Experts say you should start looking for a new apartment at least 60 to 90 days before you want to move in, especially if you want to remove stress from the process.
In a 2020 survey of 1,000 Americans, 45% cited moving as one of the most stressful events in their life, followed close behind by going through a breakup or getting divorced. The good news is, finding a new apartment and moving doesn’t have to be stressful if give yourself enough time to look before your current lease ends. We took the guesswork out of apartment hunting with our guide of top tips, strategies, and the best time for your next move.
Start your search 60 to 90 days before your move date. Most landlords require 60 days' notice to vacate, so we recommend giving yourself a solid 60 days to find a new apartment.
If you’re flexible, 90 days is even better. That gives you some extra time to find a unit that truly meets your needs without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You'll also minimize the chance of reaching out to places that aren’t available yet because you're too far out from your move date.
If you don’t have a lease that you need to break, you can start looking for apartments at any time.
Break your move into a 90/60-30-day plan, so nothing piles up right at the end. We’ve created checklists for each of these timelines below that you use as a starting point.
1. Begin your search: Figure out where you want to live, what you can afford, and what matters most (commute, amenities, layout, etc.). It’s best to aim to sign a lease around the 60-day mark, but in more competitive cities, it’s common to sign around the 30-day mark. Apartment List can help you explore your options.
2. Decide on the moving window: Pick a realistic move-in range and keep a little flexibility. You’ll use this date when touring and applying.
3. Notify your landlord: Most leases require 60 days’ notice. Check your lease and submit it on time so you don’t get stuck paying extra rent.
4. Start decluttering: Start going through every room in your apartment and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
5. Research moving companies: Look up reviews, ask for recommendations, and get estimates from at least three different moving companies.
6. Create a moving budget: Consider all your possible moving expenses, like movers, packing materials, potential repairs, travel expenses, and more.
7. Collect important documents: Gather and organize essential documents such as medical records, passports, and social security cards.
1. Secure a new unit: Sign your lease and pay your security deposit. Most renters finalize this around the 30 to 60-day mark.
2. Book a moving company: If you want help moving, choose your moving company or truck and reserve your date now. Good slots fill up fast.
3. Inform friends and family: Let your close friends and family know about your move.
4. Start packing nonessentials: Begin packing items that you don't use very often, like out of season clothes.
5. Submit change of address: Update your address with USPS using your final move-in date.
6. Connect/disconnect utilities: Schedule a date to disconnect your current utilities and set up utilities at your new apartment.
7. Plan for cleaning: You’ll want to do a deep clean after you've removed your belongings.
1. Confirm move details: Double-check timing, address, and logistics with your movers or truck rental.
2. Finish packing: Make sure everything is packed and labeled.
3. Service your vehicle: If you're using your vehicle for the move, ensure it's in good shape.
4. Pack an essentials bag for your first night: Include clothes, toiletries, chargers, and anything you’ll need right away.
5. Do a final walkthrough: Check every room, closet, and cabinet before you leave.
6. Return your keys: Coordinate handoff with your landlord or property manager.
7. Take move-out photos: Snap clear photos of the empty unit to protect your security deposit.
8. Finalize change of address: Submit your change of address to your bank, credit card company, phone company, and any other institution that requires a current address.
| Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Search window | 60 to 90 days before move |
| Notice to landlord | 60 days |
| Lease signing | 30 to 60 days before move |
| Application to move-in | 7 to 30 days |
| Cheapest months | October to March |
| Greatest inventory | May to September |
| Income requirement | 3x monthly rent |
| Typical credit score | 650+ |
Some apartment complexes have waitlists that stretch months or even years. If you’ve got your eye on one of those, start your search early.
We tend to see the most deals in winter (October to March), while inventory peaks in the summer (May to September).
Nationwide rents typically increase during the summer and decline in the winter, reaching their highest point from July through September.
While there's not always a “best time” to rent an apartment, it’s good to keep apartment seasonality trends in mind, especially if your moving date is flexible.
Saturdays are the best days to visit apartment complexes since they’re usually open for tours. Just note that some rental properties that abide by dynamic rental pricing might also increase their rental costs on busy days, so you could end up spending more if you submit an application on the weekend.
However, many complexes now choose to list their prices online, and apartment deals and offers are frequently handled through listing websites. .
| Situation | Time Range |
|---|---|
| If your lease has a fixed end date | Start 60 to 90 days before your lease ends. That gives you time to tour, apply, and plan your move without scrambling. |
| If you’re month-to-month | Start 30 to 60 days out. You’ve got flexibility, but good units still move fast. |
| If you’re relocating for a job | Start immediately. Aim for a 14 to 30-day window and expect fewer options. |
| If you’re moving for school | Start 90+ days early. Competition spikes around campus areas. |
| If you’re looking at a waitlisted building | Start months in advance. Some buildings won’t have availability on your timeline. |
You can move in under two weeks, but you’ll trade flexibility for speed. Here’s what we suggest:
Days 1 to 3
Days 3 to 5
Days 5 to 10
Days 10 to 14
The main trade-offs with moving this quickly are that you’ll find fewer options at higher prices, and you’ll have less negotiation power.
If you haven't committed to a neighborhood and are moving somewhere you've never lived, here are a few things to consider:
Finding the right neighborhood for you should be simple. Below are the best ways to find local advice on neighborhoods and help in deciding where to move.
Many listing websites, like Apartment List, offer guides to neighborhoods in major metropolitan areas. For example, our Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta guide covers rent prices, transportation, location, and great local insights into each area.
You can find neighborhood guides like these on our website or other sites through Google.
We love YouTube for local insights into cities across the United States, like this one from Ruth Krishnan on living in San Francisco. You can watch videos from locals who have lived in the city for decades or find content (like the video linked above) from local real estate agents who often have specific insights into the cost of living in the area, schools, safety, and more.
Similarly, you can find many cost-of-living guides on our website (search by city), which provide insights into neighborhoods and offer a better understanding of what it's like to live in a state or city.
A rent calculator can also help you decide if you can afford to live in a particular area and provide an idea for what your budget will be.
While you can generally find crime information in local guides, you can also use Google to see if your prospective city offers a crime map so you can visually survey which neighborhoods are safest.
These crime maps typically show the type of incident that occurred (e.g., robbery, car theft, homicide) and the corresponding address.
You can also use CrimeGrade for a quick, color-coded breakdown of safety by area, which makes it easier to compare neighborhoods side by side.
Our tried-and-tested list of when to start looking for an apartment and what you need to show up prepared and ready to pounce on the apartment of your dreams.
There are several logistical considerations to keep in mind for your upcoming move. Your move-in date drives almost every decision. Set it based on your job timeline, lease terms, and how active the rental market is when you plan to move.
Of course, if you need to move as soon as possible, these factors may not be a concern.
Get your budget in order before you start looking for an apartment by following the 50/30/20 rule to begin planning. You can also check out a rent calculator to give you an idea of the rent you can afford and show you apartments within your budget in your desired city.
The minimum credit score required to rent an apartment is usually 650.
A higher score will typically put you in a favorable position among your competition, while a lower score may reduce your chances of landing an apartment.
The right amenities can make or break your apartment-hunting experience. Come prepared with a list of priorities, ranging from must-haves to nice-to-haves, such as walk-in closets, hardwood floors, updated appliances, and outdoor space.
Most applications require your ID, proof of income, rental history, and a credit check. Have everything ready so you can apply the same day you tour. Good units don’t usually stay available for long.
Learn more about the apartment application process.
If you're wondering when you should start looking for an apartment, remember that time is of the essence. Knowing when to start apartment hunting is often impacted by rental seasonality. To understand the average rent prices in your preferred area, check out our average rent reports and our national rent report.
Before you begin your tours, prepare a list of questions to ask when looking at apartments. It’s easy to get distracted when an apartment has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. The best way to stay focused is to bring specific questions.
Apartments become available throughout the year, with seasonal fluctuations, so we recommend making a list of your top choices ahead of time. Having your list ready helps you put one foot ahead of the competition.
Whether you're on a month-to-month or annual lease, review your rental terms to confirm the notice period required to vacate before your new move-in date. Then start lining up appointments to tour apartments 30 to 60 days before your lease ends.
Try to schedule all your tours on the same day and take a day off from work to hit them all in one go. The number of apartments you should tour varies, depending on your budget, wish list, and how much time you have before moving.
Having an apartment checklist can help with a smooth transition. Prepare all necessary documents, including your apartment application, identification (e.g., driver's license or state ID), previous rental and address history, employment information, and proof of income.
Many renters are unaware of how common rental scams are, leaving them vulnerable.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid rental fraud scams during your apartment hunt:
As a few final apartment-hunting tips, read your lease agreement before you sign, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ensure you understand whether you are signing a long- or short-term lease agreement.
No, particularly if you're considering places with waitlists.
Not at all. It’s recommended to start looking for a new apartment 60 to 90 days before you want to move.
One month may not be enough time to find an apartment. Most renters will sign a lease one month before their move-in date, meaning you should start looking for a new apartment at least two months in advance.
October through March are the best months to find an apartment at lower prices, and the summer months between May and September are the best times for apartment availability. Just keep in mind that there’s typically more competition in summer.
It can be hard to find an apartment during the summer months (May to September) due to a higher volume of people moving. But it also depends on the rental market in the place you’re moving to.
Moving into an apartment takes about 30 to 60 days, but you may be able to secure a rental property in as little as one week if you’re looking aggressively
According to our national rent report, for the past few years, national rent prices have typically peaked in March.
Most rental leases start between May and August, and this trend holds true across the U.S. During this time, kids are out of school, and the weather doesn’t deter people from moving to new locations.
Most landlords require 60 days’ notice to vacate. Check your lease to confirm, but that’s the standard in most cases.
Usually, a renter must be 18 years old to rent their own apartment. In some cases, someone under 18 can rent with a co-signer, legal guardian, or court-approved emancipation, but it depends on local laws and the landlord’s policies.
Landlords typically require two to three months' worth of pay slips or bank account statements to verify income. They may also require a 3x rent-to-income ratio, where tenants must earn three times the rent to qualify. For example, if you want to rent an apartment that costs $1,000, you will have to earn $3,000 pretax every month to qualify.
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, New construction + more
