Moving to Your First Apartment? Tips on What You’ll Need

Moving to your first apartment is an exciting experience that offers the freedom to decorate and design a home that reflects your personality. However, knowing that this transition involves many responsibilities is essential before packing your belongings.

We have compiled valuable tips and a list of items to help you prepare for this milestone and make your new place feel like home. So get ready to move, and we wish you the best of luck!

15 Tips for Moving to Your First Apartment

1. Add a fresh coat of paint – To personalize your first apartment, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. However, if you’re renting, you must seek your landlord’s permission beforehand. Applying peelable and removable wallpaper lets you infuse personality and fun into a rental. Landlords approve this type of wallpaper because it can be easily removed after you move.
2. Figure out your mail situation – When moving to your first apartment, figuring out your mail situation is essential. Check if your apartment building has a community mailbox center for mail collection or if your apartment has a mail slot in the door. If you have a doorman, find out if they can store packages when you’re away or if you need to ask a neighbor for assistance. Additionally, check if mail and packages are left outside your building, and if so, consider setting up a PO Box for added security. PO Boxes are safe and secure mailboxes inside post offices, with extended business hours and 24-hour access. Learn how to set up a PO Box when you move by reading our guide.
3. Set up utilities – When moving to your first apartment, setting up utilities is essential. If you’re purchasing the apartment, call all utility service providers several weeks before the move to schedule installation dates and times after you move in. Utilities may include water and sewer, electricity, gas, cable and internet, satellite, security system, trash, and phone. While some services like cable and internet can wait a week or two after the move, others, such as water, electricity, and gas, must be set up on the moving day or even the day before.
4. Spruce up your entryway – Spruce up your entryway with wall hooks, baskets, shoe racks, organizational shelving, and umbrella stands to make a great first impression on friends and guests. These entryway accessories give your apartment a neat look and a designated spot for your belongings.
5. Purchase cleaning supplies – Make sure to purchase cleaning supplies and clean your apartment before moving furniture inside. Thoroughly vacuum and mop all floors, dust surfaces, and clean bathrooms. Also, remember to pick up disinfectant wipes, spray vacuum bags, and soap.
6. Get an extra set of keys made – Make sure to get an extra set of keys made for your apartment, and remember it.  Keeping a set of keys with a trusted friend or family member in emergencies is advisable.
7. Purchase furniture – You will likely need to purchase a few essential furniture items for your apartment. If you’re on a budget, consider investing in a comfortable couch and bed, and you can find the remaining pieces at consignment stores or local donation shops.
8. Have an extra set of sheets and towels on hand – To avoid repeatedly washing the same sheets and towels, ensure you have an extra set or two available. It will also be helpful if you plan on hosting guests in your apartment.
9. Meet your neighbors – When living in an apartment, you’re near your neighbors. To make your living experience more pleasant, introduce yourself to your new neighbors once you move in. This gesture will give you a sense of community and create new friends; your neighbors will greatly appreciate it.
10. Replace smoke detector batteries – Once you move in, replace all smoke detector batteries with new ones to ensure safety and prevent the smoke detectors from constantly chirping, which can drive you crazy.
11. Get a toolbox – Your toolbox should contain all the necessary wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers for hanging wall decor, assembling furniture, and fixing mishaps in your home. 
12. Buy a plunger – It’s advisable to purchase a plunger just in case your toilet starts to act up or overflow. Luckily, buying a plunger won’t cost you a fortune, with prices ranging from $5 to $20, and you can easily find one at your local home improvement store.
13. Change your address – Remember to inform your bank immediately when you move to your first apartment. Make sure you update your credit card information with your new billing address. Also, tell your friends and family about your new address. To ensure that you receive your mail, visit com and select the date you want to start forwarding your mail.
14. Figure out trash pickup days – To determine the trash and recycling pickup days, ask your neighbors for details, as they may vary from city to city. 
15. Explore your neighborhood – To become familiar with your new surroundings and what’s available, explore your new neighborhood by walking, driving, or biking. This lets you identify nearby grocery stores, parks, schools, museums, libraries, hardware stores, hospitals, and pharmacies, giving you a good sense of the community.

Here are some Items you’ll need when Moving to Your First Apartment

You may need more furniture and home essentials to furnish your new place. You’ll need to add several items to your moving checklist, from a comfortable mattress to a shower curtain liner. Fortunately, we’re here to assist you. 

Entryway

As the first and last thing people see when entering your home, your entryway plays a crucial role in creating a positive impression. Keeping this area neat and organized can go a long way in achieving this goal. Here are a few item recommendations to consider for your entrance:

• A coat rack or hooks for storing outerwear
• A shoe rack or storage bench for shoes
• A table or console for holding keys and other essentials
• A mirror to check your appearance before leaving the house
• Decorative accents, such as artwork or plants, add warmth and personality to the space

By incorporating these items, you can create an inviting and functional entryway that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Living Area and Den

When moving into a new home, it’s essential to prioritize the comfort and functionality of your main living spaces. These areas are often the heart of the house, and making them suitable for your lifestyle is essential. If you enjoy entertaining guests, for example, you’ll want to ensure enough seating and good lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few item recommendations to consider for your living spaces:

• A comfortable sofa or sectional
• A coffee table or side table for holding drinks and snacks
• Adequate lighting, including floor lamps and table lamps
• Decorative accents, such as throw pillows or area rugs, add personality and warmth to the space

By incorporating these items, you can create a comfortable and inviting living area that is both practical and stylish.

Kitchen

If you enjoy cooking, having the right tools and kitchenware is essential for creating delicious meals. To ensure you have everything you need, here are a few recommendations for items to include in your kitchen:

• High-quality pots and pans in various sizes
• A set of sharp knives for chopping and slicing
• Cutting boards for preparing food
• Mixing bowls and measuring cups for baking and cooking
• Utensils, including spatulas, spoons, and tongs
• Appliances, such as a blender, toaster, or coffee maker, to make meal preparation easier
• Storage containers for keeping food fresh and organized

By incorporating these items, you can set yourself up for success in the kitchen and enjoy cooking even more.

Bedroom

To create a private little sanctuary in your master bedroom, measuring the room before investing in an expensive bed frame and accessories is essential. Additionally, remember to consider your closet. You may need to purchase specific tools to maximize your closet storage. Here are a few item recommendations for your bedroom:

• First, measure the room before investing in an expensive bed frame and accessories. This will help ensure the bed fits properly and leaves enough space for other furniture and decor. Next, add transition words like “Furthermore” or “Moreover” to connect your ideas.
• Furthermore, when organizing your closet, it may be necessary to purchase specific tools depending on the size. For example, invest in space-saving hangers or shelf dividers to optimize vertical space and keep folded items neat and organized.
• Moreover, drawer organizers and storage bins can help sort smaller items like socks and jewelry. Additionally, baskets or containers can help store items that don’t fit well on shelves or hangers, such as purses or scarves.
  In conclusion, by measuring the room and investing in the right tools, you can create a relaxing and organized sanctuary in your master bedroom. Use tools like space-saving hangers and storage bins to optimize your closet space.

Bathroom

Paying attention to your bathroom is essential, as it is a small yet vital part of your new home. In addition to storing toilet paper and cleaning supplies, having enough towels for yourself and your guests is necessary. Therefore, here are some other item suggestions for your bathroom:

• Firstly, consider investing in a shower caddy. Adding a bath mat can also help prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces.
• Furthermore, installing a towel rack or hooks can keep your towels off the floor and within reach. Finally, consider adding a small shelf or storage unit to hold extra toiletries and personal care items.
• Moreover, a mirror is a crucial component of any bathroom. Consider adding a large mirror or a mirrored medicine cabinet to make the space feel larger and brighter.
• In conclusion, while it may be small, the bathroom is essential to your new home. Investing in the right tools and accessories, such as a shower caddy, towel rack, and mirror creates a functional and inviting space for yourself and your guests.

Office

To enhance your work productivity, creating a clean and organized home office space is essential. To achieve this, you can start by selecting appropriate desk accessories and ensuring your work area is comfortable and practical. For example, choosing cozy seating can help you stay relaxed and focused throughout the day. Additionally, incorporating storage solutions can help you keep clutter at bay, boosting your productivity. By making these small changes, you can create an environment that promotes efficiency and creativity in your work.

• Desk and desk chair
• Printer and scanner
• Writing tools
• Books
• Laptop and accessories
• Lamp
• Rug
• Wastebasket
• Art

Here are Important Miscellaneous Items when Moving to Your First Apartment

To aid in your preparation for moving into your first apartment, it is crucial to note the many unexpected items you’ll need. These often overlooked necessities can be found at major retail chains like Target and Home Depot. Here are a few items to consider:

• Firstly, you may require basic cleaning supplies, such as a broom, dustpan, mop, and cleaning solutions. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase a shower curtain, hooks, and a bath mat. Finally, remember to buy a plunger and a toilet brush for the bathroom.
• Another essential item that is often overlooked is a tool kit. You never know when you’ll need to hang a picture or assemble a piece of furniture, so having a basic set of tools on hand can be extremely helpful.
• Finally, it would be best to consider purchasing items that make your apartment feel more like home. This could include curtains, throw pillows, and decor items that reflect your style. Making your new space feel cozy and comfortable will make you more likely to enjoy spending time there.

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