Source: Ketut Subiyanto

Updated August 13, 2026

Apartment Move-In Checklist for eight70 in Westwood

Moving into a new apartment takes more preparation than packing boxes and buying furniture. You also need to review your lease, confirm move-in details, understand your utility responsibilities, inspect the apartment, and plan how your belongings will fit.

If you're moving into eight70 in Westwood, Los Angeles, this apartment move-in checklist can help you stay organized before, during, and after moving day.

Quick Answer

Before moving into a new apartment, review your lease and move-in instructions, confirm which utilities you need to arrange, pack your essentials separately, and plan how your belongings will arrive. On move-in day, inspect and document the apartment before fully unpacking. Afterward, organize your space, update your address, and get familiar with your new community and neighborhood.

Step 1: Review Your Lease and Confirm Move-In Details

A smoother apartment move starts before the moving truck arrives.

Review your lease again and make sure you understand your confirmed move-in date, any payments that may be due, and the conditions that apply when taking possession of the apartment. If renter's insurance is required under your lease, confirm that you have completed the necessary steps before moving.

You should also verify practical details with the leasing team rather than assuming the process will be the same as another apartment building.

Questions worth confirming include:

• How and when will you receive your keys or building access?
• Are there designated moving times or building instructions?
• Are there requirements for professional movers?
• Where can your moving vehicle park or load?
• Are there access instructions you need before arriving?
• Is any additional documentation required before move-in?

Planning these details ahead of time can be especially helpful in Westwood, where traffic, parking, UCLA activity, and neighborhood events can affect how easily you get around on moving day.

If something is unclear, review the eight70 frequently asked questions or confirm the current procedure directly with the leasing team.

Step 2: Confirm Utilities and Internet Before Moving

Utilities are an important part of preparing for a new apartment, but renters should not assume that every service needs to be activated separately.

Utility responsibilities can differ based on the property and lease agreement. Start by reviewing your lease to see which services are included, billed separately, or require you to establish your own account.

Before moving, consider these steps:

• Review the utility section of your lease.
• Identify which services are included with your apartment.
• Confirm which services, if any, you need to activate.
• Arrange necessary start dates before move-in.
• Plan internet installation early if you need reliable access for work, school, or everyday use.

Avoid automatically signing up for electricity, water, gas, or internet simply because a generic moving checklist tells you to. Confirm what actually applies to your apartment first.

For current property information, you can also review the eight70 frequently asked questions. If your lease or the website does not answer a specific utility question, check with the leasing team before making arrangements.

Step 3: Pack Strategically and Prepare a First-Night Box

Packing becomes much easier when you organize your belongings before putting everything into boxes.

Start by decluttering. Go through clothing, furniture, kitchen items, books, and other belongings and decide what you actually want to bring into your new home. Donate, recycle, sell, or discard things you no longer need.

Next, pack one room at a time and label boxes clearly. Instead of labeling a box only "Kitchen," try something more specific, such as "Kitchen — Everyday Dishes" or "Bedroom — Bedding."

This will make unpacking much easier.

Keep important documents with you rather than packing them somewhere difficult to reach. These may include your lease, identification, renter's insurance documents if applicable, mover information, and any move-in instructions you received.

What Should You Pack in a First-Night Box?

Prepare one box or bag that you can access as soon as you arrive.

Consider packing:

• Toiletries
• Prescription medications
• Phone and laptop chargers
• Bedding and pillows
• Towels
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Basic cleaning supplies
• A change of clothes
• Snacks and water
• Basic kitchen items
• Important lease and move-in documents
• Pet food and supplies if you're moving with a pet

Think of this as your apartment version of carry-on luggage. Keep it with you or make sure it is one of the first things unloaded.

Step 4: Inspect Your Apartment Before You Unpack

Before filling the apartment with boxes and furniture, take a few minutes to inspect each room.

An apartment move-in inspection helps you identify existing wear or maintenance concerns while the space is still easy to examine. It also gives you an opportunity to document the apartment's condition when you received it.

Walk through the unit slowly before fully unpacking.

Apartment Move-In Inspection Checklist

Check the condition and operation of items such as:

• Entry doors and locks
• Interior doors
• Windows and screens
• Walls and ceilings
• Flooring and baseboards
• Faucets and sinks
• Toilets and showers
• Visible plumbing
• Appliances included with the apartment
• Electrical outlets where practical
• Interior lights
• Heating and air conditioning, if applicable
• Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
• Cabinets and drawers
• Closets
• Visible signs of leaks or water damage
• Existing scratches, stains, chips, dents, or other damage

Take clear photos or video of the apartment's condition before your belongings cover walls, floors, or other surfaces. Keep the files with your lease records in case you need to refer to them later.

If you notice existing damage or something that does not appear to be working properly, report it promptly through the property's approved process.

Because reporting procedures can vary, check your lease or confirm the current process with the eight70 leasing team instead of assuming how move-in concerns should be submitted.

Step 5: Plan Your Furniture and Apartment Layout

Before buying a sofa, bed, dining table, or desk, make sure it actually fits your apartment.

Start by reviewing the eight70 floor plans to better understand the general layout you're moving into. Floor plans are useful for planning, but actual apartment dimensions and features can vary, so take measurements of your specific home whenever possible before purchasing large items.

Measure more than just the wall where the furniture will sit.

Consider:

• Door openings
• Hallways and entry paths
• Furniture width and depth
• Space needed to walk around furniture
• Drawer and cabinet clearance
• Placement of outlets and other fixed features

It can also help to prioritize essential furniture instead of furnishing the entire apartment immediately. Once you've lived in the space for a little while, you'll have a better idea of which areas need additional storage, seating, or work surfaces.

For ideas on making your layout work harder without overcrowding it, explore these space-saving furniture ideas for your eight70 apartment.

You can also use the official eight70 virtual tours to get another look at available apartment layouts while thinking through furniture placement and organization.

Step 6: Learn Your eight70 Amenities and Resident Resources

Moving in is also a good time to become familiar with the spaces and resources available around your community.

According to the current eight70 amenities page, community amenities include a heated resort-style pool, fitness center, conference and study room, outdoor resident lounge, and laundry facilities.

Learning what is available can help you decide how to use your apartment space. For example, access to a study or conference room may give you another option when you need a quiet place to work, while community fitness and outdoor areas can become part of your normal routine.

You do not need to learn everything on your first day. Start with the resources you are likely to use most often.

It's also a good idea to review your lease and community guidelines after moving in so you understand any rules that apply to shared areas, guests, pets, maintenance requests, or other parts of apartment living.

When a policy is unclear, use the current property information or ask the leasing team rather than relying on advice meant for another apartment community.

Step 7: Update Your Address and Get to Know Westwood

Once you've moved, make a list of the accounts and organizations that need your new address.

For mail forwarding, use the official U.S. Postal Service change-of-address resource instead of a third-party change-of-address website.

You may also need to update your address with:

• Banks and credit card companies
• Employers or schools
• Insurance providers
• Subscription services
• Online retailers
• Government agencies that apply to you
• Friends and family who regularly send mail

Remember that forwarding your mail does not necessarily update your address with every organization. Change important accounts individually so future documents and deliveries go directly to the correct address.

Get Familiar With Your New Westwood Routine

Settling into an apartment is also about learning your neighborhood.

eight70 is located near UCLA and Westwood Village, putting residents close to restaurants, coffee shops, grocery options, and other everyday destinations.

After moving, identify the places that will matter most to your routine. That could include your preferred grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, walking route, transit stop, study location, or go-to place for an easy meal.

Students may prioritize their route to UCLA, while professionals and other renters may be more focused on commuting, errands, dining, and neighborhood services.

If you're new to the area, the guide to living in Westwood Village can help you learn more about the neighborhood after you settle in.

Make Your Move to eight70 Easier

A little planning can make apartment move-in day much easier. If you're still exploring your options in Westwood, browse eight70 apartments in Westwood and review the available eight70 floor plans. When you're ready to see the community in person, you can schedule a tour of eight70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do before moving into a new apartment?

Before moving, review your lease, confirm your move-in date and current building instructions, arrange movers or transportation, verify utility responsibilities, and prepare important documents. You should also pack a separate essentials box and confirm any questions about access, keys, renter's insurance, parking, or moving procedures with the property before moving day.

What should I inspect on apartment move-in day?

Inspect doors, locks, windows, walls, flooring, plumbing, appliances, lights, outlets, cabinets, heating or air conditioning equipment, detectors, and visible signs of leaks or existing damage. Take photos or video before fully unpacking and promptly report concerns using the property's approved process.

Which utilities do I need to set up before moving into eight70?

Utility responsibilities may depend on your lease and current property procedures. Review your lease to determine what is included and which services, if any, you need to activate separately. If anything is unclear, check the current eight70 FAQ or confirm the requirements directly with the leasing team before your move-in date.

What should I put in a first-night apartment box?

Pack items you will need immediately, including toiletries, medications, chargers, bedding, towels, toilet paper, basic cleaning supplies, a change of clothes, snacks, water, and important move-in documents. If you're moving with a pet, keep food and other necessary pet supplies accessible as well.

How early should I prepare for an apartment move?

Start preparing several weeks ahead when possible. This gives you time to review your lease, declutter, book movers, gather packing supplies, verify utilities, measure furniture, and resolve building-specific questions. The earlier you handle these tasks, the less likely you are to face last-minute problems on moving day.

Where can I find eight70 floor plans and current apartment availability?

Visit the official eight70 floor plans page for current layouts and availability. Apartment availability, pricing, dimensions, deposits, and individual features can change, so use the current property website and leasing team rather than relying on older blog posts or third-party listings.