Ultimate Apartment Moving Checklist for Minneapolis Residents

Lisa Lachowsky
October 18, 2025

Moving into or out of an apartment in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area can be exciting, but it also comes with a long to-do list. Between packing, organizing, and coordinating with your landlord, it’s easy to forget important details. That’s why the moving experts at Affinity Moving have created this comprehensive apartment moving checklist, designed to keep your move smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

Whether you’re moving from apartment to apartment, moving into your first apartment, or preparing your apartment moving out checklist, this guide has everything you need for a successful transition.

Why a Moving Checklist Is a Must-Have

A moving checklist apartment plan helps you stay organized from start to finish. Without one, you risk last-minute stress, misplaced boxes, or forgotten essentials. At Affinity Moving, we believe a clear plan saves time and money and helps you actually enjoy your move.

Using this apartment moving checklist, you’ll know exactly what to do at every stage, from the first box you pack to the moment you unpack your last one in your new home.

4–6 Weeks Before Moving Day

1. Hire a Trusted Apartment Moving Company

Your first step should be finding a reliable apartment moving company that understands the Minneapolis area. With Affinity Moving, you get experienced movers familiar with tight parking spaces, narrow stairways, and local building policies.

If you’re moving to nearby cities like St. Paul, Bloomington, Edina, or Brooklyn Park, our team can handle every detail so you can focus on settling in.

2. Notify Your Landlord

Most apartment complexes in Minneapolis require a 30-day notice. Draft your moving-out-of-apartment letter early and include your forwarding address to ensure your security deposit is returned promptly.

3. Declutter and Donate

Take time to sort through your belongings. Donate or sell what you don’t need. Fewer items mean a faster, cheaper move and a fresh start in your new apartment.

4. Create a Packing Plan

Gather essential supplies:

  • Boxes in multiple sizes
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper
  • Tape and labels
  • Furniture covers

Label each box clearly with its room and contents. When you’re unpacking later, you’ll be glad you did.

2–3 Weeks Before Moving

1. Confirm Details with Your Movers

Check in with your apartment moving company to confirm dates, arrival times, and parking arrangements. Affinity Moving provides free consultations to help coordinate every step of your move, including elevator reservations and truck access.

2. Update Your Address

File an address change with the U.S. Postal Service and notify banks, insurance companies, and subscription services.

3. Schedule Utilities

Before you move in, schedule disconnection at your old place and setup at your new apartment. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.

4. Prepare Your Apartment Moving Out Checklist

Your apartment moving out checklist should include:

  • Deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom
  • Vacuuming and mopping floors
  • Patching wall holes
  • Removing nails or hooks
  • Photographing your apartment’s condition for the records

Affinity Moving’s team can connect you with trusted local cleaning partners if you need help getting your old apartment spotless.

1 Week Before the Move

1. Pack an Essentials Box

Include everything you’ll need for your first few days:

  • Toiletries and towels
  • Bedding and a change of clothes
  • Snacks and utensils
  • Medications
  • Chargers and important documents

2. Disassemble Furniture

Take apart large furniture pieces like bed frames, tables, or bookshelves. Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags to prevent loss.

3. Final Walkthrough

Use your moving apartment checklist to make sure every room is empty and clean. Don’t forget storage areas, laundry rooms, or balconies.

Moving Day

When moving day arrives, take a deep breath. Affinity Moving has you covered.

1. Let the Professionals Handle It

Our trained Minneapolis movers will carefully load and transport your belongings. Whether you’re in a downtown high-rise or a suburban complex in Edina or St. Paul, our team is equipped to handle moves of all sizes.

2. Keep Essentials Handy

Carry valuables, important documents, and fragile items with you.

3. Verify Move-In Details

Before unloading, confirm elevator access and building entry times at your new apartment. Many Minneapolis apartment complexes have specific moving hours or require a move-in permit.

Moving Into a New Apartment

Welcome to your new home! Use this moving into a new apartment checklist to get settled quickly.

1. Inspect the Apartment

Check for any damage and take photos before unpacking. Report issues immediately to your property manager.

2. Test Utilities and Appliances

Make sure electricity, water, heating, and internet are working. Minnesota winters can be harsh; you’ll want that heat running properly!

3. Clean Before Unpacking

Even if your new place looks spotless, it’s worth a quick clean before arranging your furniture.

4. Unpack Room by Room

Start with the kitchen and bedroom first. These are the spaces you’ll need right away.

5. Meet the Neighbors

Introduce yourself to neighbors and your building staff. A friendly connection can make apartment living in Minneapolis much more enjoyable.

Moving Into Your First Apartment? Here’s What You’ll Need

If this is your first move, our moving into a first apartment checklist has you covered:

  • Kitchen essentials: pots, pans, utensils, and dish soap
  • Cleaning supplies: mop, broom, vacuum, and sponges
  • Bathroom basics: shower curtain, toiletries, and towels
  • Furniture: bed, table, chairs, and couch
  • Safety items: smoke detector batteries and a first aid kit

Pro Tip: Affinity Moving can help you unpack and set up your space efficiently, saving you hours of effort.

Moving From Apartment to Apartment

When moving from apartment to apartment, timing is everything. Coordinating move-out and move-in on the same day can be tricky, especially if your leases overlap.

Affinity Moving specializes in local apartment transitions throughout the Twin Cities area. We help you plan logistics, manage elevators, and coordinate keys so your move goes off without a hitch.

If you’re moving from a Minneapolis apartment to a new one in Bloomington, Edina, or St. Paul, we can even help you with short-term storage for your belongings.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Apartment Move

  • Reserve parking early: Some Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods require temporary permits for moving trucks.
  • Take measurements: Ensure large furniture fits through doors and hallways before move-in day.
  • Keep valuables secure: Jewelry, laptops, and important papers should travel with you.
  • Label everything: It makes unpacking easier and ensures boxes end up in the right rooms.

Why Choose Affinity Moving?

At Affinity Moving, we’re more than just movers; we’re your local relocation partners. We’ve earned the trust of Minneapolis and St. Paul residents through reliable service, transparent pricing, and a dedication to making every move stress-free.

Our Apartment Moving Services Include:

  • Full-service packing and unpacking
  • Furniture assembly and disassembly
  • Local and long-distance moving
  • Short-term and long-term storage options
  • Specialty moving (pianos, artwork, antiques)

Our crews know the unique challenges of apartment moving in Minneapolis from downtown high-rises to quiet suburban complexes, and we tailor our approach to fit your building’s specific needs.

Serving the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul Metro

We proudly serve:

  • Minneapolis
  • St. Paul
  • Bloomington
  • Edina
  • Brooklyn Park
  • Eden Prairie
  • Maple Grove
  • And the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs

No matter where you’re headed, Affinity Moving is here to make your apartment move simple and affordable.

Ready to Plan Your Move?

With Affinity Moving’s apartment moving checklist, you can stay organized, save time, and reduce the stress of your next move. Whether you’re moving into an apartment, preparing your apartment moving out checklist, or relocating across the Twin Cities, we’re here to help.

Call Affinity Moving today for a free, no-obligation quote and let our Minneapolis movers make your next move your best one yet.

Author Bio:

Lisa Lachowsky

Consultant
Lisa has spent over two decades helping people move with confidence. She understands the stress that comes with relocating and uses her experience to make the process simple and stress free. Whether it’s planning a long distance move or helping a family pack their home, Lisa’s knowledge and genuine care make her one of Affinity’s most trusted voices.
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