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First Apartment Checklist — Everything You Need to Do Before You Move In

26 May 2022 Contributed by: admin

 

Moving out of your childhood bedroom is a big deal. It means you've grown up and left home. You're ready to join the real world or at least the next phase of your life.

If you're considering moving out of your parents' house and into an apartment, here is a checklist to make sure that your new life starts without a hitch:

 

First Apartment Checklist: The Complete List of Essentials You’ll Need

 

1. Kitchen

Here's a comprehensive checklist for your kitchen, so you can make sure everything is in working order before spending your hard-earned money on appliances and other kitchen items.

  • Before you move in, measure the size of your new kitchen and make sure it'll fit all your stuff (including storage containers). Many apartments have limited cabinets, so don't get too attached to every last piece of cookware or serving dish if there won't be room for them. If possible, take measurements beforehand to plan out where everything will go when it's time for moving day.
  • When checking out an apartment with appliances already installed in their kitchens, ensure they're working properly — especially those old refrigerators that haven't been used much before!
  • Check the stove and oven to see if they work well and are clean (or not dirty enough to be a health hazard). Don't forget to check that the burners on both objects work as expected, too.
  • The refrigerator should be in good shape; check it out thoroughly before moving in (especially if the buyer has already moved out). If there are any issues with how cold it is inside, immediately take it up with the landlord. You don't want something going wrong halfway through your lease because the previous person messed it up.
  • The dishwasher should also be tested thoroughly before moving into an apartment where one already exists. If it malfunctions soon after you move in, you'll incur the cost of repair.

2. Bedroom & Bathroom

When you're moving to your first apartment, you may miss out on the critical things you may need for your bedroom and bathroom. So make sure to buy the following points before you move in to settle in quickly.

Bedroom essentials:

  • bedding and linens
  • bed frames, pillows and mattresses
  • bedside tables, lamps and nightstands
  • dressers, drawers, chests of drawers (if you need them)
  • wardrobe organizers
  • Cloth hangers

Bathroom essentials:

  • Towels
  • Linen sets (bath sheets/hand towels/washcloths)
  • Toilet paper
  • Shower curtain
  • bathmat

3. Utilities

Utilities are another one of those expenses that you may not immediately think about when you're moving into a new place. If you don't know where to start, it's good to check your lease agreement for any information regarding utility costs. It will also help to know which services are included in your rent and which ones aren't. For example, if heat is included, that could save some money on top of what's already being paid through rent itself.

Some apartments include water and electricity as part of their rent, while others charge separately for these services (or don't provide them at all). Other apartments may have other fees associated with them, too, like heating bills during cold months or garbage collection fees based on volume or number of bags filled per week/month/year.

If the utilities aren't included in your monthly payments, there are many options available for paying them individually. Some landlords may ask for deposits or security deposits before providing access to all services within the apartment itself. Be sure to talk about this with them beforehand so that everyone is clear on what needs to be done before move-in day!

4. Furniture

Choosing the furniture you need can be a tricky business. But here are a few questions to figure out to buy the right furniture for your new home.

  • Do I want a mattress or futon?

Mattresses generally come with box springs and frames, while futons often have thin frames attached directly to the wall. If you plan on moving your bed around every time someone visits, consider getting a foldable mattress. Otherwise, futons may be less expensive than full-size mattresses if they work for your space and needs.

  • How many chairs do I need?

This depends on how many people visit regularly and how many meals you want them all sitting down together.

  • Do I need a couch?

Couch or sofa with recliner features and an ottoman or loveseat with storage capabilities are great to add to your apartment. Sometimes, you can even use the couches that double up as beds for your guests.

  • Do I have enough storage space for other furniture like a dining table?

This will vary based on whether or not there is room in your apartment after placing the mattress, chairs and maybe, study tables.

5. Electronics

When you're planning to buy electronics for your new apartment, make sure to consider size and portability. This will determine where you can store them when not in use or how easy it will be to move them around. Also, consider whether there are enough outlets available in your apartment and where you plan on placing these devices.

Be aware of what kind of ports each device has so that you can make sure those ports aren't already occupied by other devices (and vice versa). Some older TVs only have two HDMI inputs, whereas newer ones might offer four. So make sure to check all these details before you buy the electronics.

 

Wrapping Up

While moving to your first-ever apartment can be daunting, it can also be exhilarating. You get to experience new things and be in complete control of your life.

If you need any help with relocating to your new place, you can get the help of reliable movers for a safe move. Our removalists at Move My Stuff have over a decade of experience helping first-timers move into their new apartment. So contact us today to know more about how we can help you move.

 

Suggestion Reading:

Moving House Checklist To Ease The Process Of Relocation

How To Unpack After Moving House

Too Much Old Furniture? 5 Ways to Deal With Used Furniture During The Relocation

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