First Apartment Checklist: Essentials Edition
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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.