Day-one box
Whatever else you do, pack a box or bag that stays with you on move-in day:
- Toilet paper, hand soap and paper towels
- Bedding, a pillow and a towel
- Shower curtain, liner and rings if the bathroom does not have them
- Toothbrush and basic toiletries
- Phone chargers and an extension cord
- Scissors, a screwdriver and a small tool kit
- A few rubbish bags and a small bin
The same idea, with a longer safety checklist, appears in must-haves when moving into a new home.
Kitchen basics
You can cook most meals with a small set of tools:
- One or two pots and a frying pan, plus a baking sheet
- A chef’s knife, a paring knife and a cutting board
- A few plates, bowls, glasses, mugs and cutlery
- Can opener, colander, measuring cups and spoons, spatula and a wooden spoon
- Dish soap, sponge, dish towels and oven mitts
- Food storage containers
- A coffee maker, toaster or microwave, depending on how you eat
Bedroom
- Mattress and a bed frame or base
- Two sets of sheets, pillows and a blanket or comforter
- Hangers and a laundry hamper
- A bedside lamp
- Curtains or blinds for privacy (see curtains in interior design for how to hang them well)
A dresser or nightstand can often wait if you have enough closet space.
Bathroom
- Bath towels, hand towels and a non-slip bath mat
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Bathroom cleaner
- Basic toiletries and a small bin
Living room
- A sofa, futon or comfortable chair
- A lamp or two for warm light
- Window coverings, if not provided
- A small coffee table or media stand
Cleaning and safety
- Broom, dustpan, mop and a vacuum or similar
- All-purpose cleaner, sponges and microfibre cloths
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- First-aid kit
- A small kitchen fire extinguisher, if permitted and appropriate
Check that smoke alarms are installed and working, and tell your landlord if they are not. For a fuller list of everyday items, see things every home needs.
Renter-specific checks
- Read your lease before drilling holes or painting. Many leases limit changes.
- Photograph the apartment on arrival to record its condition.
- Ask about included appliances so you do not buy duplicates.
- Measure doors, lifts and stairwells before ordering large furniture.
- Use renter-friendly options, such as removable hooks, plug-in lighting and rugs.
- Check insurance: renters insurance is worth considering, and some leases require it.
Is a set budget enough?
People often ask whether $2,000, $5,000 or $10,000 is enough to move into or furnish an apartment. The honest answer is that it depends on factors including your city, the apartment size, whether it comes with appliances, whether you buy new or secondhand, and the move-in costs such as deposits and rent. A small apartment can be set up with essentials on a modest budget if you buy secondhand and prioritise. A fuller setup with new furniture will cost more. Add up your own list and include a buffer for the unexpected. For rough numbers, see how to furnish a home for cheap and the house furnishing cost guide.
On a related note, people sometimes ask what disqualifies an applicant from an apartment. Landlords typically check things like income, credit history, rental history and references, but criteria differ by landlord and location, so ask the property manager directly.
Where to save
- Buy secondhand furniture, and check upholstered pieces for wear and odours.
- Borrow or accept hand-me-downs for the first few months.
- Choose multi-purpose pieces, such as a storage ottoman or an extendable table.
- Buy a few good items, like a mattress, rather than many cheap ones.
- Wait on decorative items until you know what you need.
What can wait
Art, extra seating, a full dining set, specialty appliances and most decor can come later. Once the essentials are covered, our overview of how to furnish a new house explains how to phase purchases, and if you feel overwhelmed, this calm step-by-step plan may help.