First Apartment Checklist: Everything You Need Before Move-In Day

Before You Sign the Lease

Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but it is also one of those life events where being prepared saves you a lot of stress and money. This checklist covers everything from the day you start looking to the day you move in.

Know Your Budget First

Before you even start touring apartments, figure out what you can actually afford. The general rule of thumb is that your rent should be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. So if you make $4,500 per month before taxes, aim for rent at or below $1,350.

But rent is not your only cost. Here is what your total monthly housing budget actually looks like:

• Rent: Your base monthly payment
• Electricity: $80 to $200/month (heavily depends on summer AC usage in Texas)
• Water/Trash: Often included in rent, but sometimes $30 to $60 extra
• Internet: $50 to $80/month
• Renters Insurance: $15 to $30/month
• Parking: $0 to $150/month (depends on the property)
• Pet Rent: $25 to $50/month per pet (if applicable)

Add all of these up, not just the rent number, when deciding what you can afford.

What You Need to Apply

Most Texas apartments require these documents with your application:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
• Proof of income — two to three recent pay stubs, an offer letter if you are starting a new job, or bank statements for self-employed applicants
• Application fee — usually $50 to $75 per person (non-refundable)
• Social Security number — for the credit and background check
• Rental history — names and contact info for previous landlords (usually the last two to three years)

If you have a co-signer, they will need to provide similar documentation plus proof that their income meets the guarantor requirements (usually 3 to 5 times the monthly rent).

The Move-In Costs Nobody Warns You About

Your first month in a new apartment costs way more than just your first month's rent. Here is a realistic breakdown of upfront costs:

This is why planning ahead matters. Most people need two to three months of savings specifically for move-in costs before they can comfortably sign a lease.

Two Weeks Before Move-In

Set Up Utilities

In Texas, electricity is deregulated in most cities, which means you get to choose your electricity provider. This is actually a good thing because you can shop for the best rate. Use a comparison site like Power to Choose (powertochoose.org) to compare plans.

• Electricity: Set up service to start on your move-in date. Choose a fixed-rate plan to protect against summer price spikes.
• Internet: Schedule installation — the major providers in Texas cities are AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Google Fiber (Austin). Book early because installation appointments fill up fast.
• Water/Sewer/Trash: Sometimes handled by the apartment, sometimes you set it up with the city. Ask your leasing office which utilities are included and which you need to set up yourself.
• Gas: Some apartments use gas for heating or cooking. If yours does, set up a gas account with the local provider (Atmos Energy is common in Texas).

Get Renters Insurance

Most apartment communities in Texas require renters insurance before you can pick up your keys. Even if they do not require it, get it anyway. It is one of the cheapest forms of insurance you will ever buy — $15 to $30 per month — and it covers your belongings if there is a fire, theft, or water damage.

Popular options include Lemonade, State Farm, USAA (if eligible), and Progressive. You can usually get a policy set up online in 15 minutes.

File Your Change of Address

Go to usps.com and file a change of address form. This forwards your mail from your old address to your new apartment. It costs $1.10 to verify your identity. Do this at least a week before you move.

Also update your address with your bank, credit card companies, employer, DMV (you have 30 days in Texas to update your driver's license), and any subscription services.

Move-In Day Checklist

Inspect Everything and Document It

This is the most important thing you will do on move-in day. Before you unpack a single box, walk through the entire apartment and document every existing issue. Take photos and videos of:

• Walls (scuffs, nail holes, marks)
• Floors (scratches, stains, damage)
• Appliances (do they all work? Check the stove burners, oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave)
• Faucets and toilets (run water, flush, check for leaks)
• Windows and blinds (do they open, close, and lock properly?)
• AC and heating (turn them on and make sure they work)
• Light switches and outlets (test every one)
• Closet doors, cabinet doors, and drawers
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Most properties give you a move-in condition form. Fill it out thoroughly and return it within the required timeframe (usually 24 to 72 hours). This protects your security deposit when you move out. If the property does not give you a form, send your photos and notes to the leasing office via email so you have a written record.

Essentials to Have on Day One

You do not need to fully furnish your apartment on day one, but you do need these basics:

• Toilet paper (seriously, do not forget this)
• Paper towels and cleaning supplies — wipe everything down before you unpack
• Trash bags
• A basic tool kit — screwdriver, hammer, picture hanging kit
• Phone charger and power strip
• Bedding — at minimum, sheets and a pillow so you can sleep
• Towels — at least two
• Shower curtain (if your bathroom has a tub)
• Kitchen basics — a pot, a pan, a few utensils, plates, cups

Understanding Your Lease

Your lease is a legal contract. Read it before you sign it. Here are the key things to look for:

• Lease term: How long are you committed? What happens if you need to break the lease early?
• Rent due date and late fees: Most leases require rent by the 1st of the month. Late fees typically kick in after the 3rd or 4th day.
• Maintenance requests: How do you submit them? What is the turnaround time?
• Guest policy: Some leases have rules about how long guests can stay.
• Noise and quiet hours: Most communities have quiet hours, usually 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Renewal terms: What happens at the end of your lease? Does it convert to month-to-month? What notice do you need to give?
• Early termination: What does it cost to break your lease? In Texas, the typical penalty is two months' rent, but it varies.

If anything in the lease is confusing, ask your leasing office to explain it. And if you used an apartment locator, they can help you understand the terms before you sign.

The Bottom Line

Moving into your first apartment does not have to be overwhelming. Start with a clear budget, get your documents ready, set up utilities early, document everything on move-in day, and actually read your lease. These basics will save you money, protect your deposit, and help you settle in without surprises.

Need help finding the right apartment in Dallas, Austin, or Houston? Start your free apartment search and let a licensed agent handle the hard part for you.