First Apartment Checklist: A Practical Move-In Guide (2025)

Your first apartment is exciting and a little overwhelming. It is also the moment many renters accidentally overspend: you want the place to feel “done” immediately, so you buy everything at once and then realize you still have utility setup fees, deposits, and a grocery budget to cover.

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. It is designed to help you avoid expensive surprises, prioritize essentials, and build a simple plan that fits your budget and routines.

If you want a more detailed spending plan, start with the first apartment budget guide. This page focuses on what to buy (and what to wait on) so you can move in without stress.

Before you buy: what landlords usually provide

The fastest way to waste money is buying something your unit already includes. Before you buy appliances, safety items, or big furniture, confirm what is already in the unit and what is in shared areas (laundry rooms, storage, parking).

If your lease or tour notes are unclear, ask the property manager in writing so you have a record. For general renter protections and what leases typically cover, see tenant rights basics. (This is educational information; local rules vary.)

Common “already included” items

• Major appliances like a stove and refrigerator (varies by unit).
• Heating and hot water systems.
• Smoke detectors (and sometimes carbon monoxide detectors).
• Window coverings, light fixtures, or ceiling fans (varies).

How to confirm before you shop

1. Read the lease section on landlord-provided items and included utilities.
2. Do a detailed move-in walkthrough with a checklist and photos.
3. Ask about shared areas: laundry, storage, parking, trash, and mail/package rules.
4. Document condition with photos/video on day one.

Move-in costs to plan for (the real starting line)

Furniture is optional in the short term. Move-in costs are not. Before you set a shopping budget, list the expenses you must pay to get the keys and keep the unit running during month one.

• First month’s rent (and sometimes last month).
• Security deposit and any required deposits/add-ons.
• Application/admin/holding fees (if applicable).
• Utility setup deposits or activation fees.
• Moving costs (truck, boxes, help, delivery fees).

If you want a detailed checklist, use Apartment Move-In Costs and scan for add-ons with Hidden Rental Fees Explained.

Move-in documentation (protect your deposit)

Deposits are one of the biggest sources of stress for first-time renters, and many disputes come down to one thing: documentation. If you do nothing else on move-in day, take clear photos/video and keep them organized.

Use the same approach at move-out: mirror the move-in photos from the same angles and keep proof of key return. For a full plan, bookmark the apartment move-out checklist and the security deposit return timeline.

• Photograph every room in daylight, plus close-ups of existing wear.
• Include appliances, sinks, tubs, flooring, and windows.
• Save everything in one folder with dates in the filenames.
• Report issues in writing and keep copies of responses.

If you want a structured template to organize photos and notes, use the Security Deposit Documentation Template in Resources.

Utilities and setup checklist

First apartments often come with “admin tasks” that do not feel urgent until the day you need internet, power, or a working mailbox. A simple setup checklist keeps you from scrambling.

Before move-in (or week one)

• Confirm what utilities are included vs renter-paid.
• Set up electricity/gas/water accounts if required.
• Plan internet setup and install timing.
• Ask how packages are handled (locker, office pickup, delivery rules).

Keep a paper trail

Save confirmation emails for any account setup and keep a simple list of login info. This matters later if you need proof of a transfer date or billing period.

Room-by-room essentials (buy these first)

The goal is not to fill your apartment. The goal is to cover sleep, hygiene, simple meals, and basic cleaning so you feel stable in week one. Upgrades can wait until you understand the space.

Bedroom (protect sleep first)

• Mattress and basic bedding (sheets, blanket/comforter, pillow).
• Simple lighting you can control (lamp or bulb).
• A laundry plan (hamper/bag and detergent).

Bathroom (hygiene + prevention)

• Shower curtain and liner (if needed), towels, and bath mat.
• Basic cleaning supplies (toilet brush, multi-surface cleaner).
• A plunger (buy it before you need it).

Kitchen (minimum viable setup)

• One pot, one pan, one baking sheet (or your equivalent basics).
• Cutting board and a basic knife.
• A few plates/bowls, cups, utensils, and food storage.
• Dish soap, sponge/brush, and trash bags.

Living room (function first)

• Seating you will actually use (even temporary is fine).
• A small surface that works for meals or tasks.
• Lighting that makes the space usable at night.

Cleaning and safety basics

• Trash bags, paper towels, and a multi-surface cleaner.
• Vacuum or broom depending on your floors.
• A basic tool kit for small fixes (screwdriver, measuring tape).

First-week setup plan (keep it calm)

A simple plan prevents “stress shopping.” Your first week should focus on documenting the unit, setting up essentials, and learning what the apartment needs.

1. Day 1: Take photos/video, note existing issues, and save everything in one folder.
2. Day 2: Set up sleep (bed + bedding) and basic bathroom items so you can rest.
3. Days 3–7: Build a minimal kitchen setup and basic cleaning routine, then stop buying until you know what is missing.

If you are still touring or comparing units, the apartment tour checklist helps you catch issues before you sign. If you are preparing paperwork, use the rental application checklist.

How to shop without overspending

Most first-apartment overspending is not one big mistake. It is stacking small purchases: delivery fees, duplicate kitchen gadgets, and “temporary” items that get replaced immediately.

Measure first, buy second

Measure doorways, hallways, and the space where an item will live. A great deal is not a deal if it does not fit or blocks your layout. Keep a note with key measurements so you are not guessing while shopping.

Watch delivery and assembly costs

Delivery and assembly fees can quietly add up. Compare the all-in cost, not just the sticker price. If you are buying used, include pickup costs in your decision.

Avoid duplicates and “fantasy self” purchases

Buy for your real routines, not your ideal routines. If you do not cook often now, start with a minimal kitchen setup and add items only when you find yourself needing them.

A simple 3-month buying timeline

Upgrading in phases keeps costs predictable and helps you learn what the apartment actually needs.

Month 1: essentials only

Cover sleep, hygiene, basic meals, and basic cleaning. Skip decor and upgrades.

Month 2: comfort upgrades

Add items that reduce daily friction: storage, better lighting, a small desk, or improved seating.

Month 3: optional extras

Upgrade only after you have paid at least one full month of bills in the new place. The first utility bill can change what “affordable” feels like.

Common first-apartment mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Most first-apartment mistakes are normal. They happen when you move fast, buy emotionally, or assume “base rent” is the full cost. These quick fixes keep the move-in calm.

• Skipping the full cost check: Add utilities and fees before you commit. Use the Hidden Fees Estimator.
• Buying large furniture first: Measure the space and live in it for a couple of weeks before you lock in a layout.
• Assuming “notice” is a text message: Leases often require specific notice steps. If you ever need to move out, start with the notice to vacate letter template.
• Not organizing documentation: Put photos, receipts, and messages in one folder on day one so you are not searching later.

Printable checklist: first apartment essentials

Copy/paste this checklist into a note, then check items off as you buy them. The goal is a functional apartment, not a perfectly decorated one.

MOVE-IN DAY
- Photos/video of every room (wide + close-ups)
- Notes on existing issues (with dates)
- Forwarding address method (email/portal form)

SLEEP (week 1)
- Mattress + bedding
- Lamp/bulb
- Laundry plan

BATHROOM (week 1)
- Shower curtain + liner (if needed)
- Towels + bath mat
- Toilet brush + cleaner
- Plunger

KITCHEN (week 1)
- 1 pot + 1 pan + 1 baking sheet
- Knife + cutting board
- Plates/bowls + utensils
- Dish soap + sponge/brush + trash bags

CLEANING (week 1)
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Vacuum/broom
- Paper towels / rags

UPGRADES (month 2+)
- Extra storage
- Better seating
- Decor (only after basics are covered)

FAQ

What should I buy first for my first apartment?

Start with what keeps you stable: a basic bed setup, bathroom essentials, and a minimal kitchen kit. Those three categories cover sleep, hygiene, and food, which makes the first week feel manageable. After that, add cleaning supplies and simple storage. Decor and upgrades can wait until you have lived in the space and know what you actually need.

How do I avoid overspending in the first week?

Set a short list of essentials and stop shopping once the list is complete. Most overspending comes from duplicates, delivery fees, and buying for an ideal routine you do not actually have. Measure your space before buying anything large and wait a couple of weeks before upgrading. A staged plan is usually cheaper than buying everything at once.

Should I buy used furniture for my first apartment?

Used can be a great way to save money, especially for tables, chairs, and storage pieces. Inspect carefully, measure before pickup, and avoid items you cannot clean or test. For health and safety, many renters prefer to buy mattresses and bedding new. If a used item feels risky, it is okay to start smaller and upgrade later.

What should I document at move-in?

Document the condition of the unit on day one: wide shots of each room, close-ups of existing wear, and photos of appliances and fixtures. Save the photos with dates and keep them in one folder. If you report issues, do it in writing and keep copies. Clear documentation helps prevent disputes later, especially around deposits.

How do I know if rent fits my budget before I buy anything?

Start by calculating a realistic rent range based on your cash flow, not just a rule of thumb. Then add the recurring fees and utilities that make up your true monthly total. The Rent Budget Checker and Hidden Fees Estimator help you see the full picture before you commit.

Next steps

If you want the simplest path, focus on the move-in costs first, then buy essentials, then upgrade slowly. A calm move-in is usually the one where your budget stays steady after the first month of bills.

• Start with a cost checklist: Apartment Move-In Costs
• Build a realistic rent range: How Much Rent Can I Afford?
• Use the budget-focused companion guide: First Apartment Budget Guide