Here's What You Need For Your First Apartment

The time has come: you're moving into your first apartment! I'm thrilled for you, but I'd be lying if I said moving is a breeze. As someone who has moved numerous times (including coast to coast) in their 20-something years of life, I've become quite familiar with the process of packing and unpacking, as well as remembering what items are needed for a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room upon arrival. There are a lot of things you don't realize you need until it's too late, especially when you throw in miscellaneous items like first-aid kits and toolboxes (especially if these things were provided for you in your childhood home or college dorm).

The goal is to avoid the avoidable. Case in point: my ex-boyfriend's first college apartment — his bed rested on the ground, his kitchen had no dish detergent, and his bathroom skimped on hand soap. (This wasn't just a move-in-day issue, by the way.) You deserve a fully stocked apartment starting night one, and the key to a smooth moving experience is to be prepared. Ahead, find the ultimate first-apartment checklist — organized by room — with all the items needed for your move-in day. You don't need everything on this list, of course, but it's a helpful guide to get you going. Screenshot it to take with you on the go. (Psst . . . this doesn't include furniture; I'm assuming you have that covered.)

Pots, pans, dishes, linens . . . and that's just the start. The kitchen has a lot to unpack (literally), so prepare for a big trip to your local department store.

If you're lucky enough to have an in-unit laundry, pat yourself on the back — that's huge. If not, you'll still need the following essentials — like detergent and dryer sheets — to get you through. For off-site and shared laundry spaces, I recommend a hamper with straps or handles to make lugging clothes around easier.

The bathroom is unavoidable and should therefore be stocked with all the essentials you need. From a trash can to hand soap to bath mats and more, you don't want to forget a dang thing when it comes to your bathroom.

Besides the side tables, mattress, and dresser, there are a whole lot of other things that go into a bedroom. From window treatments that'll keep it nice and dark to pillowcases that make your bed ultra-cozy, peep the items you need for a comfortable 365 days of sleep.

I won't tell you how to decorate your home, but I'll make suggestions for a few key items — like rugs and throw blankets — that will make your first few nights as comfy as possible.

Accidents happen, both during moves and in day-to-day life. If you happen to cut your finger while cooking or burn yourself on a hot pan, having these items within reach will ensure you're taken care of.

Just as every kitchen has a "junk drawer," there are always misfit items that belong . . . somewhere in your apartment. Here are the extra things you 100-percent need, although it's up to you to decide where to keep them.