Moving into your first apartment? Here's everything you actually need, what you can skip, and what to buy used.
The average first-apartment resident spends $2,000-4,000 on move-in costs before accounting for furniture: security deposit, first and last month's rent, renters insurance, and utility setup. Add furniture to that and the number climbs fast. The people who handle first apartments well are the ones who know what they actually need immediately, what can wait, and what they should buy used. This checklist is that framework.
- The true cost of a first apartment: what to budget
- What to buy before move-in day
- Furniture: what you need immediately vs. what can wait
- Kitchen: the minimum viable setup
- What to buy used and what to buy new
What does a first apartment actually cost? The honest number.
Before you touch furniture, budget these fixed costs for your first apartment. They come due before or on move-in day and are non-negotiable.
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | 1-2 months rent | Refundable if you leave in good condition |
| First month's rent | Your monthly rent | Due at lease signing |
| Last month's rent | Your monthly rent | Not always required, but common |
| Application fee | $25-100 | Per application, non-refundable |
| Renter's insurance | $15-25/month | Often required; pay first month upfront |
| Utility setup | $50-200 | Electric/gas deposit if no credit history |
| Moving costs | $150-400 | Labor-only with Undergrads + truck rental |
| Lock replacement | $50-150 | Optional but recommended |
For a $1,500/month apartment, plan for $4,000-5,000 in move-in costs before you buy a single piece of furniture. Have this in cash or savings before you sign. Credit cards work for some of it but not all landlords accept credit for deposits.
Before move-in day: what to set up in advance
- 1Transfer utilities: electricity, gas, and internet need to be in your name before you arrive. Electricity takes 1-3 business days. Internet installers book 1-2 weeks out.
- 2Purchase renter's insurance: get a policy before move day. If something happens on move-in day, you want coverage. A basic policy with $20,000 personal property coverage costs $15-20/month.
- 3Set up your bank account for rent payment: most landlords now use ACH (direct bank transfer). Set up the payment method before your first rent due date.
- 4Confirm the move-in process with your landlord: what time can you access the unit, where does the truck park, is there a freight elevator, what is the move-in form process?
- 5Buy cleaning supplies: you will want to wipe down the apartment before your furniture goes in, regardless of how clean it looks.
Furniture: what you actually need immediately
Here is where most first-apartment residents overspend. The pressure to have a complete, Instagram-ready apartment on day one is real and expensive. Here is the minimum viable furniture list for the first month.
| Item | Priority | New or Used? | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed frame and mattress | Day 1 | New mattress, used frame ok | $300-800 |
| Bedding (sheets, pillows, blanket) | Day 1 | New | $100-200 |
| Towels (2 sets) | Day 1 | New | $30-60 |
| Basic kitchen supplies | Day 1 | Used ok for most | $50-150 |
| Shower curtain and rings | Day 1 if bathroom has none | New | $20-40 |
| Couch or seating | Week 1-2 | Used is fine | $100-500 |
| Dining table and chairs | Month 1 | Used is great | $50-300 |
| Desk and chair (if WFH) | Week 1 | Used is fine | $100-400 |
| Dresser or clothing storage | Month 1 | Used is great | $50-200 |
| Coffee table | Month 1-2 | Used | $0-100 |
From the field
The most common first-apartment move mistake is buying a full bedroom set and living room set from a furniture store before you see the apartment in person. The couch that looks perfect online is 108 inches and will not fit through the door. Measure your apartment before buying furniture. Measure the doorways, the hallways, and the stairs. Then buy., Undergrads crew, Charlotte
Get my free quote →The kitchen: minimum viable setup for year one
You do not need a full kitchen on day one. Here is the actual minimum.
- One good chef's knife and a cutting board (buy these new)
- One 10-inch skillet and one medium pot (non-stick skillet, stainless pot)
- One sheet pan for oven cooking
- Spatula, wooden spoon, tongs, ladle
- Plates, bowls, and glasses for 2-4 people (buy at Goodwill)
- Forks, knives, spoons for 4-6 people (buy at Goodwill)
- Can opener, vegetable peeler, measuring cups
- Paper towels, dish soap, sponge
What to buy used vs. new in a first apartment
The used vs. new decision is one of the most valuable financial calls you make in a first apartment. Here is the rule: buy used anything that will be covered, stored, or is primarily functional. Buy new anything that touches your skin or affects your health.
| Item | Buy Used? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress | No | Hygiene and structural integrity unknowable |
| Pillows | No | Hygiene |
| Towels | No | Hygiene |
| Couch | Yes, with inspection | Check for bed bugs and structural integrity |
| Dining furniture | Yes | Great finds at $20-100 on Marketplace |
| Bookshelf and storage | Yes | IKEA resale is excellent value |
| Lamps and lighting | Yes | Great finds, easy to inspect |
| Plates and glasses | Yes | Goodwill is reliable for kitchen basics |
| Cookware | Yes with caution | Avoid non-stick with scratched coating |
| Desk and office chair | Yes | Facebook Marketplace has excellent options |
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for a first apartment?
Budget 4-5x your monthly rent for the total first-month cost: security deposit (1-2 months), first month's rent, moving costs, basic furniture, and setup expenses. For a $1,500/month apartment, plan for $6,000-7,500 in total move-in spending. This is the realistic number, not the optimistic one.
What do I actually need in a first apartment?
The non-negotiables: a bed with clean mattress and bedding, at least 2 towels, one set of plates and utensils, toilet paper, soap, and a shower curtain if the bathroom does not have one. Everything else can be acquired in the first 2-4 weeks. Do not delay your move waiting to have a fully furnished apartment.
Should I buy furniture before or after I move in?
After. Once you are in the space, you will know exactly where things fit and what you actually need. The exception is the bed, which you need on day one. Buy the mattress and basic bedding in advance. Buy everything else once you can measure the actual space and see where natural light falls and traffic flows.
What is the best place to buy cheap first apartment furniture?
Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor for used furniture in good condition. IKEA for new affordable basics (especially KALLAX, MALM, and HEMNES lines). Goodwill and Salvation Army for kitchen items, lamps, and small pieces. Target for basics like bedding, towels, and organizers. Avoid high-end furniture stores until you are settled and know what you actually need.
Your first move, done right
We move first-apartment residents every day across 11 markets. Background-checked crew, no hidden fees, $5 deposit, pay after the move. Check out our college moving service for student-specific options.
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