Uncategorized | Gainesville Movers and Moving Companies in Gainesville

Introducing Pepine Realty

Pepine Realty is committed to providing buyers and sellers with the highest quality of professional real estate services. We offer ultimate Gainesville and Ocala market knowledge and provide the highest level of integrity to meet your needs. Allow us to exceed your expectations, whether you are buying or selling a home in Alachua County or Marion County.

Use our state-of-the-art property search, including an interactive map search, to find homes for sale in Greater Gainesville. These listings are updated from the MLS.

Or, use our Community Guide to help you in your search for Greater Gainesville real estate listings. Our community searches will keep you up to date with the latest properties in the areas you are interested in.

And, for your convenience, be sure to register for a free account to receive email notifications whenever new homes for sale come on the market that match your specific criteria, and save your favorite properties for quick and easy access whenever you need — it’s fast, easy, automatic and FREE! With a Property Tracker account, you’ll be among the first to know about the newest Greater Gainesville homes for sale.

Pepine’s mission is to improve and empower the lives of others…one person, one family, one business, one community at a time. Pepine’s values are integrity, accountability, excellence, family, impact, fun, balance, and growth.

betsy pepine.png

Betsy Pepine is a serial entrepreneur in real estate, owning several companies including a real estate brokerage, property management firm, title company, short term rental business and real estate school.

The Wall Street Journal has consistently recognized her real estate team as one of the top producing in the United States, and Betsy’s brokerage, Pepine Realty, has been named one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the USA multiple times and has earned spots on the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch and Florida Trend Best Companies to Work For lists.

Betsy is endorsed by her mentor, real estate mogul and Shark Tank’s shark Barbara Corcoran.

Passionate about helping at-risk families with children, Betsy founded Pepine Gives, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that provides families facing housing insecurity with affordable and safe homes.

Betsy earned an economics degree from Duke University and an MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Born in Philadelphia, Betsy now resides in Florida with her family.

Everything including, but not limited to, the mission statement of Pepine Realty is the reason that UF Mover Guys & Storage is their Moving & Storage partner.

Tips For Choosing The Right Moving Company

Millions of people move every year in the United States. With so many people relocating, whether it’s within their neighborhood, across town, or to a different city, it’s a miracle that most of them happen without any issues at all. But even with so many smooth relocations, there are many problematic moves, with questionable moving companies and shoddy practices. That’s why it’s critical that you be informed about every step of the moving process, from choosing a Gainesville moving company to asking them the right questions, ensuring you have a positive, seamless experience. Here UF Mover Guys offers simple tips to follow for choosing the right movers in Gainesville, FL, for your next relocation.

Looking for a Gainesville moving company you can count on? Contact UF Mover Guys today to book your move and learn more about our affordable moving services.
Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Moving Company

Hire A Local Moving Company

Deciding whether you’ll hire professional Gainesville movers or move on your own depends on a number of factors, such as the difficulty of the move, your budget, distance to your new home or business, and your health, among other factors. Overall, hiring a local moving company will save you all the heavy lifting, ensure your belongings are safe, and ensure our services are delivered efficiently and on time. There are many benefits of working with local movers over hiring a random company you find online For one, you can avoid being tricked into doing business with a fake moving company that operates only over the internet. Additionally, local movers are likely well-known by neighbors and others in the community.

Check For Qualifications

Professional movers have certain qualifications that are easily verifiable, such as long-term experience handling all types and scales of moves and significant training. If a moving company has been in business for more than a decade, chances are that they hire and properly train employees to ensure they complete the job well. UF Mover Guys offers fast, free, and no-obligation estimates. Our professional movers are trained, licensed, and insured to ensure you receive the highest quality moving services available. We respect the rules of your community and offer highly personalized service with attention to detail. Contact us today to find out why our moving company is Gainesville’s first choice for local movers!

Read Ratings & Reviews

If you’re wondering whether to hire a particular company to handle your move, online research can tell you a great deal about a company. As you start your search for a moving company near you, take a look at their customer reviews. Selecting a company with plenty of positive, authentic reviews can help ensure you have peace of mind in hiring them for your move. Read the reviews to learn about the experiences of previous customers who have worked with them in the past. Once you have a specific mover in mind, check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see whether or not they have accreditation and a good rating.

Look Out For Red Flags

Most moving companies you come across will be legitimate. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t many scammers out there looking to grab your cash without providing the promised services. There are several red flags to be on the lookout for; if you spot these red flags, there’s a good chance the company in question is not legitimate.

The company doesn’t have an online presence
The movers refuse to sign a contract
The company is not insured or licensed
The company doesn’t offer protection for items against loss or damage
You receive a low-ball estimate from the company

Ask The Right Questions

Before you settle on the moving company you’ve chosen, you should put together a shortlist and narrow it down thereafter. Request a moving estimate from three or more companies before you move forward and decide on a company Once you read their customer reviews and check their BBB accreditation and rating, call them to ask questions that will aid you in narrowing down your search. Prepare a list of helpful questions to help determine whether the company you’ve chosen is trustworthy and capable of handling your specific moving needs. Consider including the following questions on your list:

Is your company licensed and insured?
Do you offer protection against damage or loss?
How long has your company been in business?
What is the timeline for the move?
Can you provide an estimate in writing?

Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Moving Company

A professional moving company can be a beneficial and worthwhile service to invest in. For example, if you have a lot of furniture and belongings, you may quickly learn that it can be tedious to keep everything organized. Moving companies will assist you with labeling and stress-free transportation while keeping items properly sorted. Don’t let the process of moving intimidate you. Instead, let our moving company take care of the boring, rigorous tasks, so you can focus on enjoying and decorating your new home.

Our Gainesville moving company offers a range of helpful services, including trained drivers, crating for valuables, and disassembly and reassembly. We deliver an affordable and quality moving experience to each and every customer, so contact us today for a free quote!
Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Moving Company

Labeled Boxes

Picture this: you are moving into your new space. You want to cook a meal in your new kitchen but can’t find your silverware! You frantically tear through every box, digging through them and making a mess in the process. Our moving company can help prevent this stressful scenario by carefully labeling each of your boxes, so they can be unpacked in the exact room that they belong in. In addition, our moving checklist helps make sure nothing is lost or forgotten during your move.

Disassembly For Difficult Items

The problem with moving is that not everything can be crammed into a box. Some large items, like bookcases, beds, trampolines, and children’s swing sets, may require disassembly before they can be transported, which can be difficult. You may not remember exactly where to unscrew a shelf or how to take a trampoline apart. A professional moving company can help figure this out for you by packing and reassembling your large items in your new location.

Clutter Removal & Disposal

The benefit of moving into a new space is that it is clean and fresh – full of infinite new possibilities and memories yet to be made! But, it can be hard to enjoy this when your apartment or home is cluttered with the same junk or unwanted items from your old place. A professional moving company can remove these unsightly things and allow you to maximize the potential of your home. They can remove anything, from small boxes to heavy old furniture – as long as it is nonhazardous. A moving company can also throw away and remove cardboard boxes and leftover packaging that was used in the moving process.

Our Gainesville professional moving company is unique from others in that we offer an eco-friendly approach to junk removal. Not everything needs to be thrown away – often, a piece of furniture or clothing can be thrifty and reutilized. Depending on the item, we will work with you to assess whether it can still be donated or recycled.

Peace Of Mind

With some valuable, priceless items, bubble wrap and newspaper won’t be of much use. That’s why professional moving services offer crating. Crating allows your fragile belongings, such as electronics or art, to be handled with care.

UF Mover Guys wants to give you peace of mind regarding your upcoming move. That’s why we train our employees in best driving practices. Your favorite finds and collectibles are transported smoothly and safely in our vehicles, allowing you to worry about more important things.

Navigating Senior Relocations: A Comprehensive Guide for a Seamless Move

Moving is undoubtedly a challenge at any stage of life, but for seniors, the process comes with unique hurdles. From age-related mobility concerns to the emotional weight of downsizing a lifetime’s worth of belongings, the prospect of relocating can be daunting. At UF Mover Guys, we understand the intricacies of senior relocations, and that’s why we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to assist seniors and their families in making the moving process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

5 To-Do's To Settle Into Your Gainesville Student Apartment

Understanding The Unique Challenges

Seniors face distinctive challenges during the moving process, and acknowledging these hurdles is the first step toward a successful relocation. Our guide delves into the specific needs and concerns of seniors, offering insights and solutions tailored to their unique circumstances.

A Comprehensive Guide for Seniors and Their Families

Our recently developed guide is a valuable resource that provides practical tips and advice for seniors and their families embarking on a relocation journey. Here’s what you can find in our guide:

1. Choosing the Right Home

Discover valuable insights on what to look for in a new home that caters to the unique needs of seniors. From accessibility features to amenities, we guide you through the process of selecting a home that ensures comfort and convenience.

2. Implementing Safety Modifications

Learn about essential safety modifications that can be made to the new living space. Our guide outlines key considerations for creating a secure environment, reducing the risk of accidents, and promoting overall well-being.

3. Stress-Reducing Strategies

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially for seniors. Our guide provides practical tips on how to manage stress during the relocation process. From planning ahead to seeking support, we offer insights to make the journey more enjoyable.

How Our Movers Can Help

At UF Mover Guys, we recognize the unique challenges that seniors and their families face during the moving process. Our comprehensive guide is designed to be a valuable companion, offering practical advice and solutions to navigate the complexities of senior relocations successfully.

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With advanced planning and the right guidance, seniors can embark on a new chapter in their lives with confidence. Explore our guide to ensure a seamless and stress-free relocation experience for seniors and their families.

To learn more about senior moving. You can go to this link: https://www.caring.com/caregivers/senior-moving/

Helpful Checklist For Moving To An Apartment

When you move into a new apartment, your mind might be filled with daydreams about interior design and party-hosting. You might spend hours envisioning what furniture and items you will use to decorate your new space. But what about the important aspects of moving that we tend to overlook or forget?

With UF Mover Guys, moving doesn’t have to be stressful. That’s why we compiled this easy-to-follow checklist on what to do when moving into an apartment. We want to help make your apartment feel like home as quickly as possible. If you need packing, loading, unloading, transportation, storage, or residential moving services in Gainesville, FL, contact our team today.

Invest In Storage

Depending on the size of your apartment, you may need to invest in hidden storage. Storage ottomans and coffee tables with concealed, empty centers are great options for hiding unsightly clutter, mail, or miscellaneous board games. However, before purchasing large storage furniture items, measure your apartment space to make sure everything fits. When unpacking your closet and wardrobe, you can also use door organizers to hang up your shoes, belts, and accessories. Play around with different options to discover the perfect fit for your apartment.

Research Renter’s Insurance

While no one wants to think of disaster striking them and their home, it is always a possibility. Renter’s insurance allows people to stay prepared. This insurance option, depending on your insurance provider, can be relatively affordable when paid month-to-month. The purpose of renter’s insurance is that it offers coverage in case of loss or damage to your personal belongings. Whether an unexpected fire starts in your home or water floods your building, renter’s insurance is there to protect your items. Each insurance provider offers different coverage options, so be ready to research and compare. It’s better to be safe and sorry – look into renter’s insurance today.

Update Your Address

Most people forget to do this! When you move from one place to the next, make sure to update your address information on any important documents or services. Check your voter registration, driver’s license, subscriptions, bills, and upcoming deliveries. That way, all of your necessary things will be delivered to the correct location.

Conduct An Inspection

Don’t be held liable for a previous tenant’s negligence. Most landlords and apartment managers require you to complete an inspection sheet after you move in. You are given the first few days to assess the condition of your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, bedroom, living room, and closets. It is important to be thorough in your inspection in case you need to file any necessary maintenance or service requests. Additionally, if you mark down all of the damage you see, you can also ensure that you get your security deposit back. Check to see if there are any leaks under the sink, if the light switches, fans, and appliances work properly, and if the doors lock and close completely.

5 To-Do’s To Settle Into Your Gainesville Student Apartment

Moving into a student apartment in Gainesville is an exciting step in your academic and personal life. Apartment living offers much more flexibility and convenience than dorm life, with perks like in-unit washers and dryers instead of the communal laundry room, furnished apartments so you can decorate your space to your taste, pet-friendly living so you can finally bring your fury friends along for your college experience, and much more.

However, moving into your very first apartment and settling into apartment life can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar. Here are 5 tips to make this transition smooth and comfortable.
5 To-Do's To Settle Into Your Gainesville Student Apartment

Knock Out All Paperwork & Fees Prior To Move-In Day

Move-in day is a chaotic day of unloading and unpacking boxes and adjusting to your new space. Before moving into your apartment near UF, communicate with the apartment office team on your to-dos to pick up keys.

Make sure that all your paperwork is filled out, including little things like sending in your pets’ vaccinations or renter’s insurance information. Confirm that all your move-in fees have been paid, including leasing fees, deposits, pet deposits, and more. You’ll feel much more at ease when you arrive to the leasing office on move-in day with nothing left to sign or pay. Just pick up your keys and get moved in!

Set Your Roommate Relationship Up For Success

Lots of student apartments in Gainesville offer individual leases in bigger floor plans like 3-bedrooms or 4-bedrooms so you only have to worry about your portion of the monthly rent. Many communities also offer roommate matching and assign your roommates based on lifestyle habits like sleeping schedules, cleanliness, and more.

Roommate matching is an awesome way to make friends in college, but it also comes with some responsibility. Start a group chat ahead of move-in to clarify who’s bringing what apartment items and expectations for your living situation. It’s always easier to communicate concerns like hosting friends over too late or leaving the kitchen a mess if you establish expectations from the start.

Make A Checklist Of Must-Have Items

While most student apartments are furnished with all of the basics in your bedroom and living room, you’ll need to think through what additional items you need when settling into your new home. Start a checklist a few months out from move-in day of items you need to pack or purchase, thinking through spaces like your study desk, bathroom, and kitchen. Do you need a lamp for your desk for late night study sessions? Do you need an organizer for under your bathroom sink? Do you need to stock up on cleaning supplies? What appliances does your kitchen come with, do you need a microwave?

It’s inevitable to forget little items and it takes some time living in your apartment to realize everything you’ll need to be successful and comfortable, but it’s always best to be as prepared as possible ahead of time.

Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood.

Gainesville is a wonderful city full of culture and fun. It can sometimes feel like you’re living in a bubble when living in an on-campus dorm as you typically don’t need to leave campus. Don’t feel overwhelmed when transitioning to off-campus housing near UF.

Gainesville has a neighborhood for everyone – from Midtown right off the UF campus packed with restaurants and nightlife, to Archer Road featuring Butler Town Center and Celebration Pointe with tons of retail and entertainment, to the scenic Sorority Row & South area close to UF Health and the Sweetwater Wetlands park.

Plan a night with your roommates after class to drive around the neighborhood, noting restaurants or things you want to check out!

Find Community In Student Housing

If you’re feeling lonely, lean on your roommates, neighbors, and new-found community at your student apartment! Most apartments offer monthly or even weekly resident events, offering free food and fun activities for you to connect with your neighbors and the leasing team.

Everyone feels a little isolated transitioning from the constant hustle and bustle of on-campus living to off-campus living, so remind yourself that everyone is looking to make new friends and find new community!

Tips & Benefits For Moving In The Winter

Moving in the winter may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an experience that offers a unique tapestry of benefits. As the temperature drops in North Central Florida, so do the demands on your wallet, as winter brings the promise of cost-effective moving prospects! Embrace the magic of the season as we embark on a journey through the tips and hidden advantages of winter moves. From cozying up to a warm cup of cocoa in your new home to the satisfaction of beating the springtime or summertime rush, there are numerous advantages to relocating your home or business in the winter months. Here, our Gainesville moving experts at UF Mover Guys discuss tips and benefits for moving in the winter. Book your move today!

Hire Professional Movers

The best way to ensure your move is successful at any time of the year is with the help of experienced professionals in the world of moving, such as those at UF Mover Guys! Our team of movers specializes in all sorts and scales of moves, from packing and transporting your belongings to storing and unpacking your things in your new space and so much more! When you work with a moving company that cares about you and your belongings, you have the confidence necessary to focus on more important things. We make it our business to provide our customers with the highest quality moving services possible. Make your winter move seamless with UF Mover Guys! Contact us today to get started!

Get Started Early

One of the biggest moving challenges for people planning to relocate is managing their belongings before, during, and after moving. Packing up your belongings early can give you the opportunity to sort through items and throw out or donate items you no longer want and need and offset any big stress associated with completing the packing process closer to your move-out date. The earlier you start packing up and organizing your belongings, the easier your move will be as you approach moving day. Consider packing up one box each day until your move-out day. You should also designate a box storage area to separate your already-packed boxes from your belongings that still need to be secured and packed.

Be Focused & Flexible

When you have a move coming up, it’s a good idea to make a moving list comprising everything you need to get done before the move-out day arrives. Once you have your list, you can sort each task in order of priority or importance or deadline and work down from there. It’s important to remember that you should stay flexible and open-minded during your packing up and moving out process. As moving day approaches, call our movers to confirm your moving date and services, watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly, and manage your change of address (at least 1 month in advance) with the post office. If you have any pets, you should have a pet plan in which you board your pet on moving day, have a friend or family member watch them, or find them an alternative place to hang out while the moving process takes place.

Benefits Of Moving In The Winter

There are plenty of benefits to moving in the winter. From more options for moving dates due to decreased demand and greater availability of rental trucks, commercial spaces, and residential places to speedier move-outs, quicker transportation, and a range of cost-saving perks! Contact UF Mover Guys to find out how you can benefit from moving during the winter!

Flexible Moving Dates
Quicker Transport
Greater Availability
Cheaper Housing & Storage
Faster Relocations
More Time For Your Needs
Fewer Housing Fees
Bonus Offers
Cooler Weather
A More Comfortable Move

The Ultimate Guide To Moving A Long Distance With Pets

You have your moving checklist in hand, you’ve booked moving services, and you’re just about ready to embark on your next move, but what about your pets? Pet owners and pet parents love their animals, but when it comes to moving a long distance with them, they may not be aware of how to go about their relocation with their animals. After all, you don’t want to forget about the needs of your furry or feathered friends come moving day! Most pets take comfort in their routines, from their regular feeding times and favorite toys to their sleeping spots and activities.

Moving derails pets from their routines and can cause a significant amount of stress and anxiety until their routine restabilizes. Here, our Gainesville moving experts with UF Mover Guys offer tips for moving long distances with pets and how to make the process as streamlined as possible. Looking for reliable movers to handle the heavy lifting? Contact us today!
Curious cat in cardboard box

Acclimate Your Pet To Change

Moving is a significant transition for everyone in your household, but even more so for your pets. Whether your pets have fur, fins, scales, feathers, or otherwise, your pet’s needs should be at the top of your priorities through each stage of your move. As such, there’s quite a bit of organization and preparation needed prior to moving a long distance with your pet. The sooner you start planning your move with your pet and acclimating them to the changes that will occur, the better.

In many cases, the safest way to relocate a pet is with them in a crate or carrier. Purchase one well in advance of your move and ensure it meets the requirements of the airline carrier (if applicable) or that it will fit comfortably in your car or other mode of transportation. Some pets love their crate or carrier, but others may take time to get used to them. Allow your pet to spend time around and in the opened crate or carrier ahead of your move. That way, but the time moving day arrives, they will be comfortable in it.

Visit Their Veterinarian

During the planning phase of your upcoming move, you should make sure to visit your pet’s veterinarian for a check-up as well as any vaccinations, medications, refills, documentation, and anything else your pet may require. If your pet is prone to motion sickness, you can ask your vet about options for medication to remediate it. Consider getting your pet microchipped prior to your move-out date. Microchip implantation is a speedy, relatively painless, and simple procedure necessary for most pets.

If you are ever separated from your animal, the implanted microchip will provide anyone who scans it with your contact information so you can reunite with them. In addition to microchip implantation, ask your vet about vaccinations, blood tests, and parasite preventatives. Ask them if they can recommend a veterinarian in your new location where you can take your pet when you arrive at your new destination.

Prepare Your Pet For The Move

Proper planning is the ideal way to make a long-distance journey with your pet more simple. You should spend time gathering the following. Depending on the duration of your travel, you may need to identify and reserve stays in pet-friendly hotels or B&Bs long before your move-out day arrives. You should also compile a list of stopping points that are friendly to pets so you can take breaks with them along the way.

Vaccination records
Identification tags
Portable food and water dishes
Several days of food and fresh water
Treats and toys
Cat litter, litter box, and scooper
Dog waste bags
Harness and leash
A cozy blanket and pillow or bedding
Pee pads and protective coverings
Cat carrier or pet crate

Keep Your Pet Safe & Comfortable

You should ensure your pets are as safe, secure, and comfortable as possible throughout each stage of your long trip. Depending on the type of pet you have, you should discuss the best protocols for keeping them safe in the car or on the airplane with your veterinarian. If your pet is in a crate, you should ensure the crate is sufficiently roomy enough for them to stand up, turn around, and rest comfortably. Crates are generally made from metal, which is uncomfortable for pets, so be sure to line the crate or carrier with an appropriate amount of cozy blankets, throws, and padding.

How To Pack Plants For Moving

Moving can be an exciting adventure, but things can get tricky when it comes to the lush world of plant relocation and packing your precious green companions. Don’t fret! Our Gainesville movers are here to lend you a green thumb and ensure your beloved plants make the journey to your new home with ease. In this guide, we’ll share invaluable tips and tricks on how to pack plants for moving, helping you preserve their vibrant beauty and nurture their well-being during the transition. So, let’s dig in and embark on a foliage-filled odyssey together!

Looking for a trusted local moving company to relocate your belongings and plants to a new destination? UF Mover Guys can help make your move seamless and stress-free with our wide range of professional moving services that can be individually tailored to your unique needs. Contact us to book your move today!

Woman packing up her kitchen

Gather Your Supplies

Whether you’ll be driving your new plants to your new home or you’ll hire professional movers to take care of your plants and belongings during your move, there are several precautions you should take to help make sure your plants make it through the move and arrive safe and sound. When gathering moving supplies, note your plants may need more protection to make it through your relocation. You’ll need moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, plastic pots, sterilized potting soil, plastic bags, and paper towels.

Prepare Potted Plants

It’s worth remembering that though it might seem easy to relocate your potted plants, you are unlikely to prepare them for the move in a single day. Take time during your transition to help plants acclimate to their new home. Repot your houseplants into lightweight plastic pots with sterilized soil, as doing so will help make them easier to carry during your move. Then, you can pack away heavy ceramic pots and other fragile plant wares. A week before you move, you should prune your plants, remove dead leaves, and cut back foliage. About three days before the move, water each plant thoroughly or as per its individual needs. Consider placing a flea collar around each potted plant to draw out any critters you don’t want to bring to your new home.

Pack Each Plant

When moving day arrives, get your plants packed up by gently and carefully placing plastic bags over each plant pot and tying a string around each bag at the base of the plant. Using a plastic bag to pack up your plants will help prevent the soil in the pots from spilling in your car and making a mess. Ideally, you will transport your plants and your essentials in your car or cab of the moving truck. This way, you can save space in the truck for other belongings. After placing a bag around each plant and tying it to the pots, place each plant in a moving box. For larger plants, designate a box for them alone. Smaller plants can share boxes. Ensure each box is insulated so they won’t have room to shift around during the drive.

Hire Gainesville Movers

The best way to ensure your move is as smooth as possible is to hire trusted movers, like those with UF Mover Guys, your Gainesville moving company, for moving services tailored to accommodate your specific needs for packing, transportation, storing, delivering, unpacking, and so much more! When you work with a moving company that cares about you and your belongings, you have the peace of mind to focus on making your new living space a home. We make it our business to provide customers with the highest quality moving services possible. Contact us today to schedule your move!

Your New (Or First) Apartment Checklist

Welcome to the exciting world of living on your own! Moving into your own apartment can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also overwhelm you, especially if it’s your first time. There’s so much to consider, from finding the perfect location to picking out furniture, and it’s easy to feel like you’re forgetting something important. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate checklist for your new (or first) apartment, so you can feel confident that you’ve covered all the essentials and can focus on making your new space feel like home.

So, whether you’re moving across town or to a new city, UF Mover Guys is here to help! Contact our Gainesville moving company today and get started on making your move-in process a breeze! Book your move today!
Your New (Or First) Apartment Checklist

Furniture

Decking out your new or first apartment can get expensive, especially if you are starting from scratch. Whether you are starting for the first time living away from mom and dad or embarking upon a new life adventure as a seasoned renter, if you need furniture, there’s typically no need for you to splurge on brand-new buys. To get started with the necessities, consider getting many of the major furniture items you need from friends or family, or buying them at estate sales or garage sales, Craigslist, and thrift stores. You should exercise caution, however, as you purchase used furniture, and you should thoroughly inspect each prospective piece of furniture for fleas, bed bugs, and other unwanted extras before handing over your cash. Your furniture needs may differ from this list depending on what you already have.

Bed and mattress
Desk and chair
Shelves
Dresser with drawers
Couch
Coffee table
Dining table and chairs
TV stand or console

Kitchen

Depending on your wishes for your new place, what you already have on hand, and what you need, a basic kitchen set-up can be as minimal or as elaborate as you’d like. For those moving to a new apartment for the first time, their kitchens will likely be under-equipped for their needs. So, ensure you have all the essentials for your kitchen. Consider these kitchen items when making your list of items to acquire.

Dish soap and scrubbers/sponges
Dish drying rack
Dish/bar towels
Oven mitt
Cutlery and cutlery tray
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener
Cutting board
Dishware set with plates and bowls
Food-storage containers
Drinkware and mugs
Cooking utensils, like a spatula, whisk, etc.
Wine glasses
Knife set and block
Cookie sheets
Mixing bowls
Microwave
Toaster
Electric kettle
Strainer
Garbage cans and bags
Ice trays
Paper towels and holder
Plastic wrap and aluminum foil
Coffee maker

Living Room

Your living room will be where you hang out solo and with friends. As such, it should feature a style that resembles you and how you like to spend time. If you enjoy watching TV or streaming shows, make your living room as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for catching the latest episode or hosting a movie night with new pals. Here are some things you might need in your new living room.

Bookshelves or floating shelves
TV and TV stand
Floor or table lamps
Coffee table and end tables
Couch and loveseat
Other seating options like cushions and chairs
Area rugs and throw blankets
Curtains (for living rooms with/near windows)

Bedroom

One of the most important rooms in your new living space is your bedroom. You should spend some time setting it up to help make your new spot feel like home. You might want to leave setting up and decorating your bedroom until the last minute, but you should consider making the bedroom your first or one of the first rooms you set up (you’ll be grateful when it’s time to snooze). Here are some essential needs for your bedroom in your new apartment!

Mattress and mattress protector/topper
Bedframe (headboard, footboard, etc.)
Pillows
Bedding (sheets and pillowcases)
Bed blanket, quilt, or duvet cover
Clothes hangers
Curtains and curtain hardware
Nightstand(s)
Bedside table lamp(s)
Mirror
Under-bed storage totes
Closet storage totes or containers
Hampers for dirty and clean clothes

Bathroom

Just like your bedroom, your bathroom needs to be set up relatively quickly after you move in. The difference between having a completely bare bathroom and one that’s outfitted with all you need can be significant. Set yourself up for success by outfitting your new bathroom with these items and whatever else you need.

Hand towels and bath towels
Washcloths
Shower curtain and liner
Shower squeegee
Bath floor mats or rugs
Toothbrush holder
Trash can and bags
Hand soap
Toilet plunger and cleaning brush
Toilet paper
Bathroom cleaning and sanitizing supplies

Cleaning Supplies

In a perfect world, all new homes we move into would be sparkling clean on move-in day. In many cases, this is true, but in some cases, you might have some cleaning to do before setting up each room of your new living space. In any case, you’ll need to add cleaning supplies to your move-in checklist. Having all the cleaning supplies you need on hand will give you the chance to start with a clean apartment and maintain a clean home as time passes. Here are some cleaning supplies to add to your list.

Vacuum cleaner
Broom and dustpan
Mop and bucket or spray mop and cloths
Garbage can and recycling bin
Garbage bags
Step stool
Laundry baskets
Disinfectant liquid and all-purpose cleaner
Toilet-bowl cleaner
Stain remover
Glass cleaner
Sponges
Cleaning rags
Laundry soap
Duster