22 First Apartment Checklist Ideas
So, you’ve finally scored your first apartment.
Congratulations! Whether you’re moving out of your parents’ house, upgrading from dorm life, or just tired of hearing your roommate’s “experimental jazz” at 3 a.m., this is a huge step. But let’s be real—moving into your first apartment feels equal parts exciting and overwhelming.
One minute you’re dreaming about your Pinterest-worthy living room, and the next you’re panicking because you forgot that you actually need, you know, toilet paper.
So, to help you avoid those rookie mistakes, here’s a 22-point first apartment checklist that’ll make sure your new place feels like home instead of a survival challenge.
1. Kitchen Basics
Your kitchen is where adulting really begins. No more microwaving instant noodles every night (well… unless you want to).
- Plates and bowls – Get at least four of each, even if you live alone. Trust me, dishes multiply faster than laundry.
- Cutlery – Forks, knives, spoons. Don’t be that person eating cereal with a serving spoon.
- Pots and pans – Start with one skillet, one saucepan, and a baking sheet. You’ll cook 90% of meals with just those.
- Glasses and mugs – Water, coffee, or your emergency wine stash—it all needs a home.
Pro tip: Skip buying 20 gadgets right away. You’ll use a spatula, a sharp knife, and a cutting board way more than that fancy avocado slicer.
2. Coffee Maker or Kettle
Because let’s face it, caffeine is the only reason most of us survive mornings.
Whether you’re a French press snob or just happy with instant coffee, having your setup ready from day one saves you from a caffeine-deprived meltdown.
3. Pantry Staples
Ever open your cabinets and realize you have literally nothing to eat? Stock up on basics like:
- Rice or pasta
- Cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
- Coffee or tea
- Peanut butter (because PB&J at 2 a.m. is a lifesaver)
4. Cleaning Supplies
Your first apartment will never stay sparkling clean without the essentials:
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Dish soap + sponges
- Trash bags
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
- Broom or vacuum
FYI: You’ll thank yourself later when spaghetti sauce inevitably ends up on the walls.
5. Trash Can
Yes, this needs its own category because it’s one of the most forgotten items. Nobody wants to live surrounded by grocery bags full of garbage.
6. Shower Curtain & Bathroom Basics
Confession: I once forgot to buy a shower curtain during a move.
Let’s just say the bathroom turned into a mini waterpark. Don’t repeat my mistake. You’ll also need:
- Bath towels (2–3 minimum)
- Hand towels
- Toilet brush + plunger (not glamorous, but necessary)
- Toothbrush holder
7. Toilet Paper (Seriously)
I know, obvious, but this is the #1 thing people forget. Nothing says “rookie” like moving in and realizing you need to sprint to the store mid-emergency.
8. Bed & Bedding
Your bed is where you’ll spend about a third of your life (or more if you’re like me on Sundays). Make it cozy:
- Mattress (worth the splurge)
- Sheets (at least 2 sets so you’re not forced into midnight laundry)
- Pillows
- Comforter or duvet
9. Hangers & Closet Organization
Because throwing clothes in a pile on the floor stops being “quirky” the moment you hit your 20s. 😉
10. Laundry Supplies
Even if you have in-unit laundry (lucky you!), you’ll need:
- Hamper or basket
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets or wool balls
- Quarters if your building is old-school
11. Basic Tools
Apartments don’t come with a handyman. A small toolkit saves the day more often than you think. Must-haves:
- Hammer
- Screwdriver set
- Measuring tape
- Allen wrenches (IKEA furniture practically breathes these things)
12. Light Bulbs & Batteries
Because somehow, every single bulb in your apartment will decide to die the same week.
13. First Aid Kit
It doesn’t need to be fancy, just make sure you’ve got:
- Band-aids
- Painkillers
- Thermometer
- Antiseptic wipes
Trust me, even minor cuts feel like emergencies at 2 a.m.
14. Sofa or Comfy Chair
You need somewhere other than your bed to sit—unless you want every guest to feel like they’ve been invited to your “bedroom hangout.”
15. Dining Table & Chairs
Even a small bistro set works. Eating every meal hunched over your coffee table is cute for a week, not forever.
16. Curtains or Blinds
Because waking up to sunlight at 6 a.m. is only fun on vacation.
17. Wi-Fi Setup
Let’s be honest—this should probably be #1. Without internet, you’re basically living in the dark ages. Set it up before moving in so you don’t have a Netflix-less weekend. (Nightmare fuel.)
18. TV or Entertainment Setup
You don’t need a 65-inch TV, but something for movie nights or gaming is nice. Bonus points if you set up a speaker for your impromptu kitchen dance parties.
19. Storage Solutions
Apartments = limited space. Think smart:
- Under-bed storage bins
- Shelving units
- Closet organizers
- Hooks for walls or doors
20. Small Appliances
These are optional at first but make life way easier:
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Blender (smoothie lovers, I see you)
- Microwave (unless your place already has one)
21. Décor & Personal Touches
Your apartment shouldn’t feel like a hotel room. Add things that make you smile:
- Wall art or photos
- Throw pillows
- Plants (real or fake, no judgment)
- Candles
IMO, this is where your apartment officially feels like home. 🙂
22. Important Paperwork & Essentials
Don’t forget the boring stuff:
- Copies of your lease
- Renter’s insurance info
- Emergency contacts
- Flashlight for power outages
Adulting isn’t glamorous, but future you will be grateful.
Final Thoughts
Moving into your first apartment feels like being handed a blank canvas. It’s exciting, terrifying, and honestly a little messy at times. But with this 22-point first apartment checklist, you’ll skip the “oops, I forgot a plunger” moments and get straight to enjoying your new space.
At the end of the day, your first apartment doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board right away. Build it slowly, add pieces that matter, and make it yours. And hey—if all else fails, at least you remembered the toilet paper. 😉
Would you like me to also turn this into a neatly formatted downloadable checklist PDF (something your readers could actually print and use)?
