Getting your first apartment is exciting, and a little overwhelming. Between the lease, the utilities and a list of things you did not know you needed, it is easy to miss a step. This checklist walks you through your first apartment in Richmond, VA from before you sign the lease to your first week in the new place, with local details to help.
Before You Sign the Lease
- Set a budget: a common rule of thumb is to keep rent to about a third of your income, and to add utilities, internet, renters insurance and parking to your monthly total. Our cost of living in Richmond guide helps.
- Choose a neighborhood: compare commute, walkability and noise. See the best neighborhoods in Richmond and the most walkable neighborhoods.
- Read the whole lease: check the term, rent due date, late fees, pet rules, guest rules and how to end the lease.
- Ask what is included: find out whether trash, water, parking and laundry are included or extra.
- Understand the security deposit: Virginia law generally caps it at two months’ rent and requires the landlord to return it, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after you move out. The rule is in Virginia Code section 55.1-1226.
- Get renters insurance: many leases require it, and it is worth having even if yours does not.
Two to Three Weeks Before Move-In
- Set up electricity: Dominion Energy provides most electricity in the Richmond area.
- Set up gas, water and sewer: inside the City of Richmond, gas, water, sewer and stormwater come from the city’s Department of Public Utilities. Outside the city, your address decides the provider, so ask your leasing office.
- Book internet: options such as Xfinity and Verizon Fios vary by building. Schedule installation before move-in, because appointments fill up at the start and end of the month.
- Ask about trash and recycling: confirm whether it is included or arranged by you.
- Reserve the elevator or loading area: many buildings require it for moves, and some charge a fee.
- Book movers or a truck: see the next section.
For a deeper look at setting up your home, read our guide to moving into a new apartment in Richmond.
Plan Your Move
Even a small move takes planning. Decide whether you will move yourself, hire help for the heavy lifting or book a full-service crew. For context, Cavalier Moving customers paid an average of $830 for a studio apartment move and $1,004 for a one-bedroom in 2026, based on our jobs from January to August. Your price depends on how much you own and how easy the access is, and all moves are billed hourly with an hourly minimum requirement. See our pricing page, and compare options in DIY vs hiring local movers and our labor-only moving help guide.
Pack early, label every box by room, and keep a bag of essentials with you. Our dos and don’ts of packing and what not to pack when moving guides help.
Move-In Day
- Walk through before you unpack: Photograph every room, noting scratches, stains, damaged walls and broken fixtures.
- Send the list to your landlord in writing, and keep a copy. This protects your deposit.
- Test everything: appliances, lights, outlets, faucets, smoke detectors and locks.
- Get your keys and codes: ask about extra keys, mailbox keys, garage remotes and building access.
- Unpack the essentials first: bed, bathroom items, kitchen basics and chargers.
First Week Checklist
- Update your address: with USPS, your bank, employer, insurance and subscriptions.
- Update the DMV: Virginia gives you 30 days after a move to report your new address for your license and vehicles. See our DMV checklist for new Richmond residents and the Virginia DMV moving page.
- Meet the neighbors and learn the building: laundry, trash, parking rules and emergency exits.
- Learn the neighborhood: find the grocery store, pharmacy and transit stops. See our commuting guide.
- Create an emergency kit: flashlight, first aid supplies and a list of important numbers.
- Explore: our guides to what to do in your first month and weekend things to do in Richmond are a good place to start.
First Apartment Essentials
- Bedroom: mattress, sheets, pillows, blankets, hangers
- Bathroom: shower curtain, towels, bath mat, toilet paper, plunger
- Kitchen: pots and pans, plates, utensils, knives, cutting board, trash can, dish soap
- Cleaning: broom, mop, vacuum, sponges, all-purpose cleaner
- Basic tools: screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, light bulbs, extension cord
- Safety: smoke detector batteries, fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, if the building does not provide them
Planning a move into your own place? Our Richmond movers can handle apartment moves of any size, and our furniture assembly service can put your new furniture together.
Ready for a straight answer on your move? Call Cavalier Moving at (804) 404-8048 or request a free estimate. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for my first apartment?
Start with the lease, renters insurance, utilities and internet, then a bed, basic kitchen items, cleaning supplies and a few tools. Add the rest over time.
How much is a security deposit in Virginia?
Virginia law generally limits a security deposit to two months’ rent, and the landlord must return it with an itemized list of deductions within 45 days after you move out.
Who provides utilities in Richmond, VA?
Dominion Energy provides most electricity. In the City of Richmond, the Department of Public Utilities provides gas, water, sewer and stormwater. Outside the city, your address decides the provider.
How soon do I need to update my address with the DMV?
Virginia gives you 30 days after a move to notify the DMV of your new address for your license and vehicles.
How much does it cost to move into an apartment in Richmond?
In 2026, Cavalier Moving customers paid an average of $830 for a studio and $1,004 for a one-bedroom apartment move. Costs vary with how much you own and the access at both homes.