The first 48 hours in a new apartment: the quiet version of the checklist
What to do on day one, what on day two, and why you should not unpack before you check the meters.
Olena Drozd
editor
27 APRIL 2026 · 1 min
The first two days in a new apartment shape how calm the first month will feel. The urge to unpack everything and arrange the furniture right away is strong - but there are four things worth doing before you put the boxes away.
Day one: record the condition
Meters
Photograph the water, gas and electricity readings with a date. This is your starting point.
State of the apartment
Walk through every room with a video - capture scratches, stains, appliances.
Keys and locks
Check that every key works. If a lock feels off, raise it with the owner.
Only after that should you start unpacking. The first photos of the apartment's condition are the document you will need when getting your deposit back.
Day two: set up daily life
The second day is about comfort. Test the internet speed, find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy and pickup point. Save the owner's contact and, if there is one, the building manager's - in case of a water or power emergency.
Make one folder on your phone called "Apartment": meter photos, contract, contacts, readings. Everything in one place - it saves your nerves at the first conflict.
What not to do right away
Do not drill into walls or stick anything up in the first days - first find out what the contract allows. And do not throw away the packaging from appliances until you are sure everything works.
Summary
48 hours of attention at the start mean months of calm later. Find your next apartment and walk in prepared.
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