First Apartment Essentials: A Practical Checklist

Moving into your first apartment is exciting, and it is easy to overspend in the first few weeks. The trick is to buy what you need right away, borrow or buy secondhand where you can, and let the rest come over time. This checklist focuses on true essentials, organized by room.

Before you buy anything

• Measure each room and doorway so furniture fits.
• Note what the apartment already includes, such as a refrigerator, stove, microwave or window coverings.
• Make a simple budget for setup costs and stick to it.
• Ask family and friends if they have items to pass on.

Day one essentials

Pack or buy these before move-in day so your first night is comfortable:

• Toilet paper, hand soap and a towel
• Bedding and a pillow (even an air mattress works for the first night)
• Phone charger and a power strip
• Basic tools: screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, utility knife
• Trash bags and basic cleaning supplies
• Light bulbs and a flashlight
• Snacks, water and a few easy meals
• Medications and important documents

Kitchen

• A medium skillet and a pot with a lid
• A baking sheet
• A chef’s knife and a cutting board
• Spatula, wooden spoon, tongs and a can opener
• A few plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and sets of cutlery
• Food storage containers
• Dish soap, a sponge, dish towels and a drying rack
• Oven mitts

Skip specialized gadgets until you know how you cook. Many people find they use a small set of tools for nearly everything.

Bathroom

• Shower curtain and liner with rings, if there is no glass door
• Bath towels, hand towels and a bath mat
• Toilet brush and plunger (buy the plunger before you need it)
• Small trash can
• Toiletries and a basic first aid kit

Bedroom

• A mattress and bed frame, or a mattress on a simple platform
• Two sets of sheets, a blanket or comforter and pillows
• Hangers
• A lamp
• Window coverings if none are provided, for privacy and better sleep

Living area

• Somewhere to sit: a sofa, loveseat or a couple of comfortable chairs
• A small table for meals or work
• Floor or table lamps for warm lighting
• A rug, if floors are hard and echoey

Cleaning and laundry

• Broom and dustpan, or a vacuum
• Mop or floor cleaning cloths
• All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and microfiber cloths
• Laundry basket, detergent and quarters or a laundry card if your building uses them

Safety

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and report any that do not work.
• Keep a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen if allowed.
• Know where your water shutoff and electrical panel are.
• Get renters insurance; see our renters insurance guide.

Utilities and services

Schedule electricity, gas and internet to start on or before move-in day. Ask the landlord which utilities you need to set up and which are included. Internet installation appointments can book up, so schedule as soon as you sign the lease.

Saving money on furnishing

• Buy secondhand: thrift stores, community marketplaces and neighborhood groups often have good furniture. Check upholstered items carefully for stains or pests.
• Prioritize: a good mattress and chair are worth spending on; decor can wait.
• Furnish slowly: live in the space for a few weeks before buying large items. You will learn how you actually use each room.
• Think multipurpose: a storage ottoman, a sofa bed or an extendable table can do two jobs. See our small apartment decorating ideas.

First week to-do list

• Document the apartment’s condition with dated photos
• Update your address with USPS, your bank and employer
• Learn trash and recycling days and rules
• Save the landlord or manager’s maintenance contact
• Introduce yourself to a neighbor

Your first apartment does not need to be perfect on day one. With the essentials covered and a plan for the rest, it will start to feel like home quickly.