’t fit into your new place on moving day. Make sure:

• Room dimensions are accurate on floor plans: Ask the management office if the floor plan accurately represents the space in your new apartment.
• You have the basics:  At a minimum, you’ll need a bed, dresser, couch, table and chairs, coffee or end table, curtains, lamp, pots, pans, dishes, toaster, utensils, shower curtain, cleaning supplies, a basic tool kit and linens. In the days and weeks after your move, you can gradually add additional furniture, art and other accessories.
• Your furniture fits the scale of the rooms: Large furniture will overwhelm a small room, while tiny pieces will make a large room look unbalanced. 
• Your furniture is in good condition: Fragile furniture doesn't usually fare well during the moving process. If a piece isn't structurally sound, it may not be a good idea to take it with you. 
  
  

Obtain Renters Insurance 

Although the apartment building is protected by the company’s insurance policy, you’ll need to get a renters insurance policy to cover your belongings. The best policies fully cover the cost to replace your furniture, clothing, sheets, towels, dishes, pots, pans and accessories. Your policy should also cover living expenses should you need to move out while your apartment is being repaired, liability protection and medical expenses.

Think About a Workspace 

Whether you work from home full-time or only occasionally, you’ll probably want a place to do a little work or catch up on social media sites on your laptop. If you plan to put a desk in a corner of the living room or bedroom, make sure the area is big enough to accommodate your desk, chair, printer, books and other things you may need to work from home.

Fill a First Day Box 

Put together a box that has all of the things you'll need to be comfortable on your first day in your new apartment including: 

• Coffeemaker
• Coffee or tea bags 
• Sweetener and creamer/milk 
• A few mugs and dishes
• A set of silverware
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Snacks
• Pet food and other supplies

Turn on the Utilities 

Several weeks before you move, get in touch with the electricity, gas, Internet and cable companies. Select a turn on day and pay any deposits or fees involved with starting the services.

Confirm the Pet Policy

It’s never a good idea to assume that your pets will be welcome in your new apartment. Make sure the apartment community accepts pets, and ask if there are any limits on the number, size and breeds. You may be required to pay a pet fee, in addition to paying more in rent every month if you have a pet.

Understand Rent and Lease Basics 

Do you:

• Know when rent is due, what methods of payment are acceptable and when late fees are assessed? 
• Know what the penalties are for breaking your lease and moving out early? 
• Understand how to renew your lease?
• Know how much notice you'll need to give if you plan to move out at the end of your lease? 

Learn the Community Rules  

Every apartment has at least a few rules and regulations tenants need to follow. Make sure you understand:

• Where the moving truck can park 
• Where you'll normally park
• Where to place your trash
• If there are quiet hours
• What regulations are in place for the fitness center and other community spaces
• If you can walk your dog through the community
  

Are you looking for a spacious apartment with plenty of luxurious amenities? One of Country Classics' rental communities in Central New Jersey may be the perfect option for you. Our communities are conveniently located in Bridgewater, Somerset and Frenchtown, NJ. Contact us or check out each community’s page on our website for information about apartment rentals.