First apartment checklist: essentials and move-in costs
Start with what you need to live in the apartment for the first few days. You can add furniture, storage, and decoration once you know the space. Use the free essentials worksheet to mark what you own and what you still need.
Open the essentials worksheet — free, with no account.
Confirm what the apartment already provides
Check the agreement and ask which appliances, window coverings, fixtures, and services are included. Confirm when you can collect keys and whether you need to book an elevator or loading area.
Measure rooms and the carrying route before buying furniture. Sketch where a bed, desk, and seating will go, leaving room for doors and normal movement. Share the measurements with anyone helping you choose pieces.
Separate essentials from later purchases
The categories below are a starting list, not a requirement to buy everything new. Coordinate shared items with housemates and check what family or friends can lend.
| Area | Start with | Can often wait |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Bed or suitable sleeping setup, bedding, pillow | Matching furniture and decorative bedding |
| Bathroom | Towel, toiletries, toilet paper, shower needs | Extra organizers |
| Kitchen | A few dishes, utensils, pan, easy food | Specialty appliances and large sets |
| Cleaning | Trash bags, cloths, suitable basic cleaners | Duplicate tools for each room |
| Daily life | Lighting, chargers, laundry supplies | Decorative storage and extra seating |
Budget for timing as well as totals
List moving costs separately from ongoing monthly costs. A deposit may be refundable later, but it still affects the cash you need before moving. Ask when each amount is due and record only figures you have been quoted or have chosen.
Use the budget calculator with blank starting values. Add transport, supplies, setup costs, deposits, travel, and anything else relevant. Enter paid amounts separately. The contingency is an optional buffer, not a prediction.
| Cost | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Deposit and first payment | What is due before keys are handed over? |
| Utilities and internet | Is there a setup charge or deposit? |
| Transport and help | What is included and what could add charges? |
| Essentials | What do I own, borrow, or need to buy? |
Record condition, then unpack for one evening
Photograph the empty rooms and complete any condition report provided. CU Boulder’s off-campus guidance recommends documenting condition before moving in; follow your own housing process and keep your copy.
Set up sleeping and bathroom essentials first. Put one simple meal within reach. Leave nonessential shopping until you have spent time in the apartment and know what actually helps.
Example: sharing a two-bedroom apartment
Two housemates might each bring bedroom belongings but need only one set of shared cleaning tools and kitchen basics. Add an owner or buyer note to the essentials worksheet before shopping.
Agree which shared items stay if someone moves out later. A plain written list can prevent confusion without turning the move into a complicated project.
Sources and scope
Linked provider and agency pages support the specific claims above. General organizing suggestions and worked examples were prepared for this site. Provider specifications may change.