So you’re moving into your first apartment in Iowa City — maybe even your first place without roommates. Exciting? Definitely. Overwhelming? A little. Whether you’re making the leap into adulthood or just craving your own space, a smooth move-in starts with a solid plan. That’s where we come in.
At Cambridge Place Apartments, we’ve seen plenty of move-ins (and a few “oops, I forgot that!” moments). So we put together this no-fluff, gotta-have-it checklist to help you avoid the classic rookie mistakes.
1. Don’t Let the Couch Win
Picture this: You’ve lugged your couch up the stairs, turned it sideways, upside down, and back again… and it still won’t fit through the door. Trust us — it happens.
- Measure everything. Check with our leasing office to confirm floor plan dimensions for your new place.
- Stick to the essentials. Think: bed, dresser, sofa, table, chairs, cookware, lamps, curtains, cleaning supplies — you get the idea.
- Match the space. Giant sectional in a cozy one-bedroom? Probably not. Scale your furniture to the room.
- Use the elevator. Our building features an elevator, perfect for helping you move smaller furniture, boxes, and supplies without multiple trips up the stairs.
- Skip what’s falling apart. If your bookshelf has one too many wobbly legs, it might be time to leave it behind.
2. Renters Insurance: It’s Not Optional (But It’s Smart)
At Cambridge Place Apartments, renters insurance is required — and for good reason. While the building itself is fully covered, your personal belongings (think furniture, clothes, electronics, and more) are not.
A renters policy protects you if there’s theft, fire, or other unexpected damage, and many plans also cover hotel stays, liability, and medical expenses if needed. It’s a simple, affordable way to protect your new home — and one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
3. Make Room to Work (and Scroll)
Even if you’re not working remotely full-time, having a spot to check email, binge a few episodes, or write that paper is essential. Set up a desk nook in your living room or bedroom — just make sure there’s space for your chair, laptop, and that favorite coffee mug.
3.5. Storage That Works for You
Let’s be real: apartment living is so much easier when you’re not battling for closet space. At Cambridge Place, each apartment includes extra storage space — ideal for your seasonal clothes, keepsakes, bins of holiday decorations, or even that slow cooker you only use once a year. It’s just one more perk that helps you settle in without sacrificing space.
4. Pack a “First Day” Box (and Thank Yourself Later)
You’re not going to want to dig through boxes to find your toothbrush. Save your sanity with a “first night” kit:
- Coffeemaker + mug
- Coffee or tea (plus creamer!)
- Snacks and paper towels
- Dishes + silverware
- Toiletries and toilet paper
- Phone charger
- Comfy clothes and sheets
Trust us, future-you will appreciate this.
5. Utilities: Just One Call to Make
Good news — at Cambridge Place, we keep things simple. Water, gas, internet, cable, trash, and recycling are all included in your rent, so there’s no juggling multiple bills or extra setup stress.
The only utility you’ll need to arrange is electricity. Simply contact MidAmerican Energy a couple of weeks before your move-in date to start service. That’s it!
6. Know the Lease Stuff
It’s not the most thrilling part, but you should know:
- When rent is due. At Cambridge Place, rent is due on the 1st of each month — but if you’ve filled out our ACH form, the payment is automatically deducted from your account. That means no calendar reminders, no stress, and no late fees sneaking up on you.
- What the late fee policy is. (Hint: with ACH, you probably won’t need to worry about it!)
- What happens if you break the lease early
- How lease renewals work
- How much notice you need to give if you plan to move out
When in doubt? Ask! Our leasing team is always happy to help explain the details.
7. Learn the House Rules
Every community has guidelines to keep things running smoothly. At Cambridge Place Apartments, we’ll help you get settled with info on:
- Where to park (and where your moving truck should go)
- Where your assigned parking spot is
- Where to toss your trash — and where to take your recycling
- Quiet hours (respect the vibe)
- How to access our fitness room
- Where your personal storage space is located (included with every unit!)
- How to get connected:
- Your apartment is Wi-Fi ready. We’ll provide simple instructions at move-in so you can connect your laptop, tablet, and phone to the internet quickly.
- Your TV can also be connected to the included cable streaming service. We’ll walk you through getting your television online so you can start watching your favorite shows without needing an extra cable box or contract.
When in doubt, just reach out — we’re always happy to help make sure everything is working smoothly!
Bonus Tip: Your Heated Garage = Secret Winter Track
Yes, it’s real. Cambridge Place features a heated underground parking garage — not only perfect for keeping your car warm, but also ideal for brisk indoor walks or jogging a few laps when it’s too icy outside. Who needs a treadmill when you’ve got that?
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re looking for a cozy 1-bedroom or need the space of a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment, Cambridge Place Apartments in Iowa City has you covered. Our spacious layouts, elevator access for easier moving, built-in storage space, and convenient features (like an on-site fitness room and heated garage) make apartment living straightforward and enjoyable.
Explore our available Iowa City apts for rent today. Got questions? We’re here when you need us.
Let’s get you settled into a space that feels like home.