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Your First Apartment Checklist: Essentials You Need to Buy
Moving soon? Get organized with our free moving checklist.
While you dream of how to decorate your new home in 2022, we’re here to bring you the ultimate first apartment checklist. With this comprehensive list in hand, you’ll be sure to have everything you need for your first apartment. Get excited, because we’re going shopping!
What You Should Buy Before You Move:
What You Should Buy After (or Before) Your Move:
Ready to get started now checking items off your First Apartment Checklist?
First Apartment Checklist: What You Should Buy Before You Move
Think of this as a condensed version of your first apartment checklist: everything listed here is a must-have. Period. Make sure that you’ve checked off all these items before you move—whether purchased, commandeered from your parent’s basement, or found for cheap at your local thrift store. Then, keep everything on this list close by when you move. After all, who wants to be rifling through boxes for a shower curtain when you should be out the door and on your way to work or class?
Bedroom essentials
A mattress should be number one on your list after finding that first apartment. Your life doesn’t stop just because you’ve moved, so having a comfortable place to lie down at the end of the day is a must. Check out some tips for picking your new mattress. And don’t forget all of the stuff you need to make your bed—sheets, pillows, comforter, etc.
A bed frame, dresser and bedside table can sometimes be bought as a set at a discount, or you can check out your local thrift shops for an eclectic look. Make your bedroom your own by starting to shop early and finding just the right pieces to match your style.
If you can find out the window sizes ahead of time, go ahead and grab some curtains or blinds — it’s no fun to get stuck without anything to cover your bedroom windows (privacy, anyone?). If not, make sure you have an extra sheet or blanket to tack up temporarily.
Finally, invest in some hangers before the move. The sooner you can get your clothing unpacked and put away, the sooner your first apartment will feel like home.
- Mattress
- Bed, dresser, nightstand
- Sheet set
- Comforter or blanket
- Mattress topper or mattress pad
- Pillows
- Window treatments
- Clothes hangers/coat hangers
Living Space Essentials
You’re going to need seating that matches your style whether you want to host movie nights or classy cocktail parties. A sleeper sofa or futon is a great investment since it can double as a place for your guests to crash. Oh, and there’s no shame in snagging something used from a friend or family member.
A coffee table is also essential for your first apartment. It’s a great place to put drinks when hosting a party and adds some personality to your home.
Not an essential buy but a television could be a larger purchase you want to make before your move. And if you want to really enjoy those movie nights, consider getting a projector and screen set up. If you already have a television, follow these tips for moving electronics.
If you haven’t set up your internet or TV service yet, check out what providers service your new address.
- Comfy couch
- Coffee table
- Television
Bathroom Essentials
Bathroom items might not need as much consideration as some of your larger first apartment purchases, but you still may want to consider the style of your bathroom. It’s easy to find coordinating shower curtains, towels, and more — so that these bathroom essentials all look great together.
After a long day of moving, you’ll probably be dying for a hot shower. Pack your toiletry items (soap, shampoo, etc.) with the other items in this section of your first apartment checklist, and you’ll be ready for some much-needed self-care. See what else you might want to pack in this “open-first” box.
- Shower curtain
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Shower curtain liner
- Shower curtain hooks
Kitchen Essentials
Every space will be different so you could be looking for a small bistro-style set, a couple of bar stools, or a full dining room table and chairs. Look for something that will fit your space comfortably and give you an option to share with guests other than perhaps your midweek preference of the couch.
You could stick with paper plates and cups until you buy a full dish set, but we recommend going ahead and purchasing a few of these items before you move in. That way, if it takes you a few weeks to pick out kitchenware you love, you’ll at least have the essentials on hand. Using real dishware is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Table and chairs or barstools
- Plate
- Cereal bowl
- Water glass
- Mug
- Fork, knife, spoon
- Dish towels
- Kitchen trash can
- Sandwich bags or food storage containers
Home Toolkit and Essentials
Whether it’s to take apart a bookshelf or put it back together, you won’t regret having tools like a screwdriver and a hammer on moving day. Once you start unpacking, you’ll also want to have wall hooks and nails on hand. There’s nothing as frustrating as being in unpacking and decorating mode, only to find out you have to run to the hardware store. And whether you’re short or your new apartment has high ceilings, a step stool will be extremely valuable during the early phases of unpacking and is a must-have for your first apartment.
Plus, who can’t find a use for duct tape?
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head)
- Hammer
- Nails and wall hooks
- Step stool
- Power strips and extension cords
- Batteries
- Light bulbs
- Measuring tape
- Duct tape
Cleaning Essentials
You’ll want to consider cleaning the day before you move in — it’s just too much work to clean and move on the same day. Then make sure your cleaning supplies are in easy reach on moving day to catch anything you missed.
As a substitute for surface cleaners, white vinegar is also a decent option and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. Get plenty of sponges to replace often. No one likes a stinky sponge!
- Dustpan and broom or vacuum
- A Swiffer with both dry and wet pads
- Multi-purpose liquid cleaner like Lysol or Mr. Clean
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Toilet scrubber
- Toilet bowl cleaning solution
- Dish soap
- Sponges
First-Aid Kit Essentials
Unfortunately, accidents do happen when moving. Whether you cut a finger opening boxes or on a broken water glass, you’ll want band-aids and ointment on hand. And you just might find yourself a little achy by the end of moving day.
- Band-Aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Anti-inflammatory such as Advil
- Thermometer
Check out this compact and convenient first aid kit that will have you prepared for all small emergencies.
Safety Essentials
Your apartment probably already has smoke detectors, but if it’s an older building, you may want to add one or two for extra coverage. Make sure you also have a carbon monoxide detector and add a small fire extinguisher to your safety essentials list to keep on hand near the kitchen.
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Fire extinguisher
First Apartment Checklist: What You Should Buy After (or Before) Your Move
Bedroom Space
Throwing the mattress on the floor works but going the extra mile and getting a full bed frame will make your new apartment feel like home. There are many options for bed frames, so make sure to shop around, consider the size of your apartment, and choose what best fits your needs. And unless you went with a platform style bed, you’ll need a box spring or foundation to support your mattress on your frame.
Don’t forget to buy and install some curtains if you’re still sleeping with a sheet tacked over the window.
- Bed frame
- Box spring or foundation
- Vanity or desk
- Comfy chair
- Bedside/reading lamp
- Laundry hamper
- Closet storage solutions like a hanging closet organizer or shoe rack
- Full-length mirror
- Decor items such as decorative pillows, cozy blanket, rug, wall art
Living Space
You’ve got the couch and coffee table, but there are a few more items you’ll want for a more functional first living space.
Not every apartment comes with the best overhead lighting, if any at all. Some warm lighting could make your space that much more comfortable, or some quality lighting could enable you to be clearly seen on those video calls. Add some extra style and functionality to your space by picking out a cool lamp or two.
Storage is the next thing to tackle with either a bookshelf, decorative storage boxes, or a TV cabinet. Make sure you take into account all your belongings (including the ones on this first apartment checklist), and then find the best storage for your needs.
- Extra lighting such as floor and table lamps
- Side tables
- Storage solutions
- Extra seating
- Window treatments
- Decorative pillows
- Throw blanket
- Decor items such as wall art, picture frames, coffee table books, houseplants, candles, vases
Grab some gadgets
And don’t forget any smart devices you may want to add a little extra fun and convenience. For example, you can opt for the Amazon Echo Show 10 or the Google Nest Hub Max, which enables you to control and monitor several elements of your living experience.
Bathroom Space
We’re here to make sure you don’t get so excited about choosing the scent of your hand lotion that you forget to purchase a bath mat. Double check to make sure you have everything you need for a functional first bathroom.
If there’s a window in your bathroom, get some privacy by getting a curtain or blinds to fit. It’s also helpful to have a bathmat and/or bathroom rug to keep water off your floors. Consider matching your window coverings and bathmats to the shower curtain and towels you already picked out.
- Window treatments
- Bathmat and/or bathroom rug
- Bathroom wastebasket
- Toilet paper holder
- Plunger
- Storage solutions for your toiletries
- Tissues
- Hand soap and lotion
- Small vanity mirror
- Air freshening spray
Kitchen Space
For this section of our first apartment checklist, we break down what you need in your new home to cook like a boss, host awesome parties, and store your leftovers. It’s a lengthy section, so buckle up.
You may have already grabbed some of these items before your move but take a look at the list to see if there’s anything you might want to add to spice up your kitchen a bit more.
Dishware and Utensils
You can buy a set of dishes from a retail or department store or mix it up by combining a variety of pieces you like. It’s a good idea to start with at least four full sets of dishware — but you can always buy more if you think you’ll be hosting larger parties.
- Dinner plates
- Salad plates
- Cereal bowls
- Mugs
- Water glasses
- Serving platters
- Silverware
- Serving utensils
- Other cooking utensils you think you’ll use. Consider stocking your first apartment with a spatula, spoon, and slotted spoon.
Pots and Pans
For your first apartment, we recommend keeping it simple and getting a kitchen starter kit from a department or retail store. However, if you’re more of the DIY type, these are a few basic pots and pans you should have in your first kitchen.
- Large stock pot
- 2-quart saucepan
- 10-inch frying pan
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Cookie sheet
- Large baking/casserole dish
Appliances
While you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets at your first apartment, there are a few key appliances you’re likely to use frequently. You’ll definitely want a toaster or toaster oven and microwave (if your apartment doesn’t include one). And if you’re like many of us and need your morning coffee, you’ll want to grab a Keurig, traditional drip coffee maker, or French press ASAP.
- Coffee pot and/or kettle
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Microwave
- Hand mixer
- Blender
- Crockpot or instant pot
Tools and supplies
You need more than just pots and pans to prepare and store your food. From opening a beer to draining your pasta, these kitchen tools will round out your first apartment. As for your knives, a few basics like a paring knife, chef knife and something serrated will cover most of your needs. Grab a few pieces of reusable Tupperware or Gladware to keep your food fresh (if you haven’t already).
- Cutting knives
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Bottle, can opener, corkscrew
- Aluminum foil and cling wrap
- Food storage containers
Spices and pantry
If you love to cook you no doubt will already have a list of your own spices to buy but even if you’re more of a take-out fan, having a few spices on hand are a good idea for your first place. You never know when you might get inspired to whip up something. Choose spices and condiments according to your own preferences and cooking habits. You can always add to your collection later — here’s a complete list to pick up more groceries after you’re all settled into your first apartment.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Spices you cook with often
- Oil (vegetable, olive, coconut, etc.)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Vinegar (white wine, balsamic, etc.)
- Soy sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Miscellaneous kitchen items
Don’t forget to check these miscellaneous kitchen items off your first apartment checklist soon after your move. It’s no fun to fish a hot pan out of the oven sans oven mitt.
- Water filter
- Recycling bin
- Silverware organizer
- Dish drying rack
- Paper towel holder
- Oven mitts
Cleaning
You don’t want to go too long without taking care of your laundry! It’s time to grab any additional cleaning items you still need.
- Laundry basket
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Dishwasher detergent
Miscellaneous Items
From reducing plastic water bottle waste to repairing loose buttons, these first apartment checklist items cover the miscellaneous stuff that will make life in your new place a little easier.
Command hooks are useful for so many purposes. Whether you want to hang bags, hats, or keys, command hooks are a cheap and easy solution. Plus, since you’re likely renting your first apartment, the hooks are a great way to make sure you don’t damage the walls and ensure you’re able to get your security deposit back in full.
Consider investing in a space heater and/or window AC if your apartment’s HVAC isn’t quite up to snuff — but make sure you choose one of the safest space heater options.
- Reusable water bottle
- Sewing kit
- Iron and ironing board
- Command hooks
- Space heater
- Window AC
- Light bulbs
- Umbrella
- Broom and dustpan
- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- Chip clips
Ready to cross everything you need for your first apartment off the list? Take this printable checklist with you when you start shopping, and you’ll be all set.
So that’s your ultimate first apartment checklist — save this list and our Epic Moving Checklist, and you’ll be ready for a stress-free transition to your new home.
Download the full apartment checklist PDF!
Moving soon? Get organized with our free moving checklist.
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