First apartment checklist

What to handle before move-in day, what you need the first night, and what can wait until you've lived there a week. Items marked First night are the ones people most often wish they'd bought first.

Before move-in day

These take calls or appointments, so start them one to three weeks out.

• Electricity and gas in your nameSchedule service to start on your move-in date, not after.
• Internet installationInstall slots often book one to two weeks out.
• Renters insuranceMany leases require proof before you get keys.
• Change of addressUSPS mail forwarding, bank, employer, subscriptions.
• Move-in date and elevator or parking reservationAsk the building if movers need a reserved time.

Move-in day

• Document the condition of every roomPhotos of existing damage, dated, sent to your landlord before you unpack. It protects your deposit.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsPress the test button on each one.
• Find the breaker panel and water shutoffYou'll want to know before something goes wrong.

Kitchen

• Skillet and saucepan First nightTwo pans cover most meals; a full set can wait.
• Plates, bowls and flatwareA 12-piece dinnerware set and 20-piece flatware set serve four.
• Chef's knife and cutting board
• Cooking utensilsSpatula, spoon, tongs; silicone won't scratch nonstick.
• Trash can and 13-gallon bags First night
• Dish soap and sponges First night
• Food storage containers

Bathroom

• Toilet paper First night
• Plunger and toilet brush First nightBuy before you need it.
• Shower curtain, liner and hooks First night
• Bath towels and a bath mat
• Shower caddy

Bedroom

• Sheets and pillows First nightCheck your mattress size before buying.
• Mattress protectorCheap insurance for an expensive mattress.
• Comforter or duvet
• Hangers
• Blackout curtains or blindsMeasure the window first; rental blinds are often missing or broken.

Cleaning

• All-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloths First nightWipe down shelves and counters before unpacking.
• Broom and dustpan, or a mopMatch the cleaner to your floor type.
• Laundry basket and detergent

Safety and tools

• Basic tool kitFor furniture assembly and small fixes.
• Fire extinguisherKeep it near the kitchen, not above the stove.
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Step stool

Can wait a week or two

• LampsMany apartments have few overhead lights; live there first and see where it's dark.
• Surge-protected power strips
• Storage bins and wall hooksAdhesive hooks avoid holes in rental walls.
• Rugs, throws and decor