You can effectively divide tasks over the week leading up to moving by doing the most important tasks first and then working on the least. You can do this by putting all your essentials in your first apartment move-in checklist and grouping them by relevance. In our years of experience, here's a timeline of tasks that's worked for so many people: Week 1: Inspect the apartment, take photos from all angles, settle the contract, and make your first apartment move-in checklist Weeks 2 to 3: Arrange your stuff in boxes starting from essentials box, living room fundamentals, bathroom needs, and kitchen staples. Then, contact the moving truck for a schedule. Week 4: Settle your utilities and official address changes Week 5: Run through your first apartment move-in checklist for the last time and buy the things you need AND want