As I’m getting ready to move into my new apartment, I’m making a list of all the things I need to buy for it. I hate having to go back to the store for that one thing I forgot, and you probably do as well. So I’ll help you out a bit and share my move-in shopping list with you.
It’s already been a stressful time trying to find the perfect new home along with spending money on deposits and fees. Having this list to not forget needed items will help avoid more undue stress.
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Apartment Essentials List
What do you need on move-in day? My essentials to have immediately are:
- Bottled water
- Cups
- Plates
- Easy foods (frozen meals or sandwiches)
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Medications
- Diapers
- Baby food
- Pet food
- Pet supplies (i.e. Litter, Litter box, dog poop bags)
- Broom
- Disinfectant spray/ wipes
- Nightlight (Especially to check that sockets work)
- Blacklight flashlight (I like to inspect my new carpets for previous damage)
- Sheets
- Blankets
Those are just the items I absolutely need on the first night in my new apartment. Other items are as follows:
Kitchen
- Water
- Plates
- Cups
- Cutlery
- Utensils
- Small pot (to make simple meals and heat water)
- Tea bags/ Instant Coffee
- Creamer
- Sugar
- Can opener
- Snacks
Having these items helps me be able to not eat out for every meal. You’ll also need to stock common items such as:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Salt and Pepper
- Rice and/or Quinoa
- Bread
- Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Milk (or Almond Milk in my case)
- Juice
- Sugar
- Cereal
- Eggs
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Flour
- Cooking Oil
As you plan out meals to create, add those items to your list.
Bathroom & Toiletries
There’s nothing worse than going to the bathroom and realizing you forgot toilet paper. Or, once I was getting ready for bed and remembered I didn’t get a new toothbrush. Boy was that a bad time for me!
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Bath soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash
- Something to bathe with (rag, loofah)
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Toilet seat (I know I’m not the only one that replaces these!)
- Shower curtain
- Bath towels
- Bath rug
- Plunger
Cleaning Supplies
- Broom
- Mop
- Vacuum
- Carpet cleaner (now that I have carpets again, this specific one is on my list to buy later for those germ-trappers)
- Trash bags
- Disinfectant spray/ wipes
- All-purpose cleaner (Fabuloso, Lysol, Mr. Clean, etc.)
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Laundry detergent
Children
If you have kids, you’ll also want to purchase necessities for them along with items to keep them busy while you prepare the new home.
- Baby food
- Snacks
- Diapers
- Toys
- Diapers
- Baby powder
- Baby wipes
- Baby bottles
- Pacifier
Pet Supplies
After putting my cat through the stress of moving, I like to make sure everything is set up right away for her. I also like to get a huge cat condo as a moving gift. Yes, she is spoiled.
Here are the pet supplies I make sure to have and some for dogs as well:
- Pet food
- Pet treats
- Bowls for water and food
- Litter box and scoop
- Litter
- Pet bed
- Poop bags
- Collar and leash
- Updated tags (pets can escape and won’t be able to find their new home)
- Crate or carrier (as you’re moving things in and out, it might be best to keep your pet contained)
Tools
You’ll also need a few tools when setting up your new home. These are items such as scissors to open up packages or a screwdriver/ Allen wrench to put together furniture.
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- Wrench
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Picture hanging kit
- Level
Other Supplies
- Pen and pencil
- Notebook
- Blacklight flashlight (Note damages on inspection so you’re not charged for them when moving out)
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Extension cord
More Moving Tips
That about wraps up my shopping list for moving into a new apartment or house. If you haven’t started packing yet, here is a cheap moving supplies list and tips to make your packing easier.
How can I save money on moving costs? Declutter and sell items so that you have less to pay to move. I also buy a lot of supplies at dollar stores and shop around for the best prices.
Moving is a hectic experience, but if you’re organized and prepared, things can go smoothly.