First Apartment Checklist

Everything a first-time renter needs to buy and set up for a first apartment.

Published June 20, 2026

Before You Move In

Set up electricity, gas, water and internet accounts
Buy renters insurance
Get keys, mailbox key and a copy if allowed
Take photos of any existing damage for your records
Set up bill autopay and a simple monthly budget

Kitchen Essentials

Pots, a frying pan and a baking sheet
Chef's knife, cutting board and basic utensils
Plates, bowls, cups and cutlery
Can opener, measuring cups and a colander
Dish soap, sponges, dish towels and trash bags
Food storage containers and aluminum foil

Bedroom & Bathroom

Bed, mattress, pillows and two sets of sheets
Towels, bath mat and a shower curtain with liner
Toilet paper, hand soap and toiletries
Toilet brush and plunger
Hangers and a laundry basket

Cleaning Supplies

All-purpose cleaner and a bathroom cleaner
Broom, dustpan and a mop or sweeper
Vacuum or carpet sweeper
Paper towels, microfiber cloths and trash cans
Rubber gloves and a small bucket

Living Room & Essentials

Somewhere to sit — sofa, futon or chairs
A small table or desk
Lamps, light bulbs and an extension cord or power strip
Curtains or blinds for privacy
Basic toolkit: screwdriver, hammer, tape measure
First-aid kit and a fire extinguisher

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A first apartment checklist lists everything you need to buy and set up for your first place — kitchen basics, furniture, cleaning supplies, and the accounts that make a unit livable from day one. Use it so you buy the essentials first and avoid overspending.

Moving into your first apartment is exciting, but the small things add up fast. Start with what you use daily — a bed, somewhere to sit, and a working kitchen and bathroom — then fill in the rest over your first few weeks.

Made for students and first-time renters on a budget. Print this checklist or download the PDF and shop section by section.

FAQ

What should I buy first for a first apartment?

Buy the daily essentials first: a bed and bedding, basic kitchen gear to cook a meal, toilet paper and toiletries, cleaning supplies, and a place to sit. Add nice-to-haves once the basics are covered.

How much does it cost to furnish a first apartment?

Budget a few hundred to a couple of thousand, depending on what you buy new. Save money with secondhand furniture, hand-me-downs, and by spreading non-essential purchases over your first few months.

What do people forget to buy for a first apartment?

Commonly forgotten items include a plunger, a first-aid kit, a trash can and bags, light bulbs, an extension cord, basic tools, and a shower curtain. This checklist includes them so you don't get caught out.

Is this first apartment checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF and tick items off as you shop, so you only buy what you still need.