The time has come: you're moving into your first apartment [1]! 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 [2], 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 [3] — 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.)
First-Apartment Checklist: Kitchen
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.
Cleaning Supplies
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- All-purpose cleaner
- Sponges
- Dishwasher pods
- Paper towels (and a holder)
- Trash bags
- Trash can
- Mop
- Broom and dustpan
- Glass cleaner
- Bleach
Cookware
- Pots and pans
- Baking sheet
- Cooking sheet
- Strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Casserole dish
Utensils
- Silverware (spoons, forks, and knives)
- Cutting knives
- Silverware organizer
- Cups
- Mugs
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, serving spoon, etc.)
Tools
- Drying rack
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Food storage containers
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Oven mitts
- Chip clips
- Corkscrew
Appliances
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Coffee maker
- Air fryer
- Blender
- Slow cooker
- Water filter
First-Apartment Checklist: Laundry
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.
- Hamper
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Stain remover
First-Apartment Checklist: Bathroom
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.
- Trash can
- Hand towels
- Body towels
- Plunger
- Toilet paper and holder
- Hand soap
- Window treatments
- Small trash bags
- Bath mat
- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
First-Apartment Checklist: Bedroom
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.
- Mirror (full-length or otherwise)
- Hangers
- Bed frame and boxspring
- Pillows
- Bed linens
- Window treatments
First-Apartment Checklist: Living Room
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.
Decor
- Rug
- Window treatments
- Throw blankets
Technology
- Vacuum cleaner
- TV
- Extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors
- HDMI cable
First-Apartment Checklist: Safety
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.
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Matches or lighter
First-Apartment Checklist: Extras
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.
- Tape
- Tool kit
- Removable wall hooks or nails
- Iron and ironing board
- Light bulbs
- Batteries
- Scissors
