Moving to an apartment is exciting! You’re likely in a new area, making some new friends, and possibly living on your own for the first time. Additionally, you’re probably already planning how you’re going to set up and decorate your new space. While this is undoubtedly important, you need to make sure you have the essentials first. We’ve created a list of 8 must-haves for new apartments. It can work as a guide if you’re moving out of your parent’s home for the first time, or it can serve as a quick checklist if you’re moving from one apartment to the next and want to make sure you didn’t forget to bring anything. You don’t want to move into your new apartment, spend hours setting up, only to realize the next day you’re missing something important like silverware or plates. Since many items like toilet paper, cell phone charger, and a bed are likely a given, this list will focus on the must-haves that are easy to forget.

  1. Toolkit 

You may think that a toolkit is only necessary for home renovation projects, but this isn’t the case! If you’re shopping for some extra furniture pieces on Amazon or Ikea, you’ll need a variety of tools to put them together. The kit should include a Phillips and flathead screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, pliers, adjustable wrench, and a level. You’ll use your toolkit more than you think!

  1. Shower Curtain

Surprisingly, this can be an easy one to forget! You can spend the whole day setting up your apartment, only to wake up the next day and realize you never bought a shower curtain or rod. If you’re in a rush, you may end up showering without a curtain which will get water all over your bathroom floor. On that note, don’t forget a bath mat for when you step out of the shower!

  1. Kitchen Supplies

While this one is a little more obvious, you may have told yourself you can live off take-out the first couple of days. While this sounds enjoyable, it can leave a dent in your bank account! Ordering out three times a day for multiple days isn’t cheap. While you don’t need to have a full-blown kitchen set up, you should start with at least some of the basics. These include:

  • Plates
  • Glasses
  • Silverware
  • Bowls
  • Can opener
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet
  • Spatula
  • Non-stick frying pans
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Kitchen knives
  • Dish towels
  • Toaster
  • Scissors
  • Garbage bags
  • Paper towels
  • Dish soap
  1. Bedframe

While it’s easy to throw the mattress on the ground and call it good enough, you’ll get better sleep with your bed off of the floor. When the mattress isn’t getting adequate airflow on the bottom, it can increase the chance of getting dust mites and mold. Plus, bedframes make a great place to store things underneath. Luckily at SD Flats, our apartments come fully furnished, meaning we include a bed and bed frame for you!

  1. Cleaning Supplies

If this is your first time moving into an apartment and living independently, you’re in for a surprise. You’ll be cleaning – a lot. From dust collecting on shelves to food splatters on the countertops, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. For starters, you’ll want to have a broom, dustpan, mop/Swiffer, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, toilet cleaner, Windex, and a vacuum cleaner (if your apartment has carpets).

  1. Trash Cans

On that note, you’ll need somewhere to throw away the dirty paper towels and dirt in the dustpan. A grocery bag can work for the first clean, but you’ll want to get at least one full-sized trash can and trash bags for your kitchen. From here, you can add smaller trash cans to other rooms, such as the bedrooms and bathrooms. Make sure your trash can liners are the same size as the trash can.

  1. First-Aid Kit

While we hope you never have to use it, a first-aid kit will come in handy. If you get a cut on your hand, it’s much easier to clean it and put a Band-Aid over it rather than hold a paper towel to the cut while making your way to the nearest CVS. You can buy a pre-stocked kit or build your own. Just make sure to have multiple-sized Band-Aids, Aspirin/painkiller, tweezers, disposable gloves, thermometer, antiseptic, and peroxide/alcohol wipes. Remember that some items expire, so make sure to check when they need replacing.

  1. Extension Cords

When setting up your phone charger, TV, game console, and Wi-Fi router, you’ll quickly realize you have more cords than outlets in the wall. Perhaps you want a light on one side of the room, but the cord doesn’t reach the nearest plugin. A surge protector and extension cord will help bring power to all of your electronics and guard against sudden power surges.

SD Flats

When getting caught up in moving to a new apartment, it can be easy to forget a few essentials. Our list of 8 must-haves for new apartments will help you include some of the easily forgettable (but important) necessities. At SD Flats, we make your move a little easier by making all of our rooms fully furnished! If you want to live in an urban apartment in the heart of downtown San Diego, give us a call! You can reach us by calling Island Flats at (619) 232-4138 or J Street Flats at (619) 696-6922 or contact us through our website.