What's not in your home that first night that you can't live without aren't the big things, but the very small. There are some coffee tables I love and you can find them from all different places. Completed Your First Apartment Checklist? College Apartment Checklist by Nancy Mitchell. By making this list so early, I was able to get a ton of the products during huge sales like Black Friday & New Year's Eve sales. I got majority of my decorations from Target and HomeGoods (aka heaven on earth). Don't forget about a TV stand! You’ll want to consider cleaning the day before you move in – it’s just too much work to clean and move on the same day. From kitchen utensils, to mattresses, to cleaning products...it can become very overwhelming! Even though you'll probably forget something after moving into your first solo space, this handy checklist can help keep that number of things to a minimum. That should give you enough of a variety to allow you to cook different meals. Even if you’re not a budding chef, you’ll still want to stock your pantry with these basics. You don’t want to move into your new place and realize you’ve neglected to think about lighting. Let’s get started. Take this checklist with you when you start shopping, and you’ll be all set. Now when you’re a student who is moving out for the first time, your checklist may be more simple. You’re opening new doors, settling into new places, moving forward – what’s not to like? After a long day of moving, you’ll probably be dying for a hot shower. I like to get mine at Costco because you can get 50 for less than $10. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to start with everything at once, Use the checklist to prioritize the items you must have when you first move into your … But, with all the hustle and bustle, it can get a little chaotic. The beginning of your time in a first apartment will generally require lots of trips back and forth to the store, and that’s totally fine. While you dream up how to decorate your new home, we’re here to bring you the ultimate first apartment checklist. Congratulations, you’re finally ready to move into your first apartment! Plus, who can’t find a use for duct tape? Moving is tough and requires as much foresight, planning, and organization as you can give. Congrats, you’re now all ready to move into your first apartment! Essential Checklist for Apartment Furniture and Supplies. ... Be Strategic About Your Move. Let me tell you, utensils are EXPENSIVE! Ready to move out on your own? Period. Then, keep everything on this list close by when you move. But the hard work is still to come. Here is a checklist to guide you when doing your shopping for kitchen wear. From reducing plastic water bottle waste to repairing loose buttons, these first apartment checklist items cover the miscellaneous stuff that will make life in your new place a little easier. Ultimately, an organized timetable will prove beneficial to your moving goals. First Apartment Moving Checklist. I use a microwave religiously so that is definitely something you would want to buy if it doesn't already come with your apartment. Closet storage solutions like a hanging closet organizer or shoe rack, Decor items such as decorative pillows, cozy blanket, rug, wall art. We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Your move into a new home will go more smoothly if you start the planning process two months ahead of time. Congrats! The important thing is that you’re ready by move-in day for your new apartment. Bathroom Cleaning Essentials I Recommend: And then of course there is some random cleaning essentials like a vacuum, mop, and duster. If you know what you need for curtains or shades, grab them ahead of time – it’s no fun to get stuck without anything to cover your bedroom windows (privacy, anyone?). Your bedroom can take a whole new look depending on what styles you choose – so start browsing early. Find and save ideas about first apartment checklist on Pinterest. Pack your toiletry items (soap, shampoo, etc.) You can save a TON of money by using furniture your family members no longer want. Let’s get started. I searched for months for my couch (literally) and ended up finding the perfect one from Ashley's Furniture. Our app may be invite-only, but some of our perks aren't. Some Apartment Bedroom Furniture To Consider: My closet is the main place that I put my clothing so I made sure to stock up on velvet hangers. Get plenty of sponges to replace often. Finally, invest in some hangers before the move. A mattress should be one of the first items you buy after signing your apartment lease. Return to Resources. I had gotten rid of anything I bought for any apartments I’d lived in previously and this time around I wanted to buy quality items, not just the cheapest available. It’s a lengthy section, so buckle up. Outfitting your new apartment is a time for creativity: your dining table can substitute for a desk (or vice versa) until you find something within your budget. Next up on the first apartment checklist is timing. Help organize your items into boxes for the move. Bathroom items might not need as much consideration as some of your larger first apartment purchases, but you still may want to consider the style of your bathroom. On top of the physical labor, financial costs, and stress of the actual move, there’s all the work that comes with unpacking, organizing, decorating, and stocking up on basic needs. 15 Tips for Moving to Your First Apartment Add a fresh coat of paint – Personalize your first apartment by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. I also purchased the CUTEST set of serving utensils from Amazon that are white and gold. No one likes living in a cave – and not every apartment comes with overhead lighting. If your new home lacks light, you may want to add a few floor and table lamps to your home essentials checklist. There are many options for bed frames, so make sure to shop around, consider the size of your apartment, and choose what best fits your needs. It’s yours to paint, decorate and remodel as you please, and that vegetable garden (or man cave) you’ve … And whether you’re short or your new apartment has high ceilings, a step stool will be extremely valuable during the early phases of unpacking and is a must-have for your first apartment. If you are unable to pay your rent, the burden legally falls upon the cosigner. Utilities include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, security system, trash and phone. A new apartment checklist would contain a lot more information, especially if you’re moving with your whole family. Some of these are obvious, like couches and chairs, but some are definite necessities you may have overlooked. MURDER HOMES AREN'T FOR YOU NO MATTER HOW CUTE THE BACK SPLASH IS ----- OUTRO SONG: The Knocks - Classic feat. Get links to different products you want and buy during sales. Outfitting your new apartment is a time for creativity: your dining table can substitute for a desk (or vice versa) until you find something within your budget. Check out some of these simple and chic shower curtains from Target that will look great in your new bathroom! That way it makes it really easy to clean. For your first apartment, we recommend keeping it simple and getting a kitchen starter kit from a department or retail store. You don’t have to buy the newest furniture and supplies before moving into your new apartment. To get you started, here are the items you will most likely need: Furniture Using real dishware is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Due to the vastness of the things to buy in your kitchen, you may end up forgetting to buy some things. You DO NOT need to buy everything (I didn't...it's expensive!) Here are the personal supplies you can't forget: This section is easy and straightforward. It’s tempting to think you need to acquire a ton of items as soon as you move in. Seriously, I would fall asleep at night thinking about how I was going to decorate my apartment. Required fields are marked *. Your move into a new home will go more smoothly if you start the planning process two months ahead of time. If you are a broke college student or just want to find affordable house wares, salvation army and garage sales are great places to start picking up items at low prices. Congratulations, you’re finally ready to move into your first apartment! Now’s the time to grab a few more items to round out your collections and place settings. A new apartment checklist would contain a lot more information, especially if you’re moving with your whole family. Call today, check out what providers service your new address, choose one of the safest space heater options, Home Cleaning Services: Here Are Your Options, House Painting: Everything You Need to Know. You can also find some cheap but really cute console tables at other places. Try to figure out what bulbs are used in your lighting fixtures and integrated ceiling lighting. Rather than spend hours wandering the aisles of your local stores in your first week, let us help you make sense of your first apartment grocery list. I bought a lot of "starter-packs" in this area for things like my pots + pans, plates/bowls/mugs, and utensils. Depending on where you live, you might find that renting is more expensive than you originally anticipated. If you aren't sure what is important to have to furnish your first apartment, here are some of the essentials. Unfortunately, accidents do happen when moving. Rent prices are subject to change based on the seasons, so you can save on rent by being strategic during your search. If you are unable to pay your rent, the burden legally falls upon the cosigner. 3. What You Should Buy After (or Before) Your Move: Think of this section as a condensed version of your first apartment checklist: everything listed here is a must-have. Add both class and functionality to your space by picking out a cool lamp or two. A cosigner vouches for your lease by signing a contract. Moving Into Your First Apartment: What You Need. I was shocked to see how so many online stores have the same exact products but at different prices. It ended up costing $70+ which was not something I needed the weekend I moved in haha. Another thing that I was super annoyed when buying things was how dang expensive couches get. At a minimum you should get a frying pan, a few pots, and a cookie sheet. Of course, this list is written for a general audience, so it’s entirely possible that … There had to be a section in here where there was a bunch of random things to consider buying. Moving out of your college's dorms and into your first apartment? Ikea is also a great place to find a set of dishes and bowls! This section of your first apartment checklist includes all the nitty-gritty details to take care of now so life goes smoothly during and after the move. I had the best luck at Wayfair, Target, and Amazon looking for these. Get links to different products you want and buy during sales. And once your belongings are unpacked, you’re going to need somewhere to put everything. Imagine after you moved in, you discover you lack some essential household items to cook, clean, or sleep; it sometimes turns relocation to hell. Now you know what you need for your first apartment kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom, but have you actually found your first apartment? Shop sales weekends for this!! So, you’re moving into your first apartment and can’t wait to start your new life of independence and freedom. Make sure to buy what you for sure need at first, and then slowly add in things like the crockpot and chip clips. Our experts are available to help. Like seriously, it's insane. It’s tempting to think you need to acquire a ton of items as soon as you move in. Next up on the first apartment checklist is timing. Which is the most crucial room while moving to a new apartment? You can improvise a lot of things that first night in your new apartment. Moving into your First Apartment Checklist. Welcome to the ultimate moving checklist—a list of all the things you should do before moving into your new home. If you follow this first step, you’ll save a ton of time. I got my TV on Black Friday and it was less than $300 if I remember correctly. I have made a printable version of this huge first apartment checklist so that you can use it and make sure you have everything you need. Use these There's the inexpensive way, which, considering that most young adults will move again and upgrade at some point, is not a bad idea. Luckily, you probably already have all of these and can just pack them up and bring them over. It’s no fun to fish a hot pan out of the oven sans oven mitt. Click here to see where I bought everything in my first apartment. Beds are super expensive and this was the bed with by far the best deal. Start with the things you really need, and then add on and upgrade as you can. I was able to find my coffee table $100 less on Wayfair than another online store. Remember, moving into your first apartment is a like a new world. Another way to infuse personality and fun into a rental is by applying peelable and removable wallpaper. MURDER HOMES AREN'T FOR YOU NO MATTER HOW CUTE THE BACK SPLASH IS ----- OUTRO SONG: The Knocks - Classic feat. You don’t want to go too long without taking care of your laundry! You can curl up in a sleeping bag on the floor and order take-out food. To make it even more comfortable, I ended putting this mattress topper on top and IT IS SO COMFORTABLE. Multi-purpose liquid cleaner like Lysol or Mr. Clean. The sooner you can get your clothing unpacked and put away, the sooner your first apartment will feel like home. Downsizing. All you need in a bedroom is a bed, right? Not sure where to start? Because I love gold, I got mine from Wayfair and am obsessed with them but Amazon has even cheaper silver options! Now that I literally just moved, I have a ton of great tips and tricks I learned throughout the last six months that saved me money and made my moving experience easier. Upsizing. Check out our Free Moving Tools page. There are all kinds of shower supplies you need from towels to shower liners. You can always add to your collection later – here’s a complete list to pick up more groceries after you're all settled into your first apartment. Those who are moving usually do it themselves, have full-service movers or a hybrid of the two. There are plenty of options out there, from single-serve Keurigs to traditional drip coffee makers to fancy French presses – add one of them to your first apartment checklist. If you already have a television, follow these tips for moving electronics. There are so many products to consider that it can be difficult to remember everything. Keep track of odds and ends. Of course there is the "extra" furniture for your first apartment bedroom. Making the move into your first apartment might also be your first big step into adulthood. It’s not absolutely essential, but it is necessary for throwing awesome movie nights! New House Checklist: 200+ Essentials for New Apartments and Homes. click here to go to Macy's for the exact link, Money Tips for 20 Year Olds | 8 Things People In Their 20’s Need To Stop Spending Money On, the best of the best for your apartment - Featured Posts, Dish Drying Rack (if you don't have dishwasher), Four King Sized Pillows from Costco (I have a queen bed but the king size pillows make it look more expensive), Steamer / Iron / Downy Wrinkle Releaser Spray. but having a list that you can refer back to makes life so much easier. Make sure you also have a carbon monoxide detector, and add a small fire extinguisher to your safety essentials list to keep on hand near the kitchen. Moving Into Your First Apartment: What You Need. Luckily, you can find these all pretty cheap at places like Target, Costco, and Amazon. Whether you want to hang bags, baseball caps, or keys, command hooks are a cheap and easy solution. Moving into a new apartment for the first time can be an extremely daunting task. While you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets at your first apartment, there are a few key appliances you’re likely to use frequently. Are you moving into your first apartment and putting a list together of everything you need? Yes, you would be fine sleeping on the floor, but life gets crazy busy, and that first night on the floor could easily turn into a month before you find the time to purchase a mattress. You need things to put in the apartment. Copyright ©2020, By Sophia Lee. It’s an overwhelming task to move, so it’s very helpful to have a proper checklist of all the steps you need to take and things you need in order to make the whole process as smooth as possible. You need more than just pots and pans to prepare and store your food. Moving into your first apartment is the dream, but nobody said it would be easy. I went a little all out on this one and got an OXO Set from William Sonoma for this (Target and Amazon also sells it) but I wanted ones that would last since I will probably have them for years. Plus, since you’re likely renting your first apartment, the hooks are a great way to ensure you don’t damage the walls and ensure you’re able to get your security deposit back in full. Once you start unpacking, you’ll also want to have wall hooks and nails on hand. Moving into your first apartment can be overwhelming. Keep track of everything that has to get done to help you avoid any costly moving mistakes. Making Your Not So Perfect Life Look Perfect. Several things are essential for use in your kitchen when moving into your new apartment. Moving into your first apartment is the dream, but nobody said it would be easy. Moving into your first apartment is an exciting time. Even you have the food already cooked; you won’t be able to eat it without the utensils. If this is the first time you’re moving into an apartment and don’t have prior experience, you’ll almost always be missing out on a few things you need. If you’re a film buff, you could consider skipping a TV and getting an awesome projector setup instead. But, with all the hustle and bustle, it can get a little chaotic. Kitchen is considered as the first room in apartment moving checklist because it’s where food is cooked. Click here to download the First Apartment Checklist. Ultimately, an organized timetable will prove beneficial to your moving goals. And don’t forget all of the stuff you need to make your bed cozy—sheets, duvet or comforter, mattress topper, pillows, etc. I recently moved into my first “grown up” apartment after living back at home with my parents for several years. No one likes a stinky sponge! Create a moving binder or set up a Google Doc where you can track everything. Want a first apartment checklist PDF? Ready to cross everything you need for your first apartment off the list? And whether you’re paying for cable or not, getting a television is a great investment. Either way, it’s important to know how to budget for your first apartment —or living situation. This is another great thing to buy in a set. It’s easy to find coordinating shower curtains, towels and more – so that these bathroom essentials all look great together. I was not ready to drop $1000+ on a mattress so I went to Amazon and found the best (cheapest) mattress with the most reviews. A cosigner vouches for your lease by signing a contract. Amid all the excitement, there is still a lot to think about when you start to live on your own. Amazon came THROUGH with all of this bedding essentials for me. Moving Whether that’s a bookshelf or a TV cabinet, make sure you take into account all your belongings (including the ones on this first apartment checklist), and then find the best storage for your needs. To get you started, here are the items you will most likely need: Furniture It’s also helpful to have a bathmat and/or bathroom rug to keep water off your floors. Typically, when moving into your first apartment there’s a good chance that you will need a cosigner such as a parent. We’ve covered the kitchen in our apartment move in checklist first because it’s where you get your food. There is nothing better than getting into a freshly cleaned bed that smells super good. published May 20, 2015. Here is our best estimate of the most common things you’ll need when you move into your new home. It is just the TCL brand but it works perfect for me and I would never notice the difference between that and a TV that is $1,000+. You could stick with paper plates and cups until you buy a full dish set, but we recommend going ahead and purchasing a few of these items before you move in. I got everything white and then I am going to add in some color with throw pillows. with the other items in this section of your first apartment checklist, and you’ll be ready for some much-needed self care. Before moving into your first apartment, you should have enough money saved up to pay all your moving costs, first three months’ rent (or mortgage) and utility bills, any required security deposits, and your living expenses for a couple of months. Pots and pans are a necessity for a kitchen and something that will definitely be put to good use. Once again, these are things that add up quickly so you definitely don't need to get them right away. And if you crave your morning cup of java, you won’t want to go long without some sort of coffee maker. When you’re moving into your first apartment, as a beginner, it’s too easy to make a classic rookie mistake and think you need a ton of stuff the moment you move in.