Apartment moving checklist and box plan
This free apartment moving checklist gives you a room-by-room box plan for a 1 or 2 bedroom rental. The tool is preset to an apartment, so you can estimate boxes and packing supplies in a couple of minutes, then print your plan and box labels. No account, no sign-up, nothing to buy. Save it and check off rooms as you pack.
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How this works
- Confirm your apartment size (1 or 2 bedroom is already set) and adjust the rooms to match your unit.
- Set how much you own in each room with the light / normal / lots control.
- Read your box estimate as a room-by-room breakdown, with a small buffer built into the range.
- Check the supplies list for tape, paper, and specialty boxes, and tick items off as you go.
- Print your one-page packing plan and box labels, or save the plan to your browser to finish later.
Packing tips
- Pack one room at a time and label every box with its room and a few contents, so unloading on move day is fast even if the elevator or truck time is limited.
- Book the building's freight elevator and loading dock early if your building requires it, and confirm any certificate of insurance your landlord asks movers to provide.
- Keep a first-night box with toiletries, chargers, bedding, and a set of clothes, and load it last so it comes off the truck first.
- Take photos of electronics and wall mounts before you unplug or unhang anything, so reconnecting in the new place is guesswork-free.
- Use small boxes for books and heavy items and larger boxes for light, bulky things like bedding and clothes, so nothing gets too heavy to carry up stairs.
- Set aside anything that must go back to your landlord, like keys, parking passes, and mailbox keys, and photograph the empty unit for your deposit.
Frequently asked questions
Is this checklist meant for apartments specifically?
Yes. The tool is preset to a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, with the rooms most rentals actually have. You can add or remove rooms if your unit differs, such as a studio layout or a separate dining area.
How many boxes do you need to move a 1 bedroom apartment?
It depends on how much you own, so the tool gives you a range rather than a single number. As a rough guide, a lightly furnished 1 bedroom often lands in the low dozens of boxes, while a full one needs more. Your estimate adjusts to your rooms and how packed they are.
Can I print the checklist and box labels?
Yes. You can print a one-page packing plan and a sheet of box labels for free. The printed pages are clean and text-only, with no ads or website clutter, so they are easy to read while you pack.
Do I need an account to save my plan?
No. Your plan and your checked-off progress are saved in your browser automatically, so you can close the tab and come back later. Nothing is sent anywhere and there is no sign-up. You can also download the plan as a file if you want a backup.
When should I start packing for an apartment move?
Most renters find two to three weeks is comfortable for a 1 or 2 bedroom. Start with storage, closets, and out-of-season items, and leave daily essentials and the kitchen for last. The tool's packing order lists this sequence so you always have what you need until moving day.
What packing supplies will I need besides boxes?
The tool estimates tape, packing paper, and any specialty boxes like dish packs or wardrobe boxes based on your rooms. It also flags markers and mattress bags where they apply. Everything appears as a checklist you can tick off as you buy or gather it.
What if my building has an elevator or a move-in time window?
Plan around it early. Reserve the freight elevator or loading dock if your building requires booking, and ask about any insurance paperwork your movers need. Packing and labeling by room ahead of time keeps the actual load-in within a tight window.