Moving into your first apartment? Here is the ultimate best first apartment checklist.
If you're moving into your new apartment or place I have no doubt that you're probably overwhelmed by all of it. You might think that you've got everything you need, but trust me, there are probably some very important and necessary things you're forgetting that you'll quickly realize you may need. Yup, the list is long but trust me everything has be narrowed down to the essentials. While you dream about how to decorate your new apartment, we're here to bring you the best ultimate first apartment checklist. With this comprehensive list on hand, you'll be sure to have everything you need for your first apartment. Get excited because we're going shopping! This is the ultimate best first apartment checklist ever.
Some tips you may find useful within the first 24 hours of moving into your new apartment:
- If you’re able to fill out a condition report, do it as soon as you can — as this is something your landlord or apartment complex may need. Make note of everything and don’t forget to take photos when you do a walkthrough of your new apartment before moving everything in.
- Clean around before you move the majority of your belonging in. Even if the apartment has been cleaned prior, there are certain spots that are always missed.
- Complete one room as much as you possibly can, to avoid a going back and forth between all the rooms.
this post is all about the ultimate best first apartment checklist.
kitchen essentials
All apartments are different, so it’s totally your discretion as to what you need or not — you may need a full kitchen table and chairs or simply just bar stools, but eventually you realize that you may need more than you have, especially when it comes to convenience. All the kitchen essentials recommended to purchase before you move in, that way you’ll have the absolute necessary kitchen essentials with you without scrambling around or going out to eat every night.
1. pots & pans
If you enjoy cooking at home regularly, I recommend you buy a set of pots and pans because ti includes everything you need and more. These pots and pans even comes with the basic cooking utensils you would need.
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
2. plates and bowls
Most likely you don’t have plates on hand, so you will definitely need a set of plates/bowls. Lately amazon has been one of my favorite stores to buy things like this, but I would also recommend Ikea, HomeGoods, and Target, you can get awesome deals there too.
3. drinking glasses and mugs
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
5. knife set
You don’t need every type of kitchen appliance there is out there, but the above is a great starting point to cover your basic cooking needs.
Some other kitchen tools you may want/need:
6. kitchen gadgets
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
6. other kitchen essentials
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
Some other kitchen items you may want:
- Can opener
- Brita water filter
- Baking sheets
- Baking set
- Oven mitts
- Food storage containers
- Strainer
- ZipLoc bags
- Bowl set
- Dish drying rack
- Trashcan/trash bags
- Chip clips
- Dining table and chairs
bedroom essentials
These bedroom essentials will make your first apartment bedroom super cozy and a restful place to fall asleep at every night.
1. mattress
If there is one thing I strongly recommend you spend a pretty penny on, it’s a mattress. I can’t reiterate just how important having a good quality mattress is. There is a lot of research out there concerning how the quality of your sleep is affected by the mattress you sleep on. My forever favorite is by Casper, truly a godsend!
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
3. comforter, pillows & sheets
You probably already have a comforter and sheets, but if you want to buy new ones for your new apartment, then opt for a great quality one like these.
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
4. bedroom furniturE
Some other bedroom essentials:
- Mirror
- Chair
- Floor Lamp
- Curtains
- Table lamps
bathroom essentials
All the bathroom essentials are below, so that you have everything you need for a functional first apartment bathroom. Consider matching your shower curtains with your bathmats, and towels for a cohesive, aesthetic look!
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
living room essentials
You’ve got your couch and coffee table, but there are a few more items you want to have to create a more functional living space. Add some functionality and class to your space by adding a few more items like a bookshelf and some side tables.
If you’re looking to decorate your apartment, check out my post featuring 20 different decor ideas to add to space!
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
1. couch & chairs
If you’ve been looking for sofas/couches, you’ve probably realized that they are expensive!!! If you don’t mind second hand furniture, I truly recommend you check out Facebook marketplace because you can snag awesome deals there, you wouldn’t get anywhere else. Some other places you can check out are: Ashley Furniture and Lazy Boy Furniture.
4. tv+ stand
You can truly snag a great deal on both TV’s and TV stands nowadays, if you’re someone that doesn’t watch TV much, you really don’t need to spend and much on on, instead get a good one, that includes a lot of cool features like the one below.
Also, don’t forget a TV stand! I love this one below because it’s big enough to store extra items and display beautiful decor!
Some more living essentials I recommend:
- Extra lighting – floor lamp, table lamps
- Storage organizer
cleaning and home maintenAnce essentials
1. cleaning essentials
One tip I have for you is to consider cleaning your new apartment the day before you move in because I’m sure you want a clean place to move into but it’s entirely too much work to clean and move in the same day. Make sure all your cleaning supplies and essentials are in easy reach on moving day – more than likely you will need it. These final essentials should complete your buys from the ultimate best first apartment checklist.
the ultimate best first apartment checklist
Cleaning essentials I recommend:
- Cleaning cloths
- Multipurpose spray
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Dryer sheets
- Laundry detergent
