Everything You’ll Want to Have Before Move-In Day

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into your own place for the first time. No roommates, no one else’s dishes in the sink and no one blasting music when you’re trying to sleep. Just your space, your rules. But once that initial excitement wears off, reality starts to hit—your apartment is empty. Really empty.

It’s easy to underestimate how many little things you use every day until you realize they’re missing. You walk into the bathroom and—surprise—no toilet paper. You go to make a sandwich and remember you don’t even own a plate, let alone a knife to spread the peanut butter.

This is where planning ahead makes all the difference.

Let’s talk about the basics.

Start with the Absolute Essentials

Before you go shopping for throw pillows and artwork, focus on what you actually need to function every day. Think of it room by room.

• For the bedroom, at the very least, you’ll want a mattress and some bedding. If you’re tight on money, a bed frame can wait but you’ll still want something to sleep on that’s not just the floor. A couple of pillows and a blanket will get you through the first few nights.
• In the bathroom, toilet paper, hand soap and a shower curtain are must-haves right out of the gate. You’ll also want a towel (or two), a bath mat to avoid slipping and basic toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant. A trash can is helpful too.
• The kitchen can be a bit of a black hole when it comes to supplies. It’s smart to start with just enough to cook and eat. That means a pot, a pan, a spatula, a cutting board, a knife and a few dishes, glasses, and utensils. Don’t forget dish soap and a sponge. Even if you plan to live on takeout, you’ll need these sooner than you think.
• Cleaning supplies are something people often forget in the chaos of moving. But messes happen fast, especially when you’re unpacking. Paper towels, multi-surface cleaner, a broom and dustpan (or a vacuum), and trash bags are good starters. Laundry detergent and a laundry basket will also come in handy if your building has shared machines.

Don’t Forget the Comforts

Once the basics are covered, add in things that make the space feel more like you. A lamp, some cozy blankets, curtains for privacy—these little touches go a long way in turning your apartment from just a place to sleep into a place you’re proud to call home.

If you’re unsure where to begin, it helps to look at a first apartment checklist online or create your own. Not because you need to buy everything on it all at once but because it gives you a sense of what’s missing and what can wait. You don’t need a blender on day one but having it on the list helps you plan for down the road.

Save Where You Can, Spend Where It Matters

A lot of what you need can be found secondhand—check out thrift stores, local marketplaces or even friends and family who have extras. Save your money for things you use daily, like a decent mattress or a sturdy pan. These are worth investing in.

Take It Slow

There’s no rule that says your apartment has to be fully furnished and picture-perfect the day you move in. It’s okay if it takes a few weeks—or even months—to get everything you want. What matters most is that your space works for you and feels good to come home to.

Moving into your first place is a huge step. It’s exciting, overwhelming and sometimes a little scary. But with a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you’ll get through it—and before long, you’ll wonder how you ever lived any other way.