Congratulations on landing your first apartment! An apartment is a symbol of freedom and security. You can tell a lot by a person based on his or her apartment. Unfortunately, you need to buy more items for your first apartment than you will for subsequent apartments. The good news is that you don’t need to buy everything right away. Your landlord may even supply some of these items for you.
Depending on the size of your new apartment and the number of rooms, you may not need all of these items. Many apartments come with some larger items, such as a microwave and toaster already. Here are some tips when planning and packing your apartment:
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Entryway
The entryway is the first impression people will have of your home, and it’s also the first place you’ll set foot everyday after work. We recommend ensuring your threshold stays organized with the following essentials.
- Welcome mat
- Key Hooks
- Coat rack
- Umbrella bucket
- Mirror
- Mail Sorter
The welcome mat gives people a place to wipe their feet – keeping mud and dirt off your floors, while key hooks and a mail sorter give you a place to drop your things.
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Living Room
Your living room will serve as a great place to relax with friends or snuggle up and watch Netflix. Make sure you get help from friends or professional apartment moving service transporting heavier items like the couch and coffee table.
- Couch
- Loveseat
- Chair
- End tables
- TV stand
- TV
- Bookshelf
- Coffee table
- Area rug
- Lamps
- Artwork
- Blankets and pillows
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Kitchen
Most apartments come equipped with the major appliances, like the refrigerator and oven, so most of your kitchen gadgets won’t be too difficult to move. Here are some of the things this moving company DC area suggest packing:
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Coffeemaker
- Teakettle
- Ice cube trays
- Can opener
- Colander or strainer
- Table
- Cookware
- Pots and pans
- Baking sheets
- Mixing bowls
- Blender
- Food processor
- Crockpot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serrated knife
- Oven mitts
- Dishes
- Silverware and organizer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladles, spatulas, and tongs
- Dishtowels
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher soap
- Sponges
- Food storage bins
- Bottle opener
- Trashcan
- Recycle bin
- Bottle opener
- Ziploc bags, aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Ziploc bags and plastic wrap are also helpful tools when packing for your move.
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Dining Room
While not essential, it’s nice to have a place to sit and eat your meals.
- Dining table
- Dining chairs
- Sideboard or buffet
- Table decorations
- Linens
- Trivets
- Bathrooms
Your bathroom is one of the first rooms in your apartment that you’ll want to set up after moving in. Make sure to pack most of these items in an “essentials box,” so you can shower and brush your teeth the first night in your new home.
- Hand towels
- Bath towels
- Dishcloths
- Hand soap
- Toothpaste
- Tweezers
- Bandages
- Bath soap or body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Plunger
- Cleaning Tools
- Shower curtain
- Shower Liner
- Shower curtain rings
- Bath mat
- Toilet paper
- Trashcan
- Towel rack or hook
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Bedrooms
Moving in your bedroom furniture may also require the assistance of a moving company, since the mattress and bed frame can get heavy.
- Bed
- Bed frame
- Headboard and footboard
- Box spring
- Mattress
- Bedding
- Comforter and duvet cover or blanket
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Throw pillows
- Light blankets
- Mattress pads
- Dresser
- Nightstands
- Hangers
- Storage containers
- Hamper or clothes basket
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Office area
If you’re fortunate enough to have a small office space in your apartment, here are some of the essentials you’ll need:
- Desk
- Chair
- Trashcans
- Bulletin board or chalkboard
- File cabinet
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Miscellaneous for every room
- Curtains or blinds for each room
- Lamps for every room
- Artwork for every room
- Area rugs for various rooms
- Additional trash bins
- Trash bags
- Cleaning supplies
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Mop, Swiffer, broom, and dustpan
- Power strips
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Fans
- Air conditioner
- Light bulbs
- Fire and carbon monoxide alarm
The important thing to remember is that these are simply guidelines. Each person will need different items for their apartments. Items such as fire alarms are necessities while items such as bottle openers may be considered optional.
