Apartment Moving Checklist: What to Buy Before a Move?

05 June 2023

Entering a new home for the first time can be a thrilling experience. However, it’s critical to get ready in advance. Our ultimate apartment moving checklist will help you create a list of essentials, buy all you need, save money, and get ready to move. Follow the steps below, and you will succeed with your move!

Before buying anything, draw up a budget based on your current moving costs and any additional outlays. Ensure that you stay within your budget while shopping. Don't be tempted to buy too much, it's not necessary to acquire everything in one go. Think about what you actually require right away and purchase only what is necessary. This way, you will spend your money wisely and will be mindful of your immediate needs.

To make this list more helpful, we created it on a room-by-room basis. Here are all essentials for each room of your apartment.

Kitchen

Kitchen

You might find yourself frequently cooking dishes for your family, visiting with friends around the counter, or rearranging the cabinets. There is no doubt that the kitchen is the core of the house. Hence, try to transform your kitchen into a place of joy, no matter how large or small it is.

Every kitchen varies in size, so you may require a small café-style setup, a set of bar stools, or a large dining table and chairs. Get some furniture appropriate for your area, which will allow you to share meals with visitors besides making do with the sofa for your weekday dinner. You could still rely on paper plates and cups until you find all the kitchen utensils you need, but we advise picking out some kitchen materials before you move. Doing this implies that even if it takes you some days to find the kitchen supplies you want, you will already have the basics in hand. Furthermore, utilizing real kitchenware is an excellent way to cut down your carbon footprint. Keep it in mind!

For this part of the initial apartment to-do list, we will go over all that is necessary for you to become the master chef, have incredible gatherings, and keep leftovers in your kitchen. It is going to be an extensive rundown, so stay comfortable. A few of these objects may have been obtained before the move, yet you should look through them to consider the potential for adding a bit more flavor to your kitchen. 

Dishware & pots

A complete set of dishes can be purchased from a traditional or online store or you can combine individual items to give it more of a unique look. It is recommended to have no less than four full sets of dinnerware. However, you can pick up even more if you plan on having more guests at your house.

  • Pots & pans
  • Salad & dinner plates
  • Cereal bowls
  • Mugs
  • Water glasses
  • Serving platters
  • Spoons, forks, knives
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl 
  • Serving utensils
  • Large stock pot
  • 2-quart saucepan
  • Frying pan
  • Casserole dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Bottle, can opener, corkscrew
  • Aluminum foil and cling wrap

Appliances

You don't need a lot of fancy devices when you move into an apartment, but there are some things that will be in use quite frequently. A toaster or oven and also a microwave are essential. For coffee lovers, it's important to acquire a coffee machine, conventional pour-over maker, or French press.

  • Refrigerator or mini-fridge
  • Coffee pot and/or kettle 
  • Toaster or toaster oven
  • Microwave
  • Hand mixer
  • Blender
  • Crockpot or instant pot

Miscellaneous kitchen items

Verify that you have all the essential miscellaneous kitchen items for your new place. This includes a water filter, bin for recycling, silverware organizer, dish drying rack, paper towel holder, oven mitt, etc. Make sure you have these items shortly after you move in so you can be prepared to cook.

  • Table and chairs or barstools 
  • Dish towels
  • A kitchen trash can and trash bags
  • Sandwich bags or food storage container
  • Baking sheet
  • Cleaning supplies: dish soap, dish detergent (if you have a dishwasher), all-purpose cleaner
  • Dish drying rack or mat

Food

Besides dishware and appliances, you should also prepare some food – it will be very helpful at the end of the moving day when you will be exhausted and hungry. One of the key things to remember is to make sure your cupboards and fridge are sufficiently stocked for everyday cooking. Investing in the basic items now can save you money in the long run for higher-cost goods that your new home needs. 

This list should be a helpful reference for items to purchase on that initial shopping trip, though you don't have to buy all of them.

Pantry

  • Bread
  • Cereals
  • All-purpose flour
  • Sugar
  • Coffee and tea
  • Quick-cooking oats
  • Grains (rice, quinoa, lentils, etc.)
  • Pasta
  • Olive or vegetable oil
  • Vinegar (white, red, apple cider, balsamic)
  • Nut butter
  • Ketchup, mustard, sauces
  • Spices, salt, pepper
  • Baking soda and baking powder
  • Canned or packaged tuna or chicken
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Eggs or egg substitute
  • Cheese
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Jam or preserves
  • Frozen patties 
  • Meat/poultry
  • Frozen vegetables

Living room

Living room

Decorating a living room is a complex task and one that is important because we spend so much time on it. It must be a room that works well at any time of the day, whether the curtains are open or closed and there is candlelight or not. To start, you will have to decide on a paint color and flooring, such as wood, to give the room a distinguished look; add rugs for added softness. The installation of joinery and bookcases can also be beneficial as it will utilize the height of the room to provide additional storage.

Furniture

You'll have to get seating that best suits your needs, regardless of whether you're hosting casual movie nights or upscale cocktail gatherings. A sleeper sofa or futon would be a prudent investment, as it could double as a spot for any of your guests who stay the night. It's totally okay to get something pre-loved from a friend or relative. A coffee table is an absolute must-have for your first place. It's perfect for placing drinks for a soiree, as well as for adding style to your living space. Although it's not required, television could be a more expensive purchase before you move in. And, for those movie nights, you may want to get yourself a projector and screen setup. 

When it comes to furnishing your new apartment, there are certain large items that you may want to wait to buy until you have the money or find a great bargain. Eating dinner on the floor isn't ideal, but if it's necessary until you can get proper furniture then it is not impossible. 

  • Sofa
  • Dining room table with chairs
  • Coffee table 
  • Desk (especially important if you work remotely)
  • Lamps
  • Curtains
  • Books
  • TV

Bedroom

Making sure you have a comfortable mattress should be your top priority after getting that new apartment. You need a place to rest at the end of the day, and picking out the perfect mattress is key. Get some tips on how to select the right one for you, as well as sheets, pillows, and more! It might be wise to purchase a bedroom set that includes a bed frame, dresser, and nightstand. It's often cheaper to buy them all together. You can also give your room a unique look by browsing at local vintage stores. Plan ahead and start shopping early so you get just the furnishings that reflect your personal style.

  • Mattress 
  • Dresser, nightstand and hangers
  • Bed frame & bedding
  • Plastic organizers or under-the-bed containers
  • Sheet set 
  • Comforter or blanket
  • A mattress topper or mattress pad
  • Pillows
  • Window treatments 
  • Clothes hangers/coat hangers
  • Comforter or duvet and duvet cover
  • Lamp
  • Curtains (first, check if you have them in your new bedroom)
  • Full-length mirror
  • Hangers for the closet
  • Cedar balls or rings, if moths are an issue
  • Laundry hamper

Bathroom

When moving into your first apartment, don't forget the items in your bathroom. The bathroom needs to be both a comforting and uplifting place – something that gives you energy in the mornings and calms you at night. It's an area of the home that deserves to be treated with the same love and attention as any other room; nevertheless, it can often lack the appeal and inviting quality of other spaces. There are a number of necessities when creating a bathroom; however, these features don't have to result in a dull or stark atmosphere. To make the room vibrant and cheery, look into employing the right lighting, textures, hues, and even something stimulating that will improve your mood.

It's easy to find items that all go well together. Make sure you include basic items like soap, shampoo, and other toiletries in the 'open-first' box since they will be essential after a tiring day of moving in. Here is the list of other bathroom essentials:

  • Shower curtain 
  • Bath towels
  • Hand towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Shower curtain and liner
  • Shower curtain hooks
  • Bath mat
  • Plunger
  • Washcloths
  • Small trash can
  • Shower organizer (if there are no built-in shelves)
  • Cleaning supplies: disinfectants, cleaning brushes/sponges, disposable wipes, toilet bru

Home Toolkit

Home Toolkit & First Aid kit

No matter what the purpose is, having tools such as a screwdriver and a hammer when moving into a new place is beneficial. Keep an eye out for items like wall hooks and nails that can be useful for hanging things while decorating. To prevent yourself from having to make an inconvenient trip to the store during the move, it is recommended to have these items handy. If the ceiling height is a challenge, an additional step stool will be vital in the beginning stages of setting up the apartment. Add these items to your list of essentials:

  • Screwdrivers 
  • Hammer
  • Nails and wall hooks
  • Step stool
  • Power strips and extension cords 
  • Batteries
  • Light bulbs
  • Measuring tape
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors 
  • Document folders
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Mop and bucket
  • A small toolkit
  • Can opener
  • Laundry detergent

It may be a good idea to add some extra protection in your apartment if it is an older building, such as smoke detectors, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher that should be kept near the kitchen.

And don’t forget about the first aid kit! Incidents can occur, and you will eventually get unwell. Get ready by having the essential supplies available to treat yourself. (Go to a medical emergency room or contact your medical doctor if needed). You can buy a general first aid package and add to it medications that don't require a doctor's prescription or construct one yourself.

  • Bandages: One package of assorted sizes
  • Butterfly bandage: One package for keeping deep lacerations closed
  • Small scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Crepe bandage to reduce swelling
  • Cold compress
  • Cotton balls
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Neosporin for small wounds
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Antacids
  • Aloe for minor burns, including sunburn
  • Digital thermometer

Where to buy essentials for your apartment

If you don't need to stick to an exact budget, Target and Walmart are good places to start shopping for apartment essentials. However, if you're looking for the right items to furnish your first apartment without breaking the bank, we also have a few ideas for you.

  • IKEA. Shopping at IKEA often means you'll find what you need at low prices, but the store can be tricky to navigate and it takes an iron-clad willpower to resist buying more than you planned. If you're sticking to a budget, it may be wise to avoid the temptation that this store provides.
  • Online marketplaces. Take a look at Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, eBay, Etsy and other online stores for discounts on furniture. Chances are that you'll need to make plans to transport it to your own home, as individual sellers usually do not deliver. 
  • Garage sale. With a garage sale, you can get brand-new kitchenware sets or furniture (gently used) at a fraction of the original price. You may even come up with a full set of dishes for just $10! Nevertheless, driving around searching for what you need can be quite time-consuming.
  • Goodwill. Check out Goodwill and other thrift shops. These stores are great for grabbing kitchen gadgets, furniture, and lamps at reduced prices. 

Initially, when you settle into your new flat, you're very likely going to need to make many trips to the shop; this is perfectly typical. Purchase only the products you need right away and after that, add on and upgrade when it's available. Most of these basics will remain with you for a prolonged period of time, so you won’t need to keep doing this every time you move.


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