You found an apartment, you signed the lease, you wrote the check. Congrats, you’re now all ready to move into your first apartment! Except, wait a minute, you’re not. You need things to put in the apartment. And what, exactly, do you need?
Here’s a handy checklist of things you’ll need (or at least want, in all likelihood), organized by room, with extra blanks for YOU to fill in. Our suggested top priorities are in bold, but before you panic keep in mind many of these items can be bought cheaply second-hand or even picked up free. And if we’ve missed anything, please let us know in the comments!
Download and print this checklist [PDF]
Entrance area
- Welcome mat (for outside the door)
- Small area rug (for just inside the door)
- Wall hooks for jackets, keys, etc.
- Small table or bench for shoe storage
- Lamp, if there’s no other light source by the door
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
Living room
- Couch, chairs, or other things to sit on
- Coffee table
- Bookshelves
- Television
- Stand for TV
- Throw pillows for couch/chairs
- Artwork
- Lamp(s)
- For more furnishing suggestions check out our Basic Furniture Checklist
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
Kitchen
- Food!
- Silverware
- Silverware organizer (drawer insert)
- Dishes (e.g. plates, glasses, mugs, bowls, serving platters, etc.)
- Trash and recycling cans
- Pots and pans
- Oven mitts
- Spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.
- Container for countertop storage of spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.
- Dish towels
- Dish drying rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Bottle opener and corkscrew
- Plastic containers for food storage (e.g. Tupperware or Gladware)
- Rolls of aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, and parchment paper
- Paper (or newspaper) to line cupboards and shelves
- Zip-top plastic bags of various sizes
- Cutting boards
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Microwave
- Coffee maker
- Kettle or hotpot
- Ice cube trays
- Blender
- Hand mixer
- Can opener
- Good, sharp knives (at least one large chef’s knife and a small paring knife)
- Serving spoon
- Colander
- Additional free-standing shelves or storage, as needed (e.g. metal shelf units from Target or IKEA)
- Dish soap and sponges/scrubbers
- Trash can
- Small area rug
- For more kitchen essentials, check out our Starter Pantry and Staples Checklist, our Starter Equipment Checklist and Sam’s favorite kitchen equipment sources
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
Dining area
- Table and chairs
- Tablecloth or placemats
- Napkins
- Candles/tealights and candle holders
- Trivets
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
Bathroom
- Shower curtain (and rings to hold it up)
- Shower caddy
- Toothbrush
- Toiletries (e.g. bath soap, hand soap, shampoo, lotion, etc.)
- Toilet paper
- Toilet brush
- Toilet plunger
- Bath mat(s)
- Air freshener
- Tissues
- Trash can
- Over-the-door towel hook
- Towels (bath and hand) and washcloths (be sure to have extras for any guests who spend the night)
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
Bedroom
- Bed!
- Pillows
- Mattress and box spring
- Mattress pad
- Sheets and comforter
- Night stand
- Lamp
- Dresser
- Hangers (more than you think you need)
- Hamper
- Trash can
- Curtains
- Alarm clock
- Desk
- Chair for desk
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
Miscellaneous
- Cleaning supplies (e.g. rags, paper towels, sprays)
- Laundry soap, fabric softener, stain remover (e.g. Shout) and a jar of quarters for laundry
- Trash bags
- Vacuum cleaner
- Small broom and dustpan
- Extension cords
- Surge strips
- Basic tools, including screwdrivers (flat and Phillips-heads), hammer (and some small nails), duct tape, box-cutter or X-acto knife, duct tape, pliers, wrench, and masking tape (at the very least, get a Leatherman, which includes basic versions of most of the above-mentioned tools)
- Large plastic bins or other storage
- Pens
- Paper (for grocery lists, doodles, etc.)
- Flashlight(s)
- Batteries of various types, including backups for your flashlight
- Candle
- Matches
- Tweezers
- Fans
- Emergency Kit, as Alissa detailed after Hurricane Sandy
- Window air conditioner
- Internet router and associated cords
- Light bulbs
- First aid kit
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Fire alarm (as Alissa pointed out in her post “The First 10 Items You Need For Your First Apartment!,” your landlord is responsible for providing a smoke detector, but you should check to make sure it works)
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
- _________________________________
I am moving out on my own for the first time this week. I am 19 and have been slowly acquiring basic necessities over the past two years, as well as saved up a little over $8,000 for move-in costs and an emergency fund.
While I have basically everything on this list, I know not everyone is in the position to be as well-stocked and prepared.
My bare bones list of essentials for everyone would be as follows :
A bed and bedding. This can be just a mattress on the floor but I do recommend at least a boxspring.
Shower curtain, rings and towels. Obviously toiletries like soap and toothpaste. I would recommend a shower mat but you can use an extra towel on the floor if needed.
For the kitchen bare minimum I recommend silverware and dishware, a chef’s knife, a cutting board, a measuring cup and measuring spoons, a spatula, a wooden spoon, and a slotted spoon. You can get basically all of this at Dollar Tree. And I really recommend if you only get one pot/ pan to get a cast iron dutch oven. You can cook virtually anything in it. You can use it on the stove, in the oven. You can use it to brown meat, boil pasta, bake bread. These can be expensive but you can get a 3qt one for around $35 or sometimes even cheaper if you find them at Ross/Marshalls/etc. I think 3qt is the perfect size and cast iron will last you forever if taken care of.
I also recommend a laundry basket because you can use it to transport and even store your clothing if all else fails.
Thank you for sharing your ideas. This is helpful for me. I’m moving to my newest condo and I still dont have idea on what should I considered.
Me and Fiance are moving into our 1st apartment because the military. This list helps soooo much! Thank you!!
Really good checklist
What about things to mop the floor with like floor polish or cleaner
It dosen’t list broom, dust pan, and a mop. Those items are much needed
I’m 17 and moving into my first apartment on the 5th of July. I’m sooo excited. thank you so much for this list. I have almost everything. just need some rugs, a bin and a couple of washcloths.
once again, thank you. this helped so much
:)
I will be living on my own in October
It is very important and excellent.
My fiancé and I just moved into our first apartment and we are still trying to figure out what we need and don’t need. This list is perfect and extremely helpful although I’d add on a safe or filing cabinet that locks for important documents.
I should appreciate your pro tips for first apartment checklist, thanks for sorting out flat needs.
It can be overwhelming or a challenge to feel equipped in a new place. When browsing the isles, there are a number of items on the shelves for different purposes. I mean there may be a good reason to buy a banana slicer, but some tings hold more priority over other things.
Thanks for the suggestions!
This is such a useful list that helps you buy only needed items and keeps you in line with reasonable budget.
damn me n my fiance are so screwed we’ve got almost none of the kitchen stuff, no napkins, Shower curtain (and rings to hold it up), Toilet paper, (we’ll be switching to bidet attachment anyway though), Toilet brush, toilet plunger, Tissues, bathroom trash can, Night stand, lamp, Desk, Chair for desk, and most of the Miscellaneous……… the plan is to go in with all the stuff we DO have (tv, air mattress, vacuum, tables, chairs, sofa, etc.) and get things we need as the need comes up
Hi Kalee,
You plan is smart to furnish slowly, but you probably should pick up some TP pronto! We have many posts on furnishing on shoe string, including here https://www.myfirstapartment.com/?s=cheap+furnishing. Check them for ideas. Good luck!
I am going to use this list as a guide to de-clutter. Thank you!
I would suggest adding a file cabinet for important papers and maybe even a safe for other sort of valuables. Good list!
Great list! Needed something already ready and found this list. Coming from a divorce I know I can’t think of everything. This helps me figure out what I need right away and what to get later.
you’re expecting everyone to be rich when they move out because most people will not have that much money for things that you have listed.
Actually Chris, nobody expects you or anyone else to buy all of these things immediately, or ever. It’s more of a “Chinese menu” from which you pick items over time. When you first move, all you need is a place to sleep, couple chairs and some type of a table of desk. Everything else can be picked up later as your funds allow.
Good luck!
90% of everything listed here I find to be absolute necessities and if you can’t afford those things, should you really be trying to move out on your own? I mean….
List looks nice but the problem is most of the people cant afford these all tings .
Hi JEnifer,
Nobody expects you to dash out to buy it all. It is more like a Chinese restaurant menu, offering a lot of options for you to pick from.
Take your time, and you’ll be surprised how things slowly accumulate.
Thank youuuu! Im 20 and my roomate and I just moved into our first apartment. Lotta things we wanna check off our list but we really sins thaw exact things to look for. I had a pretty good idea of small stuff to check out but this is an amazingly detailed essentials list!!! Blessings to you for taking the time out and I’ll be sure to send this link to my friends getting ready for the same big step
-Chare
Thanks Chare,
So happy to hear the list was helpful to you. As you get settled in your new place, check back with us for tons of other first apartment tips.
I am currently formulating a plan to move into my own apartment and this list has been very helpful in budgeting. Many thanks.
I appreciate for this all information..I need it
I love this, well stated and very helpful.
Thanks and God bless you… Keep it up.
Loves.
lovely list! Was pretty helpful for my first move in to the apartment :)
thanks for making this list it was helpful
thank you for making this list. I find it extremely helpful!
Thank you so much! This is very helpful!
This is so helpful, thank you so much !!
why are people just complaining about what he wrote or didn’t, just be thankful he took his time out to write this list to help us out, i found it very helpful, this is the list i am currently using to guide me through the process of moving in
Very helpful list! Has everything even those little unforgettable
Excellent list! Very insightful! Thank you!
I am about to move into another apartment and this has really helped me with a list of things I will be needing for my new place.Thank you.
We appreciate your kind words. We aim to be realistic and helpful.
This is very helpful!!! Thanks
Basic sewing kit is missing :)
dollar tree has most of the smaller items !!! save $$$$$ yall :)
this is so helpful, thanks
Thank you for this very useful and timely article. I bought some of them on Black Friday. Yeah
Hi Midnight,
Thanks for your nice words. Keep in mind that January white sales are another great opportunity to get items for your apartment at a big discount.
This is super helpful and I was even more delighted to see you’re from Minneapolis! Thank you!
Thanks! I am helping a friend replace Everything she lost in a house fire, this list is helpful.
thanks, super helpful!
I am a year from graduating college and I am getting started on preparing to move back to the city I grew up in after I graduate and this list (and the rest of the site) are a huge help to me in knowing what to save and how to save money during my long distance move. Thanks so much for such helpful lists!
An iron and ironing board, starch
This checklist is really helpful, thanks.
Lost my entire house and family in a tornado, forgot about shower curtains lol. thx
I’m moving out when October starts, and this list among other lists are really helping me a lot. I never actually thought about most of these things!
Thank you!
Very helpful, thanks! Please remember a FIRE EXTINGUISHER
I am planning on building my own apartment. This list will help me provision for every thing that I would need. Also I plan to lease other apartment to tenants. So this list will help in knowing what I can offer them as full or partial furnished apartment. So thank you and all those who commented since this will be very useful.
Thanks for this – just lost a second home from fire – luckiily I’ll have a trailer for the summer but it’s bare bones – this really helped me alot!!
Hi Mary,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Hope you had homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Good luck for finding a nice new place.
is there a comprehensive list I can print?
Hi Mary Ann,
There is a link to the printable PDF in the post and also here https://www.myfirstapartment.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Things-You-Need-For-Your-First-Apartment.pdf
Hope this helps.
What an extensive list. I wish i can store all of these things up in my head! It will make things easier. Thanks for putting this together
I am going to be moving into my own apartment again sometime this year. Unfortunatley due to illness I had to move temporarily into a nursing home until I could start to look after myself and now that I can I am starting over again. Because of moving into the nursing home I had to give up all my stuff that I had in my old apartment and I’m now having to replace EVERYTHING! So I am VERY grateful to have found this site. I especially appreciate the way it is set up with blank lines to add your own items to the list. One item that I did not see however, was an iron and ironing board. Anyways, thanks for this great list guys!
If you are purchasing used bed mattresses, box springs, couches, etc. be careful that there are no crawly things like bed bugs!!!
The things in bold I agree with, everything else is if you have the extra cash. My advice to anyone living on a tight budget, most of these essentials can be bought at the dollar store. The only thing that will really cost you some money is living room furniture. Unless you are a high maintenance person, you can get a mattress at most discount stores or warehouse outlets.
Relax, who is forcing you to buy anything on this list? You will at some point NEED all the things on this list and even if you don’t, people with an ounce of intelligence can figure out to just not buy the things they don’t need.
Hi Step,
The list is meant to be like a Chinese restaurant menu, you pick and choose based on your budget and priorities. If you start with nothing, you will need at least a bed, and some bedding, and couple of cooking pots and some eating utensils. Do some research and you can pick up all your starter supplies second hand at thrift stores, yard sales, and by asking around for hand-me-downs. Good luck!
What about a wedding list! Or baby list!? Maybe personal care list? Lol
add scissors
Hey, I am not moving out yet but it still helped! Haha! Always gotta’ be proactive and think ahead!! This list was so, so helpful! It allowed me to show my dog how adult-like I am!
Cheers, friend. (; XOXO
Hi Gravy,
MFA and your dog are both very proud of you!
A DVD player is also a good thing to have unless you want to pay for cable and never watch the DVDs you own.
Only thing they missed, unless I just missed it somewhere… over the counter medicine, u want to be prepared for when the flu bugs arrive and hangovers haha…
Hi Rikki,
Good point. We actually have another post on sick supplies. https://www.myfirstapartment.com/2015/06/sick-in-your-apartment-be-prepared/. Try to stay healthy!
Looking for an apartment for my senior year of College, this was really helpful for my Amazon wishlist! Thanks so much!
I’m literally doing the exact same thing. This is a godsend.
LOL-fourth child moving out (and last-woohoo!) and your list was a great reminder for me – thanks for what you do!
Hi Laura,
Kudos to you for moving all four out. Just be aware, if they are typical millennials, at one point or another at least one of them will fly back to the nest for a while!
This is really helpful as I am soon to graduate high school and live on my own!
Getting a divorce and will be the first time moving into a place all on my own. Excited and scared at the same time. This list really did help!
Good for you :) I just moved into my first apartment as well and I am also feeling the same! What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and just know that good things fall apart so better things can come together. If you ever feel alone just tell yourself that its better to be happy and alone then miserable with someone that makes you feel alone anyway. Sending positive vibes!
i JUST GOT MY APARTMENT ON MY OWN AFTER MY DIVORCE ITS VERY EXCITING AND NERVE RACKING BUT YOU CAN FEEL THE NEW CHAPTER IN YOUR LIFE
IM REALLY GLAD IT IS WORKING OUT FOR YOU
I commend you for taking that step and finally moving forward. I’m doing the same after 7.5 years! I’m moving with my five year old daughter and I’m excited but nervous. Especially when finances get to be a big part of the moving process. I wish you much luck Andrea!!!
This is my first time moving out on my own after my divorce as well. This new chapter is so exciting! I definietely have nerves as well. This list, has helped to make sure I stay on top of things!
Please add wall clock
Moving out tomorrow, am about to run some errands to pick up anything I missed. This list is perfect!
Cotton swabs/balls, toothbrush holder, soap pads (like brillo pads), dishwasher soap, knife block, And if you have pets don’t forget their essentials too!
LOVE this list! Thank you! For kitchen also consider: Cookie sheet (s), cooling rack, coffee grinder, coffee filters, vegetable peeler, paper towel holder, and baggie clips. :-)
Big help me my husband and my 3 little girl are having to start over completely cause we lost everything in the flood in Louisiana. So it helps alot. Thank you.
Hi Donna,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Hope you had some insurance to help you recover. If you did not, we have many posts about budget decorating and furnishing on the site that might be helpful. Good luck!
It’s been quite some time since I’ve had to start from scratch in setting up home and this has been such a helpful article – thank you!
Really good check list!
This has been an amazing! Thanks
Thanks a lot, this has been useful!
Do most apartments have wifi? I did live with my mother after my parents first split, and we had to install charter services for an internet connection. I wouldn’t like to have to do that to be honest- I’m still at home, but I’d like to know for future references, any input is appreciated.
Hi Leaha,
You need to get your own internet connection, usually from the local cable company or telephone company, for example Time Warner Cable or Verizon Fios. Even if your apartment is already wired for internet, you still have to pay for your own hook-up and usage. Budget to pay at least $40 a month, more if you also want cable TV and some premium channels (HBO, etc.)
My sons searched for a strong wifi signal at his apartment complex and made friends with that person. Now they split the bill. Sharing the cost helps out the young family and my son.
My fiance and I are moving into an apartment in a different city we both live with our parents currently and are finally going on our own this list saved my life I was sitting trying to plan all I needed and priced all I needed before we move so I can get a rough estimate as to how much we need to save and this list narrowed that down for me! Thank you whoever created this wonderful special list it was very helpful to us!
Don’t forget a fridge!
Don’t forget the Ibuprofen or Tylenol! Save yourself from a trip to the store with a headache.
I moved into my apartment next week and this list definitely had a few things that I completely didnt even think about. Glad I found this list. Very helpful.
Moving out tomorrow, am about to run some errands to pick up anything I missed. This list is perfect!
Great list. So helpful. Thank you.
I feel like this left out a way to carry clean laundry home. Either a bag or a basket. I suppose you could use your dirty-laundry basket too.
Hamper is on here
I’m preparing to moveout of my parents house into my own condo in another city and this list was immensely helpful. Thank you so much!
I plan on moving in to my first apartment in September and this is extremely helpful! Thank You!
I’m splitting with my partner, and decided to leave everything with him so he didn’t have to search about for furniture and necessities. So this list will really help me prepare for a new place on my own. Thank you.
Moving in a month, This list was SUPER helpful! The only thing I can think of that was not on the list would be an Iron.
Good point! Thanks.
How long will all of this take?
It’s an ongoing process and depends how much money you have. Once you have a place to sleep, a place to sit down, a place to eat, some cleaning supplies and some cooking equipment, you can take your time with the rest. Go slow and enjoy scouting for things that will make the place yours!
We’ree moving in now and this was the first thing on Google. This’ll be great! Thank you very much!
Dont buy everything new go to resale shops n find things cheaper
scissors? or does no one use them anymore? (or in the emergency kit or first aid kit?)
Toilet plunger should be bolded. You never need one until you do. And when you need it you need it ASAP
I’m planning for my move into Atlanta within the next few months and one thing that I’m looking into is security cameras. My friends’ condo was broken into – laptops, cash, etc were stolen. They normally don’t keep much money on hand but they were leaving for a vacation to Spain within the week. Security cameras that are motion activated and store images/footage via the cloud could have been a huge help in identifying the perpetrators. Might not be necessary for everyone, but it is something to think about.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for your advice. We are also big on renter’s insurance. You may not realize how much valuable stuff you have until it’s gone.
Very thorough list! Thank you!!
You forgot the fridge
Hi Natasha,
The fridge and stove usually come with the apartment. Don’t rent a place without all appliances in place and in working order.
Actually I live in Colombia and I am using this list and the only thing the apartments come with are sinks :) . So it depends where you are living.
in 15 yrs of moving all over Southern California, only ONE apartment came with a fridge… but everywhere else the fridge came with the apartment.
Hi MisChef,
Thanks for pointing this out. In NYC where we live, fridge and stove always come with a rental.
Very helpful!!! My daughter is getting her first apartment in May. I wanted to mention it doesn’t hurt to have rental insurance also for areas that flood or have other weather issues.
So thankful you mentioned this. My son is moving out soon as has a lot of expensive music equipment. I will make sure he gets renter’s insurance, takes pictures and writes down model/serial numbers.
Mind blowing list..!! Hats off
Moving out next year. This will help a lot
Moving next week very helpful thanks tremendously!!!
I’m thinking about moving out this year. This list helped tremendously. Thanks.
Moving out in a couple weeks. Thank you for this!
This list was very helpful. I’m 21 and planning on fully living on my own for the first time this coming summer. I have some of these items already, and I knew I needed some items already. But this list was helpful in all the other random things for each room that I forgot or didn’t think about. Thank you!
and what about air conditioner?or air humidifier to improve air quality?
in addition many old houses have mold or fungi, that it’s important to install air filters. Especially if you’re allergic to some substances (like dust, for example) or have children.
Don’t forget a mop and a basic medicine/medical kit with pain reliever, bandaids, etc.
I love this! Very organized and useful. Could actually use it as a shopping list! Excellent! Thanks
This is exactly the ultimate checklist! My sister’s moving to her new place and your post will be of a great help for her. Definitely recommending it to her, because she thinks that walking around and throwing stuff in a box is a moving preparation. Thank you for sharing!
I went on http://www.thepricegeek.com to see how much this would all cost for me, minus all the things that I’d already have or wouldn’t want, and also excluding bedroom furniture (this site didn’t seem to great at calculating those). The total was about $1250. Good luck guys! :D
Hand-me-downs are our friends. If I maximized all my opportunities I could easily cut that total in half.
Very cool, thank you
Thank you so much for this!!! It helped ALOT! Happy New Year to you and your family
I am expecting to move to my new apartment in two weeks. I am super excited and cannot wait to go shopping for all of the needs for my apartment. Thank you for this, as this was very helpful!
Have a happy new year!
Happy New Year to you, too. And good luck to your first apartment.
Half of this stuff I got but you helped me
A lot with the Miscellaneous
Thank you
OMG thank you so much you are amazing this helped me so much
You forgot to list a Fire extinguisher.
Omg you all are life savers, i just found the apartment of my dreams and compared to your list i had like 20 things on there, thank God for the internet
Yeah, agreed. I move in next month, and there was some stuff I hadn’t even thought about!
What a wonderful resource. Thank you. It really helped to get all things my son needed for his new
Townhouse.
Thanks millions
I am shifting to a new unfurnished apartment in eindhoven and i am purchasing furniture for it but i dont know how to transfer up to my apartment .any one knows any company or people which shift furniture to our apartment without using elevator? as my elevator is to small to shift.
What about new locks for the door?
Hi LindaG,
It is always smart to change the locks, if your landlord has not done that for you. Unfortunately, the landlord is not usually required to do it, so you may have to it yourself. Make sure you get landlord’s permission and hive him or the super the new key for emergency access.
Better safe than sorry!
I…..didn’t see a ps4 on this list.
Nick,
We also missed a 55-inch HD TV!
you put duct tape two times in miscellaneous for tools
You can never have too much duct tape!
you said trash cans two times in kitchen
Thank you so much!
This really helped ty helping my sister get her stuff for her first apartment and she has nothing yet
Needed this….. so much you take for granted at home!!!!
Really needed this list….. thanks!!!!!!
This is a very good checklist for everyone who has to move into his first apartment! I am one, so I will definitely use it in two weeks, big thanks for the help!
Wow, this really came in handy, I got most of items without this list, but I knew I was missing something, this completed my items needed……
This came in handy while i was at my dads house, preparing him for his new apartment because he’s now with his mom, after his divorce with my mom. He didnt even think of half the things on this list. Thanks! :)
What a great idea!
I would LOVE to see a series on how you clean your house.
A great idea, thanks. We have many posts on the topic already. Check out the Housekeeping tab.
Very very helpful. Life saver . Everything was named here
This is a very good checklist for everyone who has to move into his first apartment! I am one, so I will definitely use it in two weeks, big thanks for the help!
This is a good list for the basics Doug, but you’ve left quite a number of essentials out. Of course, those young people who are moving out on their on for the first time might do just fine, and this should come in very helpful, but don’t forget your coffee mugs, glasses to drink out of, and your dinnerware unless you’ll be eating off of paper plates for the rest of your days! I’m assuming this was meant as a savings list to avoid unnecessary spending of money you could be saving starting out. All in all, there are excellent tips–definitely for the college student.
you’ll find those in parentheses beside “dishes” hahaha
don’t need a fridge?
Good point. Fridge and stove usually come with the apartment so they are typically not items that you have to buy.
Very very helpful. Life saver . Everything was named here
Moving into my first place soon! Big help!
This is truly a life saver for me. I am planning to have my first real (non university) apartment in September and I am a bit nervous about forgetting to buy important things.
everythings will be okey with my new little apartment when i read your sharing,, IOI
Doug! COMPLETE GENIUS! Thank you!!!!!
Why wasn’t the bedroom included? Here are some other things if you only have the clothes on your back. An iron, step stool, a new toilet seat, plenty of sponges, curtains/drapes (if you are broke use sheets and thumb tacks). Bob’s Discount Furniture now has a relationship with Rent-a-Center, this expands the amount of buying options.
Hi Dandy,
Excellent additions. Thanks.
(Looks like you missed the second page of the list where you’ll find bedroom, bathroom, dining area, and miscellaneous items.)
my friend & I actually just signed our first apartment lease and this list was very helpul. thanks!
Fire Extinguisher!!!!
Curtains bih
Thanks so much! Extremely helpful.
I’m in the process of looking for a new place and realized that for the first time, I don’t need to rebuild anything – all I need to do is pack up and go. The above list is top-notch – I’ve made my own before, and it really is intimidating. Here’s some advice for the true first-timer;
1 – Go to a thrift store, spend $5 on dishes and silverware, hide it in your car and forget about it.
2 – Fill your backpack, or whatever, with a few days worth of clothes, a few extension cords, and a radio. I don’t care how connected you are RIGHT NOW, in a few days you’re going to be in an alien environment trying to sort it all out. Creature comforts are a godsend.
3 – Bring every blanket you own. Is there a bed there waiting for you? How long is it going to be before your furniture, if you have any yet, arrives? Ever sleep on a hardwood floor for a prolonged period of time? Again, simple things can make a huge difference.
4 – If you can, get a credit card. I’m not advising that you use it to furnish your new place, rather that you use it as a backup buffer if and when you’re about to fall behind. Even if you don’t live in luxury, all the little things add up and will eventually surprise you. Paying cash is easy when there are no other expenses – but now? Things happen, expenses occur, and every so often the budget doesn’t quite work.
5 – When it all starts falling into place, take a day for yourself. Breathe easy. Kick back and relax. YOU did this. YOU stepped out on your own. YOU took responsibility for the roof over your head. It ain’t fun, it ain’t easy, but if you got this far it was only because YOU did it on your own. Understand that, take a look around you and see just what you’ve done, and breathe a sigh of relief. If and when there’s a next time, YOU are the responsible one that has a plan and has their life together.
<3
❤ needed to see this .
This was so kind…thanks Joe
You are an inspiration and very insightful to the real beginning of adulthood!
Thanks Joe that was really cool of you
This Is Very Helpful Everything There Is Needed To Move ….I Love It!!
You should have this list printable. It is an excellent start to everything you need for your first apartment.
This was very helpful! I’m 21, lived in a dorm for a year, but moved back in with my parents 2 years ago after I came home. This list helped me figure out things that I wouldn’t have ever thought of before for an apartment! This will be my first place on my own that I pay for. Thank you for the ideas!
Happy we were able to help you. Good luck with your first apartment!
Refrigerator!!!
When my kids got their new houses and when our new pastors move into the parsonage, (or anyone who’s moving)! I show up on move-in-day (or closing day) with: 2 small trash cans lined with a plastic grocery bag, 2 rolls of paper towels, 2 liquid hand soap, and toilet paper.
I put one small trash can, 1 hand soap, and 1 paper towels in the kitchen.
Then I put a small trash can, 1 hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper in the bathroom,
No frantic unpacking for necessities such as towels, soap, etc. They can always use the small trash cans in bedrooms later.
I get the stuff at a dollar store.
Lori,
Not only are you a great parent, wonderful friend and good neighbor, you are giving everyone moving a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing!
I absolutely love that idea! Thank you for posting that, i saved a snapshot and i plan on doing this from now on.
This was extremely helpful! I’m moving out this year and this checklist really helped for the small yet important things I was forgetting about! Thanks so much!!
This really helps, thanks! c:
I’m 18 and moving out this year.. this was so helpful!! Thanks
I copied & pasted this list into a spreadsheet to help me organize everything – what I have, what I want, and what I need. Thank you so much – super helpful!
I will be needing a big checklist for bedrooms, bathroom, livingroom and the kitchen. Please help me Im a little nervous because this will be my first apartment but Im exicited too.
Hi Ms. Ty. For your bedroom, the main item on your checklist should definitely be a bed with a mattress and box springs (if you go the traditional route). Since it is your first apartment, we understand working on a budget, so here’s another post about ways to track down free furniture for your apartment too:
https://www.myfirstapartment.com/2010/08/furnishing-with-cheap-and-free-finds/
Hope this helps! Good luck with your move!
I live in MD and plan to move to NJ within the next few months about a year ago I started my wish list and rented a storage unit. I have things in there that I think I will need for my apt. I am willing to share some stores where I have found some nice things: Gabriel Brothers in Aberdeen, Md, I bought $5 King size sheets new, kitchen rug for $1, a Coldwater Creek Mirror with the $250 price tag attached for $7 and Gabes has sidewalk sales where I have got kitchen utensils from Faberware, Ecko and Kitchenaid for $15 a bag. Scratch and Dent in Baltimore, I bought a Eco Motion Sensor trash can for $20 NIB and NIB Shark Rotator Vaccum for $60 and there is a Shop Smart Outlet that has similar deals as Scratch & Dent. There is also a shawnmart(dot)com that I buy haircare for $1. I think I have spent $500 in merchandise and have a value of $5000. Now I am trying to get the furniture…
Hi, thanks for your great tips. We appreciate them! If you need help getting started on furniture hunting, check out some of our articles on the topic: https://www.myfirstapartment.com/?s=furniture
Please remove my statement dated, February 10, 2014. Thank you.
My sister is moving into a furnished sublet, so there were a ton of things we didn’t need to think about. But this list showed us how many things we hadn’t thought of yet. Awesome!
Thanks for the kind note. A furnished sublet sounds like a dream!
I need a checklist for a childs room….I’m moving with my (19mo.old now) he will be 2 when we move
Hi Renee,
While we appreciate your interest, baby/toddler issues are generally outside the scope of our website. For more information on children’s rooms, check out our friend over at ChecklistMommy.
I’m furnishing a rental. This is a great essentials list. Thanks
My husband and I lost our apartment and a lot of belongings (not IMPORTANT stuff, but a lot of small stuff like what’s on this list) in a tornado, and now we’re moving into a new place and this list is SO HELPFUL! It’s so hard to remember all of the little things up until you need them!
Hi Nicole,
Good to hear and glad to help. And very sorry you were a tornado victim, but it sounds like you’re making a great recovery. Happy Holidays!
Hi I am 19 and moving out of the house..* This is like a magic website and it helped me SO SO much!!* So thank you :)
Magic website!! Thanks Kayla, we love to hear that. Good luck with your first apartment.
Not my first apartment, but great list just the same.
Thanks.
I love this! Thanks!
And we love your comment, Tiffany! We are so happy to hear that you find our checklists useful.
I love this website. I have used these checklists every time I relocated and sold or gave away items in moves. Total plus and I always recommend these checklists!!!!
You left out the bathroom lol
Hi Maranda,
Did you click through to Page 2? All your bathroom essential are listed there. Have fun furnishing your place!
Printing and bookmarking ! Love it ! Thanks sooo much ! >o< <3
This is wonderful! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you very much for sharing, it was great you made the whole list and shared us.