Moving into an apartment with your boyfriend is such an exciting experience.
There’s something almost surreal about standing in your new place for the first time and realising that you’re going to get to live together. 👫
What you don’t want is for that giddy excitement to turn into stress when you realize you have no idea what you need to buy for the place or how much its going to cost!
Here is the ultimate apartment checklist of everything you need for moving into your first apartment with your boyfriend, so you can make moving in less stress and more fun.
Get excited, we’re going shopping! 🛍️
Actually wait, don’t get excited yet, first we need to talk about money.
Moving into a new apartment can be super expensive especially if its unfurnished.
Its important to plan ahead and create a budget so that you’ll be able to get everything you want to make your new apartment a home.
This is where the checklist comes in really handy.
Even before you sign the lease for your new apartment you and your boyfriend can use the checklist and research how much things are going to cost. 💰
This will allow you to figure out how much you need to put aside and save and make sure that you are both on the same page about buying that super expensive smart TV.
Remember you don’t have to buy everything new.
Speak to friends and family to see if they have anything you can borrow, check out Facebook Market Place for second hand furniture you can upcycle or head to the thrift store.
Of course there are going to be things you want to buy new, just prioritise the things that are really important, splurge on a few items and spend your money wisely on the rest.
Now, let’s get into it!
First apartment with boyfriend checklist:
In this checklist items marked with an * are things that you’ll probably want to buy at some stage but that aren’t necessarily essential when moving into your first apartment with your boyfriend.
If your budget is tight these are the things you should hold off on.
Bedroom
Mattress
Bed frame
Pillows
Comforter, duvet or quilt
Sheets & pillow cases
Mattress topper
Curtains or blinds
Clothes Hangers
*Dresser
*Night stands
*Lamp
*Laundry hamper
*Full length mirror
*Vanity or desk
*Chair
*Room decor: throw blanket, wall art, rug, decorative pillows
Living/Dining Area
Sofa
Coffee Table
Dining table
Chairs
*TV
*Console table
*Lamps
*Side tables
*Decorative items: rug, throw pillows, wall art, plants, candles
Kitchen
Plates & bowls
Knives, forks & spoons
Glasses & mugs
Pots & pans
Cutting board
Cutting knives
Dish towels
Trash can
*Food containers
*Mixing bowel
*Baking sheet
*Oven mitts
*Casserole dish
*Drying rack
*Paper towel holder
*Appliances: Coffee machine, toaster, microwave, blender, kettle
*Other utensils & tools: Vegetable peeler, grater, can opener, spatula, strainer, whisk, sieve, measuring cups
Bathroom
Bath towels
Hand towels
Bathmat
Shower curtain, hooks & liner
Toilet Paper
Soap
*Trash can
*Shower caddy
*Tissues
Cleaning & Laundry Items
Vacuum or dustpan and broom
Microfiber cloths
Multipurpose spray cleaner
Trash bags
Paper towels
Dish soap
Dish sponge
Rubber gloves
Dishwasher detergent
Laundry Detergent
Laundry basket
Iron
Ironing board
Toilet brush
Toilet cleaner
*Swiffer
*Stain remover
*Fabric softener
*Anti-bacterial wipes
Miscellaneous
Light bulbs
Scissors
Tape
Matches or lighter
Extension cord
Storage bins
First aid kit
Safety items (if not already in apartment): Smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher
Tips for moving into your first apartment with your boyfriend
Although super exciting, moving into your first apartment with your boyfriend can also be a bit overwhelming.
There are so many things to think about, so many decisions to make and things to buy.
Start with the things you really need, and then buy the extras and upgrade when you can. Remember that a lot of these essential items you’ll have for years so they will be worth the initial investment.
Also make sure to checkin with each other that you’re on the same page.
You might have your heart set on buying an expensive six seater corner sofa but if he’s not onboard things aren’t going to turn out well.
This is why is so important to look at your finances together and create a budget for everything before you move in.
But the most important thing to remember is that you’re a team.
Try your best not to fight over the small stuff, just enjoy this new phase of your life together, it’s all about compromise when moving in with someone.
So that’s it, use this checklist when moving into a new apartment with your boyfriend for a stress free transition to your new home!
Natasha says
Really great advice! 🙂
Maggow says
this was so helpful. Thanks.