Ah, the excitement of moving into a new place! You’ve signed the lease to your new apartment, and now it’s time to make it your own. But where do you start? There’s so much to do—and so many things to buy! 

Don’t worry—we’re here to help. We’ve put together a handy checklist of the essential items you’ll need to turn your new apartment into a home. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, this guide has everything you need to get your place feeling like home in no time. 

So grab your shopping list and get ready to make your new place feel like home. We’ve got you covered!

What to Buy When Moving Into Your Apartment: A Checklist

Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, and the items you need to make it comfortable and inviting are some of the most important items on the list. With that in mind, here are the things you need to prioritise:

  • Bed frame
  • Mattress and box springs to fit your bed frame
  • Bedding (mattress pad, sheets, pillowcases, comforter/quilt/duvet)
  • Nightstand
  • Dresser
  • Small trash can
  • TV stand
  • Clothes hangers
  • Hanging closet organiser
  • Clothes hamper
  • Shoe rack

Living Room Essentials

The living room is one of the most important rooms in an apartment, and it's important to make sure it's properly outfitted before you move in. Here are some essential items to include on your first apartment checklist for the living room:

  • Couch or loveseat
  • Coffee table
  • End tables
  • TV stand
  • Media console
  • Area rug
  • Curtains or blinds
  • Lighting fixtures

Kitchen Essentials

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s important to ensure it’s stocked with all the essentials. Start with the basics, like the following:

  • Kitchen table and chairs
  • Paper towels
  • Food storage containers
  • Paper plates, plastic cups and plastic cutlery
  • Coffee maker
  • Dish set, including plates and bowls
  • Drinking glasses and coffee mugs
  • Napkins
  • Dish towels and washcloths
  • Oven mitts
  • Dish soap
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Hand soap and dispenser
  • Trash bags
  • Trash cans

Other items to buy, but are not necessarily urgent to have, are the following:

  • Dish drying rack
  • Knife block, including chef's knife
  • Microwave oven
  • Spice rack
  • Pots and pans
  • Wine glasses
  • Corkscrew
  • Blender
  • Cooking utensils, like mixing spoons, spatulas, etc.
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener and bottle opener
  • Handheld or countertop mixer
  • Cookie sheets
  • Muffin tins
  • Cake tins
  • Placemats

Bathroom Essentials

For your bathroom, this means having all the basics on hand to make your grooming routine a breeze. Here’s a comprehensive list of bathroom essentials that should be on your shopping list when you move into your new apartment.

  • Shower curtains
  • Shower curtain rings
  • Bath mat, toilet mat
  • Non-slip bathtub mat
  • Bath towels and washcloths
  • Toilet paper. Lots of toilet paper!
  • Toilet brush
  • Cleaning supplies, like toilet bowl cleaner, shower cleaner and paper towels
  • Wall hooks to hang things like hand towels
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Bathroom soap dispenser and hand soap
  • Basic toiletries
  • Facial tissues
  • Plunger
  • Small trash can

The Bottom Line: Why It's Worth Preparing for Everyday Must-Haves When Moving Into Your New Apartment

Preparing for everyday must-haves when moving into a new apartment is essential for making the transition from one place to another as stress-free and smooth as possible. Having the right items in place will help make your new apartment feel like home and allow you to settle in quicker and easier.

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February 04, 2023 — Paul Masterson