The Ultimate Checklist for Your First Time Moving Out
Plan Your Big Move With Confidence
Moving out for the first time is an exciting time for a young adult. Stepping out on your own brings new independence and opportunities. There are also new responsibilities, such as bill paying, managing your appliances and utilities, and cleaning.
Before moving into your new home, take inventory of the possessions you’ll bring. To help you transition into your role as a renter, we’ve prepared this First Time Moving Out Checklist.
Gathering Essential Items for Your New Home
While you’re under your parents’ roof, you might not notice how many items are involved in daily home life. Each room has its own set of essential items. Let’s review the must-haves for each part of the home and each aspect of running your household.
Bedroom Furniture and Accessories
An uncluttered bedroom is nice to come home to. Start off with these essentials:
- Bed
- Dresser
- Sheets, pillows, and blankets
- Closet hangers
- Closet organizers
Other purchases for the bedroom might include a mirror, end tables, and under-the-bed storage units.
Laundry Essentials
Your rental unit will either offer an in-unit washer and dryer, a common laundry room, or require residents to visit a laundromat.
Bring these laundry essentials:
- Liquid laundry detergent or detergent pods
- Easily portable laundry baskets or sacks
- Drying rack for hang-dry clothes
- Cash or coins for laundry machines
Renter pro tip: use a drying rack. Dryers are expensive energy hogs and occasionally shrink your clothes. A drying rack is a great way to save some money while helping the environment.
Lighting Fixtures
Older apartments don’t always include built-in ceiling lights in every room. Depending on the provided lighting, consider these items:
- Standing lamps for primary lighting
- Table lamps for additional lighting
- Bathroom nightlight
Kitchen Must-Haves
Apartments provide basic kitchen appliances and cabinets. For everything else, you’re on your own.
Kitchen items you’ll need include:
- Silverware
- Cooking utensils (stirring spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc.)
- Pots and pans
- Dishes
- Drinkware (glasses, mugs, cups)
- Food storage (plastic containers, etc.)
- Dishwasher detergent, dishwashing sponges, and dish soap
Living Room Furniture and Accessories
The living room is a place where you will be spending a large portion of your time in your new home. Keeping this in mind, there are some essential items that can help make it feel as comfortable as possible.
Here are the basic items for creating a pleasant living room:
- Couch
- Coffee Table
- Television
- Area rugs
- Lighting
- End tables
Basic Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies should be among the first items you move into your new apartment. Clean your surfaces and possessions as you arrange your furniture to make sure that your home gets a dust-free start.
Your cleaning supplies should include:
- Vacuum
- Dustpan and Broom
- Garbage can and garbage bags
- Rubber gloves
- Cleaning sprays and paper towels
- Window cleaner
Bathroom Essentials
Bathrooms can quickly become messy. Ceramic surfaces like toilet bowls and sinks often need regular cleaning to ensure that they look their best, and it never hurts to clean the tub or shower stall either!
Day-one items for the bathroom include:
- Shower curtain
- Toilet paper
- Basic hygiene accessories (toothpaste, toothbrush, hand soap, shower products, etc.)
- Non-slip bath mats
Basic Maintenance Items and Tools
Even if you’re not handy, it’s good to have a few simple tools at home. This is true from day one, as you set up your appliances and electronics.
Consider these basic tools and maintenance supplies:
- Tool kit
- Spare nails and screws
- Batteries
- Flashlight
- External phone battery
- Power strips and extension cords
- Measuring tape
- Snow shovel and ice melt
Safety Items
To prevent and manage emergencies, your apartment should have these basic safety items:
- First aid kit
- Thermometer
- Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarm, and fire extinguisher (if not provided by the apartment)
If you’re concerned about security, shop for security items like door alarms, security cameras, and pepper spray. Having them in the home can provide a greater peace of mind that you are better protected.
Pet Care Essentials
Moving in with a pet? Remember to bring whatever items are essential for their care, such as:
- Pet food, treats, and medications
- Cage or carrying case
- Food and water bowls
- Collars, leashes, toys, beds, and blankets
- Litter box for cats
Make Your First Move to a Great Apartment
If you’re still on the hunt for your first apartment or your next apartment, Rosetti Properties can help you find it. We manage and offer listings for residential and commercial properties in the New York Capital District.
For a first-time renter, peace of mind is a priority. To put you at ease, our residential properties are managed by professional property managers and have on-site maintenance crews available 24/7.
To find an amazing home, peruse our residential apartment listings. Contact us any time to learn more about our listings or to schedule a tour.