Moving into your first place is exciting – and chaotic. On this page you’ll find everything in one place: a quick to-do list, a full room-by-room checklist, starter kits, a budget calculator, templates and answers to the questions you only remember at 2 a.m.
Tip: save this page to bookmarks – you’ll come back to it more than once while you’re packing, shopping and signing contracts.
Only have 5 minutes right now? Hit these essentials and come back later for the deep dive.
This is the “no regrets” list – the one that saves you from realizing at midnight that you don’t own a single trash bag or spoon.
Don’t try to do everything in one weekend. Use this rough timeline so you don’t forget the boring-but-critical stuff.
If you don’t want to pick every item one by one, think in “kits”. Here are three simple sets to mentally (or physically) build.
Enter rough numbers to see how much you’ll need upfront. This is a simple helper – you can adapt it to your country and currency.
Enter your numbers on the left and see:
Instead of buying every “first apartment must-have” you see on social media, start with a small set of smart items.
A single sharp, comfortable knife will beat a whole block of dull ones. Add a cutting board and you’re already 80% there.
Think in zones: bedroom, work/study, living area. Warm, indirect light makes even cheap furniture look cozy.
Use shelves, hooks and over-door organizers before buying extra big cupboards that shrink your space.
Keep your cleaning tools together: spray, cloths, sponge, brush, gloves. If it’s easy to grab, you’ll clean more often.
Rugs, blankets and cushions are cheaper and more flexible than buying more chairs or tables – but change the vibe immediately.
First aid kit, small fire extinguisher or fire blanket (if relevant), spare batteries and a flashlight.
Here’s the “big picture” – not just what to buy, but how to think about your new place so it works for you.
Before buying anything, ask: what will I actually do in this space? Study, cook, game with friends, host movie nights, work from home? Your priorities should shape your spending. If you barely cook, maybe don’t start with a full set of baking tools. If you work from home, invest in a good chair and desk first.
Your non-negotiables are: safe sleep (bed + mattress + bedding), light, hygiene (bathroom basics), and somewhere to work/eat. Everything else can wait. It’s better to live in a slightly empty but peaceful apartment than in a cluttered space filled with cheap impulse buys.
Think in layers: survival → essentials → comfort → style. Each month, add one or two upgrades. A rug in the living room, plants in the window, better lamp for your desk. This keeps your budget under control and lets your style evolve instead of getting locked in by day one decisions.
Keep a small folder or digital drive for all your contracts and receipts. Organize your power strips and label Wi‑Fi or router passwords. Set reminders for contract renewal dates. Future you will be very grateful when something breaks or needs an upgrade.
Ask neighbors or your landlord about quiet hours, trash disposal rules, shared laundry schedules, bike storage and mailbox labels. Knowing this early helps you avoid awkward situations and makes it easier to feel at home in the building.
You can recreate these in Google Sheets, Notion or your favorite app – or just print and tick boxes with a pen.
You can easily turn this page into a PDF by printing it from your browser. Later, you might link this section to real downloadable files.
1) Duplicate a template for each new apartment or move.
2) Share it with roommates so everyone sees the same plan.
3) Tick items off as soon as they arrive or get done – tiny wins keep you motivated.
You don’t need fancy tools: one simple, well-maintained checklist beats five empty apps you never open.
You don’t need everything to be premium. Pick where quality matters most and where cheap but functional is totally fine.
These are the questions almost everyone has – but often only asks after moving in.
A rough rule: expect at least 3–5 times your monthly rent as an initial budget. This usually covers deposit, first month’s rent, basic furniture and essentials. Use the budget calculator above to see your specific case.
Bed/mattress, bedding, a way to cook and eat (basic cookware, plates, cutlery), bathroom essentials (towel, toilet paper, soap), cleaning basics and at least one lamp. Everything else can wait a few days.
Completely okay – and actually smart. Many people overbuy decor and small furniture. Living in the space for a few weeks will show you what you really miss and what would just be clutter.
Decide early what’s shared (sofa, kitchen tools, cleaning supplies) and what belongs to each person. Use a shared spreadsheet or app, and keep receipts somewhere everyone can see them.
Rental contract, deposit confirmation, utility contracts, insurance policies and the initial damage/photo protocol. Store them both physically and in cloud storage.
Focus on lighting, textiles and small details: warm lamps, rugs, cushions, plants and a few framed prints will transform the mood much faster than buying extra furniture.