First Week, First Wins: The Move-In Essentials You Can’t Skip vs. What Can Wait

When you walk into your new apartment after signing the lease, it may seem like a blank canvas — so many possibilities, yet so many things to do. But instead of worrying about getting everything perfect from the start, it’s best to focus on the move-in essentials. You’ll need some items right away to help you get settled and comfortable in your new space.  

Once you have the basics covered, you can take your time with the rest. That way, you’ll be comfortable during those first few days, and the rest of the moving process will feel more manageable. 

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need during your first week and what can wait until later.  

Start with the basics: Bedding, bathroom, and cleaning supplies 

Before anything else, make sure you have your bed set up. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep after a long day of moving. Have your mattress ready with sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. If you didn’t get to unpack everything right away, focus on making sure you have what you need to sleep comfortably that first night. 

The next step is getting your bathroom functional. You’ll want to have toilet paper, soap, and clean towels on hand. Don’t forget a shower curtain if you need one — it’s an easy thing to overlook but definitely a move-in essential.

For those first few days, you’ll also want to keep cleaning supplies easily accessible. At the very least, have an all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and a broom or vacuum so you can tidy up as you go through the unpacking process. 

Don’t go overboard with the kitchen, but have what you need 

While unpacking the rest of your things, you’ll need a few basic kitchen items to get by. Grab a few plates, cups, and utensils to eat with. You don’t need a full set of dishes or fancy cookware just yet. A single pan, a spatula, and dish soap will be enough to make quick meals. You can always add more in the weeks to follow. 

Also, don’t forget trash bags and a trash can. These might not seem important, but the mess can pile up fast without them. Keep paper towels nearby for cleaning up any spills and keeping your kitchen tidy while you figure out your space. 

Get the tools you’ll actually use 

When unpacking and setting up, you’ll probably need some tools, so keep a basic toolkit nearby. This can be a lifesaver when you need to put furniture together, hang up a shelf, or tighten something that came loose in transit. During this phase, a screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape might just be your best friend. 

If you plan on assembling furniture right away, make sure you’ve got the necessary basic tools on hand for that too. And if you’re dealing with a lot of boxes, a box cutter or a pair of scissors is one of the move-in essentials to help you get things open quickly. 

Make sure you have access to electricity 

For those first few days, you’ll want to have everything in your new apartment powered up. Once the electricity is set up, check that your phone chargers, lamps, and other essential electronics are plugged in and working. If your new place doesn’t have enough outlets, pick up a power strip or two. 

If you’re moving in during the evening, have a lamp or flashlight handy to help you see while you unpack. It’s also a good idea to check the lighting in each room — nothing’s worse than realizing your overhead lights aren’t working when you’re trying to find something in a dark closet. 

What can wait a little longer 

Once you’ve gotten the move-in essentials in place, the rest of the process can happen at your own pace. There’s no rush to fill every inch of your new apartment with furniture and decor. Give yourself time to live in the space for a few days before you make decisions about furniture or decor. 

Extra furniture 

While it’s tempting to buy everything you think you need immediately, hold off on some of the bigger purchases until you’ve had a chance to adjust to the space. For example, you might want to get a dining table, but you can always eat at your kitchen counter or on the couch in the meantime. 

Also, while the urge to “fill the space” can be strong, try to avoid buying a bunch of furniture right away. Live in the space first and get a feel for how you use it — then buy pieces that make sense. 

Kitchen gadgets 

Slow cookers, air fryers, and blenders are all great to have eventually. But unless you already have them and use them daily, you can hold off for a couple of weeks and see what you truly need in your routine. 

More storage space 

You don’t need to immediately organize every drawer or closet and under-bed storage bins. Unpack the things you use every day and leave the rest for when you’ve settled in a bit more. 

Final thoughts: Take your time and enjoy the process 

Moving in doesn’t have to be a rush to get everything in place. By focusing on your move-in essentials first, you can get settled into your new home without feeling the pressure. Once you’ve checked off the must-haves, you can take your time with the rest of the details. And before you know it, your new place will feel like home. 

Need more move-in tips? Check out how to budget for moving, what to review before signing a lease, or how to transfer utilities when moving to a new apartment.