What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Moving Into Your Apartment

Moving into a new apartment can be a little hectic. There’s so much to think about and before you can settle in.

There’s packing, unpacking, and a ton of organization involved.

In fact, it might take you a few days or even weeks to get things exactly the way you want them to be.

But, the first 24 hours after the big move will set the stage for the rest of the process.

So, let’s talk about what you absolutely need to do during the first 24 hours after moving into your new apartment.

Sort Items & Furniture by Room

It’s completely normal to just want to get everything through the front door on the day of your move. But, you’ll probably wake up the next morning feeling overwhelmed by the dozens of boxes piled up in your living room.

Then you’ll have to spend hours running around your apartment sorting through boxes. It’ll wear you out fast, and you’ll end up wishing you just stayed in your old place.

Lucky for you, this can be avoided.

As you’re moving boxes and furniture into your new apartment, drop them off in the correct room. That way, you can unpack one room at a time without so much back and forth across the apartment.

So, label every single box. Each box should have the room name written in large font with a Sharpie marker.

On top of that, when you’re packing the moving truck, you might even want to put all boxes for the same room in the same area of the truck.

The less time you have to spend organizing after you move, the better.

Just drop the boxes off in the right room and get a good night’s rest. That way, you can pick up where you left off the next day.

Related: Follow This Guide to Baby-Proof Your Apartment After Moving In

Focus on the Necessities First

When you move into a new place, you’ll want to get settled as fast as possible. Yet, you probably won’t be able to move in and get completely settled in 24 hours or less.

In reality, you might not get fully settled within the first week, so it’s okay to take your time.

The first day of moving is about the basics. That means setting up just the most important furniture. After all, you only really need your bed and a lamp (plus toiletries like your toothbrush, TP, and soap).

The rest you can worry about later.

Remember, you’re going to be extremely tired by the end of day one. Don’t even think about painting the walls, installing a ceiling fan, or hanging decor. Not only are these things even more tiring, but they also might disturb your neighbors.

If you start hammering into the walls and making noise on your first night, you and your neighbors will start off on the wrong foot. The last thing you want is a noise complaint on your first night.

So, once the sun sets, call it a day and commit to organizing more in the morning.

Meet Your New Neighbors

Even if you’re not the most social person, try to introduce yourself to your neighbors within the first 24 hours.

After all, you’ll be living next to them for a year or more! That means you want to build a good relationship and start off on friendly terms.

You don’t have to become best friends or invite one another over to your apartments. But, your neighbors are a valuable source of information since they’ve lived here longer than you.

They may be able to tell you about the unwritten rules of the complex (parking, noise, etc.), and they might know about fun things to do in the area (bars, restaurants, parks).

If you’re not comfortable knocking on your neighbors’ doors, just strike up a conversation with people you cross paths with during your move.

Clean!

Your landlord should’ve already cleaned out the apartment to make it presentable for you, right?

Well, yes.

But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If the last tenant moved out four months ago, that might’ve been the last time it was cleaned.

So, you’ll want to make sure that the place is completely tidy before you start moving everything in. Prior to moving in any furniture, do a quick vacuum, dust a little, sweep the hardwood floors, and wipe down all countertops.

And clean after you move in, too!

Yes, clean again.

Moving comes with a lot of dirt and dust. Think about it; you’re tracking dirt in on your shoes. And, because the front doors are probably open all day, plenty of dust and allergens are sneaking their way in.

Check Out the Local Community

You probably scouted out the complex a little before moving in, but now it’s time to really learn the ins and outs of the neighborhood. When you get tired of moving and you’re ready for a break, take a few hours to check out the local community.

Visit the laundry facilities and learn about the rules. Is there a machine limit? How much does it cost to run the machines? Are there opening and closing hours?

Also, pay a visit to the clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, or tennis courts. See what you have access to now that you’re a tenant. Pay close attention to when each of these places seems to be the busiest and what the operating hours are.

While walking around, see if there are any stores or businesses within walking distance. That includes convenience stores, urgent care clinics, and gas stations.

Plus, if you’re a dog owner, you’ll want to find a park where you can take them to play. Exploring the neighborhood will help your dog adjust to your new home.

Then, treat yourself to some food. Whether you stop into a local restaurant or get takeout from a nearby food spot, be sure to taste the local cuisine!

Conclusion

The first 24 hours in a new apartment are a little hectic. But, moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Start off on the right foot by labeling your boxes and putting them in the room where they belong. By the next morning, begin unpacking your apartment one room at a time.

Then, take a few hours to learn about your new neighborhood. Talk to the neighbors, take a walk around the local area, and see what’s nearby. The sooner you get to know your surroundings, the better.

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