Moving into your first apartment is exciting — but it’s easy to forget important items.
This checklist covers what you’ll need for daily life, plus tips to make moving less stressful.
🛋️ Living Room
- Couch, chairs, or futon
- Coffee table or side tables
- TV or laptop setup
- Lamps (apartments don’t always have overhead lighting)
🛏️ Bedroom
- Bed frame + mattress
- Pillows, sheets, blankets/comforter
- Dresser or storage bins
- Laundry basket/hamper
- Curtains or blinds (if not provided)
🍳 Kitchen
- Plates, bowls, cups, mugs
- Silverware (forks, knives, spoons)
- Pots & pans (1 small, 1 large)
- Baking sheet
- Spatula, wooden spoon, ladle
- Cutting board + knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Can opener, bottle opener
- Coffee maker or kettle (if you use one)
- Food storage containers & zip bags
- Dish soap, sponges, drying rack
👉 Pro tip: Start with basics. You don’t need every gadget on day one.
🚿 Bathroom
- Towels + washcloths
- Shower curtain + rings (if not included)
- Bath mat
- Toilet brush + plunger
- Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush
- Trash can + bags
🧹 Cleaning Supplies
- Broom & dustpan
- Mop or Swiffer
- Vacuum (small apartment size works)
- All-purpose cleaner
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Laundry detergent + dryer sheets
🗂️ Important Documents
- Lease agreement
- Renter’s insurance policy
- ID, social security card, passport (kept in safe place)
- Emergency contact list
💡 First Week Tips
- Change your address with USPS, bank, and subscriptions.
- Set up utilities (electric, gas, water, internet).
- Check safety basics: Smoke detector batteries, fire extinguisher.
- Budget for move-in costs: Security deposit, first month’s rent, utilities setup fees.
✅ Quick Checklist
🔑 Key Takeaway
Don’t overcomplicate your first move. Start with essentials, add extras over time, and focus on making your new space feel like home.
