First Apartment Checklist

Use our checklist to discover all the essentials you’ll need for your new apartment and make your move stress-free. It also includes an interactive task list and Excel export.

DO FIRST

  • Set a budget for moving expenses and new items

  • Sort through current belongings to declutter

  • Gather important documents like the lease and IDs in one place

  • Research moving companies and get quotes

  • Book the chosen moving company or truck

  • Take measurements of rooms in the new apartment

  • Purchase a mattress for the bedroom

  • Buy a set of bed sheets

  • Buy pillows

  • Purchase a shower curtain

  • Buy bath towels

  • Stock up on toilet paper

  • Buy bar soap

  • Buy a first-aid kit with bandages and pain reliever

  • Buy an all-purpose cleaner

  • Buy a kitchen trash can

  • Buy trash bags

  • Schedule the setup for internet and utilities

  • Submit a change of address form with the post office

  • Notify bank and subscriptions of the new address

  • Gather moving boxes, packing tape, and markers

  • Create an inventory of all items being moved, noting valuables

  • Pack an 'Open Me First' box with day-one essentials

    Include toiletries, a towel, sheets, and snacks for immediate access.

  • Pack a suitcase with clothes for the first few days

  • Label all moving boxes with contents and room name

  • Pick up keys for the new apartment

  • Do a deep clean of the new apartment before moving in

  • Take photos of any existing damage in the apartment

  • Confirm the final arrangements with the movers

  • Get cash for moving day tips and emergencies

  • Assemble the bed frame

  • Make the bed with fresh sheets

  • Unpack the bathroom essentials

  • Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

PLAN THIS WEEK

  • Buy a bed frame

  • Get a comforter or a warm blanket

  • Purchase a shower curtain liner

  • Purchase shower curtain hooks

  • Buy hand towels

  • Buy shampoo

  • Buy conditioner

  • Buy toothpaste

  • Buy hand soap for sinks

  • Purchase a plunger

  • Purchase a toilet brush

  • Purchase a set of plates

  • Purchase a set of bowls

  • Purchase drinking glasses

  • Buy a set of forks, knives, and spoons

  • Get a basic set of pots and pans for cooking

  • Buy essential cooking utensils like a spatula and ladle

  • Purchase a cutting board

  • Purchase a chef's knife

  • Stock the pantry with salt, pepper, and cooking oil

  • Buy a microwave

  • Get food storage containers for leftovers

  • Shop for a comfortable couch for the living room

  • Find a coffee table

  • Get a dresser or other clothes storage solution

  • Purchase clothes hangers for the closet

  • Buy a laundry hamper

  • Buy laundry detergent

  • Buy lamps for any dimly lit rooms

  • Buy a hammer

  • Buy a screwdriver set

  • Buy extension cords and power strips

  • Buy dish soap

  • Buy sponges

  • Buy paper towels

  • Buy a broom and dustpan

  • Install curtains or blinds for all windows

  • Buy a fire extinguisher for the kitchen

  • Unpack kitchen boxes

  • Go grocery shopping for first-week essentials

  • Unpack bedroom boxes

  • Unpack bathroom boxes

  • Unpack living room boxes

  • Update address on driver's license or ID

DELEGATE

  • Donate unneeded items

  • Sell unneeded items

  • Return keys for the old residence

SKIP IF NEEDED

  • Buy a nightstand

  • Buy a toaster

  • Find side tables

checklist

That's a lot to remember!

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How to Use the Priority Matrix

local_fire_department

Start with Red (Important + Urgent)

Tasks in this quadrant are highly important, and the deadline is right around the corner. It's like having a paper due tonight or a client's system suddenly going down. You have to drop everything else, get on it right now, and give it your full focus. This is your top priority.

calendar_month

Schedule Yellow (Important + Not Urgent)

This is the foundation for your long-term success. These are things that matter for your future but aren't urgent right now, like learning a new skill, exercising, or planning for next month. Because they're not urgent, they're easy to forget. What you need to do is put them on your schedule, set a fixed time for them, and stick to it.

group

Delegate Blue (Not Important + Urgent)

These tasks may seem urgent, but they're not important to you. They're the kind that interrupt your flow, like unnecessary meetings or small favors others ask of you. The best approach is to let someone else handle them or deal with them quickly, and don't let them steal your valuable time.

delete

Skip Gray (Not Important + Not Urgent)

Tasks in this quadrant are neither important nor urgent. They're purely a drain on your time and energy, like mindlessly scrolling on your phone. The best approach is simply not to do them, and save that time for the tasks in the Yellow quadrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the absolute must-haves for my first night in a new apartment?

Focus on what you need for immediate comfort and hygiene. This means a mattress with bedding, a shower curtain and towel, toilet paper, hand soap, and your toothbrush. Don't forget a phone charger and a bottle of water. Everything else can honestly wait until the next day.

How can I make a first apartment checklist without getting overwhelmed?

Think in layers. First, list items by room (Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom). Then, split that list into three phases: 'Must-Haves for Day 1', 'Need in the First Month', and 'Nice-to-Haves Later'. This stops you from trying to buy everything at once and helps manage your budget.

What items do people always forget when moving into their first apartment?

It's usually the small, boring-but-crucial stuff. A plunger is the classic example—you don't think about it until you desperately need one. Other common ones are a can opener, extension cords, a shower curtain liner (the plastic part!), and basic tools like a screwdriver for assembling furniture.

How can I furnish my first apartment without spending a ton of money?

The best way to save money is to buy less stuff. Before you shop, go through what you already own and decide what to keep or get rid of. Moving less is cheaper, and you'll know exactly what you actually need. After that, prioritize spending on daily-use items like a good mattress and look for deals on everything else at thrift stores or online marketplaces.

What should I buy before moving day versus after I've moved in?

Before the move, get the things you'll need on day one: bedding, a shower curtain, basic toiletries, and a few cleaning supplies. After you're in the space, you can buy larger furniture like a couch or coffee table once you have a better feel for the layout and your needs.

What basic tools should I have for setting up my first apartment?

You don't need a massive toolbox. A simple kit with a hammer, a screwdriver set (with both Phillips and flat-head bits), a measuring tape, and maybe some picture-hanging hooks will get you through most move-in tasks like assembling furniture and putting up decor.

Besides furniture what kitchen supplies do I actually need to start?

To start, you just need enough to make a simple meal. Get one pot, one pan, a cutting board, a good knife, a spatula, and one set of dishes, glasses, and silverware for yourself. You can always build out your collection of gadgets and extra dishes over time.

What cleaning supplies do I need before I even move my stuff in?

Before you unpack a single box, you'll want to do a quick clean. Grab an all-purpose cleaner, paper towels or reusable cloths, a broom and dustpan, and a toilet brush with cleaner. Wiping down shelves, cabinets, and floors in an empty apartment is way easier.

What safety items should I have in my first apartment?

Your apartment should already have smoke detectors, but it's smart to check the batteries yourself. Also, get a small fire extinguisher for the kitchen and a basic first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers. You'll be glad you have them when you need them.

What are some pantry basics I should buy for the first week?

Don't try to stock a full pantry right away. Just get the basics for easy meals. Think salt, pepper, olive oil, a box of pasta and a jar of sauce, some bread, and maybe coffee or tea for the morning. This will get you through the first few days of unpacking without relying on takeout.

Are there important things to do besides shopping before I move?

Absolutely. A few weeks out, arrange your utilities (internet, power) and forward your mail. But here's a crucial tip: the moment you get your keys, before moving a single box, walk through and video any existing damage—scuffs on the wall, carpet stains, etc. This is your proof to get your full security deposit back later.

What's the best way to keep track of all the moving tasks and shopping lists?

Create separate lists for different categories like 'Shopping: Kitchen', 'Admin: Set Up Utilities', and 'Packing: Bedroom'. To avoid chaos, try to figure out what's truly urgent (like buying a mattress) versus important but not urgent (like choosing wall art). Using an app like 4todo that helps you sort tasks this way can be a lifesaver, so you're always working on the right thing at the right time.

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