Things You Need for an Apartment: A Move-In Essentials Checklist

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Moving into your first apartment or a new rental is exciting but can also be a headache. Forgot to buy trash bags? Or worse, toilet paper?

Been there, done that, and it sucks.

But worry not.

We made this comprehensive apartment necessities list with everything from kitchen must-haves to cleaning supplies and basic tools. With this checklist, you’ll be set up and settled in your new apartment in no time.

Here are the things you need for an apartment as a first-time renter or a tenant on the move.

Basic Necessities

Basic essentials for a new apartment include;

Toilet Paper

Aim for 4-6 rolls for a single person or 8-10 rolls for a household of two or more. This should last a couple of weeks, giving you time to settle in before needing to restock

Paper Towels

Starting with a 6-pack of rolls is usually sufficient for one to two people, and a 12-pack for families. Look for double or triple-ply options for better absorbency.

Trash Cans and Bags

Your new apartment needs a kitchen trash can with a lid to contain odors, typically 13 gallons. Smaller 2-3 gallon bins work well for bathrooms and bedrooms. And get at least 20-30 appropriate-sized garbage bags.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are critical needs for your first apartment, including;

• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner 
• Bathroom cleaner
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• A mop and bucket
• A broom and dustpan 
• A vacuum cleaner (if not provided)
• Sponges
• Microfiber cloths
• Rubber gloves
• A toilet brush 

Kitchen Essentials

Without kitchen essentials for first apartment, cooking and dining is impossible. Include these in the list.

Utensils

Add a basic set of utensils to your checklist with these items.

• Forks (dinner and salad sizes)
• Spoons (soup and teaspoons)
• Knives (dinner knives)
• Serving spoons
• Spatula
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Can opener
• Bottle opener/corkscrew
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Ladle
• Slotted spoon
• Kitchen scissors
• Grater
• Colander

Pots and Pans

You can get a kitchen starter kit from a retail store for your first apartment. But if you prefer to DIY, be sure to list:

• A large stock pot
• Medium-sized saucepan
• 10-inch frying pan or skillet
• Rimmed baking sheet 
• Large casserole dish

When selecting cookware, consider the size of your new kitchen and storage space. Nesting sets or those with removable handles can save cabinet space.

Dish Rack

If the apartment doesn’t have a dishwasher, add a dish rack to your apartment essentials list. It is a simple, affordable way to air-dry dishes, pots, and utensils.

Microwave and Toaster Oven

A microwave and toaster oven are convenient for reheating leftovers, toasting bread, and baking small meals. 

Cooking Tools

You may already have some of these items but double-check the apartment essentials list for mixing bowls, measuring cups, a can opener, a vegetable peeler, a cutting board, a spatula, a colander, and tongs.

Food Storage

Stock the proper food storage items to keep food fresh.

• Airtight containers in various sizes for dry goods like pasta, rice, and snacks
• Glass or BPA-free Tupperware with lids for storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer
• Food storage wraps like aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and beeswax wraps
• Stackable bins or baskets for pantry organization
• Ziplock bags or silicone reusable bags
• Mason jars

Bathroom Essentials

When setting up the bathroom, start with the basic bathroom essentials for first apartment:

Bathroom Basics	Personal Care Items
Shower curtain and rings	Towels (hand towels, bath towels) and washcloths
Non-skid bath mat	Bathing soap, handsoap, and shampoo
Toilet brush	Toothpaste and extra packaged toothbrush
Plunger	Tampons
Wastebasket	Necessary medications

Bedroom Essentials

It’s worth spending a bit more on a good mattress as it can make a big difference in your daily life. If you’re on a budget, a bed-in-a-box, a hybrid mattress, or even an air mattress is a good alternative.

Your new apartment also needs;

• Bedding: One set of sheets, a pillow and pillowcases, a comforter or duvet, and duvet cover
• Dresser with smooth-gliding drawers
• Hangers: Avoid flimsy wire hangers that can damage delicate fabrics
• Curtains: Blackout curtains improve sleep quality by blocking out external light
• Bed frame

Living Space Essentials

Your living space is the heart of your home, so make it comfy and functional. Add these living room must-haves to your apartment move-in checklist.

Furniture

If your space is unfurnished, get a comfy couch or futon, which can double as a bed for guests to crash on. You’ll also need a coffee table, side tables, chairs, a TV stand, or a media console. Check out these innovative furniture ideas for your rental apartment.

Lamps and Bulbs

It’s funny how you only realize you need light bulbs when unpacking in the dark!

Include a couple of good lamps in your list, such as a floor lamp for soft lighting or a table lamp by the couch for reading. Also, ensure your apartment checklist has; 

• Extension Cords with surge protection to avoid electric problems
• Curtains or Blinds: For privacy and to block out early morning sunlight
• Organizational Bins like woven baskets or fabric cubes for stashing away magazines, remotes, toys, and blankets.

Tools and Maintenance

A basic toolkit will save you so much hassle down the road. Nothing fancy, add just the essentials to your apartment must-haves list.

• Basic Tool Set: Screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, screws, pliers, utility knife, nails, duct tape, and an Allen wrench
• Batteries: AA, AAA, and 9V for smoke detectors
• Flashlight
• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, and tweezers

You can find most of these from a retail or hardware store, and you’ll be ready to hang pictures, tighten loose screws, and tackle most of those small jobs that pop up.

Miscellaneous Essentials

You don’t think about these random items until you need them. Your apartment move-in checklist won’t be complete without;

• Air fryer
• Crockpot
• Instant pot
• Vacuum cleaner
• Detachable shower head
• Superglue
• Scissors
• Candles and matches
• Good Knife Set (Chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife)
• Cutting board
• Basic spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, basil, and thyme for pasta dishes
• Laundry hamper
• Iron or handheld steamer
• Reusable water bottle

Financial and Organizational Essentials

Budget Planning Tools

Start with a budgeting app like Mint or YNAB, a spreadsheet template (Excel or Google Sheets), or a planner to track rent, utilities, and other expenses. These rent calculators are a lifesaver. 

It’s also a good idea to set up automatic bill payments or reminders to avoid late fees.

Organizational Bins

Add closet organizer bins, drawer dividers, clear plastic storage bins (various sizes), desk organizer trays, laundry sorter, and stackable food storage containers.

Home Office Setup

If you’re working remotely or need a dedicated space for personal projects, a home office should make it to your apartment essentials list.

Start with a comfortable desk and chair that supports good posture. Include proper lighting—natural light and a good desk lamp—to reduce eye strain. Remember to list storage solutions like shelves or filing cabinets.

Don’t forget tech essentials:

• A reliable computer
• High-speed internet connection
• Accessories (keyboard, mouse, and headphones)
• Printer or scanner
• Power strip
• Cable management

FAQs

What do you need for an apartment?

You need toilet paper, kitchen utensils like pots and pans, bathroom essentials (handsoap, shower curtains), bedroom essentials (bedding, bed and mattress, dresser), tools, living room necessities (furniture, lamps, and bulbs), and miscellaneous items (first aid kit, spices).

Things to buy when moving out

Buy moving supplies like boxes and packing tape, cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials, and basic tools for assembling furniture or hanging pictures.

What essentials do you need to live?

You need necessities like shelter (an apartment), clothing, food and water, health and hygiene, access to utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, and waste disposal), and safety and security.

How do I prepare for my apartment?

Start by creating a detailed moving checklist. Then, pack your belongings in sturdy boxes, label them clearly, and plan your move.

How do I decide what I want in an apartment?

Identify your needs and priorities in an apartment, such as location, budget, and size. Do you want to live close to work or public transportation? What is your maximum rent limit? You can calculate a rent price that fits your income with this 3X rent calculator.

Make a list of must-haves, such as pet policies, and nice-to-haves, like a gym or pool, and consider your preferences.

How do I financially prepare for my first apartment?

Create a budget to determine how much you can comfortably afford for rent, utilities, and other living costs. Then, save for upfront costs like the security deposit, first month’s rent, moving expenses, and at least 3-6 months of living expenses. Also, set up an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs like urgent repairs or medical expenses.

Tips and Tricks

Here are practical tips for saving money and space when buying apartment necessities.

Money-Saving Tips	Space-Saving Hacks	Personalization Tips
Make an apartment essentials list and stick to it to avoid impulse buying	Use vertical space: Install floating shelves, over-the-door organizers, and tension rods for extra storage in cabinets	Create a gallery wall with a mix of personal photos, artwork, and memories
Shop at secondhand stores, thrift stores, and online marketplaces	Get furniture with storage, like beds with built-in drawers	Choose throw pillows, blankets, and area rugs in colors and patterns that reflect your style
Look for sales, coupons, or student discounts for college apartment essentials	Install hooks or racks on the back of doors or walls to hang coats and bags	Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, wall decals, or paint to add color or pattern
Opt for generic brands on cleaning supplies and buy in bulk	Buy foldable or collapsible items like foldable chairs and collapsible laundry baskets	Incorporate houseplants for a touch of greenery and life
DIY when possible	Install over-the-toilet shelves, shower caddies, and magnetic strips in the bathroom	Add personalized decor items like custom nameplates and mugs
		Display personal collections like books, records, and collectibles

Use the Apartment Essentials Checklist

Being well-prepared with all the essentials when moving makes everything so much easier. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for a can opener at midnight when you’re starving and surrounded by boxes.

So, grab this apartment checklist and actually use it. Double-check everything. It might seem like overkill, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not running to the store every five minutes for stuff you forgot.

But even with all the stress and the million little things to remember, there’s nothing quite like setting up your own space. It’s like… you’re building your own little world. With every mug you unpack and every poster you hang, little by little, you get to make the space totally your own.

So yeah, be prepared, but also enjoy the process. It’s your space, your rules. Enjoy it!