First apartment checklist: 40 things you need
Moving into your first apartment is exciting and a little overwhelming: what do you need, what should you buy first, and what can you share with your roommates? Without a list the budget balloons fast.
Below, we've grouped what you'll need into 40 items by room and priority, with tips on what roommates can buy together and how to furnish on a budget.
Before you move
- Find out whether the home is furnished or unfurnished, and whether a fridge and washing machine are included.
- Agree with roommates who brings what; don't buy two of the same thing.
- Record shared purchases (who paid how much); you'll need it when someone moves out.
- Buy the essentials first and complete the rest over time.
Bedroom (personal)
- Mattress and bedding (duvet, sheets, pillows)
- Wardrobe or clothes rack
- Desk and chair
- Desk lamp and lighting
- Curtains or blinds for your room
- Laundry basket
- Small waste bin
Kitchen (can be shared)
- A set of pots (two or three sizes)
- Non-stick frying pan
- Cutlery and plates
- Glasses and mugs
- Cutting board and a good knife
- Colander and cooking spoons
- Electric kettle and tea or coffee set
- Food storage containers
- Sponges, dish soap and dish towels
Bathroom and cleaning
- Towels (personal)
- Bath mat and shower curtain (if needed)
- Toilet brush
- Trash bags and bins
- Broom, dustpan and mop
- Multi-purpose spray, bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner
- Vacuum cleaner (can be shared)
Shared areas and tools
- Power strips
- Wi-Fi router (may come with the internet plan)
- Screwdriver set and a small toolbox
- Clothes drying rack
- Iron (shared)
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher or smoke detector (safety)
For big items such as a fridge, washing machine and TV, buy them together and log the cost as a shared expense in Ev Ortağım; when someone leaves, splitting the shared items is easy.
What to buy first
| Right away (week 1) | Within a few weeks | Over time |
|---|---|---|
| Bedding, towel, cleaning supplies, trash bags | Kitchen gear, curtains, lamp | Decor, extra furniture, plants |
| Kettle, dish supplies | Broom, mop | Electronics upgrades |
Example: splitting a shared purchase
Three roommates buy a fridge and a washing machine (example amounts): fridge $600, washing machine $450. Total $1,050, or $350 each. If Alex pays, Sam and Jordan each owe Alex $350. Keeping the receipt and purchase date makes it easier to set a value when someone leaves.
The amounts are examples. Items lose value over time; when someone leaves, check second-hand prices and agree on a figure.
Furnishing on a budget
- Buy second-hand: furniture, pots and small appliances are much cheaper used.
- Buy together: one shared item instead of two of the same.
- Ask around: friends and family may have things they don't use.
- Wait for sales: postpone anything non-urgent to sale periods.
- Needs first, decor last: if your budget is tight, decoration comes at the end.
Six moving-day tips
- Label boxes by room to make unpacking much easier.
- Wrap fragile items in clothes and towels for extra protection.
- Pack a first-night bag: bedding, towel, charger, medication.
- Photograph every room at the old place and at handover in the new one.
- Photograph the utility meter readings.
- Plan simple food for helpers; moving day is the best roommate test.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for my first apartment?
Bedding, towels, basic kitchen gear, cleaning supplies, trash bags, a power strip and a first-aid kit are what you need in week one.
Which items can roommates buy together?
A fridge, washing machine, vacuum, iron and kitchen gear are items everyone uses and can be bought together.
What do people forget when moving in?
Small but urgent things: trash bags, toilet paper, light bulbs and a power strip are commonly forgotten.