The Ultimate New Apartment Checklist Every Person Needs

Decided to move to a different flat? Congratulations! Now you’re about to start living the life of an independent adult, it is the right moment to create your new apartment checklist and determine what things you will need to equip your first flat and make a cozy and comfortable place for it. So, let’s see what are the elements you need for a flat and how to organize your relocation seamlessly.

Moving Preparations

Before you start with practical preparations for relocating to another flat, it is important to have a timeline, dates, and deadlines for getting the job done. Here are the best tips for relocating on what to do first, and attain a stress-free relocating experience.

Schedule Relocation Date With Long-Distance Moving Company

Scheduling the relocation date is of utmost importance since it directs the tempo of the whole process. You should set the date with the cross-country moving company at least one month before you planned to undertake the relocation. Still, don’t forget that depending on the period of the year professional cross-country movers can be very busy, so consider scheduling everything as soon as you can. This is especially important to do if you want to book auto-transport services.

After you set the date it is also essential to line up an in-house estimation, that will help you decide what cross-country moving services you need and will give you an insight into the packing process of your belongings. Keep in mind that long-distance movers provide professional packing services that can make your life much easier, especially when it comes to some complicated items, like a piano, for example.

Sort and Pack Your Belongings

Once you schedule your move, it is the right moment to start packing your belongings, because everything has to be prepared before the movers knock on your door. Sort out the things you own. Decide whether you’ll donate or sell unwanted items, recycle, or give away any of your belongings, and pack only the necessary stuff and declutter storage places. Moving cross country can be challenging in terms of the number of stuff you can take with yourself to another state, but in this case, we could say that less is more. You don’t want to make a mess out of your future place, don’t you? Besides, sorting out will help you create a list of stuff you have to buy for your next flat much easier. This way, you’ll have control over the whole process.

How Do I Prepare for My First Apartment?

Relocation to your flat doesn’t mean you will only have to create a list of things you need for new apartment, but also you will have to properly prepare the space itself. Small renovations, cleaning, and safety concerns like installing the alarm system, are some of the elements you should definitely consider resolving before starting your life there, and include in your relocation expenses checklist, too. These lists will be handy when trying to save money on relocating costs and track how your budget is spent.

Paint and Decorate the Flat

Before you move into a flat, check with the owner whether you can do some painting since it is important not only for decoration but also for hygienic reasons. If the owner agrees, then ensure to schedule the professional who will do it for you, so that everything is ready by schedule.

Replace the Locks

Make sure that all locks are replaced with different ones. Nobody can guarantee that previous tenants have left all the sets of keys to the owner. Since this is a matter of safety, put it high on your to-do lists.

Get an Extra Set of Keys

Having keys in reserve is always a good idea because there are various things that could leave you locked inside or outside of your home. It could also be helpful if you give a set of keys to your very close friends or family members who leave near you, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Buy Your First Toolbox

Now you start to live on your own, you just need to have a small tool collection with you. Buy a portable toolbox that comes with all of the wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers. Those tools will help you do some small repairs, such as hanging a painting or putting together the furniture.

Check the Smoke Detector

Safety always comes first, so don’t forget to check if the smoke detector works properly. Change all the batteries with different ones so you can always know when is the time for the next battery change.

Fumigate the Flat

The best way to protect yourself from any unwanted visitors in the form of termites or bed bugs is by doing the fumigation of your property before you start to furnish it. So, ensure to schedule professional fumigation of your home, and do it at least three weeks before you get into the flat, so you’ll have enough time to ventilate all premises.

In-Detail Cleaning

Once the repainting and fumigation are done it is the right moment to start in-depth cleaning of the whole flat. Go room by room and clean every corner of it. Wash the windows, vacuum and wipe the floors, clean the bathroom, and if there is any furniture left, such as sofa, or even rugs, then call professional cleaners to help you out. In-depth cleaning implies taking care of all your appliances such as stoves, or refrigerators. You should disinfect them thoroughly since they are previously used.

What Do I Need for My First Home Checklist

Whether you will rent an apartment or buy your own property, there are literally hundreds of decisions you have to make in the process of relocation. From the location you will live in, flat size, to the exact date your relocation will take place and a cross-country moving company. No matter if you move for the first time or are veteran in relocations, you will want to make an ultimate list of relocating essentials and all other things you need for an apartment and prepare for a move. This will help you keep the whole process under control, which is crucial whether you’re relocating to a new city or a nearby neighborhood.

You can organize your apartment checklist by rooms you have to equip and by things to buy for new apartment. For that reason, we will present to you how to organize an inventory list of new apartment essentials room by room and keep a record of all stuff you have to move or buy which will help you move efficiently.

Entryway Essentials

The entryway will make the first impression on your guests about your home, and this is why you should create a welcoming space out of it. This is a place where you will store some of your clothes such as jackets, coats, shoes, and other items like umbrellas. Here is how a well-organized entryway should be furnished:

• Wall hooks,
• Umbrella stand,
• Shoe cabinet,
• Closet,
• Sitting area (if possible.)

Bedroom Essentials for Your Sweet Dreams

Elements every bedroom needs are a bed, a very comfortable mattress, closet, cabinets, and drawers. If the space permits, you can also put a dressing table with an armchair, large mirror, and shelves. Bedrooms can be also a great solution for creative storage ideas, so don’t forget to ensure that every inch is used. Creating a storage space under your bed, or custom made in-walk closets can be a great way to get your belongings in order. The point is to adjust the space to your needs and style and make your bedroom a real relaxed zone. However, the list is not finished yet! Let’s see what other items will be required to furnish your bedroom fully:

• Sheet set for bed,
• Duvet and blankets,
• Pillows,
• Clothes hangers/coat hangers,
• Curtains,
• Rug.

Living Room Essentials

The living room is a place where you’ll spend most of your time since it is usually the biggest room in a house or flat. In some way, it represents the atmosphere of the household. This is a room where you will hang out with your friends, watch TV, read and enjoy the most of your free moments. The living room is in many cases an open and multifunctional space, so your new apartment shopping list will be organized depending on the space structure. Here is what elements that every living room has to contain:

• Couch,
• Coffee table,
• Television set,
• Bookshelves,
• Plants.

Since relocating furniture can be pricey, you might consider purchasing some pieces for your next home. When buying a couch, you could choose the extensive one so that any of your family members or friends who come to visit you can have a sleepover at your place. Also, in some cases, you will have to adjust the living room space to a working or dining area, so adding a piece like a multipurpose table is a good idea. This way you will not have to relocate large items which will help you decrease costs associated with relocation. And of course, there is no cozy place without decorations, so consider adding to the flat checklist items like:

• Floor lamp,
• Curtains,
• Cushions,
• Blankets,
• Rugs.

Kitchen Essential Appliances and Utensils

Ready to become the next American Master Chef? In that case, welcome to the stage and your kitchen area. In most cases, you’ll get a fully furnished and equipped kitchen that contains all the appliances, cabinets, and other storage places. However, there are still some items you will definitely want to have for preparing all specialties. Let’s see what kitchen utensils you should add to your kitchen list of essential elements:

• Plates,
• Bowls,
• Glasses,
• Mugs,
• Cutlery,
• Pots and pans,
• Cutting boards,
• Toaster or toaster oven,
• The coffee maker,
• Kettle or hotpot,
• Mixer,
• Blender,
• Ice trays,
• Can and wine openers,
• Dish towels,
• Dish drying rack,
• Dish sponges,
• Trash and recycling bins.

In case you already possess some of those mentioned utensils, then don’t forget to pack dishes, or learn all hacks on how to pack glassware for relocating. Learning how to use bubble wrap, or what other types of packing materials you need, will help you pack quickly and efficiently without wasting your precious time.

Bathroom Essentials

Bathrooms are usually areas that you will not be able to drastically change because you’ll get them fully equipped unless you buy a house and renovate it. However, there are still some stuff you could possibly want to buy:

• Towels,
• Shower curtain,
• Shower organizer,
• Cleaning supplies,
• Personal hygiene products (such as shampoo, soap, conditioner, blow dryer, straightener, curling iron, makeup, toothbrush, and toothpaste,)
• Laundry cleaning supplies.

It would be a great idea to organize some storage space within a bathroom, which will help you keep it in perfect condition.

Not Sure If You’ve Covered All the Essentials for Your First Flat?

If you feel like you might forget something to include in your apartment move-in checklist, then check the video below and look at the in-detail lists of what are things you need for a new apartment.

What Is the First Thing to Do When You Move Into a New Apartment?

Now all preparations have come to an end, and all the furniture and appliances are delivered to your address, it is time to organize the unpacking process. This is going to be exactly the first thing to do after relocating to your next flat. Unwrap all the boxes carefully and start placing your items all over the flat. Unpack first your plants and water them. Then ensure all the fragile items are properly and safely packed into cabinets, and ensure to create a cozy atmosphere and start enjoying your home.