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First Apartment Checklist
From budget and lease to the first-night box and the basics for each room.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Money comes first. Storage Star puts setting a budget at number one, and Extra Space says furnishing doesn't have to happen all at once. Most experts, it notes, suggest spending about 10 to 15 percent of annual income over several months. Once the number is set, Storage Star's order is simple: sign the lease, switch on utilities, deep clean, then make your list of things to buy. This list covers paperwork, move-in day and the first round of buying. It leaves out apartment hunting and decor.
Why these items are on the list
- Set a budget. Storage Star calls it number one, suggesting rent take no more than 30% of earnings.
- Count rent, deposit and moving costs. Add utilities, renters' insurance, internet, groceries, security deposit and furniture.
- Measure the space. So furniture fits through your door and in your layout.
- Take inventory of what you own. You may already have more of the basics than you realize.
- Inspect the apartment. Look for cracks, stains, water damage, mold and pests; test outlets with a phone charger.
- Buy renters' insurance. Many complexes ask for proof of it when you apply.
- Read and sign the lease. Ask about breaking the lease early and the typical annual rent increase.
- Set up utilities. It comes ahead of deep cleaning and shopping on Storage Star's list.
- Clean before you unpack. Even occasional cleaning keeps mold at bay and protects your security deposit.
- Pack a first-night box. Bedding, toiletries, towel, shower curtain, one pot and pan, trash bags, flashlight.
- Buy a mattress and bed frame. Buy mattress and pillows new for hygiene; a twin bed saves space and money.
- Get at least two sheet sets. Extra Space says have at least two sets; Anna Saxton says a mattress topper protects the mattress.
- Buy hangers and a hamper. Slim non-slip hangers save closet space, and a hamper keeps dirty clothes sorted.
- Buy a pot, pan and knife. Extra Space says a medium pot, non-stick pan and sharp chef's knife can handle most meals.
- Get plates, bowls and glasses. A small set is enough to start; kitchenware is easy to find secondhand.
- Stock dish soap, sponges, towels. Extra Space says you'll use dish soap, sponges and dish towels every day.
- Buy trash cans and bags. One for the kitchen, and a small one with a lid for the bathroom.
- Stock the bathroom. Shower curtain with liner and hooks, bath mat, towels, toilet paper and soap.
- Get a plunger and toilet brush. Ideally one brush for each bathroom; don't forget the plunger.
- Buy basic cleaning supplies. All-purpose and glass cleaner, broom, dustpan, and a mop or vacuum.
- Pick up basic repair tools. A screwdriver set and hammer cover small repairs and hanging wall decor.
- Stock spare batteries. For remotes and smoke detectors, plus the flashlight.
- Get a small ABC fire extinguisher. Extra Space recommends a small ABC type for kitchen safety.
- Buy a first aid kit. Extra Space and The Wilder both list one for small emergencies.
- Check secondhand furniture first. Anna Saxton calls furniture ridiculously expensive; one well-stocked thrift store could probably furnish most of a kitchen under $100.
- Buy seating and a lamp. Add rugs, throw pillows and wall art only after the basics are in place.
Keep it open on your phone while you shop, so you can tick things off as they go in the cart. If you're setting up with a roommate, split the list and see what's still missing before the next trip.
When to use it
Useful from the moment you start budgeting for a move through the first weeks in the new place.