Moving into a first apartment is an exhilarating experience. It is also one which requires planning and forward thinking to ensure the apartment is ready and stocked with the essentials.
Some things can be sourced secondhand while others will need to be purchased outright. Try friends and family who may be willing and able to provide hand-me-downs to help you begin your new life.
A detailed first apartment checklist and a budget can help new renters plan for any eventuality, prioritize apartment essentials, and develop a savings strategy for adding new items along the way.
Paperwork and Practicalities – What to Get Done Before Moving In?
Before moving to your first apartment there will be a ream of paperwork that needs to be collected, delivered, signed, and organized. New renters will usually need to provide some proof of income and a credit history before they will be accepted. They may also need character references.
Once the lease has been signed, taking out renter’s insurance is a good move to protect the value of goods in the property, particularly if the property is unfurnished and you’ll be spending your own money on furniture.
Before signing a lease, renters may want to check out the parking options at their new building. If there is no parking included, this is something else to be factored into both the plan and the budget.
Utilities should be organized and set up to ensure they have
essentials like heating, hot water, electricity, gas and a phone line are ready
to go on moving day. Be sure to take meter readings on the first day and report
them to the relevant companies to avoid paying for energy or other utilities
you have not used.
First Apartment Kitchenware Checklist
Ordering take-out on the first night is a tradition when moving to your first apartment. For the future, you’ll need a well-equipped kitchen. There are a few apartment essentials that you’ll need from day one:
- Pots and pans: at least two saucepans in different sizes and at least one medium or large frying pan.
- Baking trays and dishes: At least one flat baking tray and one oven-proof deep dish for lasagna or casserole.
- Crockery: Two dinner plates, two smaller plates, two bowls and two mugs per person should be okay for starters.
- Cutlery: Knives, forks and spoons, at least two of each per person.
- Cooking knives: One sharp chef’s knife, one serrated bread knife and one smaller sharp paring knife.
- Utensils: Spatula, large metal spoon, wooden spoon, bottle opener, can opener, whisk, slotted spoon, sieve or colander.
- Other: Chopping board, oven mitts, dish cloths and towels, drying rack for dishes, paper towel, aluminum foil, measuring cup, trash bags.
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Necessary Bathroom Items
You’ll also need a handful of bathroom essentials when you first move in. Buy these ahead of moving so you can set them up on moving day. You’ll need:
- Bathmat to soak up moisture after a shower or bath.
- A set of towels: At least two bath towels and two smaller hand and face towels.
- Shower curtain.
- Toothbrush holder or mug.
- Toilet paper and holder.
- Waste basket or trashcan.
- Toilet brush and plunger.
- Wall hook or door hooks for hanging up towels to dry.
- Baskets for storing toiletries where cabinet space is at a premium.
- Laundry basket.
Cleaning Supplies
Stocking upon a few basic cleaning supplies before moving in ensures that any messes can be promptly cleaned up and spills or stains can be removed before they become permanent. You’ll need:
- Dustpan and brush.
- Mop and bucket.
- Multipurpose cleaning spray.
- Bathroom cleaning spray.
- Glass cleaning spray.
- Microfiber cloths, sponges and soft rags.
- Rubber gloves.
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener.
- Dish soap.
- Anti-bacterial wipes.
In the Bedroom
Items required for the bedroom may depend in part on whether the apartment is let furnished or unfurnished.
If it is unfurnished, then a bed and mattress is the number one priority. Apart from the bed, the other key furniture requirement in a bedroom is storage for clothing.
If there is no closet space, you’ll need an armoire – or opt for an affordable option such as plastic storage boxes for under your bed, hanging rails or wall-mounted shelving. Other essential bedroom items when first moving in include:
- Bed linens: Two sets of sheets, two sets of pillows and pillowcases and at least one comforter or duvet with cover.
- Desk lamp or floor lamp.
- Any additional storage solutions, including hangers for a closet.
- Desk or dresser.
- Curtains or blinds (blackout blinds if the room is facing the early morning sun).
- Nightstand or small set of drawers for next to the bed.
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Living Room Furniture
An unfurnished apartment may be cheaper to rent, but there are initial costs associated with stocking the place with enough furniture to get by.
Most people renting their first apartment will have friends and family with old items of furniture they are willing to donate. There are also many bargains to be found in secondhand stores for those willing to take the time to search.
When purchasing furniture, consider the function of the room and the number of people it will regularly need to accommodate. This includes regular numbers of guests as well as the people living in the apartment. Beanbags and large floor cushions can be great for providing additional seating without taking up large amounts of space.
Try picking up the following to make your new apartment feel more like home:
- Seating: Sofa, armchairs, beanbags, floor cushions.
- Tables: Coffee table, nesting tables, small dining table.
- Area rug or throw rugs.
- Free-standing lamp or table lamps.
- TV and/or sound system and stand or shelving unit.
- Artwork for the walls.
- Houseplants and vases for flowers.
Food Pantry
When first moving in, it can be useful to stock the pantry with a few basic staples that you’ll use time and again. These will depend on taste and dietary requirements, but suggestions include:
- Dried pasta and rice.
- All-purpose flour.
- Canned tomatoes.
- Canned vegetables.
- Pasta sauce.
- A variety of dried herbs and spices.
- Grains, such as lentils, quinoa and barley.
- Canned or dried beans and pulses.
- Salt, pepper and vinegar.
- Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, etc.
- Cooking oil.
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Storage Solutions
Introducing innovative storage solutions throughout your new apartment can help to keep it neat and tidy. Before all your new storage and furniture arrives, it can be a good idea to keep your excess items in a storage unit. This way you know they’ll be safe until you can move them into your new home.
First apartment storage ideas include:
- Ottoman storage doubling as a bench seat.
- Under-bed boxes.
- Door hanging storage for the inside of closets.
- Recessed bookshelves that slot into unused corners.
- Hallway shoe racks for everyday footwear.
Even after you’re completely moved in, there are some household items that you won’t need all the time. CubeSmart storage units are the ideal solution for climate-controlled storage outside the home, keeping things ready for use the next time they are required.
