When moving to a new apartment, most people remember the common essentials for your main living areas such as the kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. We’ve compiled a list of essentials that are less commonly remembered so that you are fully prepared for every circumstance that comes your way.

Renter’s Insurance: Renter’s Insurance may not be top of mind as you’re moving into and decorating your apartment, but it will protect the items you’ve carefully purchased to make the space feel like home. Champion requires every tenant to provide proof of renter’s insurance prior to move-in. For more information about Champion’s renter’s insurance requirements, please visit our FAQ page.

Transfer Utilities: Before moving-in to your new apartment home, most communities will ask that you transfer utilities such as electricity, gas, and water into your name. At Champion, our Community Managers complete this transfer for you for a seamless move to your new home!

Protect Your Pet: In the event of an emergency, we recommend having your Vet’s contact information saved in your phone and posted on your refrigerator. Additionally, have an ID tag on your pet’s collar with your phone number so you can easily be contacted.

A Good Keychain: It’s common in apartment living to receive multiple keys upon move-in. In addition to the key to your new home, you may also receive a mailbox key and possibly a key fob for access to common areas and amenities that are for residents only.

Internet, Cable, ChromeCast, Apple TV: Before moving in, think about what devices you’ll want in your home. You may want  Internet access immediately upon move-in for work or streaming services. Or you may want to get cable TV. Whatever you decide, schedule those appointments or purchase the electronics before your move-in date.

Toiletries, Paper Towels, Trash Bags and Cleaning Supplies: Having trash bags on hand during move-in is great as you unpack and put rooms together. Paper towels and cleaning supplies allow you to wipe items down as you go that may have gotten dirty during the move or in storage.

Shower Curtain and Liner: Shower curtains are great for privacy, whereas a shower curtain liner helps keep the water in the tub, instead of on the bathroom floor!

Power Strip for Electronics: Power strips with multiple plugs are great for living rooms and bedrooms to be able to plug-in more than a couple electronic devices at a time.

Laundry Basket, Supplies and Hangers: Hangers to put clothes away will help to declutter your space as you unpack. If your home has a washer and dryer, you may want to wash clothes, bedding, blankets and towels immediately upon move-in so that everything feels fresh and clean.

Vacuum: Having a vacuum upon move-in will allow you to quickly clean up any messes created by the move-in process, and keep your apartment clean as you make the space feel like home!