New Home? Here’s the Only Move-In Checklist You’ll Need

So, you’re about to move into a new place—exciting, right? A chapter full of fresh starts, new routines, and maybe even a little chaos. Whether you’re heading into your first apartment or upgrading to a bigger space, there’s one thing that can make the entire process much smoother: a solid move-in checklist. 

Not only will it keep you organized, but it’ll also ensure you’re documenting everything correctly, from the condition of your new place to all the essentials you’ll need to feel settled in.

Let’s dive into this ultimate move-in checklist with all the must-have items for your new space.

Why a Move-In Checklist is Important

Before you even start loading the moving truck, it’s important to have a game plan. A move-in checklist helps you keep track of what to bring, what to buy, and what to check once you arrive. 

No, it’s not just a to-do list. It’s a way to stay organized through the moving madness and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Beyond just staying organized, a checklist can also help you identify problems early on. That leaky faucet? Those creaky closet doors? If you’re prepared, you can take note of those things right away instead of discovering them weeks later. 

Before Moving Day: Getting Ready for Your Big Day

A successful move doesn’t start on moving day. It starts in days and weeks leading up to it. Getting organized ahead of the move in date can save you from last-minute stress and help everything go off without a hitch. Here’s how to get ready:

• First, make sure you update your address. Let your bank, credit card companies, subscriptions, and utility providers know where you’re going. This will save you from unpleasant surprises later on; 
• Next, take a moment to photograph your valuable items. Whether it’s electronics, furniture or heirlooms, documenting their condition before the move gives you peace of mind and helps in case anything gets damaged;
• Begin packing your non-essentials like off-season clothing, books, or decor you won’t need immediately. Spreading out your packing in stages makes the entire process feel less overwhelming;
• Gather important documents such as Lease or mortgage papers, ID, insurance documents, and a copy of the move-in checklist of course;
• Schedule movers or a truck rental. Book professional movers in advance or reserve a moving truck if you’re doing the DIY route;
• Finally, arrange for your utilities to be transferred to your name on your move-in day. You don’t want to be without power or water on your first day.

A little preparation now can go a long way when it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make the big move.

First-Day Essentials: What You’ll Need Immediately

Let’s face it: on the first day in your new house, you probably won’t feel like rummaging through every box to find your toothbrush or your phone charger. That’s why we always recommend packing a separate “essentials box” with everything you’ll need in the first couple of days.

This box should include the basics: toilet paper, hand soap, a couple of towels, your favorite snacks, and some paper plates and cups for those first meals before your kitchen is fully set up. Don’t forget phone chargers, a tool kit, and basic cleaning supplies. And of course, if you can pack your bedding separately so you can crash comfortably at the end of a long day.

Having these items easily accessible will help you feel more settled and less overwhelmed on day one.

In addition, before you start unpacking your stuff, take a little time to clean the space. Even if it looks spotless, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know how thorough the last cleaning was. Focus on high-traffic and high-touch areas:

• Wipe down kitchen cabinets, counters, and appliances
• Clean inside drawers, closets, and shelves
• Sanitize bathroom surfaces: sinks, toilets, and tubs 
• Mop hard floors and vacuum carpets
• Dust ceiling fans, vents, and baseboards

Starting fresh in a clean new space will make everything else feel that much smoother. 

Room-by-Room Checklist: What You’ll Need

Once the dust settles, it’s time to start unpacking with intention. Organizing room by room allows you to focus your energy and build each space into something that feels personal and functional.

Living Room Essentials

The living room often becomes the heart of the home. Start by setting up a cozy seating area—a sofa or futon can serve as both a place to relax and a temporary guest bed. A coffee table adds character and function, and a few lamps can bring warmth to the space.

If you love movie nights or game nights, setting up a TV or projector can instantly add comfort to your routine. Don’t feel pressured to get everything in place at once—some larger furniture or seasonal decor can be stored safely in a storage unit until you’re ready for them. 

Here’s what you’ll need for your living room to start with:

• Area rug
• Chairs/additional seating
• Coffee table
• Couch or Sofa
• End tables
• Extra lighting
• Plants
• Speakers
• Streaming devices
• Television
• Throw blankets
• Throw pillows
• TV stand

Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen is where function meets personality. Before you go all-in on appliances and gadgets, start with the basics: a set of dishes, cups, or silverware. One or two pots and pans are enough to get you started, and a coffee maker or electric kettle can make mornings easier. 

Check that your appliances are in good working order. Open the fridge, test the oven, and note any needed repairs. If you’re starting from scratch, a small table or bistro set can transform even the tiniest nook into a dining space. 

Take your time stocking the pantry. Begin with the essentials, like salt, pepper, cooking oil, and a few quick meals, and build from there. Keep some paper goods around for the first few days while you unpack everything else.

Here’s the list of essentials:

• Aluminum foil
• Baking tray
• Blender
• Bottle and can opener
• Coffee maker
• Colander
• Cooking utensil set
• Crockpot
• Cutting boards
• Dining room table and chairs
• Dish drying rack
• Dish soap
• Dishtowels
• Drinking glasses
• Dishwasher pods
• Food storage containers
• Knife set with chef’s knife
• Large and small plates
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Oven mitts
• Paper plates
• Paper towels and holder
• Parchment paper
• Placemats
• Plastic or other food wrap
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Silverware set
• Sponges
• Trash bags
• Trash can
• Wine opener
• Wax or parchment paper
• Ziploc bags

Bedroom Essentials

After a long moving day, nothing beats a good night’s sleep. Focus on getting your bed set up early, complete with a bed frame, mattress, and fresh bedding. Curtains or blinds are important for both privacy and comfort, especially if you’re in a busy neighborhood. 

As you organize your clothing and accessories, inspect your closet space. Make sure the doors slide properly, shelves are secure, and there’s enough space for your storage needs. Adding a few personal touches, like framed photos or a small bookshelf, can make your bedroom feel truly yours.

Here are the bedroom essentials:

• Bed frame
• Bed pillows
• Bedspread/Comforter
• Bedside table
• Blankets
• Curtains
• Desk
• Desk lamp
• Dresser
• Fan
• Hangers
• Mattress
• Mirror
• Nightstand
• Pillows
• Pillowcases
• Sheets
• Space heater
• Trash bin
• TV Stand
• Window coverings

Bathroom Essentials

Your bathroom is one of the first spaces you’ll need fully functional. Be sure to pack a shower curtain, bath mat, towels, toilet paper, and basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Don’t forget a plunger, toilet brush, and any cleaning supplies you’ll need to keep things fresh. Having these items ready on day one makes settling in a lot more comfortable. So, here are the bathroom essentials:

• Bathroom cleaning supplies
• Bath towels
• Hand soap
• Hand towels
• Plunger
• Small trash bags
• Small trash bin
• Shower curtain and hooks
• Shower mat / Bath mat
• Toothbrush holder
• Toilet brush
• Toilet paper
• Toiletries
• Weight Scale

Other Essential Household Items You Might Forget

While you’re busy setting up the main rooms, it’s easy to overlook general household items that every home needs. Think things like a vacuum, broom, or map. Not very glamorous but very much needed. Lightbulbs, batteries, extension cords, and a laundry basket, also top the list of things that always seem to go missing when you need them most.

A few storage bins or organizers can make a world of difference, especially for closets, under-bed areas, and bathroom shelves. And if space is tight, storing off-season items or bulky gear at a storage unit can keep your home clutter-free and comfortable from the start.

Safety and Security: Keeping Your Home Safe

Feeling safe at your new apartment or house is just as important as feeling comfortable. Start by checking the smoke detectors—are they working? Do they need new batteries? The same goes for carbon monoxide detectors, which are crucial if your home uses gas appliances. We also recommend keeping a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen and checking that all doors and windows have secure locks. It’s also a good idea to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with emergency exits, circuit breakers, and water shut-off valves. These small steps can give you a peace of mind, especially in those first few unfamiliar days.

Maintenance and Upkeep: Keeping Things Running Smoothly

It’s easy to get swept up in decorating and organizing, but taking care of your home means keeping an eye on routine maintenance. Before you get too settled, walk through the entire space and take photos of the condition of each room. This isn’t just helpful for rental property deposits, but it also gives you a baseline to refer back to if you spot any new issues later. 

Set reminders for simple seasonal tasks like replacing air fillers or checking the HVAC system. You’ll also want to keep track of small repairs, whether it’s a leaky faucet, or a loose cabinet handle. Starting off with a proactive mindset will help keep your new place running smoothly all year round.

Bonus Tip: Store What You Don’t Need (Yet)

Not everything needs to find a home right away. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or just don’t have the closet space you need, My Storage Box is here to help. Our clean, secure, and waterproof units are perfect for keeping your items extra safe during the move in process. With our storage units with 24/7 access, video monitoring, and gated entry, you can focus on turning your apartment into a home without worrying about your stuff.

Ready to make the move? Call us at (580) 300-3006 or reserve your unit online today.

Final Thoughts

Moving can be a total chaos. Boxes everywhere, keys in the wrong pocket, and no clue where you packed your toothbrush. But with a solid first apartment checklist, you’ll make the transition to your new space a whole lot easier and stress-free.

Soon you’ll be in your fresh new home and creating a space that truly feels yours. Where you can relax, breathe, and cozy up with your loved ones.

So take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, and don’t worry if not everything gets done on the first day. You’ve got time. And you’ve got this!