When you have decided to move out of the old place to a new apartment, then there will be hundreds of things to take care of. If it is your first apartment then, you should make a checklist of things to be purchased. Yes, a lot of things and a lot of shopping as well. You need to make two parts on your checklist. One set is dedicated to things you need to do before moving and another set is for things you should do after you move to an apartment.
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Things to consider before you move
Let us understand some of the must-have things needed for the first apartment checklist. You need to make sure that you have all these things before you move.
Mattress, mattress topper, and bedding
Yes, you can start with a mattress. It is one of the most important things and one of the first items to buy. Even though you think that you can adjust on the floor sleeping for a few days it can trouble you in many ways. So, never neglect the importance of mattress. The next thing you need to consider is a mattress topper. When you are buying this, you can consider buying bedding and new pillows. By doing this you have check listed all the necessities required for sleeping.
Wall hooks, nails, and toolkit
The toolkit, nails along with some hooks must be there in a tool bag. Once you move you will start ho0oking up things like photo frames and curtains. At least you need to have screwdrivers and hammer. Without these things unpacking and arranging can go frustrating. So, keep a separate tool bag with all the necessary things.
Step stool
Always keep a step tool. This is necessary and useful in many situations. Step tool is must both when packing and unpacking. You cannot wait for others and you can do a few things on your own when you have a step tool. But only thing is, it should be lightweight and portable.
Curtains for shower
It is better to have a good quality shower curtain before you move in. Rather than buying it later, you can begin to use it on the same day you move in. This will avoid the ruining of your brand new apartment.
Toilet papers
Always make a checklist with these necessities. You should buy plenty of toilet paper so that you need not go shopping for a few days. It never gets wasted and has enough before moving in. Once you move, you can keep all these important things in place and you will feel comfortable in your new place.
Cleaning Items
Even though you have requested the previous owner to clean the apartment and hired cleaning services, you will find one or other spots that needs cleaning. So, always have a bag dedicated to keeping cleaning supplies. As soon as you go you will start unpacking things and arranging them in a proper place. It is better to keep them in a fixed place which is clean so that it reduces your cleaning job. some of the most important cleaning supplies needed are,
- Vacuum
- Dishwasher
- Laundry detergent
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Disinfectant spray
First-aid kit
It is difficult to avoid accidents when you are unpacking things in the new place. So, it is very important to keep a first-aid kit with you. You need to include some items like Ace bandages, cold medicine, and cough drops, anti-inflammatory, cold pack, muscle pain relief ointment, band-aids, and antibiotic ointment, and gauze pads along with antiseptic wipes. Apart from this, if you are on some medication, then don’t forget to keep it handy and reachable.
Kitchen essentials
Even though many people survive with paper cups and plates initially for a few days, you can go and buy the items needed by your kitchen. By deciding and buying the things needed before the move in you can easily avoid shopping soon after moving in. you can consider buying water glasses and mugs, spatula, other kitchen utensils, sandwich bags, toaster oven, blender, microwave, toaster, frying pans, pots, and cookie sheet. Apart from that other things like utensils, cereal bowl, and plates.
Clothing hangers
You should have enough cloth hangers before moving in. it becomes very easy to organize your clothes if you have these hangers. Unpacking becomes easy and clothes can be kept easily accessible.
Extension cords, batteries, and power strips
These are the list of things that come under electrical. You will need batteries, extension cords, power strips. These are very basic and you can have enough of them.
Comfy couch
A great couch is the best item to keep in the living room. If you are not sure of buying any other furniture before moving in, then a comfy couch is the best choice. These are suitable for classy cocktail parties and movie nights.
Coffee table
The coffee table is the minimum thing needed in a new apartment. So, always pick a comfortable table where you can put drinks and serve coffee.
Extra lighting
You can choose some classy and super looking for extra lighting arrangements for your new apartment. You should decide everything before moving in and extra lightings should be fixed before you start unpacking.
Streaming devices, TV, and cable box
These are the things you need to check-in under the entertainment list. Television is most important among all even though you are not sure about cable for a few days. If you have a dedicated and beautiful place, then you can also think about fixing a projector.
Storage solutions
Depending on the things you currently have, you need to make sure you have enough storage at the new place. It can be a TV cabinet or bookshelf, always make sure you have all the required storage before moving in. If there is no proper arrangement then you can either invest in ready or plan for making new storage required in the new place.
Home Decor
Even though these items are not essential in a few days of moving in, if you love plants, then you can plan to keep some of them. You can think about extra items as part of home décors like side tables, window treatments, extra seating, and Wall art. Picture frames, throw blanket, and decorative pillows. Along with that, you can think about keeping some vases with houseplants.
Kitchen
There are many things needed for your kitchen. These items come under the kitchen section and you can think of buying them before moving in. The most important thing is the kitchen furniture. You can also go for simple bar stools. You need to invest in these, based on the structure of the kitchen. Dishes are the most important things. If you have enough of them you can start cooking in a new place as early as possible.
Some of the important things to buy are utensils, glasses, mugs, and bowls of different sizes, serving spoons, pitchers, and serving platters. After this, you can consider buying pots and pans. It is better to choose simple items. You can include a large stockpot, straight-sided saucepan, and a 10-inch frying pan. Other than this you can consider buying muffin pan and casserole dish. Apart from this, you can consider buying kitchen tools like cutting knives, cutting boards, toaster, hand mixer, and blender.
Bathroom
Once you move in you should start using the bathroom as usual. So, you need to have all the essentials of the bathroom. You should consider buying scrubber, toilet plunger, and cleaning solution. Through these items, you can use the bathroom when necessary and you can keep it clean. Apart from this, you need to have enough toilet paper and a toilet paper holder. The trash can is one more important thing to be kept in your bathroom. Of course, bath towels and hand soap along with lotions are necessary.
Along with these, you need to go and check the storage solutions in your bathroom. If the storage is not sufficient, then you can think about arranging the proper storage before you move in.
Bedroom
There are the most important things to consider in the bedroom. Let us list out some of them like bed frame, box springs, closet storage solutions, full-length mirror, window treatments, laundry hamper, and trash can. Once you have decided about all these things, visit a store where you can buy all the items in one place. You can also think about a few extra things for your bedroom. You can buy a vanity, comfy chair, reading lamp, cozy blankets, wall art, and decorative pillows.
Video Credit: Apartment Guide
Conclusion
This is a checklist for your new apartment. But along with all these, you may have to add a few more necessities like tissue papers and reusable water bottles. You may also need office supplies and ironing board. So, before start packing and shopping you can also check your list one more time and add extra things needed. If you already have the necessary things in your old place, then you can think about packing them and buy only remaining items. Once you move, you need to think about unpacking them carefully and arranging them as per your needs. You can request your family and friends for helping with unpacking since it can be an exhausting job.
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