The Cambridge Place Move-In Guide: Your First 30 Days in an Iowa City Apartment


Welcome Home to Cambridge Place

Moving into a new apartment is exciting—but it’s even better when everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re new to Iowa City or just changing addresses, Cambridge Place Apartments makes the first 30 days easy. With thoughtful amenities, responsive management, and a quiet neighborhood close to everything, you’ll feel at home faster than you expected.


Before Move-In Day: Plan Ahead for a Smooth Start

A little prep saves a lot of stress.

  • Confirm your lease & move-in date. Our team will text or email reminders and parking details.
  • Utilities: Contact MidAmerican Energy for your electric service. No need to contact anyone else as we provide and take care of all the other utilities for you!
  • Mail & Packages: Notify the U.S. Postal Service and update your online shipping accounts.
  • Packing Tips: Label boxes by room and keep essentials—chargers, toiletries, coffee and especially that TV remote control—within reach for your first night.

Cambridge Place’s elevator and spacious drives make move-in day simple, even with a full truck.


Move-In Day: Your Checklist

  • Inspect your apartment. Check lights, appliances, water pressure, and thermostat.
  • Turn down the thermostat to 62 °F if you’ll be away for more than an hour in winter. This is to help us keep your rent increases at a minimum.
  • Note maintenance needs and share them with management at the initial inspection—repairs are handled quickly.
  • Unload efficiently. Use carts and keep hallways clear for neighbors.

Don’t forget to visit your recycling room next to the elevator—keeping items clean and sorted is part of our sustainability commitment.


Settling In and Setting Up

After the boxes are gone, focus on comfort.

  • Wi-Fi & TV: Free Wi-Fi and TV service via ImOn Freedom Video are available; log-in details are in your welcome packet. Should you have any difficulty with your initial setup, we are here to help!
  • Lighting & Décor: Soft white LED bulbs and window treatments make your space warm and efficient.
  • Storage: Use your free 10×10 storage unit for seasonal items and any of those large moving boxes you wish to keep.
  • Library Corner: Visit our read-and-share library to borrow a book and maybe meet some of your neighbors.

Understanding Community Etiquette

Cambridge Place is known for its quiet, respectful environment.

  • The property is smoke-free and pet-free for the enjoyment of all of our tenants—thank you for keeping it that way.
  • Use the fitness room and common areas courteously and wipe equipment after use.
  • Keep balconies tidy—no grills or storage, and avoid using ice-melt on our recycled-plastic decking.
  • Park only in yellow-lined spaces and never in no-parking zones (moving trucks excepted); extra parking is available by request.
  • On Hawkeye game days, special permits are required—ask management in advance. Please no tailgating in our parking lot, but your deck or patio is the perfect spot for before game activities with your friends!

These simple habits keep the property safe and peaceful for everyone.


Home Care & Maintenance Tips

  • Avoid nails or screws in doors, windows, or cabinets—use removable hooks.
  • Clean kitchen and bath surfaces with mild, non-abrasive cleaners. We have a professional cleaning team to ready your unit prior to move in, so you can relax after your big move.
  • Wipe tubs and sinks weekly to prevent buildup.
  • Report drips or leaks quickly; early fixes prevent larger repairs.
  • In winter, keep heat consistent to avoid frozen pipes.

Our maintenance team uses eco-friendly products and schedules preventive checks, so issues stay rare.


Recycling & Sustainability

Recycling is mandatory and easy: clean plastics (#1, #2, #4, #5, #7), tin, glass, paper, and cardboard go into bins next to each elevator.

This effort supports Iowa City’s sustainability goals and Cambridge Place’s solar-powered, energy-efficient community design.

Learn more in our related post Eco-Friendly Apartment Rentals in Iowa City: Sustainable Living at Cambridge Place.


Safety First

Know your exits and pull stations.

If an alarm sounds:

  1. Leave immediately using stairs (not elevators).
  2. Close doors behind you.
  3. Wait for the all-clear before re-entering.

Smoke and CO detectors are checked regularly, but let us know if you hear a low-battery chirp so we can replace it promptly.


Getting to Know Your Neighborhood

You’re steps from Finkbine Golf Course, Willow Creek Park, and King Park.

Downtown Iowa City, the University of Iowa campus, and Kinnick Stadium are minutes away.

Route 5 of the Iowa City Transit bus stops near the property, making commutes and errands easy.

Local favorites like Sidekick Coffee and books, Coaches Corner, and Bread Garden Market offer great spots to unwind after move-in day.


Your First 30 Days Checklist

✅ Set up utilities and autopay.

✅ Review parking and guest policies.

✅ Test smoke detectors and lights.

✅ Learn recycling locations and rules.

✅ Connect to Wi-Fi and TV service.

✅ Meet a neighbor or visit the library.

✅ Bookmark the Cambridge Place contact page for maintenance requests.


Living the Cambridge Place Way

During your first month, you’ll quickly see the difference a family-owned property makes. Friendly communication, quick responses, and pride in every detail make Cambridge Place more than just an address—it’s a community that truly cares.


Moving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right preparation, a warm welcome, and support from your management team, your first month can set the tone for years of comfortable living in Iowa City.


Find your home at Cambridge Place Apartments and make your first 30 days in Iowa City feel effortless.