--- title: Apartment Moving Checklist: Lease, Deposit, Elevators url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/apartment-moving-checklist/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Apartment moving checklist # Apartment moving checklist Nevada's landlord and tenant law gives a landlord 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the remaining deposit, so photograph the apartment before you hand over the keys and keep every receipt. Reserve the elevator or loading space early, since many buildings limit move times. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Apartments add steps that houses do not: a lease with a notice period, a building with rules, and a deposit that depends on how you leave. This checklist covers the leaving, the carrying and the arriving. ## Read the lease before you give notice Find the notice period in your lease and send written notice on time, keeping a copy. Ask the management whether the building has a move-out checklist, cleaning standards or a required inspection date. Nevada's NRS 118A.242 sets a deadline: the landlord must return any remaining deposit no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends. Provide a forwarding address in writing so the deposit reaches you. ## Book the elevator and the loading space Many apartment communities require a reservation for the elevator, the dock or a reserved parking spot, and some limit move hours or require proof of insurance from the movers. Ask at both buildings, and book a time for each. The [apartments and condos](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/apartments-and-condos/) page describes how an O'Brien's crew handles stairs, elevators and long carries. Tell your estimator about the floor, the stairs, the distance from the truck to the door and any narrow hallway, so the estimate matches the work. - Ask whether padding the elevator is required. - Measure doorways, hallways and stairwells for large furniture. - Reserve parking for the truck, and put cones or a sign out early. ## Document the apartment Before you return the keys, photograph or video every room, including inside appliances, closets and the floors. Note existing damage. Clean following the lease standards; the [move-out cleaning checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/move-out-cleaning-checklist/) gives a room-by-room list. Do a walk-through with the manager if the building offers one, and ask for a signed note of the condition. ## Pack for tight spaces Apartment moves often mean small boxes that fit an elevator and furniture that must be taken apart to clear a stairwell. Label boxes by room so the crew can place them quickly in the new unit. See the [bed frame guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/) and the [labeling guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/). ## Arrive and settle in At the new apartment, photograph the unit on day one and send any existing damage to the manager in writing. Set up utilities and internet for the start date, and update your address using the [change-of-address checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/change-of-address-checklist/). If you need a place for what does not fit, vault storage starts from $40 per month. Call 775-359-6683 for a free estimate. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 118A (landlord and tenant)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-118a.html) - [USAGov, How to change your address](https://www.usa.gov/change-address) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Apartment and condo moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/apartments-and-condos/) - [Move-out cleaning checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/move-out-cleaning-checklist/) - [Moving into your first apartment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-apartment-move/) - [Moving-day checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-checklist/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Hiring movers vs renting a truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/hiring-movers-vs-renting-a-truck/) - [Moving container vs moving truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-container-vs-moving-truck/) - [Full packing vs packing it yourself](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/full-service-vs-partial-packing/) - [Moving to Reno from another country](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-reno-from-abroad/) - [Moving to Canada from the US](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-canada-from-the-us/) - [Moving to Mexico from the US](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-mexico-from-the-us/) - [Moving overseas: how international household moves work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-overseas/) - [How much to tip movers](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-much-to-tip-movers/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How long does a landlord have to return a deposit in Nevada? NRS 118A.242 says no later than 30 days after the tenancy ends. ### Do I need to reserve the elevator? Many buildings require it. Ask the manager at both addresses. ### Should I photograph the apartment when I leave? Yes. Dated photos of each room help if there is a dispute about the deposit. ### What if my furniture does not fit the stairwell? Tell the estimator in advance so the crew can plan to take it apart. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) M Mark S. January 22, 2026 Great company and local. They take great care of your moving needs. They are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend them for your moving needs and storage needs. Thanks to the O'Brien team for doing a fantastic job. L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070