Moving out of a studio apartment might seem simple, but it still takes careful planning to avoid last-minute stress and overlooked items. Whether you’re relocating across town or to another state, using a well-thought-out moving checklist for a studio apartment helps you stay on track, protect your belongings, and save time on moving day.
In this guide, we walk you through exactly what to pack, how to prepare, and what size truck is typically right for a studio move. We also include a link to our Moving Truck Size Estimator so you can check whether a 10-foot truck fits your needs.
Why You Need a Studio Apartment Moving Checklist
A studio apartment might not have as much furniture as a one- or two-bedroom home, but that can be deceiving. Most studios still contain essentials like a bed, small sofa, TV, dining table, kitchen items, and personal belongings. Having a detailed list keeps you organized and ensures you do not forget anything during the process.
Benefits of Using a Checklist:
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Avoid forgetting small but necessary items like power cords and toiletries
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Streamline packing with logical grouping
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Make unpacking easier by labeling and organizing
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Estimate moving truck size more accurately
What Size Truck Do You Need for a Studio Apartment?
Most studio apartments can fit into a 10-foot moving truck, but that depends on how much furniture you own. A typical 10-foot truck holds about 400 to 500 cubic feet of space, which usually works for:
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A twin or full-size bed
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A loveseat or small sofa
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Small table and chairs
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A TV and stand
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Several boxes (10–15 average-size)
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Small appliances
If you have bulky furniture or extra storage items, you might need to upgrade to a 12-foot or even a 15-foot truck. You can use our Moving Truck Size Estimator to double-check. Just input your furniture and it will suggest the best truck size based on volume.
Studio Apartment Moving Checklist
Here is a categorized, easy-to-follow checklist for moving out of a studio apartment:
1. Packing Supplies
Before you begin packing, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials:
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Small, medium, and large boxes
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Wardrobe boxes (for hanging clothes)
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Packing tape
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Bubble wrap or packing paper
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Stretch wrap for furniture
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Permanent markers for labeling
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Trash bags or vacuum bags (for clothing or soft items)
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Scissors or box cutter
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Furniture blankets (especially for electronics and wood surfaces)
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Hand truck or dolly (for easier lifting)
2. Bedroom Area
Even in a studio, most people designate one area for sleeping. Here’s what you need to pack and prepare:
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Bed frame (disassemble in advance if possible)
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Mattress and box spring
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Bedding: sheets, comforter, pillows
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Nightstand or small bedside table
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Lamp
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Clothing (folded or hung)
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Closet contents: shoes, hangers, organizers
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Alarm clock
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Personal safe or lockbox (for valuables)
Tip: Use vacuum-seal bags for clothing to save space in the truck.
3. Living Area
In many studios, the bed and living space blend together. But if you have a separate seating or entertainment area, make sure you include:
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Loveseat, small sofa, or futon
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Coffee table or side tables
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Television
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TV stand or media shelf
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Books or entertainment media
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Lamps or floor lights
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Throw blankets and cushions
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Artwork or wall decor
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Extension cords or power strips
4. Kitchen
Packing the kitchen is often more time-consuming due to fragile items. Give yourself plenty of time to protect everything:
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Dishes (plates, bowls, cups)
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Glassware
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Silverware
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Cooking utensils
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Pots and pans
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Small appliances (microwave, blender, toaster)
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Food storage containers
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Pantry items (spices, canned food)
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Dish rack or drying mat
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Trash can
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Cleaning supplies (dish soap, sponges, etc.)
Packing tip: Wrap plates vertically in packing paper and use towels or dishcloths for extra padding inside boxes.
5. Bathroom
Bathrooms are small but still have plenty of daily-use items. Use a separate box just for toiletries:
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Towels and washcloths
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Shower curtain and liner
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Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
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Toilet brush and plunger
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Bathmat
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Hairdryer or grooming items
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Medicine cabinet contents
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First aid kit
6. Office or Desk Area
Many studio apartments double up as workspaces. Pack this gear carefully to avoid losing cords or breaking electronics:
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Laptop or desktop computer
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Monitor
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Keyboard and mouse
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Desk
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Desk chair
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Notebooks and stationery
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Charging cables
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Desk lamp
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Router or modem
Label all cables clearly so reassembly at your new place is quick and hassle-free.
7. Miscellaneous Items
These are the little things that are easy to forget but take up more room than expected:
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Laundry basket or hamper
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Ironing board or steamer
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Vacuum or broom
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Mirrors
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Curtains and rods
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Plants
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Seasonal items (holiday decorations, fans, etc.)
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Storage bins or plastic drawers
8. Important Documents and Personal Items
Always keep these items with you rather than placing them on the truck:
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Identification (passport, driver’s license)
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Lease or rental documents
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Insurance paperwork
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Birth certificate, Social Security card
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Banking items and checkbooks
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Prescription medications
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Phone charger and laptop charger
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Spare keys
9. Moving Day Essentials
These are the items you should pack last and keep accessible:
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Change of clothes
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Toiletry bag
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Snacks and water
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Tool kit (screwdrivers, Allen wrench, etc.)
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Moving gloves
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Trash bags
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Paper towels or cleaning wipes
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Pet supplies (if applicable)
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Your phone and navigation system
Should You Rent a 10-Foot Truck?
If you are still asking, what fits in a 10ft truck, the general answer is: most studio apartment setups do. However, the condition is that your furniture is fairly compact and you have not hoarded an excessive amount of personal items. Ten-foot trucks work best for minimalists or people who live in furnished studios and only need to move boxes, clothes, and small appliances.
If you are unsure, use our Moving Truck Size Estimator to get a tailored recommendation. It factors in everything from furniture types to item count and gives you a truck size estimate instantly.
Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Stress Less
Studio apartment moves may not require the biggest trucks or the most manpower, but preparation is still key. From collecting your supplies to figuring out what fits in a 10-foot truck, a clear plan makes a huge difference. Following a moving checklist for studio apartments like the one above helps you stay organized, pack more efficiently, and avoid mistakes that cost time or money.
Want help figuring out the best truck for your move? Try our free Moving Truck Size Estimator and take the guesswork out of moving day.
