If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30, you’ve probably moved enough times to have it down pat. I’ve moved or helped people move plenty of times, and each time I’ve learned more about the process. But when I moved into my first post-college apartment, I really wished I’d had a guide to tell me exactly what I needed to remember and what I didn’t. If you’re in the same boat, here’s a list I’ve created that outlines the basics you’ll need for a new place.
Of course, some things will depend on you and your budget – if you do a lot of cooking, you might have a use for more specialized equipment. If you spend a lot of time working at home, you’ll probably want a (standing) desk and good chair. But the things I’m listing here are things you’ll probably want to have when you move in so you can settle into a new routine as quickly as possible. I’ve divided it up by room/function for ease.
What to Have in Your First Place
LIVING ROOM
– Couch or loveseat (futons work, too. No judgment).
– Armchair (optional, if you plan to have a lot of guests over).
– TV and stand (if you’ll watch it). Personally, I didn’t watch a lot of TV when I first moved to my own place, and still don’t. But it’s nice to have for movies or for streaming.
– Lamp(s)
– Bookshelf, coffee table or end table(s)
– Curtains (if your apartment doesn’t come with blinds)
KITCHEN
– Table and chairs (or barstools – many apartments have a built-in bar)
– Pots and pans: I recommend a large stock pot, a smaller pot, and a skillet at minimum.
– Plates, bowls and cups/mugs
– Eating utensils
– Spatula, big spoon and sharp knives
– Cutting board
– Mixing bowls
– Glass or plastic food storage containers
– Baking pans and sheets (glass 13×9 pans work great for casseroles or baking chicken; sheet pans are good for baked goods, vegetables and heating up leftovers).
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Trash can (just my personal experience, but I prefer the ones that you step on to open, or that open when you press a button – not the ones with lids that swing open. Those tend to get dirty fast.)
BATHROOM
– Shower curtain
– Bath mat
– Towels
– Cleaning supplies: Whether you go more natural (vinegar, essential oils and organic products) or traditional (Lysol and Clorox), you’ll need something to wipe down counters, toilets, handles and the tub, at the minimum.
– Storage containers or bins, if the bathroom doesn’t have a lot of built-in storage
BEDROOM
– Bed and bedding (headboard and footboard optional)
– Dresser/bureau
– Nightstand
– Lamp
– Shelves, hangers, etc. for closet
– Curtains (the room-darkening ones are a must-have, even if there are blinds)
MISC
– Rugs: You probably won’t need a large area rug at first, but you may want one in front of the kitchen sink to make standing more comfortable, or by the door to keep dirt from being tracked in.
– Small appliances: These might include a coffee maker, toaster, blender, slower cooker/Instant Pot and more. Again, it all depends on what you need!
– Vacuum cleaner and/or broom and/or mop
– Plastic storage bins
As usual for my blog, this isn’t an exhaustive list – just some basics you’ll probably want to think about getting before moving into your new place. It’s probably biased toward my experiences and preferences, so let me know what you think below – do you agree with my choices? What are your must-haves for moving in?
bloom. 