Moving into or renting your first apartment can be an exciting and confusing time. What do you need to buy for a rental? To help you cut through the confusion and clutter, I’ve put together this handy first apartment checklist for renters. Use this list as a moving planner or as a simple checklist so you land in your new place with dishes to dine upon and clean sheets to rest. Phew!

Since there are wide variations in what people deem necessity items, I’ve made this list fairly broad, and hopefully helpful to a range of apartment renters. The essential items are grouped under these headings: Basic Furniture, Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen, Laundry, Cleaning, Closet & Storage, Personal, and Odds & Ends.

apartment checklist

Download: Your Checklist (PDF Format)

Use the Apartment Checklist to:

  • Figure out what you need. Hey, maybe the folks can help out?
  • Build a shopping list of essentials you didn’t know about!
  • Save money by not spending on the wrong stuff.
  • Get organized BEFORE moving into your new apartment.
  • Keep track of odds and ends. Yes, you’ll need toilet paper.
  • Serve as a moving checklist for locating your stuff into an apartment.
  • Help organize your items into boxes for the move.

Beyond the apartment checklist

Don’t forget to also download these 15 Free Printable Home Inventory Worksheets — once you rent an apartment it’s a good idea to insure your belongings in case of damage or theft. A home inventory can help you identify what you own so you remember if something is lost in a flood, fire, or theft.

Heading to college or university? Check out my Dorm Room Checklist or Moving Checklist and Planner.

If you’ve got too much stuff for you move consider downsizing and use my guide, How to sell your stuff online. I cover everything from selling on eBay to Etsy — so there are a lot of ways to earn a little cash while unloading your stash.

Did I miss something important? What was your first apartment like? My first apartment had cockroaches. Not kidding.

Love love love,
Kerry