You got the "approved" message, yay! 🎉

Take a breath. Do a little happy dance. Maybe text your best friend with way too many exclamation points. You deserve this moment! But here's the thing: getting approved is just the beginning of your apartment journey, not the finish line.

Think of approval as getting invited to the party, now you need to actually show up (with the right outfit, on time, and ready to have a great time). The steps between "approved" and "home sweet home" can make or break your move-in experience. Miss a deadline? You might lose your dream apartment. Skip the inspection? Hello, security deposit drama later.

Don't worry! We've got your back. Here's your no-stress, step-by-step roadmap to turning that approval into your actual new Houston address.

1. Sign the Lease Promptly (But Read It First!)

Your approval email probably came with a lease agreement attached. Exciting, right? Before you grab a pen and sign away, pump the brakes for just a minute.

Here's what to zero in on:

• Rent amount — Make sure it matches what you were quoted (down to the penny)

• Lease term — Are you locked in for 6 months? 12? 15? Know your commitment

• Move-in date — Can you actually move in when you planned?

• Fees — Look for application fees, admin fees, amenity fees, pest control fees... yes, they add up

Pro tip: Leases are written in landlord-speak, not plain English. If a clause sounds like legal gibberish, don't just skim past it. Ask your leasing agent or your ALF locator to break it down for you. That's literally what we're here for.

Once you're comfortable (and we mean actually comfortable, not just "I guess this is fine"), sign it. Most places offer electronic signing these days, which means you can knock this out from your couch. Convenience level: chef's kiss.

2. Pay Required Fees (and Know Where Your Money's Going)

Here comes the part that hurts a little: opening your wallet. But knowing exactly what you're paying for makes it sting less.

Expect to pay:

• Security deposit — Usually equal to one month's rent. Good news: it's refundable if you don't trash the place

• First month's rent — This one's obvious, but it's still a chunk of change

• Pet deposit or monthly pet rent — If you've got a furry roommate, budget for this

• Move-in or admin fees — Some communities charge these one-time fees to process your paperwork

Money-saving hack: Some properties offer move-in specials like waived deposits or discounted first months. If you qualified for one, make sure it's reflected in your invoice. Double-check those numbers!

Have your payment method ready to go, whether that's a certified check, money order, or online payment portal. The faster you pay, the faster you get your keys. Delayed payment can mean a delayed move-in date, and nobody wants that.

3. Provide Proof of Renter's Insurance (Yes, It's Actually Important)

If you've never rented before, renter's insurance might sound like an optional extra. Spoiler alert: it's not. Most Houston apartment communities require it before you can move in.

What does renter's insurance cover?

• Your personal belongings if there's a fire, theft, or storm damage

• Liability if someone gets injured in your apartment

• Temporary housing costs if your unit becomes unlivable

Here's the kicker: Your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your stuff. So if a pipe bursts and ruins your laptop, couch, and vintage record collection, you're out of luck without renter's insurance.

Policies are surprisingly affordable (think $15-30/month), and you can usually get coverage within minutes online. Ask your leasing office what coverage limits they require, then shop around. Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle it with auto insurance.

4. Schedule Your Move-In (Before Someone Else Does)

You've signed the lease and paid your dues, now it's time to lock in your actual move-in logistics.

Here's what to nail down:

• Move-in date and time window — Some properties have specific hours for move-ins, especially on weekends

• Elevator or loading dock reservations — If you're moving into a mid-rise or high-rise, you'll need to reserve these (and trust us, you don't want to haul a couch up six flights of stairs)

• Key pickup instructions — Will you grab keys from the leasing office? Is there a lockbox? Do you need to schedule a meet-up?

Planning this in advance saves you from showing up with a U-Haul full of furniture only to find out the elevator's booked all day. Nightmare fuel.

5. Set Up Utilities (Because Darkness and Heat Don't Mix)

Nothing kills the new apartment vibe faster than realizing you have no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and no air conditioning in Houston summer heat.

Utilities you might need to set up:

• Electricity — Required in most cases (some properties include it, but confirm)

• Water/Sewer — Often included in rent, but not always

• Internet/Cable — Shop around for the best deals; don't just go with the first provider

Timeline: Set these up at least 3-5 days before move-in. Most providers need advance notice to activate service, and you don't want to be sweating it out (literally) on day one.

Houston-specific tip: If you're moving during summer, make electricity your top priority. You'll thank us later.

6. Do a Move-In Inspection (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

Before you start unpacking boxes and arranging furniture, do a thorough walk-through of your new place. We're talking CSI-level inspection.

What to look for:

• Scratches on floors or walls

• Stains on carpets

• Broken fixtures or appliances

• Cracks in windows or tiles

• Water damage or weird smells

Here's the critical part: Take photos or videos of everything. Document any existing damage, no matter how minor it seems. Then report it to the leasing office in writing (email is perfect for creating a paper trail).

Why does this matter? When you move out, landlords compare the condition of the unit to how it was when you moved in. If you don't document pre-existing damage, you could lose part (or all) of your security deposit. We've seen people lose hundreds of dollars over a scratch they didn't cause. Don't be that person.

7. Prepare for Move-In Day (Smart Packing = Stress-Free Unpacking)

Move-in day is chaos. There's no way around it. But you can make it manageable chaos with a little prep work.

Pack an "essentials" box with:

• Toilet paper (seriously, don't forget this)

• Toothbrush and toiletries

• Phone chargers

• Change of clothes

• Snacks and water

• Basic cleaning supplies

• Paper towels and trash bags

This box is your lifeline. You don't want to dig through 47 boxes at 11 PM looking for your toothbrush.

If you're hiring movers: Confirm your reservation 2-3 days in advance. Get arrival time estimates, ask about any extra fees, and make sure they have the correct address. Also, tip your movers, they're literally carrying your life up stairs.

DIY move? Recruit friends with the promise of pizza and beer. Label your boxes by room. Use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items. Future you will be grateful for the organization.

ALF Promise: We're With You Every Step of the Way

At Apartment Lease Finders, we don't ghost you after you get approved. Our job isn't done until you're comfortably settled in your new place.

Need help understanding your lease? We'll walk you through it. Not sure which utilities to set up? We've got recommendations. Confused about renter's insurance? We'll point you to affordable options.

We're not just apartment locators, we're your Houston move-in crew. From approval to unpacking that last box, we're here to make your transition smooth, stress-free, and actually enjoyable.

Ready to find your perfect Houston apartment? Let's make it happen. Your new home is waiting. 🏡