First Apartment Checklist: What to Do and Buy

A good first apartment checklist covers more than towels and a shower curtain. Check the lease and the place carefully before signing, document the condition on move-in day, set up utilities and insurance before you arrive, buy only true essentials at first, and build a few simple habits for bills and cleaning in the first month.

Before you sign

Know your full monthly cost. Rent is only part of it. Ask what utilities usually run, whether there are parking, trash or amenity fees, and what internet options exist.
Read the whole lease. Note the length, renewal terms, notice required to move out, rules on guests, pets and subletting, and what happens if you break it early.
Understand the deposit. How much, what it can be used for and how it is returned. Rules vary by state, so look up your state’s tenant resources.
Ask who fixes what, how to request repairs and how fast they usually happen.
Visit twice if you can, once in the evening. Check noise, parking, lighting and how it feels to walk to the door.
Test things during the tour: water pressure, hot water, windows, locks, outlets, cell signal.
Search the building or landlord name online for reviews and complaints.

If something is unclear, ask for it in writing. Never send a deposit for a place you have not seen or verified.

Before moving day

Set up electricity, gas and internet to start on your move-in date. Internet installs can take time to schedule.
Get renters insurance if the lease requires it, and consider it even if not. It is usually inexpensive and covers your belongings.
Change your address with the postal service, your bank, your employer and any subscriptions.
Confirm key pickup time and where to park the moving vehicle.
Pack a first-night box: sheets, towel, toilet paper, phone charger, basic toiletries, medications, a few snacks and a box cutter.

Move-in day: document everything

This step protects your deposit, and most people skip it.

Walk every room before bringing anything in. Take photos and a slow video of walls, floors, appliances, closets and windows.
Write down every existing scratch, stain or broken item. Send the list and photos to your landlord by email the same day, so there is a dated record.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Find the water shutoff valve and the electrical panel so you know where they are before you need them.

Essentials, and what can wait

Get in the first week

Bed, sheets, pillow, towels
Shower curtain, toilet paper, plunger
One pan, one pot, a knife, a cutting board, a few plates, bowls, cups and utensils
Dish soap, sponge, trash bags, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels
A small toolkit, flashlight, first aid kit and extension cord

Wait on

Decor, extra furniture and specialty kitchen gadgets. Live in the space for a month first, then buy what you actually miss.

Your first-month habits

Bills: list each bill, its due date and how it is paid. Autopay helps, but check every statement anyway.
Cleaning: a short daily reset (dishes, counters, trash) and one longer weekly clean. Our guide to life skills for young adults covers this and more.
Food: plan a few simple meals each week and shop from a list.
Routine: a new place is a chance to set the routine you want. See how to build a daily routine.

If you have roommates

Agree early, in writing, on how rent and bills are split and paid, shared groceries or not, cleaning duties, guests, quiet hours and how you will raise problems. A one-page roommate agreement is far easier to make in week one than in month four.

Where a mentor helps

Plenty of capable young adults move into their first place and find the hard part is not the move, but keeping up with everything after: bills, groceries, cleaning and a job, all at once. A mentor can help you set up a simple budget and weekly system, then check in so it actually sticks. Our money and life skills support is part of young adult mentoring. If you are still at home and planning the move, see moving back home after college.

Common questions

What do I need before moving into my first apartment?

Before the keys: a signed lease you understand, utilities and internet scheduled, renters insurance if needed, and a change of address. On day one: bedding, towels, toilet paper, basic cleaning supplies and a phone charger.

How do I protect my security deposit?

Document the apartment’s condition with photos and video on move-in day and email the record to your landlord. Repeat the process when you move out.

Should I get renters insurance?

Many leases require it, and even when they do not it is usually inexpensive protection for your belongings. Compare a couple of quotes and read what is covered.

Get started

Getting ready for your first place? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

Moving Into Your First Apartment: A Practical Checklist