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Apartment Checklist Before Moving In
let’s get real — moving into a new spot is cute until you realize you need about 100 things you didn’t even think of. But don’t panic, I got you. This apartment checklist is about to save you money, stress, and those last-minute “omg I forgot that!” moments.
Grab your iced coffee, open your notes app, add apartment checklist and let’s get your new place soft-life READY. ✨
Kitchen Essentials
1. Cookware Set
A good non-stick pan and pot set is the real starter pack. It lets you throw down anything — eggs, pasta, whatever — without the stress of sticking or scrubbing forever. Plus, getting a set with multiple sizes means you’ll always have the right pot or pan on deck.
2. Knife Set + Cutting Board
Sharp knives? Girl, they are a major game-changer for meal prep. No more fighting with your veggies. Pairing them with a sturdy cutting board keeps everything clean, classy, and easy to sanitize — because we’re doing soft life, not stress life.
See knife sets here & cutting boards here
3. Mixing Bowls & Prep Tools
You need large bowls for mixing, cute prep bowls for chopping and seasoning, plus a measuring set so your meals actually come out right. Go for stackable sets — trust me, they save space and make your kitchen look way more organized and put together.
Find mixing bowl sets & prep tools here
4. Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is such a clutch little kitchen upgrade. It heats up fast, cooks evenly, and saves you from turning on the big oven when you’re just trying to make something quick. Perfect for busy mornings, late-night snacks, or anytime you want something crispy without the hassle.
5. Coffee Maker / Electric Kettle
If you’re a morning-drink girly, this is essential. A cute coffee maker or an electric kettle keeps your mornings smooth and ✨grown woman organized✨. Whether you’re brewing coffee, making tea, or whipping up a late-night instant ramen moment, having one of these on deck makes your whole routine feel more put-together and cozy.
6. Food Storage Containers
These are a must if you want your kitchen to stay cute and chaos-free. Good food storage containers keep your leftovers fresh, your snacks organized, and your fridge looking like a whole Pinterest board. Go for clear ones so you can actually see what you have — no more mystery containers or wasted food, girl.
7. Dish Rack / Drying Mat
This is one of those little things you don’t realize you need until you’re washing dishes with nowhere to put them. A dish rack or drying mat keeps everything neat, drip-free, and organized. Plus, it helps your counters stay dry and cute — because we’re not doing puddles or mess in this new apartment era.
8. Trash Bin
A good trash bin is a quiet hero in your kitchen. Get one that’s sturdy, has a lid, and fits your space so everything stays fresh and not smelling like yesterday’s dinner. A sleek one instantly makes your kitchen look cleaner and more put-together — small detail, big difference.
9. Oven Mitts & Dish Towels
Trust me, you do not want to be grabbing hot pans with your bare hands. A good pair of oven mitts keeps you safe and stylish in the kitchen. And dish towels? You can never have too many. They’re perfect for spills, drying dishes, or adding a pop of color to your kitchen vibe. Functional and aesthetic — we love that.
10. Pantry Basics
You don’t need a whole chef’s pantry on day one, but having a few basics will save you so much time and money. Think seasonings, oils, pasta, snacks — the essentials that keep you from ordering takeout every night. Stock up little by little and build a pantry that’s cute, organized, and ready for whatever you’re craving.
Living Room Essentials
1. Sofa / Couch
Your couch is the heart of your living room — this is where you binge your shows, have girl talks, take naps you didn’t plan, and just vibe. Go for something comfy, stylish, and big enough for you to stretch out. A cute sofa instantly makes your space feel warm, inviting, and like you really got your life together.
2. Coffee Table
A coffee table pulls your whole living room together! It’s the perfect spot for your candles, cute décor books, remotes, or that snack you swore you weren’t going to eat. Pick one that matches your vibe — modern, glam, minimal — and it’ll make your space look instantly more styled and intentional.
3. Accent Chairs / Poufs
Adding an accent chair or a cute pouf gives your living room that extra “I know what I’m doing” touch. It’s perfect for extra seating, filling empty corners, or creating a cozy little reading spot. Go for something comfy and aesthetic — it instantly makes your space feel more designed and put together without doing too much.
4. Side Tables / End Tables
These little tables are the real MVPs of the living room. Perfect for holding your drinks, candles, remotes, or whatever you don’t feel like getting back up for. A cute pair instantly makes your space look more polished and intentional — like “yes, I decorate AND I’m organized.”
5. Area Rug
An area rug is that one piece that makes your whole living room feel warm and put-together. It adds texture, comfort, and that soft-life vibe under your feet. Go for a style that matches your mood — fluffy, patterned, neutral — and watch how it instantly makes the space feel bigger, cozier, and way more “you.”
6. TV Stand / Media Console
A cute TV stand or media console keeps your living room looking organized and classy. It gives your TV a proper home, hides all those wires (because we’re not doing messy cords), and adds extra storage for games, blankets, or whatever you need to tuck away. Pick one that matches your vibe and watch how it upgrades the whole space instantly.
7. Lamps / Lighting
Good lighting will change your whole vibe… A cute lamp or two makes your space feel cozy, warm, and way more expensive looking. Whether you like soft, warm lighting or a little moody glow, the right lamps instantly elevate your living room and set the tone for all your chill nights and self-care moments.
8. Wall Décor
Now, the walls just need a little personality, that’s it. Nothing crazy—just a cute print, a tiny pop of color, maybe a mirror so you can gas yourself up on the way out. Real light, real easy, real “yeah this is my spot.” Just enough to make the room feel fun without doing the most.
9. Storage Baskets
Okay listen—storage baskets are the cheat code. Toss your stuff in, close your business, and boom… the room looks clean. Get a couple cute ones to keep everything tucked away so your space stays giving “organized, but make it effortless.” Just vibes, no mess.
10. Plants
A couple of plants will change your whole space. For real. Grab something cute and low maintenance so it can mind its business while you mind yours. A little green here, a little leaf there, and suddenly your room is giving calm, clean, and “she’s in her peaceful era.”
Bedroom Essentials
1. Bed Frame + Mattress
First and foremost, your bed is everything—literally the vibe of your whole room. Get a frame that’s cute but lowkey, and a mattress that feels like a hug after a long day. Comfort first, aesthetics second… but honestly, why not both? This is where you rest, slay, and scroll in peace.
2. Bedding Set
Your bed is calling for a little glow-up. Soft sheets, a cozy comforter, and pillows you can flop into like “yep, this is my vibe.” It’s simple, it’s comfy, and it actually makes getting into bed feel like a little treat every night.
3. Pillows
Pillows are more than just fluff—they’re mood makers. A couple soft ones for snoozing, a few cute ones for looks, and boom… your bed instantly says “come chill, I got you.” Mix it up, keep it cozy, and make your space feel like a vibe.
4. Nightstand
Your nightstand is your little sidekick. A spot for your water, your phone, maybe a candle or cute little vibe piece—just stuff that makes life easier and your space feel a little extra without trying too hard. Keep it simple, keep it you.
5. Bedside Lamp
A good bedside lamp is all about balance. Soft, adjustable light for reading or relaxing, easy to reach, and fits your space without taking over. Functional, stylish, and perfect for creating a cozy, practical corner.
6. Dresser / Storage Solutions
A good dresser is a game changer. Keep your clothes, your extras, your little treasures all tucked away so your room stays looking put together without you stressing. Functional, cute, and lowkey makes your space feel grown-up.
7. Stackable Closet Organizers
These organizers are life. Stack your stuff, keep it neat, and actually be able to see what you own without digging through chaos. Cute, simple, and perfect for keeping your closet vibing right.
Find stackable closet organizers here
8. Laundry Hamper / Basket
A good laundry hamper keeps your room organized and clutter-free. Choose one that’s easy to carry, fits your space, and separates your laundry efficiently. Practical, simple, and a total stress-saver.
9. Full-length mirrors
A full-length mirror does more than reflect—it elevates your space. Place it where it catches light, gives your room depth, and lets you see your whole look in one glance. Functional, chic, and a little confidence booster rolled into one.
10. Bedroom Humidifier
This little humidifier is your vibe upgrade. It isn’t just for comfort—it’s a wellness move. Keeps the air just right, helps your skin, and adds a soft, calming touch to your space. So set it, forget it, and let your space do all the cozy work for you.
Check bedroom humidifiers here
Bathroom Essentials
1. Shower Curtain + Hooks
A good shower curtain and hooks do more than block water—they set the tone for your bathroom. Choose something durable, easy to clean, and stylish enough to elevate the space. Practical, chic, and instantly refreshing.
2. Bath Mat / Rug
A bath mat or rug keeps your bathroom functional and all. Go for something soft, absorbent, and easy to clean—it elevates the space while keeping it safe and comfy underfoot.
3. Bath Towels & Hand Towels
Quality bath and hand towels are a bathroom upgrade. Soft, absorbent, and stylish—they make every day routines feel intentional, comfy, and a little luxe without even trying.
4. Toilet Brush & Plunger
A toilet brush and plunger are essential, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look neat. Choose sleek, easy-to-clean designs that stay discreet yet functional—keeping your bathroom fresh and organized without the stress.
See bathroom cleaning tools here
5. Adhesive shower Caddy
An adhesive shower caddy keeps your essentials organized without taking up extra space. Sleek, practical, and easy to install—it transforms your shower into a tidy, stress-free zone while keeping everything within reach.
Shop adhesive shower caddies here
6. Soap Dispenser & Toothbrush Holder
These little pieces do big work. Keep your sink looking clean, cute, and put together without even trying. Functional, stylish, and lowkey making your daily routine feel a little fancy.
7. Bathroom Bin
Your bathroom bin is basically a little life hack. Toss it in, hide the mess, and walk away knowing your bathroom still looks cute. Effortless vibes, zero stress.
Check small bathroom bins here
8. Bathroom storage basket
These bathroom storage baskets keeps essentials organized and accessible. Sleek, functional, and easy to move, it elevates your space while keeping it tidy and stress-free.
9. Vanity Lighting
Good lighting is everything. Whether you’re doing makeup, skincare, or just checking your glow, the right lights make you look main character ready. Soft, flattering, and totally mood-setting—your vanity deserves it.
10. Cleaning Supplies
Organized cleaning supplies keep your bathroom fresh without the stress. Spray, wipe, repeat, and suddenly your bathroom is sparkling like you actually did the thing—effortless vibes, big impact.
Find bathroom cleaning products here
Laundry Room Essentials
1. Laundry Detergent
Now for myself personally, I like to use gain fling laundry detergent packs. These will have your clothes coming out smelling so fresh and clean without you lifting a finger. No mess, no measuring, just vibes and pretty convenient.
Shop laundry detergent packs here
2. Scent Boosters
Laundry scent boosters add that extra layer of freshness to your clothes. Easy to use, long-lasting, and effective—they elevate your laundry routine while keeping your clothes smelling amazing.
3. Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are the best for when you’re drying you’re clothes. It’ll give soft, fresh, and zero static—your clothes come out ready, your vibe stays smooth, and honestly, you’ll have that main character energy.
4. Laundry Hamper / Basket
A laundry hamper keeps your space organized and your vibe intact. Easy to use, stylish if you want, and perfect for turning laundry day into a smooth, stress-free routine.
5. Drying Rack / Clothesline
A drying rack or clothesline is the move! Keeps your clothes looking fresh, saves energy, and makes laundry feel way more organized. It’s functional and low effort every time you hang a piece.
6. Iron / Steamer
An iron or steamer keeps your clothes polished and presentable. Wrinkles don’t stand a chance… It’s quick, easy to use, and perfect for turning your wardrobe into a smooth, professional, and effortlessly stylish look.
7. Stain Remover
Stain removers are your secret weapon. Coffee, wine, or mystery mess? Gone. Quick, easy, and lowkey satisfying—your clothes stay fresh and your vibe stays untouchable.
8. Shelf or Storage Cart
A shelf or storage cart is the ultimate laundry hack. Keeps everything organized, easy to reach, and looking cute—so your space is efficient and polished looking…
9. Ironing Board
An ironing board keeps your clothes neat and ready to wear. Sturdy, functional, and easy to use—it turns laundry day into a polished, stress-free routine while keeping your wardrobe on point.
10. Small Trash Can
A small trash can may be tiny, but it’s a big deal. Keep it handy, stylish if you want, and suddenly your laundry room looks neat without even trying. Lowkey essential, highkey satisfying.
Thoughts…
At the end of the day, moving into your own place is a whole moment — like soft-launching a new era. Even though it may feel overwhelming, your apartment is more than four walls… it’s where you’re building routines, cooking your little meals, protecting your peace, and creating a space that feels like you.
Additionally, you don’t need to stress about having everything perfect on day one. Instead, just focus on building a home that feels comforting, intentional, and true to your vibe. As you settle in, take your time, add your personality piece by piece, and eventually, your apartment will glow up right along with you. Because once everything comes together, it’ll give “I really got my life together for real.
Overall, your space is a reflection of the version of you you’re stepping into — cozy, organized, soft, creative, and in your “I deserve nice things” chapter. And trust, you absolutely do.