Whether you’re leaving the nest to go to college or relocating to a new place of your own, moving day can be exciting and stressful. To make the process easier, have a game plan. In addition to organizing and packing items efficiently, there are a few things you can do on your first day in your new apartment to get settled more quickly.

How to Settle Into Your New Apartment

1. Inspect Everything

Your landlord will likely ask you to fill out a condition report documenting any existing issues. This includes scratched doors, nicked paint, dents, and faulty appliances. Thoroughly inspect the apartment before you unpack and fill out the report, taking photos of any damage.

2. Tidy Up

Most landlords deep-clean apartments after a tenant moves out to prepare it for the next renter. However, even if it was professionally cleaned, there may be a few spots that require touching up. Before you set up your new abode, attend to any areas that need it. You may also want to wipe doorknobs, faucets, and toilet seats with disinfectant.

3. Put Furniture & Boxes in Their Places

If you’ve hired movers, they’ll place your furniture and boxes for you. But if you’re doing it yourself, you may be tempted to get everything inside as quickly as possible to return the rental truck. Give yourself plenty of time to unload, so you can put furniture and boxes in their respective places, rather than piling everything in the front room and sorting it out later.

4. Assemble the Essentials

Get your essentials set up first. This includes any furniture, such as beds and dressers, that need to be re-assembled. Unpack your bathroom and kitchen boxes, as well as those containing the clothes you’ll need for the next few days. You can make things easier for yourself by packing an essentials box ahead of time with a change of clothes and toiletries.

If you’re looking for a new apartment in Lahaina, HI, turn to Honokowai Kauhale. Since 1991, this housing community has offered one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for residents seeking high-quality accommodations at budget-friendly prices. View a gallery of their property online or call (808) 669-1539 to find out how you can apply.