First Apartment Checklist: The Essentials You Need
A handy checklist for your new home.
Let the countdown begin! Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but it can be overwhelming when it comes to filling it with everything you need. From kitchen essentials to bedding basics to bathroom necessities, we’ve put together an apartment checklist to make move-in day as stress-free as possible as well as a few simple tips on how to prepare for a move. You'll be kicking your feet up in no time.
In this guide:
How to Prep for a Move
First Apartment Checklist: The Essentials
How to Prep for a Move
A smooth move-in day is all about thoughtful preparation. If you're not sure how to prepare for a move, we've put together a list of ways you can plan, prepare, and organize. Follow these simple tips to make your move as seamless as possible.
1. Know Your Measurements
Before you start buying essentials for your new apartment, it’s important to know the space. Review What to Do Before You Shop: How to Measure Furniture to compare and contrast your furniture measurements with the available square-footage. When you see the apartment in person, visualize how you want to set it up. Be sure to bring a measuring tape, a notepad, and a pen so you can measure doorways, hallways, stairwells, and rooms. Knowing the measurements ahead of time will make purchasing items easier and give you peace of mind knowing they will fit around corners.
Tip!
If you haven’t seen the space in person, be sure to ask the apartment for a floor plan to ensure you know how big the rooms are.
2. Get Organized
Part of learning how to organize for a move is taking stock of the items you plan on bringing with you. You'll want to go through any clothes, furniture, and decor that you want to take as well as determine where everything you don't want should go. This is a great time to donate items you no longer need or sell spare furniture so that you can spend that money on new things for your apartment.
After you've culled your collection, it's time to start packing. Whether you're packing in suitcases, plastic totes, or cardboard boxes, it's important to label everything so that you effectively unpack items from most important to least important. You definitely don't want your essentials to be the last box unpacked.
3. Write a List of First Apartment Essentials
Moving into your first apartment often means you'll need to stock up on the basics. From bedding to cookware to bath towels, there are plenty of essential items you'll need to feel at home. We've added our own first apartment checklist below to help you get started.
4. Create a Schedule
Depending on the timeline between signing your lease and moving in, the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move-in day might require you to complete tasks before the move-in date. Setting up the utilities, scheduling a moving truck, or updating your mailing address should be part of your pre-move to-do list. Though these might not be fun tasks, they're important parts of moving into a new apartment.
Additionally, you might want to set a loose schedule for the move-in day itself. From pulling out of the driveway to picking up keys to setting up a new internet router, it's helpful to create a timeline for your move-in day so that you (and anyone helping you) can have an idea of what the day will look like.
5. Gather Moving Day Essentials
On moving day, you’ll need a few things to help you set up your space. From unpacking to settling in, these apartment checklist items will help make move-in day a little easier. Stash these move-in day essentials in a box or tote bag so that they're all in one easy-to-access spot. This will help you know where they are and reduce the chance they'll get misplaced in the move.
First Apartment Checklist: The Essentials
If this is your first apartment, a checklist with all of the essentials can help you cover all of the bases and cut down on stress. We've broken the list down by room so you can clearly visualize what you'll need to pack or purchase. Check out move-in must-haves for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, or dining area below.
The Kitchen
Cookware: If you are looking to do any kind of cooking at home, it’s essential that you have cookware. Cookware sets are great for first apartments since they include key basics, such as a saucepan, a sauté pan, and stockpot. Other cookware sets may come with utensils, bakeware, or more specialized pots and pans – ideal for anyone looking for an all-in-one setup. Read our guide Best Cookware Sets to find the right set to meet your cooking needs.
Dinnerware: Cut down on trash buildup and skip paper plates. Having dinnerware will allow you to feel at home when eating your next meal. Opt for a dinnerware set that comes with essentials, such as dinner plates, cereal bowls, salad plates, or mugs. You can even choose a set that is dishwasher- or microwave-safe for added convenience.
Drinkware: From drinking glasses to pint glasses, there are a variety of drinkware glasses to choose from. Opt for simple glasses for a versatile option – they’ll work no matter what you are drinking.
Flatware: Whether you live alone or with roommates, a flatware set will allow you to eat your meals with real silverware. Choose from a variety of styles and set sizes to keep from having to purchase plastic silverware.
Cutting Board: Having a cutting board will give you a place in your kitchen to slice or chop foods when cooking at home. With wood, plastic, and glass options, you can find a cutting board that suits your preferences.
Knife Set: If you plan on cooking at home, it’s essential that you have a knife set to cut up different foods. These sets typically include a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a serrated bread knife, and kitchen shears. Other sets may include steak knives, a honing rod, or knife block that houses your knife set.
Oven Mitts: Opt for mitts that fit your kitchen decor to add a small pop of color while keeping your hands safe from burns.
Kitchen Towels: Kitchen towels not only add color to your kitchen but are great for cleaning up messes, drying off cookware, and wiping your hands. Swap out with the seasons or opt for a kitchen towel in a color that will suit your decor.
Trash Can: Keep your apartment clean by having a trash can in your kitchen. It will help keep trash all in one place.
Tip!
Review these 11 Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets and Top Kitchen Essentials for Everyday Cooks to add to your checklist.
The Bedroom
Mattress: No apartment checklist is complete without a mattress. As a bedroom essential, it’s important that you choose a mattress that is comfortable. Consider your preferred sleeping style – side, back, or stomach – to help you find a mattress that’s compatible.
Bed Frame: Get your mattress off the floor by opting for a bed frame. It adds a decorative touch to your bedroom and elevates your mattress to a height that is more comfortable for getting in and out of bed. If you find yourself with little storage, opt for a bed frame with built-in storage underneath.
Pillows: Turn your bed into a cozy place to dream by adding pillows. They make you more comfortable, help to support your neck, and complete the look of your bed. Discover 11 of the Best Pillows for Your Bed to support your sleep routine.
Bed Linens: From sheets to comforters, bedding can enhance your sleeping experience. Each material has different benefits, so it’s important to choose one that meets your needs. Natural fibers like cotton or linen are more breathable, while silk or satin have a smoother feel. Synthetic materials like microfiber are soft and budget-friendly. Read our Bed Sheet Buying Guide: How to Choose Bed Sheets to find helpful tips.
Nightstand: Nightstands are a great place to store your bedtime essentials, like lip balm, lotion, or even a phone charger. Place a lamp on top and keep your favorite book nearby so you can read in bed until you are ready to snooze.
Dressers: Store your clothes away in a dresser to keep your bedroom less cluttered. Match it to your nightstand and bed frame for a cohesive look, or mix and match your favorite styles together for something a bit more eclectic.
Shower Curtain: A shower curtain keeps water from getting all over your bathroom floor and allows you to add personal style to your space. Layer with a waterproof shower liner to keep the shower curtain dry and prevent water from ending up on the bathroom walls or floor. If you find your apartment does not have a curtain rod, you will have to add a curtain rod with curtain hooks to hang your shower curtain.
Towels: Bath towels are another bathroom essential and having a few will keep you from having to do laundry frequently. Consider adding smaller towels – like washcloths and hand towels – to dry your face or hands. Review Types of Towels: How to Choose a Bath Towel for more tips on selecting towels for your bathroom.
Bath Mats: Give your toes a warm place to touch down on after a shower by adding bath mats to your bathroom. They will help reduce the risk of slipping when your feet are wet and give your toes a cozy area to step on.
Sofa: A sofa is a must-have item on your first apartment checklist. It may act as a place to eat until you have a dining table, a place to work on your laptop, or where you kick back and relax watching TV. From loveseats to sleeper sofas, there are a variety of options that will fit your apartment needs. Review our guides on Sofa Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Size Sofa for Your Home and How to Measure for a Sectional Sofa to help focus your search.
TV Stand: If you don’t plan on hanging your TV on the wall, a TV stand is the perfect focal point in your living room. Place your TV or decor on top, and stash extra necessities inside. Take a look at our guide on How to Find the Right TV Stand Size for your space and your TV size.
Coffee Table: Having a coffee table allows you to display decor, snacks, or TV essentials while sitting on your sofa. If you don’t want to go with a traditional coffee table, consider having a large ottoman to offer the same function but with a different look. And if you’re short on space, look for a coffee table with a lift-top design that allows you to create a comfortable dining space or WFH office.
Area Rug: Keep your sofa (and other furniture) from sliding or scratching your apartment floor with an area rug. It helps avoid damage, adds a decorative touch to your living space, and gives your toes a cozy place to curl up on. Review our Area Rug Buying Guide for tips on selecting the best option for your apartment.
Tip!
Check out How to Arrange a Small Living Room and The Most Inviting Living Room Layouts to Try to determine the best way to furnish your apartment living room.
The Dining Area
Bar Stools: Some apartments have countertops or bars as places to eat, making bar stools an essential part of your first apartment checklist. Cozying up to the counter or bar will add seating to your space and is a great alternative if your space is too small for a dining table.
Dining Tables & Chairs: If you find yourself without a bar to eat at, opt for a dining table and chairs. It will give you a place to sit with guests, enjoy a meal, or even work from home. Choose a small-space dining set to create a cohesive dining area despite the limited square-footage. Review Dining Room Design Tips You Need to Know to determine how to choose furniture for your apartment dining space.
Tip!
Check out these guides for more inspiration on furnishing and decorating your first apartment:
Apartment Furnishing 101
How to Furnish a Studio Apartment
20 Studio Apartment Ideas to Furnish Your Pad
Decorating Your First Apartment: Cute, Cheap Apartment Ideas
Now that you know what you need on your first apartment checklist, start filling your new home.
