50+ Essentials to Add to Your Apartment Move-In Checklist

Moving Tips, Tips

Last Updated on 11/15/2024 by Rany Burstein

Congratulations! It’s time to celebrate because you’re about to embark on an exciting journey — moving into your first apartment. Whether it’s a cozy college dorm or a spacious townhouse, one thing’s for sure: you’re officially out of your parent’s crib!

Now, we get it. You are itching to add your personal flair to your new space — maybe a snazzy rug for the living area or the most adorable headboard for your bed. But hold on just a sec! Before you go all-out with the decor dreams, here’s the scoop: setting up your new place can be a budget-busting adventure. Unexpected expenses have a way of sneaking up on you.

And it might seem like a ton of stress to take on but don’t worry. Our first apartment checklist covers just the essentials, all the things you will need from the get-go. And the rest? Well, they can take some sweet time.

Also, don’t miss our moving checklist for to make sure you take all the necessary steps ahead of moving.

First Apartment Checklist: Packing The Essentials

Kitchen Essentials

Most of us spend more time eating than we do sleeping (okay, but maybe just some of us) Regardless, you will need to make your kitchen semi-functional before you move in. This means getting at least some kitchenware like:

  1. Saucepan
  2. Frying Pan
  3. Spatulas
  4. Oven safe dish
  5. A pair of spoons, forks, and knives
  6. Drinking glasses
  7. Coffee mug
  8. Coffee maker
  9. Paper napkins
  10. Toaster

If your first apartment doesn’t already have essentials like a microwave, dishwasher, oven, or basic dining furniture — you will need to invest in that as well. But they are not essential for your first few weeks in the new apartment. You can start with the basics and gradually add appliances as your budget allows. Similarly, you can make do with makeshift dining arrangements or enjoy a casual meal on the couch until you acquire the necessary furniture.

The key is to prioritize your immediate needs and gradually build up your apartment’s amenities over time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a perfectly furnished apartment.

Bedroom Essentials

For a well-deserved dose of beauty sleep, your bedroom should be your sanctuary — or, at the very least, have a comfy bed to rest your weary head. When it comes to bedroom essentials, there’s no skimping on items like a mattress and bed sheets. These are items best purchased new or at least a trusted hand-me-down. However, you can save some cash by hunting for treasures at the thrift store, like furniture, hangers, organizers, and more to spruce up your space.

But to have your apartment bedroom up and running as soon as you move in, here are a few items to add to your room essentials list:

  1. Mattress
  2. Two pairs of bedsheets
  3. A quilt or a bedspread
  4. Dresser
  5. Organizers for your drawers or to stack under the bed
  6. Furniture — if your apartment doesn’t come already furnished
  7. Pillows
  8. Curtains (in case your bedroom doesn’t already have blinds or shades)

Cleaning Supplies

You will quickly learn that the cleanliness of your new place might not meet your expectations. Whether you are moving in with a roommate or setting up your own place, one thing’s for sure — cleaning is in your immediate future. Fortunately, with a few essential cleaning supplies, you’ll be well-prepared to spruce up every nook and cranny just the way you like it.

Remember the golden rule: start from the top and work your way down, and you’ll have your apartment sparkling in no time. While the idea of a futuristic Roomba tidying up for you might sound appealing, there are some cleaning essentials you will need pronto. Here’s a breakdown of the must-haves that will keep your first apartment squeaky clean:

  1. Microfiber cloths or paper towels
  2. Trash bags
  3. Sponges — to wash dishes and other surfaces
  4. A broom and a dustpan set
  5. A mop or a Swiffer
  6. Multipurpose cleaning spray
  7. Laundry and dishwasher detergent
  8. A handheld vacuum will do until you can get something bigger
  9. Rubber gloves if you really want to catch that grout
  10. And some baking soda and vinegar for DIY cleaning supplies

Bathroom Essentials

If you are sharing a bathroom with a roommate, you may not have to stock up on much. However, it’s always a good idea to have some bathroom necessities on hand. After all, when you have spent a long, exhausting day moving, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing shower to wash away the sweat and stress.

Some bathroom essentials items that will need a spot on the apartment move-in checklist are:

  1. Basic toiletries
  2. Personal hygiene items
  3. Trash can
  4. Toilet plunger and brush
  5. Cleaning supplies like a bathroom cleaning spray, squeegee, cloth, or a sponge to really get in there
  6. Toilet paper
  7. Towel set: 2 should be more than enough to start with
  8. First aid kit (pain reliever, bandages, etc.)
  9. Shower curtain and liner (if your shower doesn’t have that fancy glass doors)

Other Essentials

When it comes to moving, not everything neatly fits into boxes, and you might find yourself wondering where to stash those odds and ends. Well, these miscellaneous essentials are here to save the day. They are the items you will want to have close at hand because you’ll need them immediately:

  1. Extension cords
  2. Phone chargers, earbuds, etc
  3. Prescription medicine
  4. Pet essentials for any fur buddies
  5. Important documents, keep them near and dear
  6. Any books or games
  7. Some basic handy tools

Additionally, if you are not a fan of dining out or ordering takeout, you will want to pack some basic grocery items. However, we recommend taking a few days to settle in and unpack before diving into kitchen duties. Settling in first ensures you have a better feel for your kitchen layout and available supplies.

And that’s not all. If you are a first-time apartment renter, you must make your living room livable. This may involve acquiring a cozy rug, a plush sofa set, a sleek TV, and a stylish coffee table. However, do you need these items the moment you step into your new apartment? Probably not. Your apartment’s floor can serve as a makeshift sofa, and your trusty laptop can double as a TV screen.

So, while the idea of having a beautifully furnished living room is appealing, it’s best to put that on the back burner for now and focus on the essentials for your move-in day.

The Open First Box

Pro Tip: Consider packing yourself an “Open First” box. This box should contain all the items you will need for your first night at your new place. This way, you won’t have to scramble through numerous boxes to find the toothpaste or your favorite pajamas when you’re tired and just want to unwind in your new space.

Here are all the apartment essentials you will need to pass that tiring first night in your new apartment:

  1. Bedsheets
  2. Immediate toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper
  3. An air mattress or even a futon could fill your immediate needs
  4. Comfy slippers
  5. A change of clothes and some pjs
  6. Your phone charger and other essential electronics
  7. Water bottles
  8. And some snacks

Where to buy?

Now that you know what apartment essentials you need for your new apartment, the next step is figuring out where to buy them. While thrift stores and hand-me-downs can be excellent options for some items, you might not find what you need or the designs may not align with your tastes. To help you navigate the world of budget-friendly apartment shopping, here are some recommended places to consider:

  1. Walmart: Available in most cities, Walmart offers affordable options and a vast selection of products. It’s your go-to for essentials, cleaning supplies, bedding, and kitchen items. While the quality may not be top-notch, it’s ideal for those on a budget who want to quickly set up their new space.
  2. Costco / Sam’s Club: If you have the space and are looking to purchase essentials in bulk, such as paper towels, cleaning products, and toiletries, Costco or Sam’s Club are worth a visit. The only downside is you need a membership to purchase most items.
  3. Amazon: Known for its extensive inventory, Amazon has everything you could possibly need, from furniture to toothbrushes. Its quick delivery and easy assembly are a crowd pleaser, especially for individuals residing in areas where time and transportation can be constraints, such as NYC.
  4. Target: Everyone’s favorite store, Target, offers great household finds. It tends to be slightly pricier than Walmart but still falls within an affordable range. Shopping at Target is like a treasure hunt — even if you don’t find what you came for, you will definitely leave with something you didn’t know you needed!
  5. Ross: Often overlooked, Ross is a treasure trove of quality items at low prices. You can discover decor, paintings, sheets, bedding, bathroom essentials, and even furniture and accent pieces here.
  6. TJ Maxx: In-store or online, TJ Maxx is a great place to find stylish decorations and furniture that appear more expensive than they are. It’s perfect for adding a touch of flair to your apartment without breaking the bank.
  7. Temu: A new online player from China, Temu offers a variety of miscellaneous items at budget-friendly prices. While quality may vary, their promotions and extensive selection make it an attractive option for affordable finds.
  8. Wayfair: If you’re looking for medium-quality furniture with stylish options at fair prices, Wayfair is a solid choice. While it may be pricier than Amazon, it is still much more affordable than high-end furniture stores like Restoration Hardware, CB2, West Elm, Ashley’s or Rooms-to-go.

Packed and Ready to Go!

With Diggz Partners you can save some serious $$$ on moving costs. If you have got a team of trusted movers handling the rest of your belongings, you can relax knowing that everything else will arrive soon. In the meantime, packing only these room essentials will have you covered for the first few nights.

With all these moving boxes, it’s clear that you have got your packing game on point! Having an apartment move-in checklist is a brilliant way to keep things Marie Kondo-level organized and ensure you don’t forget the essentials.

Now, here’s the thing: turning your apartment into the ultimate chill zone is a journey. It’s more like a casual stroll than a sprint. As you get settled and add your personal touches, you’ll gradually acquire the furniture, appliances, and decor that give your place that unique vibe. So, for now, relish the excitement of this new chapter and enjoy the process of making your apartment a comfy space that feels like home. Happy moving, and here’s to all the fun memories you will create in your new apartment!