Looking for a first apartment checklist that includes everything you need for your first move? The list below includes all the basic items you NEED for your first move. Make sure you don’t miss anything and check out this list!
Moving into my first apartment, I was so excited to buy everything I’ve ever wanted for my new space. But, as a over planner who couldn’t wait to start organizing and decorating everything, I definitely bought way more than I should have right away. This led to an overwhelming move in day, and being forced to return many of the things I impulse bought before moving in.
When my roommate and I moved into our first apartment after college, we tried making a list of everything we wanted and ended up missing some of the most important essentials and focusing on things that could have waited.
This first apartment checklist would have been perfect so we could have planned what was important to get now, and know what to wait on!
Want this checklist in perfect PDF form? This first apartment checklist is everything you need when moving into your first apartment. Trust me, I learned the hard way what was important and what wasn’t. Learn from my mistakes and use this guide!
Complete First Apartment Checklist To Make Your First Move Perfect!
I remember being so excited to move into my first apartment so I could start organizing and decorating it exactly how I wanted. But my biggest regret was buying too many things all at once.
Before we go through everything you need for your first apartment, I’ll give some advice I’ve learned as to products you DON’T need right away when making your first move!
What you don’t need right away when moving into your first apartment:
- End tables – Wait until you are moved in and know how much extra space you really have. Fill your apartment with important furniture like couches and chairs first before filling in the spots around them.
- Kitchen rugs- This is definitely not an essential and can wait until later.
- Patio furniture – Apartment patios or porches are usually pretty small. Wait to buy decor or furniture for this area until you are sure what the space your working with looks like.
- To many cooking utensils – There are a million different cooking and baking utensils you can buy, but wait until after you move in to buy more than just a few basics and don’t get carried away with everything out there.
Now that you know a few things not to buy before moving into your first apartment, you can start making your list of everything you do need! Read below for the complete apartment planning checklist.
Complete Checklist For Planning the Perfect Apartment Move: Everything You Need
Living Room
– Couch
– Coffee table
– TV stand
– Tv
– Rug
– Window curtains
– Blankets
– Coasters
– Power strip
Kitchen
– Table & Chairs
– Plates & Bowls
– Cups, Mugs, and Tumbler
– Dish Drying Rack
– Toaster
– Air fryer
– cooking utensils
– Baking sheets
– Pots & Pans
– Coffee Maker
– Wine opener
– knife block set
– Can opener
– Silverware & silverware holder
– Scrub brush, dish towel, extra rags
– Oven Mitts
– Paper towel holder & paper towels
– Storage Contains for Leftovers
-Baking soda (put this in your fridge ASAP)
– Trash can ( with covered top)
– Recycling Bin
– Ice Trays
Bedroom
– Mattress
– Bedframe
– Sheets
– Blankets
– Pillows
– Full Length Mirror
– Dresser
– Nightstand
– Curtains
– Clothing and hangers
Bathroom
– Bath towels
– Hand towels
– Shower curtain with liner
– Hanging shower organizer
– Bathroom rug
– Jewelry holder
– Toothbrush holder
– Skincare & beauty supplies
– Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
– Hand soap
– Straightener & curling iron
– Plunger & toilet scrubber brush
– Cleaning supplies
– Toilet paper
– Small garbage bin
– Scale
Closet, Cleaning, & Organization
– Shoe organizer
– Laundry detergent
– Dryer sheets
– Garbage can
– Recycling bin
– Garbage bags
– Dishwasher detergent
– All purpose cleaner & Windex
– Paper towels
– Vacuum
– Broom
Miscellaneous
– Wifi adapter
– TV & Roku
– Candle
– lighter
– Phone charger
– Tool kit
– First aid kit
– Entryway stand
-Batteries
– Scissors
– Tape
– Speaker
– Cooler
– Suitcase & travel bags
Moving into an apartment for the first time is stressful. You will quickly find that over buying is the biggest problem you are going to have. Try to stick with just the basics in this first apartment checklist and you will stay on the right track. You can always buy more once you are moved in. Preparing for a move is a trial and error process, you’ll find out for yourself what you really need as you do it. Happy Packing!