09 Apr The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
Disclosure: Some of the links you’ll find within this post are affiliate links, which means Nestrs will earn a commission if you use them to make a purchase. Using the links is no extra cost to you; it only helps our small business! We want to share these products because we recommend them and stand by their quality. We got yo back! 😉
You did it! Whether you’re finally moving out of your parent’s house or you just graduated college, welcome to adulting! Coming from someone who was in your shoes not so long ago, having more space than just a bedroom to call your own is the best feeling. You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and maybe even a little overwhelmed. If this will be the first time you’re living on your own, you might be packing up your 10×10 bedroom and realizing just how little belongings you have.
Well, I am here to help! I’ll let you in on what you really need for each room and what not to waste your money on!
For Move-In Day Â
Preparing for move-in day may be the most important task you’ll take on! It’ll take some time to unpack and get everything situated, so make sure to have these items handy.
Here’s what you don’t want to forget:
- Toilet PaperÂ
- Handsoap
- Paper Towels
- Trash Bags
- Bottled Water (don’t forget to bring extra for your move-in day helpers!)
- A change of clothes or overnight bag, so you don’t have to dig through all your boxes your first night!
For the Entrance
This area is the first thing you’ll see when you walk in the door and will inevitably end up as a catch-all spot. Ensure you have enough functionality to keep your entryway organized and give a great first impression to any guests you have over!
- Shoe Mat/Storage
- Key Hook
- Coat Rack or Wall Hooks (if you don’t have a closet)
- Mirror (for those last-minute checks before you walk out the door)
- Small table (mail, keys, wallet)
For the Living Room
This room is where you’ll be hanging out with your friends or even by yourself. You’ll want to have enough seating and storage in this space!
- Couch and Other Seating Options
- Coffee Table
- TV Stand
- TV
- Lamps (a lot of apartments lack overhead lighting)
- End Table
- Curtains (if needed)
Some extras to get once you’ve settled
- Throw Pillows/Throw Blankets
- Shelf/Bookcase
- Artwork
- Ottoman
- Speaker
- Plants
Related: How to Best Light A Living Room Using No Overhead Light
For the KitchenÂ
The kitchen might be the place where you need the most items. However, your kitchen might not have the most space. Just because there’s a gadget for everything doesn’t mean you need it.Â
Dishware and utensils
The amount of each item you need depends on how many people you’re living with and how much overall storage space you have. I would suggest between 4-6 place settings for your first apartment. They don’t have to be expensive. Just keep an eye out for ones that are dishwasher/microwave safe!
- Dinner Plates
- Small Plates
- Cereal Bowls
- Mugs
- Drinking Glasses
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
Pots and pans
Again, this assesses your storage space! You want to be absolutely certian that you have enough sizes to fill your cooking needs, but pots and pans can take up a lot of space. I highly suggest picking up a set of pots and pans. A set will give you a pretty good variety while not giving you so much that they’re left in your cabinets collecting dust.
- Fry Pan (I have two and highly recommend it!)
- Small SaucepanÂ
- Medium Saucepan
- Larger StockpotÂ
- Rimmed Baking Pan
- Cookie Sheet
- Casserole or Baking Dish (Pyrex style)
Appliances
Your apartment will probably have an oven and refrigerator, but here are some extra gadgets to consider!
- Microwave (if one isn’t already built-in)
- Toaster Oven (small ones are great and will get WAY more use than a toaster)
- Coffee MakerÂ
- AirfryerÂ
- Blender (I love the smaller ones that are designed for single servings)
- Hand MixerÂ
- Crock-Pot (Great for meal prep!)
Tools and supplies
- Cutting Knives (big and small)
- Cutting Board
- Food Storage Containers (I love glass because they’re easy to clean and reheat leftovers)
- Measuring Cups and SpoonsÂ
- Veggie Peeler
- Mixing BowlsÂ
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Corkscrew
- Aluminum Foil
- Cling Wrap
- Cooking Utensils (Tongs, Spatula, Whisk, Stirring Spoons)
- Colander
- Ice Cube Tray
Spices & pantry
What’s in your pantry is ultimately reflective of the foods you enjoy and your lifestyle, but here are some items that are great to have on hand!
- Salt
- Pepper
- Go-to Spices (Mine are garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, cinnamon andÂ
- Oil (olive, coconut, vegetable)
- White Sugar
- Flour
- Brown Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Baking Soda
- Baking Powder
Miscellaneous kitchen items
- Trash Can/Trash Bags
- Sponges
- Dish Soap
- Oven Mitts
- Dish Towels
- Dish Drying Rack
- Silverware Organizer (make sure to look at the size of your drawer!)
Related: Moving In Together: A Complete Guide
For the Dining Room/Area
This area may be in your kitchen, or maybe you have a separate designated space for eating meals. Make sure to take note of the size of your eating area!
- Table
- Chairs
- Artwork/Other Decor
For the Home Office
Suppose you’re working from home or still in school and have space. Set up a designated work area! Even if you make your way to the couch some days, having a workspace will help your productivity and keep you organized!
- Desk
- Chair
- Lamp
- At this point, it may be an excellent time to remind you to make sure you set up internet services!
Are you moving to a new apartment, home, or condo and want to make sure you’ll have everything you need in your new residence? Take a look at the top-quality articles, lists, and plans offered by Nestrs, or reach out to them today at welcomehome@nestrs.com to learn more.
For the Bedroom
Since your bedroom is no longer your entire living space, you can make this your sanctuary. The place where you can relax and retreat!Â
- Bed (you could do just the platform frame or one that has a headboard)
- A mattress (if you’re looking for a great mattress, I highly suggest this one)
- Nightstand
- Dresser
- Pillows (I LOVE these)
- Bedding (Get at least two sheets sets, and you can thank me later!)
- Mirror
- Lamp(s)
- Curtains (if needed)
- Hangers
- Hamper
- Fan
- Artwork/Decor
Related: 8 Simple Steps to Make a Bed Your Guests Will Love
For the Bathroom
- Shower Curtain w/ Rings to hold it up!
- Shower Liner (if you get a machine washable one, it’ll save you some extra cash!)
- Bath Towels
- Bath Mat
- Hand Towels
- Wash Cloths
- Personal Toiletries
- Trash Can
- Toilet Paper
- Plunger (Your future self will thank you)
- Toilet Brush
- Over-the-Counter Medications (Tylenol, Advil, Tums, etc.)
- Air Freshener
Cleaning Essentials
- Glass Cleaner
- Multipurpose Cleaner
- Paper Towels/Microfiber Cloths
- Mop
- Vacuum
- Broom
- Laundry detergent
- Stain Remover
- Shower Cleaner
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Home Toolkit
Don’t be like me and end up using a high heel to nail up some artwork.
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Nails/Wall Hooks
- Command Hooks/Strips (Gotta get that security deposit back)
- Extension Cords/Power Strips
- You could also get one inclusive kit!
First Aid Kit
- Band-Aids
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Thermometer
- You can always buy a kit too!
Safety Essentials
- Batteries
- Lightbulbs
- Flashlight
- Fire Extinguisher (Apartment may already be required to provide)
- Smoke Detector (Apartment may already be required to provide)
Miscellaneous ItemsÂ
- Step Stool
- Tape
- Umbrella
- Modem
- Router
- Filing Storage (To organize all that adult paperwork stuff)
Final Thoughts
I hope this checklist helps you feel more prepared for this new journey. We are celebrating this next chapter with you and cheering you on as you make your way into the adult world! Just try to take it all one step at a time; YOU GOT THIS!
Are you considering opening up your own short-term rental or starting an Airbnb? Take a look at the top-quality tips, tricks, lists, and plans offered by Nestrs, or reach out to them at welcomehome@nestrs.com to learn more today.
No Comments