New Apartment Checklist
It’s time to move out of the dorm and get an apartment!!! I have compiled a complete New Apartment Checklist to assist you as you navigate the aisles of IKEA, Target, and order from Amazon. And best of all, the list is printable!!
I have gone through stocking apartments with my sons and my daughter several times. They have lived in both furnished and unfurnished apartments. When we needed to furnish the apartments, we bought furniture from IKEA, Craig’s List listings, Amazon, and the Container Store. This checklist includes a list of the furniture needed for an apartment.
You can use this moving into your first apartment checklist to create a wedding registry like a friend of mine’s daughter did!
You can get the First Apartment Checklist HERE.
First Apartment Checklist
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Here are some items to consider as you shop and gather items for your apartment. You will not necessarily need everything on this list, but the list will help you answer: What do you absolutely need for a new apartment? Read on for this list of new apartment Essentials.
New Apartment Checklist: Furniture
Some apartments will be completely furnished, some partially furnished, and some will not have any furniture all. IKEA and Craig’s List are great places to get reasonably priced furniture.
- Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam Mattress: We have bought 2 of these mattresses. They are easy to ship, a great price, and are very comfortable.
- Bedframe
- Nightstand
- Dresser
- Desk
- Desk Chair
- Armoire (if there is not a closet)
- Dining table and chairs and/or barstools
- Couch
- Chairs
- TV
- TV stand
- Coffee table/end tables
New Apartment Essentials: Kitchen
- Non Stick Pots and Pans Set
- Slow Cooker – Get one with a timer and warming feature for when you are not there to babysit it. This Ninja Slow Cooker is so useful. You can use it in the oven and even saute and sear in it without a stove top.
- Indoor Grill: My sons have used their indoor grills more than any other appliance. It is an easy and quick way to grill chicken breasts, cook hamburgers, make grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.)
- Air Fryer: A great apartment cooking gadget. Great for heating frozen food to crispy perfection. It is also an easy place to cook one chicken breast.
- A Cookbook like How to Cook Everything: The Basics
- Stackable Mixing Bowls
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
- Chef Knife
- Paring Knife
- Kitchen Utensil Set
- Can Opener
- Oven Mitt Set
- Cookie Sheet
- Pizza Pan
- Silverware Set
- Drinking Glasses – Shatterproof glasses are great
- Mug Set
- Plates
- Bowls
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Microwave (Check to see if the apartment provides one.)
- Paper Towel Holder
- Strainer
- Dish Soap
- Dish brush or sponge
- Dishwasher Detergent
- Food Storage
- Trash Can
- Trash Bags
First Apartment Kitchen Essentials on Amazon
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How to Cook Everything: The Basics
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Buy Now →New Apartment Checklist: Living Room
- Streaming device
- Lamps
- Rug
New Apartment Checklist: Bedroom
Check the size of the bed if the apartment is furnished. Some are twin XL and some are full-size.
- Pillows
- Mattress pad
- 2 sets of sheets
- Blanket
- Comforter
- Rug
- Dust Ruffle
- Trash Can
New Apartment Checklist – Bathroom
- Towels
- Bathroom Drawer and Cabinet Organizers: The Container Store or Target are great places to shop for these
- Makeup Organizer
- Trash can
- Toothbrush holder
- Bath mat
- Shower curtain rings
- Shower curtain
- Toilet bowl brush set
- Toilet plunger -be sure they know how to use this! Life skill!
- Toilet paper
New Apartment Checklist: Closet
- Heavy Duty Hangers – these are the absolute best. I have tried other plastic hangers and they break. These heavy duty hangers from the Container Store don’t break and will last for years and years.
- Hanging jewelry organizer
- Hanging organizer for sweaters, shirts, purses, etc.
- Shoe storage – The Container Store has so many choices for shoe organization.
New Apartment Checklist: Desk
- Desk top organizers
- Desk drawer organizers like this metal drawer organizer set that can be configured to fit your drawers
- Desk lamp – a desk lamp with charger is super handy
New Apartment Checklist: Cleaning Supplies
- Vacuum
- Bucket with cleaners and rags or sponges
- Broom with dustpan
- Swiffer -this is the all in one, sweeper and mop
New Apartment Checklist: Laundry
- Laundry bag and/or hamper or basket
- Clothing Steamer: We have mostly given up ironing at our house and use this wonderful steamer for all of our de-wrinkling. Our kids have asked for this same steamer as gifts and love theirs.
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Ironing pad
- Drying rack -there are some things I taught my kids to hang instead of drying, plus, you never know when the dryer might be on the fritz!
New Apartment Checklist – Storage Ideas
- Shelving unit
- Underbed storage
- Storage Furniture – A Poppin box seats support 275 pounds and can be collapsed when not in use.
- Drawer organizers
- Stacking drawers (I LOVE the Like-It Modular Drawers which can be configured to meet your exact storage needs. See 25 Brilliant Dorm Room Ideas and Shopping Tips for a picture of my daughter’s modular drawer set.)
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Buy Now →New Apartment Checklist: Comfort and Decor
- Small Fan
- Artwork
- Throw blanket
- Bulletin Board
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Command Hooks Variety Pack
- Command Picture Hanging Strips
- Plant
New Apartment Checklist: Other Practical items
- Tool set
- Mini Sewing kit
- Umbrella
- Gym bag
- Weekend bag or duffle
- Bike
- Bike lock
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Buy Now →The first goal of setting up an apartment is to purchase just enough items to make the apartment comfortable and functional, but not more than you need. Take the New Apartment Checklist with you to the store or use it as you order online.
It can be helpful to have the dimensions of apartment rooms, closets, cabinets, and any furniture provided. If you have this information, take advantage of it, and plan out the room. If not, work with whatever information you have knowing that you can always go to the store or order additional items after you move in.
Get the First Apartment Checklist HERE.
Best wishes as you and your child shop and prepare for their new apartment and may the apartment not be on the 3rd floor!
Related First Apartment Checklist posts:
College Apartment Kitchen Ideas
New Apartment Care Package – A cleaning bucket with supplies and printable cleaning checklist
Adulting: 7 Expenses to Consider When You Enter the Real World
MamaBear Legal Forms: NPP Review
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