Complete First Apartment Checklist (2024 Guide)

Written by Shane Sentelle Updated 04/03/2024

Moving into your first apartment can be overwhelming, but we’ve created the ultimate first apartment checklist to simplify the process. We’ve organized apartment must-haves into different categories to help you create a comfortable and functional living space. Keep reading to learn about all the essentials you’ll need, whether moving into a small space or a roomy penthouse.

Bathroom Essentials

Focus on making your bathroom functional before concentrating on decor. Here are the bathroom essentials you’ll need to stay clean and healthy in your new place:

Bath mat: Place one bath mat in front of the shower and another in front of the sink to prevent slipping and absorb excess water in the bathroom.
First aid kit: Store a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic ointment, and other essentials for minor injuries under the bathroom sink or in the medicine cabinet.
Hand soap: Keep a bottle of liquid hand soap by the sink for washing hands.
Plunger: Ensure you have a plunger to address toilet clogs or blockages.
Shower liner: Purchase a mildew-resistant liner to keep water from splashing outside the tub or shower. Add a shower curtain for a decorative touch.
Toilet brush: Keep a toilet brush in the bathroom for regular cleaning.
Toilet paper: Buy a large pack of toilet paper. You’ll want a few extra rolls on hand to avoid running out unexpectedly.
Toiletries: Stock up on toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other toiletries you use daily.
Toothbrush: Get a reliable toothbrush for yourself, plus some spares.
Towels: Purchase at least two sets of bath towels and hand towels to account for yourself and your guests.

Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom must be a space to relax, unwind, and rest properly. Prepare a comfortable place to sleep each night with these essentials:

Bed frame: Invest in a sturdy, comfortable bed frame to support your mattress.
Blankets: Select a duvet, quilt, or comforter for your bed, plus an extra blanket if you often get cold at night.
Clothes hangers: Get enough clothes hangers to keep your shirts, pants, and outerwear organized.
Lamp: Choose a bedside lamp that provides soft light for reading or relaxing.
Laundry hamper: Keep a laundry hamper in your bedroom to collect dirty clothes.
Mattress: Choose a high-quality mattress that suits your sleep preferences and provides adequate support.
Nightstand: Place at least one nightstand next to your bed to store essentials such as bedside lamps, diffusers, and phone chargers.
Pillows: Get two pillows for each person using the bed.
Sheets: Purchase at least two sheet sets to rotate on laundry day. Most sets include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases.

Cleaning Essentials

Cleaning your new apartment won’t take much time if you have the right tools to perform this important task. You’ll need these reliable cleaning supplies to keep your apartment fresh and homey:

All-purpose cleaner: Find an all-purpose cleaner or disinfecting wipes that are safe to use on multiple surfaces in your home. Supplement your main cleaner with glass cleaner and other solutions as needed.
Broom and dustpan: Invest in a broom and dustpan to easily clean up dirt and dry messes.
Dish soap: Keep a bottle of dish soap by the sink for hand-washing dishes, plus some dishwasher detergent if you have a dishwasher.
Laundry detergent: Pick up some laundry detergent and fabric softener to wash clothes and linens.
Mop: Choose a mop system that suits the type of flooring in your apartment.
Paper towels: Have a few rolls of paper towels on hand for quick cleanups and spills.
Sponges, brushes, and cloths: For general cleaning tasks, get a pack of sponges, a stiff cleaning brush, and some microfiber cloths.
Vacuum cleaner: Purchase a vacuum cleaner to keep dirt and allergens off your flooring and carpets.

Kitchen Essentials

Cooking at home instead of ordering takeout will help you save money even though purchasing these essentials may feel like a big upfront cost. The following kitchen supplies are necessary for throwing dinner parties or dining solo:

Baking sheets: Get at least one oven baking sheet for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and more.
Can opener: Have a reliable can opener for soups, vegetables, broths, and more.
Cooking utensils: Buy a set of cooking utensils that include spatulas, ladles, tongs, and a whisk.
Cutting board and knives: Invest in a high-quality knife set for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Drinking glasses: Have a set of drinking glasses and coffee mugs for entertaining and early-morning java.
Food storage containers: Invest in food storage containers for meal prep and storing leftovers.
Measuring cups and spoons: Have a set of measuring cups and spoons to measure ingredients for baking and cooking accurately.
Mixing bowls: Purchase a set of mixing bowls in various sizes to combine ingredients and cook in large quantities for meal prep.
Oven mitts and pot holders: Use oven mitts to remove hot items from the oven and pot holders to act as a buffer between hot dishes and the counters.
Plates and bowls: Purchase a dishware set with at least four place settings.
Pots and pans: Pots and pans are a great place to start for a home-cooked meal.
Silverware: Get enough forks, spoons, and knives to meet your needs. We recommend at least four of each, but you may need more if you have roommates.
Small appliances: Make sure you have a toaster or toaster oven, a microwave, a coffee maker, and other small appliances you use regularly.

Living Room Essentials

Your living room is where you’ll spend a lot of time lounging and entertaining. Consider buying the following cozy living room essentials to create a welcoming space:

Accent chairs: Have a few armchairs or accent chairs for extra seating.
Coffee table: A coffee or side table provides a convenient surface for drinks, snacks, and decor.
Couch: Invest in a comfortable sofa or couch with enough seating for yourself and a few guests.
Floor lamp: Many living rooms do not have overhead lighting, so consider purchasing a floor lamp.
Power strips: Use a power strip to manage multiple electronic devices, such as a TV, gaming console, and phone charger.
Television: Purchase a TV that is a consistent size for your available space, plus a TV stand or wall mount.
Throw pillows and blankets: Use throw pillows and blankets on couches and seating to make the space more inviting.

Miscellaneous Items

Some home items don’t fit neatly into the categories above. However, you’ll want to invest in these items for your new apartment:

Area rugs: If your apartment has hard floors, consider purchasing area rugs for the living room and bedroom.
Batteries and lightbulbs: You can never have enough batteries and lightbulbs on hand for quick replacements.
Curtains or blinds: Consider installing blinds or curtains for more privacy and lighting control, particularly in the living room and bedroom.
Extension cords: Keep at least one extension cord on hand for inconveniently placed outlets.
Tool kit: Invest in a tool kit that includes screwdrivers, a hammer, a tape measure, and other essentials for small repairs and DIY projects.
Trash can: Your apartment should have at least one large trash can in the kitchen. Remember to bring trash bags.
Safety supplies: Your apartment may have a smoke detector, but be prepared to purchase more so there’s one in every room. Also, consider buying a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguishers to stay safe in your new place.
Storage solutions: Use bins, baskets, drawer organizers, shelving, wall hooks, and other storage solutions to ensure everything in your new apartment has a place.
Welcome mat: Place an entryway mat near your front door to trap dirt and debris as you enter.

Should You Hire Movers?

Hiring movers costs more than renting a truck and moving furniture yourself, but professionals can simplify the process. Moving companies have the expertise to ensure a smooth transition to your new apartment, giving you more time and energy to focus on settling in.

Before making your final decision, it is important to obtain quotes from multiple moving companies and compare pricing, services, and customer reviews. This will allow you to make an informed decision based on your budget and moving needs.

Our Conclusion

Moving into your apartment for the first time is a huge but challenging milestone. To avoid getting overwhelmed, break down your list of first apartment essentials into different categories. Tackle one category at a time until you have everything you need. Consider hiring local or long-distance movers to free up your time to stock, organize, and decorate your home.

FAQ About a First Apartment

What should you check before moving into an apartment?

Before moving into an apartment, you should carefully review the lease agreement terms and take notes about its condition. You should also ask your landlord or apartment management representative about utilities, maintenance, parking, and safety measures.

How do you financially prepare for a new apartment?

You can financially prepare for a new apartment by creating a realistic budget and saving enough money to cover moving costs, a security deposit, and the first month’s rent. Consider investing in an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses and research renters insurance options to ensure coverage for theft or damage to your belongings.