First Apartment Checklist: Essentials for New Renters

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone, especially for young people. Whether you’re moving in on your own for university or with friends, a sense of independence and surrealness can bubble up as you start your new chapter in life.

However, aside from all the excitement (and before moving), it’s important to consider all the necessary items for your first apartment.

To help you settle in smoothly, ZOOM’s handy ‘first apartment checklist’ provides practical tips where you’ll learn how to create a comfortable, functional space for yourself without drastically overspending on unnecessary things. Better yet, you can even download it!

Shall we dive in?

Why Use A Checklist For Buying First Apartment Essentials?

A checklist serves as a practical reminder of essential items for each room before moving in.

It can also act as a guide to furnishing your first apartment, from kitchen equipment and bath mats to less obvious necessities like first-aid kits, extra power adapters, and a toolkit for quick fixes.

It is important to remember is that purchasing items can be quite taxing on budgets, so resist buying vanity items before the essentials have been taken care of.

This will enable you to budget more sensibly while even potentially leaving you with money left over for emergencies.

If you’re sharing with roommates, a downloadable checklist can also be shared to ensure everyone is (quite literally) on the same page about what should be bought and what is needed.

In short, checklists provide a simple way to stay organised, manage spending on new apartment must-haves, and help make settling into your new home stress-free.

Going Room By Room

Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen is one of the key rooms in your new apartment. It is vital for food preparation and can also be a central hub for social gatherings and morning routines.

Having the right gear is therefore not only essential but can help you save money on takeouts and encourage healthier meals.

As a plus, you won’t have to spend big on items for your kitchen with most items lasting you for decades to come.

Here are some of the important pieces of equipment we recommend for your kitchen:

• Cookware: Starting with the basics; you will need a frying pan, mixing bowl, saucepans (large, medium & small if possible), a stockpot, a sieve and a baking tray to cover most cooking needs.
• Utensils: Items like a spatula, whisk, wooden spoon, ladle, and tongs are must-haves for basic cooking. You can also consider a bottle opener too.
• Cutlery, Cups and Plates: We recommend at least two sets of everything. Consider having enough of each to be able to host and have friends over. Don’t forget mugs, glasses, and bowls.
• Knives and Chopping Board: A good chef’s knife is worth investing in, a bread knife, a paring knife as well as a sturdy chopping board.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Convenient for cooking and baking if you are planning to follow a lot of recipes. Digital kitchen scales are even better for precision.
• Basic Everyday Appliances: A kettle and toaster are essentials in most households. If you enjoy coffee, consider buying a quality coffee maker. Similarly, a good quality blender is recommended for smoothie enthusiasts!
• Storage Containers: Useful for leftovers and meal prepping – try buying some in various sizes. As a bonus tip, look for stackable containers to save space in your cupboards.

Bedroom Necessities

Your bedroom is where comfort matters most.

Because of this, we recommend putting extra thought into having this set up correctly to make it a relaxing place to unwind.

Here are some key bedroom essentials to consider:

• Bed and Mattress: The bed should be one of your biggest investments, especially as according to one website, the average person spends at least 26 years of their life sleeping! Consider spending around $1,000 – $2000 on a good mattress so you have one that is comfortable and supportive.
• Mattress Protector – For additional hygiene buy a protector to shield your mattress from stains, and spills as well as against pesky dust mites, mould, and bed bugs.
• Bedding: A set of sheets, pillowcases, and a duvet. It’s best to have two of each, just so they can be rotated when doing laundry (and so you have a spare one when needed).
• Bedside Table: For keeping essentials within reach at night (think of books, phones, your alarm clock and water bottle).
• Wardrobe or Storage: If your apartment lacks built-in storage, we recommend looking at purchasing a wardrobe or dresser Plastic boxes are another option which can be placed under your bed.
• Hangers: Get plenty—you’ll likely need more than you think (avoid buying overly cheap hangers as they can easily snap).
• Nightstand and Lamp: A bedside table and lamp are useful for easy access to things like books or your phone.
• Alarm Clock: This is optional, as most smartphones provide this functionality.
• Curtains or Blinds: If the apartment doesn’t have these, you’ll need something for privacy and light control, especially in the mornings.
• Mirror You can get one cheaply online or in stores.

Apartment Living Room / Lounge Basics

The living room is where you’ll spend time relaxing or entertaining guests, so make sure it’s comfortable and homely.

Whether you’re moving in alone or with others, essential furniture includes:

• Sofa &Seating: Pick something that suits your taste and is within budget (remember to be open-minded if you are moving in with others)! A sofa bed can also be a useful investment if you plan on having family and friends stay over often.
• Coffee Table: Great for drinks, snacks, and remotes.
• TV(+  Stand)  & Entertainment Setup: A basic setup works fine, but if you prefer streaming on a laptop, you’ll probably want to buy some good speakers.
• Lighting: Consider adding a lamp or two to soften the atmosphere, as many places only come with overhead lights.
• Blankets and Cushions: For additional comfort and warmth (especially for those winter seasons).

Bathroom Essentials

The bathroom might be small, but having the right items is still a necessity, we’ve listed out some of the more obvious ones.

• Towels: A couple of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Having a backup of each is always a good idea too.
• Toilet Paper & Toilet Brush: Absolute necessities!
• Bath Mat: This will help keep your bathroom floor dry and prevent slipping.
• Shower Curtain: Some apartments might have one already, but it’s worth checking beforehand or replacing it if the existing one is really old.
• Toiletries &d Storage: Stock up on soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush holder. Add a storage basket if extra space is needed.
• Mini Trash Can: Useful for throwing away used cotton pads, cotton swabs, razor blades and other items.

Home Office or Study Space

If you work or study from home, you may need to buy a few additional items for your new office.

• Office Desk and Chair: A comfortable setup is key if you spend long hours at your computer or desk.
• Desk Lamp: Consider buying a lamp with good lighting to lower your risk of eye strain when using your computer.
• Filing Cabinet For Documents: This helps keep things organised in your office.
• Extension Leads: Useful if you need to plug in multiple devices.
• Computer Monitor: Depending on your job, you may benefit from purchasing a secondary monitor for work.
• Speakers: For video calls and online meetings, or just to play music while you work.
• Portable Fan: For hot days.

Apartment Cleaning Supplies To Consider

Cleaning supplies are essential for keeping your new apartment spotless and fresh.

Here are some of the more common items to add to the shopping list:

• Vacuum Cleaner or Broom & Dustpan: The broom is the cheaper option, but we recommend choosing one depending on the type of flooring (alternatively buy both).
• Mop & Bucket: Handy for hard floors and routine clean-ups of spills or muddy footprints for a dirt-free unit.
• All-Purpose Cleaner: For various cleaning tasks in and around the apartment.
• Dishwashing Supplies: Washing up liquid, a sponge, and a drying rack if you don’t have a dishwasher.
• Bin Bags: Essential for rubbish disposal.
• Laundry Hamper: This can either be placed in the bathroom or your bedroom, whatever suits your preference.
• Paper Towels: Always useful for handy for wiping up spills from surfaces or throwing old food away.

Settle In with Style: Adding Your Personal Touch to Every Corner

Now for the fun stuff! Adding your personal touch can instantly transform your new space into a vibrant home to live in.

Consider colours, patterns, and textures that work with your new layout to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects your personal style.

It’s also a great opportunity to brighten up your new apartment and make it truly yours.

Here are a few suggestions to consider:

• Artwork & Photos: If you are the new owner of the unit, you will enjoy more freedom in personalising it with artwork and photos (as you won’t need a landlord’s permission). You can use nails or screws to hang photos and artwork. If you are renting, your landlord may allow you to use adhesive hooks.
• Plants: Small houseplants can help add a little colour and bring your new space to life. It might even improve air quality.
• Decorative Items: Rugs, candles, and cushions add warmth and make the space more inviting.
• Storage Solutions: Maximise storage space with under-bed storage boxes and over-door hooks to maintain a clutter-free environment.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves To Complete Your New Home

While some of these suggestions do not fit neatly into a single category, they still have a place in our beginner’s guide to apartment essentials.

• Basic Tool Kit: You never know when you need to repair something. Buy one that has a hammer, screwdriver, and tape measure. You can find toolkits at most major outlets.
• Flashlight: Handy for when there are power cuts or finding lost items in dark spaces.
• First Aid Kit: Essential for minor injuries and emergencies. Make sure the kit has the basics such as bandaids, scissors, painkillers, bandages, tweezers, cotton balls and antiseptics.
• Light Bulbs: Have some spare bulbs on hand so you don’t have to get the flashlight out!
• Fire Extinguisher: Putting safety first, if there isn’t one in the apartment, it’s worth considering. You can find more helpful information on home fire safety here.
• Basic Food Supplies: Stock up on basic things such as salt, pepper, and cooking oil, and keep a few canned goods or instant noodles handy for when you haven’t done the shopping.

Where To Shop Apartment Items From

Thankfully there are thousands of places to buy essentials from, in-store or online. Here are some of the more common places/stores to consider:

• Amazon
• Ikea
• Freedom Furniture
• Bunnings (for DIY and tools)
• Harvey Norman (for electrical appliances)
• JB Hifi (for electrical appliances)
• Myer
• David Jones
• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Etsi (For a more unique touch)

Pro Tips for Settling Into Your New Apartment

1. Plan Your Budget: Costs can add up quickly, so track your spending and focus on the essentials first.
2. Take Measurements Of Your Unit: If possible, try measuring your new space before moving in. This will help you figure out what out of your items can fit where.
3. Keep An Emergency Egg: Leave yourself a little budget for unexpected or last-minute situations.
4. Get to Know The Area: Take some time to familiarise yourself with your local area. This will allow you to find nearby shops, explore transport links, and find amenities.
5. Understand The Rental Agreement: If you are renting, make sure that you fully understand what’s included in your rental agreement before signing anything. Also, ensure you know exactly who to contact for any issues.
6. Inform People Of Your New Address: Notify relevant parties that you are moving to a new location. This should include utility providers and government agencies such as Australia Post, the ATO (Australian Tax Office) and your employer. For more help, download our free change of address checklist.

Download The FREE “My First Apartment Checklist” Printable!

To simplify your move into your new home, we’ve made our first apartment essentials checklist free to download as a PDF! Print it out, and share it with your roommates!

Click Here To Dowload

To Summarise

Moving into your first apartment is an exciting experience, and having a checklist can certainly make it much more manageable. By having a structured approach to the move and focusing on the essentials, you’ll create a space that feels like home in no time.

Above all else, enjoy the process, and remember—it’s the little details that make all the difference!