Checklist for Cleaning and Moving into a New Apartment Before Tết: Start the New Year Lightly and Stress-Free

  • 01/19/2026
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1. Why clean and move to a new apartment before Tết?

Moving house is a big decision, but if you choose the right timing, it can actually make life much easier.

  • A strong “reset” mindset: Starting the year in a new, clean, tidy, and well-lit home creates a positive sense of renewal.

  • Combine year-end cleaning with moving: Instead of thoroughly cleaning your old place, you can sort, declutter, and pack at the same time to move into a new apartment.

  • Less pressure after Tết: Many people postpone moving until after Tết and then get caught up in work again. If you move before Tết, you start the new year already settled into a comfortable home.

  • Serviced apartments reduce 60–70% of the workload: With full furniture, you don’t need to buy much, worry about installation, or handle basic setup and operations.

2. Before moving: a “planning” checklist 2–4 weeks before Tết

Before you start cleaning and packing, clarify these three key points:

2.1. Choose the area & type of apartment

  • Do you want to live near work, schools, a lake, or close to parents/relatives?

  • Priority: quiet, central, or lively neighborhood?

  • Choose between:

    • Serviced apartments: fully furnished, housekeeping, security, and on-site support.

    • Self-furnished apartments: you handle furniture, cleaning, and maintenance yourself.

Close to Tết, serviced apartments usually have the advantage—you can move in and live immediately without extensive setup.

2.2. Define your budget and rental term

  • Maximum monthly budget (including electricity, water, services).

  • Short-term (1–2 weeks) or long-term (1 month or more)?

  • Deposit amount, how many months paid in advance, and what services are included?

This helps you filter options quickly and avoid wasting time viewing places beyond your budget.

2.3. Finalize moving date – avoid peak days

  • Ideally, 1–3 weeks before Tết so you have time to settle in.

  • Avoid days too close to Lunar New Year’s Eve when moving services are overloaded.

  • If using a moving service, book early to secure your slot.

3. Old home cleaning checklist: “sort – discard – pack”

3.1. Sort and discard before packing

Rule of thumb: don’t move clutter into your new home.

  • Clothes and items unused for 1 year or more: donate, give away, or discard.

  • Old, broken, or bulky household items: consider selling cheaply or throwing them away—especially if the new apartment is already furnished.

  • Documents and paperwork: categorize (important documents to keep / miscellaneous papers to discard).

Every bag you discard is one less box you need to carry.

3.2. Pack smartly

  • Pack boxes by usage area: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, documents, etc.

  • Label clearly:

    • For example: “Kitchen – cooking tools / Kitchen – spices / Bedroom – bedding”

  • Prepare 1–2 bags for “the first day in the new home,” including:

    • Toiletries, clothes for 1–2 days, phone chargers, basic medicine, important documents.

This way, when you arrive, you won’t have to open every box just to find a toothbrush or pajamas.

3.3. Final clean of the old home

  • Light cleaning, sweep, take out trash, return keys neatly.

  • If it’s a rental: check for damage, hand over electricity and water readings, and take photos of the current condition.

Leaving a good impression with your previous landlord is always a good idea—it makes future contact or paperwork easier.

4. Checklist for the new apartment: “move in and live immediately”

With serviced apartments, many things are already prepared—but you should still double-check:

4.1. Contract & services

  • What’s included in the rent? (Wi-Fi, water, common-area cleaning, room cleaning, etc.)

  • Number of residents / overnight guests.

  • Pets (if applicable).

  • Contract term and early termination conditions.

4.2. Apartment amenities

  • Kitchen: induction/gas stove, range hood, refrigerator, basic cookware

  • Bedroom: bed, mattress, wardrobe, curtains

  • Bathroom: stable hot water, shower, washing machine (in-unit or shared)

  • Electricity – water – internet: working properly, Wi-Fi speed, enough power outlets

The more complete the apartment, the less urgent shopping you’ll need to do before Tết.

4.3. Add a few personal touches

To make the new place truly feel like “home,” bring a few small personal items:

  • One or two pictures or small décor pieces

  • A favorite light blanket or body pillow

  • Scented candles or essential oils

Just a few details can transform a serviced apartment into a place you truly belong.

5. Suggested timeline for cleaning & moving before Tết

You can follow this simple timeline:

  • 4 weeks before Tết:

    • Finalize area and budget, view apartments, choose the unit/host.

  • 3 weeks before Tết:

    • Sign the contract, confirm moving date.

    • Start sorting items; discard or sell unused belongings.

  • 2 weeks before Tết:

    • Gradually pack by area.

    • Prepare the “first day in the new home” bag.

  • 1 week before Tết:

    • Move house.

    • Set up bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom for normal daily living.

  • A few days before Tết:

    • Final clean of the new home: wipe surfaces, add light Tết décor, arrange peach blossoms or flowers—ready to welcome the new year.

6. Move into a serviced apartment before Tết with Toàn Tiến Housing

If you want to move before Tết without the hassle of shopping, installing, and setting up everything yourself, a professionally managed serviced apartment system can significantly reduce your workload.

Apartments within Toàn Tiến Housing & Maison Nhã are designed to:

  • Be fully furnished with kitchen and basic essentials—just bring your clothes and a few personal items.

  • Located in West Lake, Ba Đình, central Hoàn Kiếm, Cửa Nam, and other prime areas—convenient for work, leisure, visiting pagodas, and watching fireworks.

  • Offer regular cleaning, security, and a support team, giving you peace of mind throughout your stay, even during the busy pre-Tết period.

Cleaning and moving before Tết does take effort—but with a clear checklist, you’ll:

  • Carry fewer unnecessary items.

  • Panic less about missing essentials.

  • Feel less stressed as Tết approaches.

More importantly, you give yourself the chance to start the new year in a tidy, bright, and comfortable space—where every morning you wake up feeling lighter and more at ease.