Moving into your first apartment can be a thrilling experience. This may be the first time you’re truly embracing independence and forging a path all your own. Creating a first apartment checklist will help you ensure all your bases are covered, so you don’t arrive to find you’re missing essentials like bath towels or chairs. To make the process easier, use our first apartment checklist to simplify your move.
What to include on your first apartment checklist
Your first apartment checklist should include everything you plan to take with you to your new space. Here’s a quick overview of items to add to the list:
Immediate essentials
During any move, it’s wise to pack an essentials bag with everything you need for the first few days in your new place. Think about what you would need to comfortably survive a weekend trip. Prioritize the necessities like clothes, medications, and your wallet, and build your first apartment checklist from there.
Cleaning and safety essentials
While most apartments are cleaned before a new tenant moves in, you may find that the floors have collected dust and debris, the microwave needs a wipe-down, and the toilets could use a good scrubbing.
Your first apartment checklist should include the essential cleaning supplies to get you started and eliminate the lingering aura of the previous occupants. Be sure to add a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight with batteries, and a household tool kit, as well.
Comfort essentials
Making your first apartment feel like home can take some time, but including the right items on your checklist can help you get started. A comfortable bed with cozy blankets, adequate lighting, a white noise machine, and blackout curtains can ease the transition into a new apartment.
Do you love to cook? Spend lots of time on your favorite hobby? Wind down with your comfort show every night? Whatever your outlet, ensure that your new home is set up to help you indulge as you acclimate to your new location.
Read more: The Ultimate New Home Essentials Checklist
What not to include on your first apartment checklist
If you include every single item you own in your first apartment checklist, you may find that your space becomes cluttered right away. Think about your priorities and opt for temporary storage to house pieces you’re on the fence about. Here are some items to consider leaving off the list:
Items that can be purchased after moving in
In most cases, it’s best to wait until after moving day to do significant food shopping. Pick up a few meals to get through the first few days, and save some money in the budget for emergencies.
Start with the bare minimum and stick to only what you need for your first apartment. You don’t need to purchase a professional set of pots and pans, a fancy new blender, or plush rugs for every room. Instead, slowly furnish your home based on what you actually need.
Extras or duplicates of items
If you’re moving into your first apartment on your own, you probably don’t need a dozen plates, towels, and sheet sets. In fact, too many of these items can make it all too easy to accumulate clutter. Start small and clean as you go to maintain a tidy space. It also isn’t necessary to purchase backup cleaning supplies, toiletries, or a backup stock of toilet paper.
Luxuries or decor
Decorating is one of the best parts of moving into your first apartment, but your checklist will be more manageable if you wait to buy decor, seasonal decorations, and other unnecessary items. Rather than purchasing all the bells and whistles before moving day, wait until a particular item speaks to you, slowly cultivating your ideal aesthetic over time.
Related: How To Pack for a Move
Basic first apartment checklist
Now that you have a solid understanding of what to include in your first apartment checklist, here’s a general list you can build upon to meet your needs:
Furniture
Bedroom:
- Bed frame, mattress, linens, blankets, and pillows
- Nightstand
- Dresser
- Clothes hangers
- Lamps and lightbulbs
Living room:
- Sofa or futon
- Coffee table
- TV stand
- Lamps or other lights
Dining room or work space:
- Small dining table
- Chairs
- Desk and comfortable office chair
Kitchen and bathroom essentials
Kitchen:
- Cooking utensils
- Pots and pans
- Cutting board and knives
- Dishes
- Flatware
- Dish soap and sponge
- Trash can and liners
- Dish towels
Bathroom:
- Shower curtain and rings (if needed)
- Bath towels
- Washcloths
- Hand towels
- Bath mat
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Small trash can with liners
- Toilet plunger for each bathroom
Cleaning supplies
- All-purpose cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Wet or dry mop
- Disinfecting wipes or spray
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry basket or hamper
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush for each bathroom
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Vacuum cleaner (especially if your apartment has carpet)
- Basic tool kit
Clothing and personal care items
Clothing:
- Everyday outfits and underwear
- Pajamas
- Loungewear
- Dressy outfits as needed
- Raincoat and galoshes
- Shoes for daily wear and special occasions
Personal care:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving cream
- Hairbrush
- Skincare products
- Nail trimmers
- First-aid kit
Miscellaneous items:
- Identifying information (ID, Social Security card, passport)
- Emergency contact info
- Lease agreement
- Utility service agreements
- Renters insurance
Use our Move Out Cleaning Checklist for a stress-free process!
Make moving a breeze with the pros at Red Rover
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