Managing a move into a new apartment in a new city can be a stressful experience. While dealing with the critical aspects of the move, it is not unusual to overlook some of the apartment essentials that you will need in the new home. You may not need everything right at the start, but having a proper plan is a good idea. 

This is where a new apartment checklist can help you to organize the space more effectively. We have created this apartment checklist to include the actual essentials without any extra fluff. For a functional and comfortable apartment, these are the bare minimum essentials you will need.

Living Room Essentials

Filling the space in your new living room is a task that is exciting and challenging at once. With so many options like entertainment, decor, and accessories, making the right choices is not easy.

Since the living room is the family’s central gathering place it needs to be beautiful, and functional. This is a space where you can feel comfortable and remain entertained.

Furniture

Honestly, moving an old bed is not easy and you might need the help of the best apps for moving furniture to get it done. If you are not moving your old furniture, then the most essential living room furniture to buy is a comfortable couch or sofa you can sink into. Since it is the center of attraction, choose the design and size carefully. 

Complementing the sofa with a coffee table is a great idea. It is useful for holding living room essentials like TV remotes, magazines, and vases. A stand-out piece adds more personality to the space. You can add chairs or a beanbag to create additional seating space around the table.

A TV stand or an entertainment unit adds a modern look and can be the focal point of the room. Pick a unit that blends with the wall and offers additional shelves for storing books or other items.

Electronics

The most common electronic gadget for the modern living room is the smart TV. To enhance the overall entertainment experience, add a high-performance audio system with discrete speakers. Choosing a smart speaker with a voice assistant is a good idea.

Other than that, you may need power strips and extension cords. If you want the perfect mood to enjoy your favorite shows, think of setting up a smart lighting control system.

Decor

Last but not least, you need the right decor to make your living room come alive. Use artwork, paintings, or contemporary wall hangings to add character to the room. The great thing about wall decor is that you can personalize it the way you want.

Adding a carpet or a rug will transform the ambiance of the space and enhance the comfort factor. Likewise, throw pillows of matching colors and patterns add warmth to the living room. Put it all together by adding drapes of the right shade and introducing color and design in the space.

Bedroom Essentials

Since the bedroom is the place where you rest and recharge, the goal is to create a comfortable sleeping space. Create a focal point with the bed as the center, and arrange the other essential items around it.

Bed and Bedding

The most important aspect is choosing a sturdy bed frame, preferably made from hardwood, and a comfortable mattress. For a minimalist design, you can pick a simple bed frame close to the ground. To add a touch of luxury, choose a canopy bed with corner posts. If you are short on space, a storage bed with drawers or shelves is a good option.

Not all mattresses are made equal and you need to decide on the type of material that you prefer and the firmness level. To cozy it up, include other bed accessories like sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillows. In addition, a nightstand and lamp are also an important part of the bed for nighttime reading.

Lighting

While a lamp on the nightstand is for reading in bed you need to add some decorative lighting to add personality to the room. This can be in the form of floor lights, pendant lights, and chandeliers. Make sure that the central source of light or general lighting in the bedroom is not overpowering.

The choice of bedroom curtains is not just about aesthetics but functionality as well. Heavier fabrics like silk and velvet tend to block light and noise more effectively than lighter ones like cotton. Choose colors to complement the space and avoid bright colors if a lot of sunlight flows into the bedroom.

Storage

Storage solutions are essential for any bedroom to keep it clutter-free. Depending on the available space, you can choose a drawer, a large dresser, or a wardrobe. Modular cabinets or wardrobes are good options for optimizing the space.

For a timeless storage solution, a dresser and chests of drawers is a good choice. Since these units are available in various designs, you can pick one that compliments the decor.

Kitchen Essentials

Modern kitchens are designed with sleek lines and state-of-the-art appliances, with a touch of minimalism. If you cook regularly, this is one of the most used spaces in your home. So stocking the drawers with the necessary tools is a good idea. However, stick to these apartment checklist essentials and do not pick tools you will never use.

Cookware and Tools

The first items to pick are pots, pans, bowls, salad plates, and other cooking utensils. Additional items are ladles, various types of knives, can openers, meat choppers, tongs, and measuring cups. Also, include baking utensils and small tools like peelers, graters, and meat thermometers.

Small Appliances

Microwaves and toasters are some of the most essential items for any kitchen. Even though it is somewhat clunky, a food processor is an incredibly versatile tool that is a must in a modern kitchen. If you love the early cup of warm coffee, pick a coffee maker or an electric kettle.

A high-powered blender is another essential kitchen appliance –  perfect for making the best smoothies, soups, and batters. Pick a stand mixer for preparing cookie dough and a hand mixer for whipped cream. 

Dinnerware and Glassware

When it comes to dinnerware and serveware, you will need enough pieces for everyday meals and a few extras for entertaining guests. Include items like plates, glasses, coffee mugs, bowls, knives, forks, and spoons. You can select a complete set or pick each item separately to match the kitchen decor.

Storage and Cleaning

Plastic bags and containers are a must in every kitchen for storing leftovers and raw materials. Pick napkins and cloth to wipe greasy fingers and also for cleaning the table and countertops. Dish soap, sponges, and scrub brushes are some other kitchen cleaning essentials. Lastly, do not forget to add a trash can to the kitchen.

Bathroom Essentials

While bathrooms often go unnoticed, converting them into a rejuvenating space is not a difficult task. The master bathroom of your apartment should be well–stocked with the everyday must-haves. 

Shower and Bath

The first step is to choose a shower curtain with a mildew-resistant liner for privacy and to protect the bathroom floor from water damage. Add a bath mat with a non-slip backing to prevent slips and falls. 

Next, pick towels made from high-quality materials. Keep one for each family member and a few extra for guests. Add hand towels and wash clothes for a complete towel collection.

Toiletries and Storage

Purchase the necessary number of soap bars and one soap dispenser per sink. Buy toothbrushes for each family member, and a countertop toothbrush holder. Other necessary items to add are shampoo, conditioner, and toilet paper.

Adding the right volume of storage space or cabinets around the sink is important for storing toiletries. You can use this space to store medicines and a first aid kit. Some other storage solutions are corner shelves and towel rods.

Cleaning Supplies

Essential bathroom cleaning supplies include a cleaning spray, toilet bowl cleaner, a plunger, and scrub brushes. Specific cleaning solutions for mirrors, bathtubs, sinks, and tiles are also needed. 

Dining Area Essentials

The dining area should exude warmth to enjoy memorable meals and to host visitors in style. Even if it is combined with the kitchen or the living space, you will need some specific items to make the space aesthetically pleasing.

Dining Furniture and Tableware

Since the dining table is the focal point choose a design that fits the area and provides enough seating space. The chairs should be comfortable and complement the table. You can add decorative vases or candle holders as a centerpiece for the table. In addition, you will need placemats, coasters, and napkins for the table. 

Laundry and Cleaning Supplies

Moving to a new apartment also involves cleaning the place to keep it free from allergens. Best to go through your moving checklist before buying new cleaning supplies to prevent overbuying.

Laundry

For transporting dirty clothes, you need a sturdy laundry basket. To deal with dirt and sweat, detergent and fabric softeners are must-have products. You can use dryer balls or sheets for drying your clothes. For a quick touchup of the clothes, consider investing in a steamer. Or else, pick a wall-mounted ironing board.

General Cleaning Supplies

The essential cleaning supplies include a broom, a mop, and a dustpan. You will also need items like glass cleaner, all-purpose grease cleaner, and a pair of rubber gloves. Other important items include trash bags and recycling bags. If you are a pet parent, you will need special cleaning supplies like microfiber sweepers.

Final Thoughts

Since the definition of essential items is subjective, it is best to start with the items that are a priority for you. Just as having a list of what to pack first while moving helps, this apartment checklist will make moving into a new space easier for you.

To help you plan a smooth move, Agoyu offers one of the best moving apps on the market. Allow us to help you connect with the best moving companies in your area in a few easy steps. Get in touch, to know more.