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!
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