The First Apartment Checklist – The Ultimate Moving Guide

For many of us, finding our first apartment can be exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
Usually, when finding our first apartment, we are either reaching adulthood, moving out for our studies, recent college graduates, or have just gained financial stability.
When relocating, there are many things to consider; these include many small essentials that we probably paid no mind to before moving out.
Small necessities such as toilet paper and kitchen essentials can add up to be costly. Having a plan before moving will help you stay on budget and avoid the headache of deciding what you need to purchase for your apartment.
Through my personal experiences and consulting with friends, I have gathered a ‘First Apartment Checklist’ that will get you moving in no time.
Keep in mind: if you are planning to buy any essentials online, you should take a look at this cashback app to get a percentage back on your orders. This is an excellent idea for big purchases! You will save a lot of money.
I would say that, to start, our first and foremost important category is bedroom essentials.

In this Post:

• Bedroom Essentials

• Kitchen Essentials

• Living Room Essentials

• Bathroom Essentials

• Cleaning Essentials

• Technology Essentials

Bedroom Essentials

Get a Bed!

There are many different types of beds. Before buying, make sure to consider the size of your room. Measure your room and keep in mind the other spaces needed for your other bedroom essentials.
I have created a list of beds that would be a wise choice for your apartment. All of them are affordable options.
Types of Beds:

Platform

[lasso id=”39827″ link_id=”229503″ ref=”amzn-bedbathandbeyond-3″]

Storage Beds

[lasso id=”39830″ link_id=”229504″ ref=”https-fave-co-3ma4juf”]

Adjustable Bed

[lasso id=”39828″ link_id=”229505″ ref=”amzn-lucid-l150-bed-base-upholstered-frame-head-and-foot-incline-wireless-remote-control-queen-charcoal-adjustable”]

Futon Bed

[lasso id=”39829″ link_id=”229506″ ref=”amzn-dhp-lodge-convertible-futon-couch-bed-with-microfiber-upholstery-and-wood-legs-charcoal”]

Standard Bed Sizes: 

Twin

A twin bed is the smallest size bed in the market. It’s typically made for one person.
Dimension (38” X 75”)

Twin XL

The Twin XL is slightly bigger than the original twin size bed. If you are tall, the extra space makes it a better option than a standard twin bed.
Dimension (39” X 80”)

Full (May fit two people)

Dimension (54” X 75”)

Full XL

Dimension (54” X 80”)

Queen

Dimension (60” x 80”)

King

Dimension (76” x 80”)
Check out more types of beds!

Related: 60 Best Dorm Room Ideas for Girls – The Ultimate Guide

Get a Mattress!

Finding a good mattress is just as important as buying a bed. Make sure to try it out before buying! Purchasing a mattress without trying puts you at risk of harming your back and other body parts.

Memory Foam Mattress

[lasso id=”39831″ link_id=”229507″ ref=”https-fave-co-2xzf6j8″]
Benefits:

• • • Retains body heat (Excellent for keeping warm in the winter!)
    • Helps lower pressure points
    • Supports back and neck
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Modern style

Gel-Foam Mattress

[lasso id=”39832″ link_id=”229508″ ref=”https-fave-co-2unvhi8″]

Innerspring Mattress

[lasso id=”39837″ link_id=”229509″ ref=”amzn-full-mattress-molblly-12-inch-individually-wrapped-coils-innerspring-mattress-pocket-spring-hybrid-mattresses-full-size”]

Latex Mattress

[lasso id=”39838″ link_id=”229510″ ref=”amzn-sunrising-bedding-10-natural-latex-full-mattress-individually-encased-pocket-coil-firm-supportive-naturally-cooling-organic-mattress-120-night-free-trial-20-year-warranty”]

Hybrid Mattress

[lasso id=”39839″ link_id=”229511″ ref=”amzn-olee-sleep-13-inch-galaxy-hybrid-gel-infused-memory-foam-and-pocket-spring-mattress-full”]

To save room, you may want to invest in a Portable Closet

[lasso category=”closet” columns=”1″ link_id=”229586″ type=”grid”]

More Bedroom Essentials!

• Sheets
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Bed Stand/Frame
• Clothes Hangers
• Desk
• Mirror
• Curtains (don’t forget your windows!)
• TV Stand
• Trash Bin
• Nightstand

I recommend a nightstand for resting your phone and charger on. In addition, you should consider a lamp for your nightstand!

[lasso category=”nightstand” columns=”1″ link_id=”229587″ type=”grid”]

• TV

Common sizes: (in inches)
32, 40, 42, 46-49, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, and 80.
Check out the difference in sizes!
[lasso category=”smart” columns=”1″ link_id=”229588″ type=”grid”]

Kitchen Essentials

How much cooking are you planning on doing? Factor that in as you look at this list. Here are the basic necessities for the kitchen.

Get a Few Pans!

My friends and I usually use non-stick pans; it helps save time with cleaning, because foods don’t annoyingly stick to the pan. However, stainless steel pans are recommended if you are cooking with high heat, although they may more cleaning.
Generally, non-stick pans are coated with Teflon, giving them their non-stick quality. This type of coating cannot be used with high heat as it can release harmful chemicals.
Furthermore, if you find yourself using butter in many of your meals as opposed to cooking oil, a nonstick pan would be suitable for you due to its requirement of low-to-medium heat.
However, I recommend buying both stainless steel and non-stick pans for your apartment, because both types of pans have their unique usages.

Nonstick Pans:

[lasso id=”39843″ link_id=”229512″ ref=”amzn-amazon-basics-3-piece-non-stick-frying-pan-set-8-inch-10-inch-and-12-inch-black”]

Stainless Steel Pans:

[lasso id=”39844″ link_id=”229513″ ref=”amzn-misen-stainless-steel-frying-pan-set-5-ply-steel-skillet-professional-grade-pans-for-cooking-8-10-and-12-inch”]

Get Some Pots!

[lasso category=”pots” columns=”1″ link_id=”229514″ type=”grid”]

Can’t Forget Kitchen Knives!

Chef’s Knife 
[lasso id=”39847″ link_id=”229515″ ref=”amzn-allezola-professional-chefs-knife-8-inch-german-high-carbon-stainless-steel-cooking-knife-very-sharp-balanced-comfortable-handle-multipurpose-top-kitchen-knife-for-home-and-restaurant”]
Utility Knife
[lasso id=”39848″ link_id=”229516″ ref=”amzn-henckels-forged-premio-utility-knife-6-inch-black-stainless-steel”]

Santoku knife

[lasso id=”39849″ link_id=”229517″ ref=”amzn-santoku-knife-imarku-7-inch-kitchen-knife-ultra-sharp-asian-knife-japanese-chef-knife-german-hc-stainless-steel-7cr17mov-ergonomic-pakkawood-handle-best-choice-for-home-kitchen-brown”]

Bread Knife

[lasso id=”39850″ link_id=”229518″ ref=”amzn-8-inch-bread-knife-serrated-bread-knife-bread-cutter-bread-slicers-for-homemade-bread-cake-and-bagels-ultra-sharp-german-stainless-steel-abs-handle”]
Check out more types of knives.

• • • Knife Sharpener
    • Kitchen Scissors
    • Cutting Board
    • Oven Mitts/Potholders
    • Bowls
    • Forks, Spoons, Butterknives
    • Whisk
    • Can Opener
    • Colander
    • Measuring Cups (liquid & dry)

Related: 50 Dorm Room Must-Haves for College Students

Dry Ingredients

[lasso id=”39851″ link_id=”229519″ ref=”amzn-stainless-steel-measuring-cups-set-8-pieceincludes-1-16-cup1-8-cup1-4-cup1-3-cup1-2-cup2-3-cup3-4-cup-1-cup”]

Liquids

[lasso id=”39852″ link_id=”229520″ ref=”amzn-pyrex-glass-measuring-cup-set-3-piece-microwave-and-oven-safeclear”]

Pick Up a Few Measuring Spoons!

[lasso category=”measuring-spoons” columns=”1″ link_id=”229521″ type=”grid”]

• • • Spatula
    • Tongs
    • Mixing Spoons
    • Soup Ladle
    • Kitchen Tables & Chairs
    • Microwave

Check Out These Living Room Essentials!

This is the most exciting category in the ‘First Apartment Checklist’- well, in my opinion. But don’t you agree?

A Comfortable Couch

• • • Throw Pillows
    • Blankets
    • TV
    • TV Stand

[lasso category=”couch” link_id=”229522″ type=”grid”]

• • • Rug
    • TV Speakers
    • Trash Can
    • Shoe Rack
    • Coffee Table
    • Small Side Table (so you’ll stop losing the remote control!)

[lasso category=”side-table” columns=”1″ link_id=”229523″ type=”grid”]

Lights

[lasso category=”lights” columns=”1″ link_id=”229524″ type=”grid”]

Related: 70 Best Dorm Gifts For College Students – The Complete Guide

Bathroom Essentials

• • • Toothbrush Holder

[lasso category=”toothbrush” columns=”1″ link_id=”229525″ type=”grid”]

• • • Toilet Paper

    • Towels (face, body, hands)

[lasso id=”39866″ link_id=”229526″ ref=”amzn-bloomby-simply-fresh-8-piece-towel-set-2-bath-towels-2-hand-towels-4-wash-towels-super-soft-quick-dry-easy-care-500-gsm-charcoal”]

• • • Air Freshener

    • Washrag

    • Bathroom Mirror

    • Bathroom Mat

    • Bathtub Mat

    • Toilet Plunger

    • Shower Curtains

[lasso category=”curtains” columns=”1″ link_id=”229527″ type=”grid”]

• • • Curtains Hook

    • Toiletries

      • Toothbrush & Toothpaste

      • Floss

      • Mouthwash

      • Body Soap

      • Hand Soap

      • Shampoo & Conditioner

      • Razors & Shaving Cream

Remember Those Cleaning Essentials!

Bathroom Cleaning Products

• • • Multipurpose (bathroom walls, sinks, bathtub)

[lasso id=”39872″ link_id=”229528″ ref=”amzn-mr-clean-multi-surface-cleaner-clean-freak-deep-cleaning-spray-lavender-lemon-scent-starter-kit-3-count-16-fl-oz”]

• • • Toilet Cleaner

[lasso id=”39873″ link_id=”229529″ ref=”amzn-kaboom-scrub-free-toilet-bowl-cleaner-system-with-2-refills”]

• • • Toilet Cleaning Brush

[lasso id=”39874″ link_id=”229530″ ref=”amzn-toilet-bowl-cleaning-brush-and-holder-set-for-bathroom-storage-and-organization-popten-deep-cleaning-toilet-bowl-cleaning-brush-with-holder-silicone-bristles-tpr-soft-bristlefloor-standing-whi”]

• • • Vacuum

[lasso category=”vaccum” columns=”1″ link_id=”229531″ type=”grid”]

• • • Tech Vacuum

[lasso id=”39877″ link_id=”229532″ ref=”https-fave-co-3meygoc”]

• • • Mop

[lasso id=”39879″ link_id=”229533″ ref=”amzn-spray-mop-for-floor-cleaning-domi-patrol-microfiber-floor-mop-dry-wet-mop-spray-with-3-washable-mop-pads-635ml-refillable-bottle-dust-cleaning-mop-for-hardwood-laminate-tile-floors-black”]

• • • Tech Mop

[lasso id=”39880″ link_id=”229534″ ref=”https-fave-co-2wtc5qa”]

• • • Dish Soap

    • Laundry Detergent & Fabric Softener

    • Broom & Dustpan

    • Cleaning Gloves

    • Cleaning Rag

    • Bleach or Baking Soda

Related: 30 Best Dorm Room Ideas You Will Absolutely Need in College

Technology Essentials

• • • Smart Thermostat

I recommend a smart thermostat for your apartment. Why? Because you can adjust the temperature of your apartment to your preference using a smart thermostat. The thermostat will turn on and off at certain times, making it convenient and cost-effective!
[lasso category=”thermostat” columns=”1″ link_id=”229535″ type=”grid”]

• • • Coffee Maker

    • Air Purifier

    • Smoke Detector

    • Touchless Trash Bins

    • Charging Lamps

    • Amazon Echo

I highly recommend that you purchase Amazon Echo for your first apartment if you haven’t already! It is an intelligent speaker that listens to your commands and answers your questions.
The speaker would help assist you with specific tasks without you having to move an inch. This is extremely useful for just about anyone, especially if you are busy running errands all day.
General Uses

• • • Answers phone calls
    • Turns your lights on and off with voice commands
    • Controls the thermostat
    • Searches for things on the internet with voice commands

Check out the Amazon Echo and its capabilities.
[lasso category=”echo” link_id=”229536″ type=”grid”]
Check out other smart Amazon devices!
There you have it! These are the top essentials you should include on your ‘First Apartment Checklist.’
Having a checklist keeps you organized and helps reduce the stress of shopping, which will allow you to enjoy your first apartment. Need any ideas for decorating your apartment?
Check out the 50 best college apartment decor ideas!
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By Tina Dieu

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