First apartment checklist: everything you need, room by room

The short answer: A good first apartment checklist covers three things: the move-in money you need, the lease and safety checks to do before you sign, and the basics to buy for each room. Start with essentials like bedding, towels, toilet paper, cookware, cleaning supplies and a toolkit, and add furniture and decor over time. Use the room-by-room lists below to shop without forgetting the small stuff.

Moving soon? Our Moving Planner & Checklist keeps your timeline, packing list, utility setup and address changes in one printable set.

Before you sign the lease

Read the lease line by line before you sign. USA.gov's tenant rights page links to state resources that explain what landlords must provide. Check:

• Monthly rent, due date and late fees.
• Lease length and what happens if you need to leave early.
• Which utilities you pay (electric, gas, water, trash, internet).
• Security deposit amount and how it's returned.
• Pet, guest, parking and noise rules.
• How to request repairs and how quickly they're handled.
• Renters insurance requirements.

First apartment budget: move-in costs

For a monthly budget once you're settled, see our budget for young adults guide.

Move-in day checklist

• Walk through and photograph every room, including existing damage.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; the NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms monthly.
• Find the water shutoff and the breaker panel.
• Check that locks, windows, faucets, toilet, heat and air conditioning work.
• Turn on utilities and internet in your name.
• Update your address with the post office, bank and employer.

Kitchen checklist

The kitchen is where most first apartment costs add up. Start small and buy pieces you'll use every week.

• Pots and pans (a skillet, saucepan and stockpot cover most meals).
• Baking sheet and a casserole dish.
• Plates, bowls, cups and mugs.
• Silverware and cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, tongs, ladle).
• Chef's knife and cutting board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Can opener, colander and mixing bowls.
• Food storage containers.
• Dish soap, sponges and dish towels.
• Trash can and bags.
• Pantry starters: salt, pepper, oil, a few spices, rice, pasta.

Bathroom checklist

Get the bathroom ready before your first night. These are the items you'll want right away.

• Shower curtain, liner and rings.
• Bath towels, hand towels and washcloths.
• Bath mat.
• Toilet paper (buy more than you think).
• Plunger and toilet brush.
• Small trash can.
• Toiletries and a first aid kit.

Bedroom checklist

• Bed frame and mattress (or a mattress to start).
• Two sets of sheets, pillows and a comforter.
• Hangers.
• Laundry basket.
• Lamp or bedside light.
• Curtains or blinds for privacy.

Living room checklist

• Seating: a sofa, futon or a couple of chairs.
• A small table or desk.
• Lamps and light bulbs.
• Extension cords and a surge protector.
• Doormat.

Furnishing on a tight budget? See our cheap couches guide for sofas, loveseats and sleepers from $169 and where to buy used.

Cleaning and tools checklist

• All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and paper towels.
• Broom, dustpan and a vacuum or mop.
• Laundry detergent.
• Basic toolkit: hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, picture hooks.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Step stool.

For a simple routine once you're in, use our apartment cleaning checklist.

Items people forget most often

The small things cause the most late-night store runs: shower curtain rings, a plunger, a can opener, light bulbs, hangers, trash bags, a step stool and a phone charger long enough to reach the bed. Toss them in your cart early.

Keep your new home organized

A few simple systems make your first apartment easier to run:

• Keep your lease, renters insurance, utility account numbers and landlord contact in one household binder.
• Make a home inventory with photos of what you own, which helps with insurance claims.
• Set calendar reminders for rent, bills and lease renewal. When you're ready to buy, compare a traditional purchase with rent to own homes.

Planning the whole move? Our full moving checklist walks through the weeks before moving day.

Before you sign the lease, compare a few quotes for renters insurance, which covers your belongings and liability for a modest monthly cost.