A Complete Checklist for First Apartment (Free Printable)

A first apartment is a huge step in your adulting journey. Congratulations! But before the big moving day arrives, there is some preparation to do ahead of time.

Aside from all the moving day logistics and communication with the apartment complex, you need to prepare furniture, supplies, dishware, and more for your new space. This free printable checklist for first apartment is here to help you track what you have, what you need, and what you’re missing. 

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New Apartment Checklist

How do I prepare for my first apartment?

Getting ready to move into your first apartment requires preparation in different ways. On the one hand, you will need to prepare for your first apartment financially and logistically.

• Ask the Right Questions while Apartment Hunting – so you end up with the apartment that fits best for you.
• Save money – to prepare for apartment fees and other moving expenses.
• Set Your Adulting Budget (and follow it) – it’s important to have a budget so you can track expenses, avoid debt, and pay your rent on time. Here are some financial resources for young adults to get you started on budgeting.
• Create a Moving Plan – Book transportation and a moving company, take time off of work, ask people to help with the moving, making a packing schedule, etc. Whether it’s your first time moving or tenth time moving, here are practical moving tips to remember.

Additionally, you want to make sure to purchase any furniture, linens, dishware, and other miscellaneous items to set up your apartment. 

Our other articles about apartment hunting and moving tips will help with the other preparation areas of renting an apartment. As for a first apartment checklist and shopping list, you can find and download our free new apartment checklist.

Kitchen Checklist for First Apartment

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. I’d argue it’s the heart of the apartment, too. 

If you enjoy cooking, baking, or hosting, then you’ll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen and need a nice set of utensils and appliances to bring your baking dreams to life.

Here are items to stock in your first apartment kitchen. Most of these items you can find standard at a supermarket or online home goods store. 

• Pots
• Pans
• Toaster Oven
• Toaster
• Coffee Maker
  • For those needed a single serve coffee maker, I use the Ninja Hot and Cold Brewed System, Auto-iQ Tea and Coffee Maker.
• Tea Kettle
• Mugs
• Cups or Glasses
• Dishes
  • Plates
  • Bowls
  • Saucers
• Serving Utensils
• Cooking Utensils
• Eating Utensils
• Oven Mitts
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups
• Water Pitcher
• Water Filter
• Can Opener
• Tupperware
• Trash Bags
• Large Dish Towels
• Small Dish Towels
• Table
• Chairs
• Barstools
• Trash Can
• Contact Paper

Bedroom First Apartment Checklist

My bedroom is where I relax at the end of the day and get a restful night’s sleep for the next day. So, finding cozy and comfortable pieces to furnish the room was most important to me. 

Of course, I also needed a set of sheets and blankets, a lamp for reading at night, and a nightstand, too. For a bedroom, here’s what to add to your apartment checklist.

• Mattress
• Box Spring
• Bed Frame
• Lamp
• Over Door Mirror
• Curtains
• Alarm Clock
• Nightstand
• Shoe Rack
• Hangers
• Trash Can
• Dresser
• Pillows
• Sheets
• Comforter
• Posters / Wall Art

Living Room Checklist for First Apartment

For me, the living room is the most fun room to decorate. It’s also where most of the hosting action happens. 

While your first apartment may not have tons of space in the living room, you can still make it a great space to entertain and relax. Here are some foundational items to have on your living room apartment checklist.

• Couch
• Chairs
• Curtain
• End Table
• TV Stand
• Entertainment Unit
• Floor Lamp
• Throw Pillows
• Blankets
• Wall Art
• Rug

Bathroom New Apartment Checklist

While purchasing items for the other areas of the apartment, don’t forget to stock the bathroom, too. In the bathroom, aside from toilet paper being the biggest necessity, you can purchase a couple more items to make your bathroom more functional.

• Shower Liner
• Shower Curtain
• Shower Organizer
• Toilet Paper
• Trashcan
• Hand Towels
• Bath Towels
• Bathmats

Cleaning Checklist for New Apartment

While cleaning and laundry is a less fun category, it’s certainly an equally necessary category. These cleaning supplies for your apartment will help keep it clean and tidy. As long as you use them. 

After you move into your new apartment, consider giving everything a thorough wipe down – bathrooms, counters, and cabinets. Have your cleaning supplies labeled clearly in a box so you can find them right away when you move.

The cleaning and laundry checklist for a new apartment includes:

• Dish Soap
• Paper Towels
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Trash Bags
• Toilet Brush
• Toilet Plunger
• Dustpan
• Broom
• Cleaning Wipes
• Laundry Detergent
• Fabric Softener
• Dyer Sheets
• Hamper / Basket
• Iron
• Ironing Board

Technology Checklist for First Apartment

Next in the first apartment checklist is technology items. These 7 suggested items are basic tech tools and supplies to pack and have for your new apartment.

• Television
• Surge Protector / Extension Cords
• HDMI Cord
• Wifi Router
• Disc Player / Roku for Streaming
• Movies / Gaming Consoles
• Noise Cancelling Headphones
  • Noise canceling headphones are great for focusing if your neighbors are noisy from time to time.

Miscellaneous Checklist for First Apartment

Last, but not least, is the miscellaneous category. Depending on the apartment and your lifestyle, you may need to pick up some items on this checklist for your first apartment.

For example, if you’re planning to work from home, you may want to purchase a separate desk and desk chair. For those with a dedicated office, here are additional office and organization supplies to spruce up your workspace.

• Vacuum
• First Aid Kit
• Key Hooks
• Desk
• Desk Chair
  • Here’s the Winsley Leather office chair that I use in my home office.
• Step Stool
• Book Shelf
• Flashlight
• Sliders for Furniture
• Basic Toolset

Download the FREE First Apartment Checklist PDF

For a digital copy of this checklist, you can download the first apartment checklist PDF here. Our checklist has additional spots for you to add your own items to the list, too.

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting step in your adulting journey. Make sure to celebrate the milestone with a housewarming party or celebration with friends. 

I hope this free checklist for your first apartment helps you enjoy your new place. And I hope it leads to many fun memories in your adulting future. 

What would you add to this first time apt checklist?

Leave me a comment below!

Don’t miss this! More posts in the Living & Adulting Category

• The 12-Step Ultimate Apartment Hunting Checklist (+ Free Tracker)
• 58 Smart Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment
• 12+ Practical Tips for Moving into Your First Apartment
• 10 Proper Apartment Viewing Etiquette Tips