Important Legal Notice
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about home buying in the United States and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Real estate laws, mortgage regulations, tax codes, and lending requirements vary by state, county, and municipality and are subject to change.
Professional Consultation Required: Before making any financial decisions related to purchasing real property, you must consult with licensed professionals, including but not limited to:
- A licensed real estate attorney admitted to practice in your state
- A licensed real estate agent or broker
- A qualified mortgage lender or loan officer
- A certified public accountant (CPA) or tax advisor
- A licensed home inspector
Verify Current Laws: Federal, state, and local real estate laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations on official government websites, including HUD.gov, ConsumerFinance.gov, and your state's official real estate commission website before proceeding with any transaction.
No Attorney-Client Relationship: Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship, professional advisory relationship, or fiduciary duty of any kind.
Information Currency: Laws, regulations, tax rates, lending criteria, and government programs are subject to frequent changes. Information presented may become outdated. Always verify current information through official sources and licensed professionals.
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Moving checklist timeline into your first apartment takes planning and money. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says renters should know all costs before signing a lease. This includes deposits, rent, and furnishings.
Many first-time renters buy things they don't need yet. It is better to buy first apartment essentials first. You can add more things later as you need them.
Use this guide for your first apartment tips and complete checklist. For strategies on finding the right place, read our apartment hunting tips. Keep it on your phone. It will help you compare prices and buy only the items you need.
Common mistakes:
- Buying full dish sets too soon
- Buying matching furniture that might not fit
- Buying kitchen gadgets you rarely use
- Buying decorations before you know your style
- Buying big tool kits when a small one is enough
Start with Apartment essentials that matter most. This checklist puts the most important items first.
First Apartment Essentials to Buy First
Focus on items that make your place livable. Start with the basics and add more later.
Priority Tier 1: The Basics (Total: ~$180–280)
These items make your daily life work:
- Mattress or air mattress ($60-150) - You need a place to sleep.
- Pillow and sheets ($30-60)
- Shower curtain and rings ($15-25)
- Toilet paper holder, plunger, and brush ($15-20)
- Trash cans for kitchen and bath ($15-25)
- Power strip ($12-20)
- Can opener ($5-10)
- Basic dishes (4 plates, bowls, glasses) ($20-40)
- Silverware set ($10-20)
- One pot and one pan ($25-45)
- Kitchen knife and cutting board ($15-30)
- Cleaning supplies ($18-25)
Buy these items before you buy furniture. You need to sleep, cook, and clean first.
The total cost for these basics is about $180. If you add items from the next list, you might spend around $880 total. Use a moving checklist to track your progress.
Adding Comfort Items
Priority Tier 2: Daily Comforts (~$700 more)
After you have the basics, add these items to make life better:
Bedroom ($200):
- Bed frame ($100-150)
- Curtains or blinds ($30-50)
- Alarm clock or charger ($15-25)
- Hangers ($10-15)
- Laundry basket ($15-20)
Kitchen ($180):
- Coffee maker ($20-40)
- Microwave ($50-80) - if you don't have one
- Food containers ($15-25)
- Dish soap and rack ($15-20)
- Spatula, spoon, tongs ($12-18)
- Oven mitts ($8-12)
- Measuring cups ($10-15)
Bathroom ($120):
- Towels ($30-50)
- Hand towels ($15-25)
- Bath mat ($15-25)
- Shower caddy ($10-15)
- Mirror ($25-40)
- First aid kit ($15-20)
Living Room ($200):
- Table or desk ($80-120)
- Chair ($40-70)
- Lamp ($30-50)
- Wi-Fi router ($35-60)
- Basic tools ($25-35)
Buying these items slowly helps you see what fits in your space. This saves you money.
What to Buy Later
Wait to buy these items until you have lived in your apartment for a while.
Wait-List A: Kitchen Extras ($200-400)
- Toaster
- Blender
- Full pot and pan set
- Knife set
- More dishes
- Wine opener
You might cook differently in your new place. Wait to see what you really use.
Wait-List B: Furniture ($400-800)
- Couch
- Dresser
- Coffee table
- TV stand
- Bookshelf
- Dining table
Wait-List C: Lifestyle Items ($150-300)
- Decor
- Plants
- TV or speakers
- Extra lamps
- Organizers
Wait to buy these until you know what you need. This helps you avoid clutter.
Commonly Forgotten Items
These items are important but often forgotten:
- Plunger - You will need this.
- Fire extinguisher - Keep one in the kitchen ($20-40).
- Flashlight - For power outages.
- Extension cords - For hard-to-reach outlets.
- Command strips - To hang things without damage.
- Scissors and tape - You use these often.
- Trash bags - Get different sizes.
- Light bulbs - Have spares ready.
- Paper towels - For spills.
- Toilet paper - Always have extra.
- Medicine - Pain killers and cold medicine.
Buy these items early, so you don't have to run to the store late at night.
Budget Planning
Plan your spending based on what you can afford. Understanding your credit score for apartments helps you know what you qualify for. This is key for your apartment hunting checklist.
Level 1: Minimum ($880)
- Shop at discount stores.
- Buy used items.
- Stick to basics.
Level 2: Standard ($1,500)
- Shop at mid-range stores.
- Mix new and used items.
- Buy some nicer brands.
Level 3: Premium ($2,800+)
- Buy quality brands.
- Match your style.
- Items last longer.
Better items last longer, but only buy what fits your budget.
Check Your Apartment First
Inspect your apartment before you buy anything. Use an apartment move-in checklist to document the condition. The CFPB suggests:
What to check:
- Take photos of damage before you move in.
- Test lights, water, and appliances.
- Look for mold or pests.
- Check smoke detectors.
- Check floors and windows.
- Test heat and air conditioning.
Real estate laws and lending rules often change and vary by location.
Resources and First Apartment Tips:
- HUD Rental Help - Federal programs and rights.
- CFPB Renting Guide - Help with leases and costs.
- USA.gov Moving Checklist - Moving tips.
Knowing your apartment's condition helps you decide what to buy.
Your first apartment is exciting. Use this list to buy what you need without spending too much.