First Apartment Checklist: Essentials Edition
By ApartmentAdvisor Editorial Team
Oct 20, 2021
Throw pillows and throw blankets are nice, but they're not nearly as useful as toilet paper and dish soap. For new renters, this first apartment checklist is all about the essentials. It's practical, printable, and it's as easy to use as check, check, check.
Cleaning
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Floor mop
- Floor cleaner
- Cleaning supplies bucket
- Sponges for cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner for countertops
- Toilet bowl cleaner
Kitchen
- Sponges for dishes
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher soap
- Dish drying rack
- Dish towels
- Paper towels
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Serrated knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Grater
- Peeler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Fire extinguisher
- Cooking utensils
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- Oven mitts
- Cookie sheet
- Salt and pepper shaker
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Storage containers
- Coffee maker
- Toaster oven
- Microwave
- Kitchen trashcan
- Trash bags
Bathroom essentials
- Toothbrush
- Shower curtain
- Bath mat
- Bath towels
- Plunger
- Toilet brush
- Wash cloth
- Hand towels
- Hand soap
- Bar soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Face soap / personal toiletries
- First aid kit
- Bathroom trashcan
- Mirror (if none is present)
Laundry and Closet
- Hangers
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
Tools & Utilities
- Toolbox
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Hammer
- Picture hangers
- Extension cords
- Surge protectors
- Light bulbs
- Duct tape
- Stepstool
- Wall hooks
- Fan
- Flashlight
- Batteries (9 volt in for smoke detectors)
Bedroom
- Bed frame
- Mattress
- Pillows
- Bedding Sheet set
- Blanket and/or duvet
Lighting
If overhead lighting is limited:
- Floor lamp
- Table lamp
When it comes to moving into your first apartment, keeping things simple can help minimize stress (not to mention costs). That's the idea behind this first apartment checklist for new renters. No frills. No extras. Just the essentials.
Top cities
Atlanta Apartments
1,759 apartments starting at $700/month
Austin Apartments
6,289 apartments starting at $595/month
Baltimore Apartments
1,355 apartments starting at $475/month
Boston Apartments
5,461 apartments starting at $920/month
Charlotte Apartments
3,129 apartments starting at $560/month
Chicago Apartments
5,220 apartments starting at $638/month
Dallas Apartments
5,776 apartments starting at $595/month
Fort Worth Apartments
2,672 apartments starting at $500/month
Houston Apartments
5,831 apartments starting at $593/month
Las Vegas Apartments
1,112 apartments starting at $650/month
Los Angeles Apartments
11,236 apartments starting at $700/month
Miami Apartments
636 apartments starting at $975/month
Milwaukee Apartments
1,262 apartments starting at $595/month
New York Apartments
5,237 apartments starting at $600/month
Oakland Apartments
817 apartments starting at $850/month
Orlando Apartments
866 apartments starting at $895/month
Philadelphia Apartments
3,311 apartments starting at $500/month
Phoenix Apartments
4,133 apartments starting at $611/month
Pittsburgh Apartments
938 apartments starting at $450/month
Portland Apartments
2,226 apartments starting at $750/month
Raleigh Apartments
1,250 apartments starting at $550/month
San Antonio Apartments
3,590 apartments starting at $495/month
San Diego Apartments
2,833 apartments starting at $650/month
San Francisco Apartments
564 apartments starting at $830/month
San Jose Apartments
438 apartments starting at $1,100/month
Seattle Apartments
3,525 apartments starting at $695/month
Tampa Apartments
798 apartments starting at $645/month
Washington DC Apartments
2,347 apartments starting at $898/month