What Should Be On My Apartment Move-in Checklist? [2025]

A first apartment move-in checklist should include essentials for every room—bed and bedding for your bedroom, seating and lighting for your living room, cookware and utensils for your kitchen, toiletries for your bathroom, plus cleaning supplies, safety items, and office basics.

Moving into a new apartment can be exciting, overwhelming, and expensive! And, if you’ve never had a place of your own, it’s even harder to know what’s essential and what’s “nice-to-have.” That’s why we built a move-in checklist that covers every room—so you can unpack without wondering what you forgot.

The best part? You can customize it to fit what you already own, your budget, and your style.

Quick Apartment Move-In Essentials by Room

To download a printable version of our first apartment move-in checklist, right-click the image below and select 'Save Image As.'

What Should I Do Before Moving into a New Apartment?

Start by measuring your rooms, doors, and hallways to ensure your furniture will fit, and set up your utilities, internet, and renter’s insurance. Planning ahead makes move-in day smoother and helps you avoid last-minute headaches.

Here’s a checklist to tackle before your boxes arrive:

• Measure your space: Check rooms, doorways, and hallways to confirm furniture will fit comfortably.
• Set up essentials: Arrange utilities, internet, and renter’s insurance so everything is ready on day one.
• Schedule your move: Confirm your move-in date and reserve an elevator, loading dock, or parking spot if required.
• Pack an “open first” box: Include bedding, toiletries, chargers, basic kitchen items, and snacks for immediate use.
• Do a pre-move walkthrough: Inspect the apartment for repairs, cleaning needs, or damages so you can address them before your belongings arrive. Pro tip: Label boxes by room and keep an inventory of valuable items. It makes unpacking faster and ensures nothing gets lost along the way.

How Do I Prepare for Apartment Move-In Day?

To prepare for move-in day, think ahead about the flow of your unload. Bring in the heavy furniture first, then boxes, so you’re not tripping over things as you go. Keep cleaning supplies handy—fresh carpets and muddy shoes don’t mix—and make sure essentials like your coffee maker are easy to access for the morning after.

A few lifesavers can make the day run smoother: a box cutter for opening packages, extension cords and power strips for setting up electronics, trash bags for quick cleanups, and plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone fueled. And don’t forget a fully charged phone and charger in your overnight bag—you’ll thank yourself later.

What Should Be On My Move-In Checklist?

A complete move-in checklist should include room-by-room essentials for sleeping, eating, cleaning, working, and staying safe.

Here’s your room-by-room breakdown. Cross out what you don’t need, add what you do, and shop at your own pace.

Bedroom Checklist

Your bedroom is the one place you’ll want ready from the jump. After a day of hauling boxes, you’ll be glad you prioritized comfort over décor. While you can live without a bed frame at first, having a mattress, bedding, and a few storage basics will make your first night (and week) feel more like home.

• Mattress
• Bed frame (optional at first)
• Sheets, pillowcases, pillows, blankets, comforter
• Dresser or storage bins
• Desk and chair
• Nightstand
• Mirror, curtains, and window coverings
• Lighting (desk lamp, bedside lamp)
• Hangers, shoe rack, laundry bin

Living Room Checklist

Your living room does double duty: it’s your personal chill zone and your spot for hosting friends. Start with a comfortable seating option, a table or two, and enough lighting to make it inviting. Then layer in cozy touches like throw pillows, rugs, or plants—small details that make the space feel finished without breaking your budget.

• Couch or sofa
• Extra chairs or seating
• Coffee table, end tables
• Area rug
• Throw pillows and blanket
• TV stand, television, streaming device
• Plants, wall decor, and extra lighting

Bathroom Checklist

Bathrooms are sneaky—there’s a surprising amount of stuff you need to make them fully functional. Don’t find out you forgot a shower curtain when you’re ready to clean up after moving. Stock the must-haves first, then coordinate towels, mats, and accessories for an easy style upgrade.

• Shower curtain and hooks
• Bath towels, hand towels
• Toilet brush, plunger, extra toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Bath mat
• Toiletries and toothbrush holder
• Small trash bin and bags
• Cleaning supplies and air fresheners

Kitchen and Dining Checklist

Your kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in your apartment, so it’s worth stocking it right. Even if takeout is your move-in default, you’ll save money (and eat better) by having a few core cooking tools ready. Start with a basic cookware set, a sharp knife, and enough dishes for everyday meals—you can add specialty gadgets later.

Although we don't consider it an apartment essential for moving day, it's a good idea to begin preparing for your first grocery list. We've prepared a separate first apartment grocery list for your first trip.

• Pots, pans, baking tray, mixing bowls
• Cutting boards, chef’s knife, cooking utensils
• Plates, glasses, mugs, silverware
• Measuring cups/spoons, colander, bottle/wine/can opener
• Coffee maker, toaster, blender (or your go-to appliances)
• Dish soap, sponges, drying rack, trash bags
• Dining table and chairs (or a small bistro set)

Laundry, Cleaning Supplies, and Tools

The fastest way to feel settled? A clean, organized space. Keep basic cleaning gear on hand so you can tackle dust, spills, and move-in grime right away. Even if you do laundry before you move, dirty clothes pile up faster than you think—so stock detergent and a basket from day one.

• Vacuum, broom, mop, bucket
• Laundry basket, detergent, stain remover
• Iron and ironing board or handheld steamer
• All-purpose cleaner, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner
• Basic toolkit, battery-powered drill, and batteries

Office Essentials

Whether you work from home full-time or just need a corner for bills and paperwork, a mini “office kit” can keep you organized. Chargers and extension cords are obvious, but don’t forget a good light source and a comfortable chair—you’ll thank yourself later.

• Laptop/phone chargers
• Power strips, extension cords
• Desk or lap desk, chair, lamp
• Storage (shelves, filing cabinet, organizer
• Pens, notepads, printer (optional)

Safety Essentials

Your safety checklist should include first aid supplies, emergency lighting, and fire protection. Think of this as your peace-of-mind box. You might not use it every day, but when you need it, you’ll want it within arm’s reach.

• First aid kit, bandaids, wound cleaner
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlight, matches/lighter
• Extra batteries
• Light bulbs

Seasonal & Regional Move-In Extras

Where and when you’re moving matters. Consider adding:

• Winter: Space heater, extra blankets, snow shovel, draft stoppers
• Summer: Fans, blackout curtains, extra water bottles
• Humid climates: Dehumidifier, mold prevention spray
• Storm-prone areas: Battery-powered lanterns, weather radio

What are Some Tips for Your Apartment Move-In Checklist?

Want to make sure your first shopping trip is a success? Here’s how to make this checklist work hard for you—saving you time, money, and regret purchases.

Make Our Checklist Your Own

This list is your starting point, not a shopping mandate. Copy it into a doc or spreadsheet, then:

• Cross off anything you already own (no need to buy a second toaster).
• Highlight your non-negotiables. These are the things you need on day one.
• Circle “nice-to-haves” you can grab later.

You don’t need every single item right away. The smart move is to start with essentials, then fill in the gaps over weeks or months. This spreads out costs and gives you time to find pieces you actually like.

Learn How to Budget for Apartment Life

A furnished apartment isn’t the only expense you’ll face. Utilities, internet, groceries, and even cleaning supplies add up. That’s where budgeting comes in.

We recommend the 50-30-20 rule:

• 50% of your income for needs (rent, utilities, groceries)
• 30% for wants (décor, dining out, streaming services)
• 20% for savings or debt payoff

Using a checklist like this helps you see the big picture so you can prioritize spending without draining your bank account in month one.

Learn How to Furnish an Apartment

Furnishing your first apartment can feel like a puzzle—especially if space is tight or your budget is slim. Here are a few pro tips:

• Measure first. Knowing your square footage (and door widths) saves you from buying furniture that won’t fit.
• Plan storage early. Ottomans with hidden compartments, under-bed bins, and wall-mounted shelves keep clutter under control.
• Pick a style before you shop. Whether it’s minimal, eclectic, or cozy-chic, having a theme keeps your space cohesive and prevents random impulse buys.
• Try before you buy. Furniture rental services let you test pieces before committing—especially useful if you’re still figuring out your taste.
• Look for budget finds: Searching for items at local garage sales, thrift shops, or websites like Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace can help you get those must-haves, while saving you money.

Take It Slow

It’s tempting to fill every corner of your apartment immediately, but a slower approach pays off. Waiting lets you:

• Spot sales and snag better deals
• Live in your space a bit before deciding what’s truly missing
• Avoid buying filler furniture you’ll regret in six months

Remember: Many basics—like dishes, lamps, or storage bins—you might already have or can borrow. Buying brand-new isn’t always the best move for your budget or the planet.

Keep a Running “Gaps” List

During your first month, you’ll notice the little things—like needing a second trash bin or more hangers. Keep a note in your phone and add these as you go. Then shop in batches to save trips and shipping fees.

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