Get to Know Your Apartment

Before and after you sign the lease, get to know your apartment. Not just the walls and fixtures but the whole community and the house rules that help everyone live in harmony.

Take a Tour

• Before signing the lease, tour the apartment to make sure you'll love it.

Read the Lease

• Read the lease terms and know the set-in-stone rules about maintenance, conduct, and payments.

Ask About House Rules

• Ask about "house rules" like quiet hours or pool conduct that help everyone share the community peacefully.

Check the Pet Policy

• Even if you don't have a pet now, you might want one soon. It's fun to share your first apartment with a furry friend.

Stuff You Need for Your First Apartment

Experienced renters have a small household of stuff ready to move. But if this is your first apartment, you probably don't have a 'home kit' of furniture and essentials put together yet. No problem. In addition to your clothes and keepsakes, here's a first apartment checklist of stuff you need like furniture and kitchen gear.

Furniture

• Bed
• Table and chairs
• Couch and TV
• Extra chairs

Kitchen

• Plates, bowls, cups, and silverware
• Cooking pans
• Hot pads and hand towels
• Dish soap and (if dishwasher) dish detergent
• Cutting board and knives
• Spatulas and cooking spoons
• Sponges

Bathroom

• Toiletries
• Stack of Towels
• Toilet paper
• Plunger and toilet brush

Cleaning Supplies

• Mop, broom, and dustpan
• Glass cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, mild bleach, white vinegar
• Cleaning rags
• Sponges and paper towels

Complete Your Move-in Inspection

On your very first day - before a single box is moved in, complete your move-in inspection. Take a checklist that lists all the rooms and features of the apartment (or build one) and note any existing damage. Little cracks and scuffs are normal in an apartment, and noting them now will protect your security deposit later.

Take photos with your phone, then store the photos and list in a safe place for later when you eventually move out.

Moving In in the Right Order

Doing things in the right order while unpacking your first apartment can ensure you have a good time.

Order Takeout

One of the single best things about move-in day is enjoying takeout while you unpack. It used to be that your options were pizza or Chinese food (both delicious) but with DoorDash and Uber Eats, anything is possible. Get yourself some delivery food (solo or to share with roommates and friends helping you move) to fuel the rest of your unpacking day.

Furniture First

When moving into your first apartment, the best way to start is with the furniture. Stack boxes neatly in each room where they will be unpacked. Then, re-assemble your furniture, like your bed, table, and couch. This will make the space more inviting and give you surfaces to use when unpacking each box. 

Kitchen and Bathroom

Once the furniture is assembled, prioritize unpacking the kitchen and bathroom boxes. After all, you'll want meals and showers before all the unpacking is done. Prioritize kitchen essentials like a few plates and bowls and your favorite cooking pots or pans that you'll need for basic recipes. You can order grocery delivery or hit the store tomorrow.

Check Out the Amenities

Once you're sufficiently unpacked and need a break, it's time to check out the amenities. You probably glanced at the pool and laundry on your way in, but now you get to explore.

Laundry

• Grab your laundry basket and run a test load of laundry to get to know the laundry facilities. You'll get a feel for the quarter cost and the timing and start building your laundry routine.

Pool

• Check out the pool, the posted rules, and whether people are hanging out. This may become your new favorite space.

Fitness Center

• Swing by the fitness center and envision your new workout routine with the cool machines and supplies available.

Parks and Grounds

• Take a relaxing walk around the grounds. Check out features like pretty walking paths, open green fields, the picnic area, dog park, and sports courts.

Clubhouse

• Many apartments have 'clubhouse' spaces, perhaps a coffee area, a library, or a cool lounge where residents can hang out. Students often find these spaces to be a great way to mix up their study environment or invite friends over to chill.

Say Hello to Your Neighbors

Last but not least, remember to greet your neighbors. A friendly hello when you pass someone outdoors is a great way to build the foundation for friendly interactions later. People like to know that their new neighbor is cheerful and approachable. You might make friends at the dog park, meet other students to study together, or get to know neighbors in case you ever need to swap misdelivered mail.

Discover Your First Apartment in San Angelo, TX

If you are looking for a great place for your first apartment in San Angelo, explore River Ranch Apartments. Our welcoming community, spacious floor plans, and cool list of amenities are here to make your first apartment experience a good one. Contact us today to learn more about the community, our pet policies, and helpful tips for first-time apartment renters.