Moving into a new apartment and starting the next phase of your life is not easy. It's natural to feel overwhelmed by the many tasks you need to do to get ready. You may find yourself making several trips to the store on moving day to pick up everyday items needed for your new place. To help you manage all the tasks, we've put together this first apartment checklist so you can make sure you have everything you need before moving in.
Tips for moving into your first apartment
Moving doesn’t always have to be an expensive hassle. If you’re smart about it, you can find most of what you need for your first apartment at affordable prices. Here are some guidelines to follow to help moving day go smoothly.
- Start with only the essentials. Figure out what you can and can’t live without, and start by finding the necessities, things that are important to your lifestyle. You can always add things like decorations and non-essential kitchen appliances later.
- Visit estate and yard sales. Check Craigslist and other websites for sales in your area. Don’t be afraid to haggle a little or to bundle items to score better deals on your first apartment essentials!
- Thrift stores. Check out local thrift stores for great deals on furniture and other household items.
- Ask parents for spare kitchen supplies or furniture. Check with any close friends and family members, for that matter. Let them know you’re moving into your first apartment, and chances are they’d be happy to give you one of their spare baking trays or that extra couch that’s been sitting in the garage for years.
- Take the opportunity to let go of things. Sometimes, less is more, especially when you have to pack up your belongings and carry them into a new apartment. Moving into your first apartment is an excellent opportunity to say goodbye to any excess items you’ve been holding onto but never use anymore. Donate your old clothes, shoes, games, sports equipment, etc. to those who would benefit from them. Some organizations will even come pick them up. Donating your extra stuff not only makes you feel good, it also saves you time and energy on moving day.
First-apartment checklist
To help you save time and money on moving day, here’s our list of suggested essentials to find before you move in. Think about what items you must pack and take with you versus what you can pick up once you arrive (do you need to pack and move paper towels or can you get them easily after you unload?) and shop around to find the best deals! Feel free to add or subtract from this list to fit your needs.
Bedroom Checklist
- Bed frame
- Blinds and/or curtains
- Comforter and blankets
- Dresser
- Fan and/or space heater
- Hangers
- Laundry hamper
- Mattress and box spring
- Mirror
- Nightstand
- Pillows and pillowcases
- Sheets
- Shoe rack
- Storage containers
- Trash can
Kitchen Checklist
- Baking trays
- Blender
- Bottle and wine openers
- Bowls
- Can opener
- Coffee maker
- Colander
- Cooking utensils: whisk, spatulas, mixing spoons
- Cups, glasses, and mugs
- Cutting board
- Dish drying rack
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher soap
- Kitchen supplies: aluminum foil, cling wrap, wax paper, paper towels, etc.
- Knife set
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave
- Mixing bowls
- Oven mitts
- Paper towel holder
- Plates
- Pots and pans
- Silverware and silverware organizer
- Sponges/cleaning cloths
- Table and chairs
- Tea kettle
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Towels
- Tupperware
- Trash bags
- Trash can
Bathroom Checklist
- Bath mat
- Plunger
- Shower caddy
- Shower curtain and rings
- Soap and soap dispenser
- Tissues
- Toilet brush
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries (shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, etc.)
- Toothbrush and toothbrush holder
- Towels (large and small)
- Trash can
- Washcloths
Living Room Checklist
- Bookshelf
- Cable box and/or streaming device
- Coffee table
- Couch, chairs, or other comfortable seating
- End tables
- Lamps
- Pillows and throw blankets
- Storage boxes or bins
- TV
- TV stand
Cleaning & Supply Checklist
- All-purpose cleaner
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, wrench, pliers, tape measure, etc.)
- Batteries
- Broom and dustpan
- Duster
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Glass cleaner
- Iron and ironing board
- Laundry baskets
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets
- Light bulbs
- Mop and bucket
- Sewing kit
- Vacuum cleaner
Damage & Theft Protection Checklist
- Fire extinguisher
- Lockable, fire-proof safe
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (check batteries often)
- Renter's insurance