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First Apartment Checklist: Everything You Need to Move in Stress-Free
There’s a quiet thrill in signing the lease for your first apartment. But soon after the excitement fades, a wave of thoughts sets in: What do I need? What if I forget something essential, like Wi-Fi or a trash can, or something else?
First-time renters often face the classic “new apartment” anxiety, and they start worrying about everything from setting up utilities to buying shower curtains. But fear not. With this first apartment checklist, we’ve got your back.
The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
- Bedroom Checklist
- Kitchen Checklist (First Kitchen Checklist)
- Drawing Room / Living Room Checklist
- Bathroom Checklist
- First Apartment Cleaning Checklist
- Miscellaneous Essentials Checklist
- Utility & Bill Setup Guide
- Moving Tips to Stay Stress-Free
Let’s break it down one by one and room by room. Keep this list handy while you shop, pack, and settle in.
1. Bedroom Checklist
Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a restful retreat after long days. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mattress and bed frame
- Pillows and bedding (sheets, comforter, blankets)
- Nightstand
- Dresser or closet organizers
- Full-length mirror
- Hangers
- Lamps or bedside lighting
- Alarm clock or phone charging station
Tip: Visit Ashford Communities’ listings to find spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets and natural light.
2. Kitchen Checklist (First Kitchen Checklist)
No more takeout every night! A well-stocked kitchen makes you confident in cooking your favorite food.
- Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs
- Pots, pans, and baking sheets
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, whisk)
- Cutting board and knives
- Microwave, toaster, or air fryer
- Dish soap and sponges
- Trash can and liners
- Food storage containers
The first apartment essentials include not just cookware, but also knowing how your apartment’s kitchen layout flows. Explore Ashford’s modern kitchen spaces available in Austin and Odessa.
3. Drawing Room / Living Room Checklist
This is where you’ll host friends, unwind with Netflix, or curl up with a book.
- Sofa or futon
- Coffee table
- TV and TV stand
- Lamps or ambient lighting
- Curtains or blinds
- Wall art or personal touches
- Rug or carpet
- Wi-Fi router (yes—don’t forget it!)
Set up your utilities and internet before you move to avoid that awkward Wi-Fi-less weekend.
4. Bathroom Checklist
It’s easy to forget the bathroom basics until you realize you’re standing in a shower with no towel.
- Towels (bath, hand, washcloth)
- Shower curtain and hooks
- Bathmat
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Toothbrush holder
- Storage shelves or baskets
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
Many Ashford Communities apartments in Baytown and Houston offer bathrooms with built-in storage. Check them out here.
5. Cleaning First Apartment Checklist
A clean space is a happy space. It starts fresh and stays organized with these items:
- Broom, dustpan, mop, vacuum
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Toilet and bathroom cleaner
- Sponges and clothes
- Laundry detergent and basket
- Garbage bags
- Air freshener or candles
Pro Tip: Deep clean before unpacking. It’s easier than maneuvering around boxes!
6. Miscellaneous Essentials Checklist
These are the little things that make a big difference:
- Extension cords and power strips
- Light bulbs
- Tool kit (hammer, screwdriver, nails)
- Batteries
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Important documents folder
Moving tips: Label your boxes by room and keep essentials in separate boxes.
Utility & Bill Setup Guide
Before moving in day, ensure the essentials are activated:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet/Wi-Fi
- Renter’s insurance
- Change of address at the post office
Ashford Communities can guide you through a seamless setup. Ask our leasing agents for help when you choose from our available apartments.
Moving Tips to Stay Stress-Free
- Tour your apartment beforehand and take measurements.
- Create a moving timeline (at least 30 days before move-in).
- Ask about lease inclusions: Are appliances provided? Is Wi-Fi included?
- Consider renters’ insurance- it’s more affordable than you think.
- Keep a list of contacts: building manager, leasing office, utility companies.
Start Fresh with Ashford Communities
With this first apartment checklist, you’ll be fully equipped to start your journey right. Remember, a home is more than walls and a roof. It is your personal happy space where you feel peace and live freely. At Ashford Communities, we welcome you to a better beginning.
Find your perfect first apartment today. Explore our available apartments in Houston, Austin, Odessa, Pearland, Baytown, and San Marcos, and move in with confidence, without any hassle and chaos.
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