Moving Into Your First Apartment? Here’s Everything You’ll Need
The big day is finally here: You’re moving into your first apartment!
Soon, you’ll be sitting in your very own living room, kitchen, or bedroom and the reality will sink in: “Wow I really did it. This is my own home.” But before you can truly enjoy that sense of accomplishment, there’s one important thing to take care of: getting all the home essentials you’ll need.
We’ve put together the ultimate first apartment checklist along with some helpful tips to help you get started. Let’s dive in!
Pre-Move Planning
While this is an exciting step, it can also get expensive especially if you go into it without a plan. The thrill of the moment can quickly take over and lead you into a shopping spree, where you end up buying things you don’t need right away and neglecting the must-haves.
That’s why it’s crucial to create a budget for both your moving costs and home essentials, and actually stick to it. By being mindful of your spending, you can ensure the process is as enjoyable as the outcome.
Then, to further help you follow the budget, you need to have a comprehensive checklist for your first apartment to ensure you don’t forget anything important. This is where we jump in with our apartment checklist that will help you stay on track and avoid those “oops, I forgot that” moments when you’re unpacking.
Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
Kitchen and Dining Must-Haves
When it comes to stocking your kitchen, it’s all about tailoring your essentials to what your apartment actually offers. For instance, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you’ll need to invest in a solid dish drying rack and some good dish soap.
Maybe some things on the below checklist may seem not that urgent like plates and utensils. And sure, you can get by with paper plates and plastic utensils for a little while, but you’ll want to upgrade to proper plates and utensils soon enough. Consider investing in a basic set of kitchen tools, including a coffee maker and cooking utensils. That flimsy plastic fork just doesn’t cut it when you’re trying to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in your first apartment.
When it comes to bigger items, don’t be afraid to shop second-hand or visit local garage sales. You’d be surprised by what you can find there!
And while you might not need everything the day you move in, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your first grocery run. Start with essentials like olive oil, spices, and canned food.
Now, let’s get into the kitchen and dining essentials for your new apartment:
- Aluminum foil
- Baking tray
- Blender
- Bottle and can opener
- Coffee maker
- Colander
- Cooking utensil set
- Crockpot
- Cutting boards
- Dining room table and chairs
- Dish drying rack
- Dish soap
- Dishtowels
- Drinking glasses
- Dishwasher pods
- Food storage containers
- Knife set with chef’s knife
- Large and small plates
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Oven mitts
- Paper plates
- Paper towels and holder
- Parchment paper
- Placemats
- Plastic or other food wrap
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Silverware set
- Sponges
- Trash bags
- Trash can
- Wine opener
- Wax or parchment paper
- Ziploc bags
Bedroom Essentials
After your moving day, you’ll be exhausted so having a comfortable bed to crash on that first night is an absolute must. Out of everything on our checklist, getting your mattress and bedding setup should be a priority. Sure, you can wait a bit on the bed frame, but trust us, the last thing you’ll want to do after hauling boxes all day is sleep on the floor.
In a new apartment, you deserve a cozy fresh bed and all other bedroom essential to make you feel at home. Here’s what to get:
- Bed frame
- Bed pillows
- Bedspread/Comforter
- Bedside table
- Blankets
- Curtains
- Desk
- Desk lamp
- Dresser
- Fan
- Hangers
- Mattress
- Mirror
- Nightstand
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Sheets
- Space heater
- Trash bin
- TV Stand
- Window coverings
Living Room Necessities
Ah, the living room. It might seem like the furniture there is just decorative, but we beg to differ. This is the heart of your new home. It’s where you’ll be unwinding after a long day at work or hanging out with your friends on weekends. A comfortable and functional living room can really tie an apartment together.
We encourage you to make your own checklist for this area, but don’t underestimate the power of the little details. You might not have given much thought to decorative pillows or blankets, but those are exactly the elements that make a home feel warm and inviting. So use the checklist below as you want and remember that it’s the small touches that transform a space into a home.
- Area rug
- Chairs/additional seating
- Coffee table
- Couch or Sofa
- End tables
- Extra lighting
- Plants
- Speakers
- Streaming devices
- Television
- Throw blankets
- Throw pillows
- TV stand
Bathroom Essentials
The bathroom can be a tricky space to tackle because it’s filled with essential items that are easy to overlook. Things like a shower curtain, extra toilet paper, and cleaning supplies often slip our minds… until you find yourself unable to shower after a long day of moving into your new home. You don’t want that!
Your main focus should be on making the bathroom functional first. Then, you can start adding your personal touch with simple matching decor. After as time goes by, you can introduce small pieces to make the space feel like your own bathroom. Here are the essentials for now:
- Bathroom cleaning supplies
- Bath towels
- Hand soap
- Hand towels
- Plunger
- Small trash bags
- Small trash bin
- Shower curtain and hooks
- Shower mat / Bath mat
- Toothbrush holder
- Toilet brush
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries
- Weight Scale
First Aid and Wellness Essentials
Your first apartment isn’t complete without a well-stocked first aid and wellness kit. Accidents happen, and the last thing you want is to scramble for a band-aid or pain reliever when you need it most. Start with the basics (things like bandages) and then over time you add more specialized items. A compact first aid kit can help keep everything organized and easy to find. So here’s a list of essentials:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Band-aids (various sizes)
- Cough drops
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Ice pack
- Scissors
- Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Vitamins and supplements
Cleaning Essentials
Cleaning supplies tend to hide away in closets and cabinets, making them easy to overlook… until you need them. But having the right supplies from day one will make your life so much easier, especially since moving can leave behind unexpected messes.
Don’t forget about laundry essentials, too! A good detergent and a stain remover can be lifesavers. You might think you’re covered if you did laundry right before moving, but somehow that first pile of dirty clothes sneaks up faster than you’d expect. So, it’s important to be prepared.
Here are some cleaning basics to get you started on the right foot:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Basic home toolkit
- Battery-powered drill
- Bleach or whitener
- Broom and dustpan
- Bucket
- Fabric softener sheets
- Iron/handheld steamer
- Ironing board
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent/pods
- Large scrub brushes
- Mop
- Sewing kit
- Stain remover
- Toilet cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner
- Window cleaner
Other Home Essentials
What’s considered “essential” can vary from person to person, but there are a few items you’ll definitely want to grab before settling in your first apartment. These handy tools will help you navigate those little challenges that always pop up in the first couple of days.
- Flashlight (in case of power outage)
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Step stool or ladder
- Duct tape
- Extension cords
Additional Tips for Your Own Apartment Checklist
Beyond these essential lists of essentials for your first apartment, here are a few extra tips to help you settle in smoothly and make the transition even easier.
Make Your Own List
We hope you found our list above useful. It’s not meant to stress you out, quite the opposite. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Think of it as a starting point to help you figure out what’s truly essential to you.
Take a moment to go through the list, and cross off anything you know you won’t need. This will help you with decision making while shopping but will also keep you from spending on unnecessary things.
Learn How to Furnish an Apartment
Furnishing a brand new apartment can definitely feel overwhelming, but try to shift your perspective and approach it as an exciting journey rather than a chore.
Instead of rushing through it or stressing about every little detail, embrace the process. Take time to enjoy each new item you bring into your space, and appreciate the fact that you’re creating a home that’s uniquely yours.
If you’re unsure about your decor style, browse Pinterest or social media for inspiration. Do you gravitate toward a minimalist vibe, industrial, or bohemian style? Once you’ve chosen a direction, stick with it when buying furniture later on. This will keep your space cohesive, organized, and truly yours.
Shop Smart, Over Time
As we mentioned, no need to get stressed out. You don’t have to buy everything at once. Instead, spread out your purchases over time to save money. That’s really important for new homeowners. Also, keep an eye on good deals like garage sales or online marketplaces for hidden treasures. You’d be surprised at how much you can score.
Rent a Storage Unit for Extra Items
As you get settled in, you might realize that not everything fits or is necessary right away. Renting a storage unit can be a great option for holding onto those extra items until you figure out where to put them. This gives you the flexibility to bring in only what you need now and keeps your apartment clutter-free as you adjust.
Final Thoughts
Moving into your first apartment is one of those major life milestones that makes you feel like you truly “made it.” While the excitement of creating your very own space is real, the reality of getting everything together can feel a little overwhelming. But don’t worry. With the right checklist in hand, you’ll be breezing through the process and turning your place into a cozy, functional home in no time.
Start by focusing on the essentials. And remember that you don’t have to buy everything at the same time. Take it slow, enjoy every step, and let your space evolve over time.
And if you feel like there’s too much stuff and not enough space, consider renting a storage unit. It’s a great way to adjust to your new home, giving you the freedom to store things while you figure out where everything should go.
We know this is an exciting (and sometimes stressful) time, and we’re here to help.
My Storage Box offers secure, affordable storage with 24/7 access, video monitoring, and gated entry so you can focus on turning your apartment into a home without worrying about your stuff.
Ready to make the move? Call us at (580) 300-3006 or reserve your unit online today.