The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
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Moving out on your own is an exciting step, but it’s not without its challenges. For starters, figuring out what you need for your first apartment can be a bit overwhelming. After all, you’ve never done this before! Between finding the right bedroom furniture, stocking the kitchen with the right tools, and making sure the bathroom is organized with the supplies you want and need, it can be easy to overlook some of the basics. That’s why we’ve created this handy first apartment checklist to cover all the apartment essentials you’ll need to make move-in day a breeze.
Just like our moving checklist, this new apartment checklist will make setting up your new space as easy as possible, so you can feel at home in no time. But because this is your very first apartment, we’ve also included some tips for important tasks to handle before moving day that you might not know about, like setting up utilities, getting your Wi-Fi sorted, and updating your address with USPS. (Pro tip: If you’re looking to save some cash and do better for the environment, consider buying your furniture secondhand at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore near you! Alternatively, you can also donate your old furniture to them to make room for any new pieces you want to invest in.) Regardless of whether you’re starting completely from scratch or moving with enough to pack a truck, this list guarantees you won’t forget any first apartment must-haves.
Bedroom Essentials
- Mattress
- Bed frame
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Comforter/duvet
- Sleeping pillows and throw pillows
- Nightstand
- Lamps
- Dresser
- Hangers
- Full-length mirror
- Curtains or blinds
- Laundry hamper
Bedroom Linens and More
Living Room Must-Haves
- Sofa or futon
- Coffee table
- TV and TV stand
- Floor and table lamps
- Area rug
- Bookshelves
- Throw pillows and blankets
- Wall decor
- Curtains or blinds
- Coasters
- Side tables
- Power strips with surge protector
Living Room Necessities
Kitchen & Dining Essentials
- Pots and pans (saucepan, frying pan, stockpot)
- Baking sheet
- Cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, tongs)
- Knife set
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plates, bowls, and flatware utensils
- Glasses and mugs
- Dish rack or drying mat
- Dining table and chairs
- Trash can and trash bags
- Food storage containers
Must-Have Kitchen Supplies
Bathroom Basics
- Towels (bath, hand, and washcloths)
- Shower curtain and liner
- Shower hooks or rings
- Bath mat
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Mini trash can
- Toothbrush holder
- Soap dispenser
- Storage for toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- First aid kit
Bathroom Essentials
Laundry & Cleaning Must-Haves
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener, dryer sheets, or dryer balls
- Hamper or laundry basket
- Drying rack
- Broom and dustpan
- Vacuum cleaner
- Iron and ironing board
- Mop and bucket
- All-purpose cleaner
- Sponges and scrubbers
- Dish soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
Laundry and Cleaning Needs
Things to Do Before Move-In
- Set up electric and gas services
- Arrange Wi-Fi and router pickup
- Change address with USPS
- Purchase renter’s insurance
- Schedule move-in day
- Set up water and sewage services
- Plan for furniture delivery
- Confirm parking arrangements
- Notify bank and credit card companies of address change
- Update address on driver’s license
Don’t Forget These Helpful Moving Heroes!
With these essentials and to-dos checked off, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new apartment. Welcome home!
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