It’s back to school time! Which probably means moving into your apartment. If you’re moving out of your dorm and into your very first college apartment – that can be a pretty big transition! No more walking down the hall to get your meal served to you. No more climbing up to the top bunk every night. No more sharing a bathroom with 50 other people!

Your first apartment will more than likely be a breath of fresh air compared to life in the dorms. And we are here to help you with your move! We have compiled a list of everything you will need to make your new place feel like home.

For the Bedroom:

Your bedroom is going to be your… escape. This will be the one place you can shut the door from your roommates and be by yourself. It’s where you will spend a lot of time and it’s the only place that’s only yours.. so make it special! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bed Frame + Mattress
• Mattress Pad
• Bedding
• Desk + Chair
• Nightstand
• Lamp
• Decor
  • Rug
  • Plants
  • String Lights
  • Photos
  • Art
• Hangers
• Dresser
• Power Strips & Extension Cords
• Fan – just in case there’s not central air and you like to sleep in the cold
• 3M Wall Hooks & Hangers – a lot of apartments charge you per nail hole so adhesive hooks are always a good idea

For the Kitchen:

Depending on how many roommates you will be living with, it’s a good idea to decide who is going to get what items for the kitchen. Here is a list to start with:

• Table + Chairs
• Plates, Cups, Mugs, Bowls, etc.
• Silverware & Utensils
• Pots & Pans
• Trash Can
• Garbage Bags
• Coffee Machine – duh
• Microwave – some apartments come with them, so make sure yours doesn’t before someone buys one!
• Toaster
• Dish Soap & Scrubber – the dishwasher isn’t superman… clean the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher, guys!
• Dishwasher pods
• Hand Towels & Wash Cloths
• Groceries! – that’s a given

For the Bathroom:

You might have one bathroom that you split between all of your roommates.. or you might get your own! Make sure to plan accordingly. But either way, here’s how to stock it up:

• Bath Towels – we recommend getting around 4-6 for yourself so you can rotate while you’re washing the others
• Hand Towels & Wash Cloths
• Shower Curtain & Liner – don’t forget the liner!! You don’t want to ruin the curtain.
• Bath Rug
• Plunger & Toilet Brush
• Mini Trash Can
• Toiletries
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Soap (both body & hand)
  • Toilet paper
  • Shaving Products

For the Living Room:

This is where you’re going to live! (In the living room… get it?) Make sure this space is accommodating to not only you and your roommates… but your guests! This is where you’ll have your movie nights, watch the big game, catch up, and just hang out! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sofa & Additional Seating
• Coffee & End Tables
• Lamps
• TV
• TV Stand
• Blankets & Pillows
• Decor – make it feel homey!
  • Plants
  • Wall Decor/Art
  • Rug
  • Photos

Cleaning Supplies:

Whether you like it or not… your place is going to get dirty. And you’re going to need to clean it. Here’s a list of everything you will need at some point:

• Broom & Dustpan
• Vacuum
• Mop or Swiffer
• Paper Towels
• Disinfectant Wipes – a true lifesaver
• Carpet Cleaner
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Window Cleaner
• Multi-Purpose Spray
• Dusting Spray
• Microfiber Cloths

If you are living with roommates, make sure to talk it over with them before buying anything. You want to make sure you have everything, but you also want to make sure you don’t all buy the same things! Hopefully this list helped you in your big move to your college apartment! Good luck and have fun in your new space!