Moving into your first apartment is, in many ways, like embarking on a great adventure. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a new world. The excitement of setting up your own space—choosing where the couch will go, deciding what kind of plates you’ll eat off, and marveling at the simple joy of not having to share a bathroom—is often tempered by the equally bewildering task of figuring out how to make this new space feel like home. Home, after all, is more than a place; it’s the environment you create around yourself, the accumulation of little comforts and big essentials that make you feel at ease.
There are many twists and turns on the journey to apartment bliss. You’ll encounter strange, unforeseen obstacles—who knew that buying the right size curtains could feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphics? Or that there are approximately 4,732 different types of light bulbs to choose from? But with a little guidance and a dash of humor, you can avoid many of the rookie mistakes, while still leaving plenty of room for those inevitable “learning moments” that will no doubt become great stories later. In this ultimate guide to moving into your first apartment, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—starting with the most basic essentials and working our way toward the finer points of making your space truly your own.
Essentials to Gather Before the Move
Let’s start with the most basic of all truths: you need somewhere to sleep, something to sit on, and a few other practicalities to survive the first nights in your new place. If you’ve ever moved into a new apartment and realized you forgot to bring toilet paper, you understand that some things simply cannot wait. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you absolutely need to have before you haul in your first box.
1. A Mattress (and Maybe a Bed Frame)
Nothing screams “newbie” quite like sleeping on the floor your first night. Sure, maybe you’re envisioning the bohemian charm of tossing a few throw pillows around and calling it a night, but after hours of moving, trust me, you’ll want an actual mattress. It doesn’t have to be the fanciest mattress in the world, just something comfortable enough to give you a good night’s sleep. If you’re short on space or budget, you can hold off on the bed frame, but it’s a good idea to at least have the basics for making your bed cozy: pillows, sheets, and a comforter.
Many new movers make the mistake of focusing on things like wall art or decorative items, forgetting that a good night’s sleep is the real key to surviving those first few weeks. Pro tip: if you want to feel like you’re really moving up in the world, add a few extra soft blankets or some throw pillows to the mix. You may not have your dream couch yet, but at least you’ll be able to retreat to a comfy oasis at night.
2. Furniture
There’s a temptation to rush out and buy every piece of furniture you can think of as soon as you get the keys to your new apartment. But resist this urge. There’s no need to turn your apartment into a fully furnished catalog spread in the first week. Start small. A couch or sofa is a good starting point—somewhere comfortable to sit and relax. If you’re really aiming for functionality, consider a sleeper sofa. That way, if you have overnight guests, they won’t have to sleep on the floor either.
A table and chairs are also critical for making life more livable. You’ll need somewhere to eat, write, or (let’s be real) leave your mail and keys in a pile. You don’t need a grand dining set right away. A simple folding table or a few barstools will do the trick. Once you settle in, you can always upgrade when your budget allows. But for now, think pragmatically: where can you sit down to eat a meal, and where can you set down your morning coffee without it spilling?
3. Lighting (And Not the Overhead Kind)
This one might seem minor, but lighting can make or break the vibe of your new apartment. Overhead lights are often harsh, clinical, and about as warm as a dentist’s office. Soft, ambient lighting from table lamps or floor lamps will immediately make your apartment feel more homey. A few well-placed lamps will turn your apartment into a cozy retreat rather than a sterile, impersonal space. Opt for warm, soft bulbs, and you’ll be surprised at how much more welcoming your new home feels.
4. Chargers, Batteries, and Power Strips
The heartbreak of realizing your phone charger is buried somewhere in a mountain of boxes cannot be overstated. Bring chargers for your essential electronics—laptop, phone, and anything else you rely on. Pack them in a clearly labeled bag or box so they don’t get lost in the chaos. And don’t forget about spare batteries for any remotes or other battery-operated devices. A power strip or two can also be a lifesaver, especially if outlets are scarce in your new space.
5. Basic Kitchen Setup
You might be tempted to live off takeout for the first few days (or weeks), but having a few kitchen essentials on hand can save both your wallet and your waistline. Even if you’re not ready to channel your inner Julia Child, you’ll want at least a couple of pots, pans, and utensils to whip up something simple. Think easy-to-make meals like pasta, soup, or eggs—foods that don’t require a culinary degree or a dozen different gadgets.
At the very least, make sure you have plates, bowls, silverware, and a few drinking glasses. A good knife, a cutting board, and a spatula will also come in handy for the inevitable moment when you decide you’ve had enough takeout and want to try cooking in your new kitchen. If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t forget a basic coffee maker or French press. Starting your first day in a new place without caffeine is a disaster waiting to happen.
6. Toiletries and Bathroom Supplies
While it might be easy to remember the big things like a mattress and furniture, don’t forget about the small stuff, especially when it comes to the bathroom. You’ll need basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a toothbrush, as well as a few towels and washcloths.
One often overlooked item is the shower curtain—there’s nothing worse than realizing you can’t take a shower because water will spray everywhere. A bathmat is also a good idea to prevent slipping and to keep your new floors dry. And don’t forget that most essential of bathroom supplies: toilet paper. Pack it in your “day one” bag. Trust me on this.
7. Cleaning Supplies
Even if your new apartment was professionally cleaned before you moved in, you’ll want to do a quick once-over to make it feel truly yours. A basic set of cleaning supplies should include paper towels, dish soap, a sponge, multi-surface cleaner, and some trash bags. If your apartment has hardwood floors, a broom and dustpan will do the trick; for carpets, a vacuum may be necessary. Don’t forget about a few rolls of trash bags—moving generates a surprising amount of garbage.
8. A Basic Toolkit
Whether you’re assembling IKEA furniture, hanging pictures, or fixing that wobbly chair, a small toolkit can be a lifesaver. You don’t need an entire workbench’s worth of tools, but a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a measuring tape will cover most basic tasks. A box cutter or scissors will come in handy when you’re slicing through all those cardboard boxes, and duct tape is a classic standby for anything that needs a quick fix.
9. Personal Items and Documents
Pack a small folder with all your important documents—lease agreements, IDs, insurance info, and any other paperwork you might need in the first few days. Having these on hand (and not buried in some random box) will save you from a lot of unnecessary stress. Also, make sure you have an extra set of keys and keep them in a safe, easily accessible place.
After You Move: Settling In and Adding Your Own Touch
Once the initial excitement of moving in has passed, you can focus on personalizing your space. This is the fun part—adding those little touches that make the apartment feel like your home. Here’s a closer look at how to turn your new place into the cozy, welcoming retreat you deserve.
1. The Living Room: Your Cozy Haven
The living room is often the first room guests will see, but more importantly, it’s where you’ll unwind after a long day. Invest in comfortable seating—whether it’s a plush sofa, a sectional, or even some bean bags if you’re going for a laid-back vibe. A coffee table is great for holding your books, drinks, and remote controls. You may also want to add some throw blankets and pillows for that extra layer of coziness.
If you like to entertain, consider adding a couple of extra chairs or a loveseat to accommodate guests. And don’t underestimate the power of a good area rug—it can pull the whole room together and make it feel more inviting. Houseplants, framed artwork, or personal photos are great ways to inject a little personality into your space without overwhelming it.
2. The Bedroom: Where Comfort Reigns Supreme
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so make it as comfortable and peaceful as possible. In addition to your mattress and bedding, you’ll want to consider adding a nightstand for essentials like a lamp, an alarm clock, and your current reading material. Curtains or blinds will help keep the room dark for those precious weekend sleep-ins, and a full-length mirror can be both functional and stylish.
Don’t forget about storage. Even if you have a closet, additional storage bins, a dresser, or under-the-bed containers can help keep your space organized and clutter-free.
3. The Kitchen: Stocking Up
Now that you’ve survived the initial move with your basic kitchen supplies, it’s time to build up a more functional cooking space. This means expanding your toolset with items like a blender, toaster, microwave, or even an air fryer. Don’t forget about food storage containers—great for meal prep and for keeping leftovers fresh.
Spices and basic pantry items (like salt, pepper, olive oil, and flour) are essential for whipping up quick meals. And don’t forget about snacks—granola bars, popcorn, and crackers will come in handy when you’re too tired to cook.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance: Stay On Top of It
Once you’ve moved in, regular cleaning will help keep your apartment feeling fresh and inviting. Stock up on cleaning essentials like a vacuum, mop, broom, and dustpan, as well as glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes, and dish soap. Don’t forget laundry supplies—a laundry basket, detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover are all must-haves.
5. Tech and Miscellaneous Gadgets
Your first apartment wouldn’t be complete without a few handy gadgets. A Wi-Fi router, power strips, and extension cords will help you stay connected. You might also want to consider a TV, streaming device, or speakers to create the perfect entertainment setup. If you’re handy with DIY projects, a small cordless drill will be useful for hanging shelves or assembling furniture.
In Conclusion: Make It Your Own
Moving into your first apartment is a thrilling milestone, full of new experiences and challenges. While it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of logistics, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Take your time as you settle in and slowly build your space into a reflection of your personality and lifestyle.
With a solid plan, a well-thought-out checklist, and a bit of patience, you’ll soon turn your empty apartment into a warm and welcoming home.
