Moving is one of the most exciting times as a young adult, but also as a parent. There is always a lot to consider. However, the times that follow can bring some surprises. Like that moment when you are trying to put together a basic meal to the best of your ability and you realize that you don’t have a can opener in the house. Some of the basic necessities are so insignificant that they are often taken for granted. You don’t know how much you need them until they are gone when you reach for them.

That is why Moving company Instantly created an initial apartment checklist with all the things you need for a new apartment, organized by room. You don’t have to get everything on this list out of the closet right away, but it will give you a good start to life when you move out on your own!

Furniture

There is no need to furnish your apartment with new stuff for your first apartment with brand new furniture. Whether you are a college student in need of furniture or going through a major life transition, you can get as many of the essential items you need from friends and family. Or buy them at garage sales, on marketplace and at discount stores.

Be careful when buying used furniture, especially beds, to make sure they are clean and free of things like fleas or bed bugs. These pests should definitely not be on your first time apartment list.

• Bed
• Sideboard and/or cabinets
• Dining table and chairs
• Desk and chair
• Bank

Kitchen

Again, you don’t have to buy every item on this list. A basic kitchen set can be pretty minimal. But this new apartment checklist will point you in the right direction.

Here are some important things to buy for a new apartment:

• Soap and sponges
• Bottle opener and corkscrew (an unfortunate thing to forget)
• Dish drying rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking utensils: ladle, spatula, whisk, etc.
• Food storage containers
• Can opener
• Cutting board
• Plates and bowls
• Glasses and coffee mugs
• Wine glasses
• A high quality knife set
• Mixing bowls
• Microwave
• Toaster
• At least two pots and a frying pan
• Pot holders / oven mitts
• Dishcloths
• Cutlery (these are easy to find at thrift stores)
• Cutlery tray
• Coffee maker of your choice
• Kettle or cooking pot
• Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, baking paper and washcloths
• Paper towels
• Paper towel holder
• Garbage bags
• Garbage and recycling bins
• Ice cream tubs
• Storage container on the counter

Bathroom

Having a well-equipped bathroom can feel like the difference between being an adult or... not. Be proud of yourself by having most of these items in your home. For your guests or houseguests too.

• Hand and bath towels
• Washcloths
• Toilet brush
• Toilet cleaner
• Toilet paper
• Shower curtain and liner
• Bath mats
• Toothbrush holder
• trash can
• Hand soap dish or bottle
• Bathroom cleaning supplies

Living room

Your new home’s cozy hangout space should reflect your priorities and the ways you like to spend your time. If you don’t watch TV, that’s probably not on your list of things to buy — but you’ll probably still want a comfortable place to sit.

• Bookshelves or wall racks
• TV (and a stand or fixture to hang it on)
• Lamps
• Coffee table and/or side tables
• Bean bags, cushions and other creative seating options for friends and guests
• Area rug if you have hardwood floors

Bedroom

Taking the time to decorate your bedroom can really make your first apartment feel like home. It may be tempting to leave your bedroom until last, but you’ll be thankful for the peace and quiet. Here are the things you’ll need for a new apartment bedroom:

• Mattress - with or without the pad, protector, and topper
• Bedding - sheets, pillowcases
• Blanket and duvet cover
• Cushions
• Clothes hangers
• Curtains
• Nightstand
• Bedside lamp
• Alarm clock
• Mirror
• Underbed storage containers
• Cabinet storage baskets or boxes
• Dirty clothes hinder

Cleaning supplies

Hopefully, your new home will be clean when you move in. Still, cleaning supplies should figure prominently on your apartment moving checklist. That way, you can start cleaning and keep it that way, but also address any spills or hidden dirty spots as you unpack.

• Vacuum cleaner (no, brooms don't work on carpet)
• Broom and dustpan and brush
• Joke
• Bucket
• Waste bins (multiple, separated for recycling purposes)
• Garbage bags
• Ladder or step stool
• Laundry basket
• Cleaning products - disinfectant, white vinegar, toilet bowl cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, stain remover, glass cleaner
• Spray bottles
• Sponges
• Rags
• Detergent and fabric softener

The final steps

You’ll probably want to keep a list to keep track of the things you need in a schematic view. Personal preferences, eccentricities in your new home, and so on will likely yield surprises, but here are a few things you might not think of to keep that list a little shorter:

Drawer organizers
Flashlight
Batteries
Storage solutions (for large closets, basements or other storage areas)
First aid kit
Extension cords
Comics
Light bulbs
Matches and/or lighters
Pen and paper