The BEST First Apartment Checklist: Everything You Need For Your First Apartment

This video is all about the best first apartment checklist.
Get my FREE First Apartment Checklist at bysophialee.com/first-apartme...
Moving into your first apartment can be overwhelming. This first apartment checklist will help make sure you have everything you need for this new phase in your life.
There are so many products to consider that it can be difficult to remember everything. From kitchen utensils to mattresses, to cleaning products...it can become very overwhelming!
I'm an extreme planner so for the last six months I've been putting lists together of everything I needed to buy for my first apartment.
I have made a printable version of this huge first apartment checklist so that you can use it and make sure you have everything you need.
You DO NOT need to buy everything (I didn't...it's expensive!) but having a list that you can refer back to makes life so much easier.
This video is all about the best first apartment checklist.
#apartment #firstapartment #firstapartmentchecklist #apartmentdecorating
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Follow me at:
Instagram: / bysophialee
Website: bysophialee.com/
Pinterest: / bysophialee
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Want to know where I got I got my first apartment essentials from? Find links to everything here - bysophialee.com/by-sophia-lee...
KITCHEN:
-Bar Stools: rstyle.me/+H0bOWZviD_ULNEahed...
-Pots + Pans: amzn.to/3aMOMHX
-Dishes: rstyle.me/+1fsyiHiVFd1KEwouMh...
-Gold Cookware Set: amzn.to/2TGvi1V
-Gold Silverware: rstyle.me/+ickD-U-vsfwPBi_6vk...
-Knife Set: amzn.to/2NN21z3
LIVING ROOM:
-Couch: rstyle.me/+ZKbQVrCslC1TBEDVF2...
-Coffee Table: rstyle.me/+g0jYdyLFW8KS3XKQhI...
-TV: amzn.to/2TWdzm5
BEDROOM:
-Bed: rstyle.me/+ZjdBVudZ0MiUdhu2X9...
-Mattress: amzn.to/33ahmQV
-Mattress Topper: amzn.to/2TZs8VQ
-Bed Sheet Set: amzn.to/2IzU9OC
-Satin Pillow Cases: amzn.to/2IFWR5j
-Duvet Covers (i bought 2): amzn.to/2TEOM77
-Duvet Cover: amzn.to/2IFETzG
-Nightstands: rstyle.me/+bq1JcJNdUVNn1jXIS4...
Please subscribe to my channel / @bysophialee to see more videos on first apartment tips, decorating, recipes, and organization + cleaning tips.
Music: www.bensound.com/
This video contains my affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

[@blakemiranda6980]

Some people would say you over did it, but I don’t think people realize that moving out requires a super solid foundation. It’s not enjoyable to move out & feel like you downgraded in life & set yourself up for failure. I tell people all the time that when I moved out, I wanted to have the same kind of lifestyle & living space as when I lived at my parents. So I made sure I had everything that they would have in their kitchen. It makes it feel more homey & you don’t feel like you NEED anything. This is helpful. People would be wise to do the same.

[@BySophiaLee]

I agree! :)

[@alexnicoles5575]

I wish I had done that, such a good idea. I moved into my first place with just what I thought the basics were and they worked well but WOW it did not feel like home. I took me about six months of hating my apartment to finally figure out how to make it a home

[@blakemiranda6980]

Alex Nicoles i watched 3 of my best friends move out before me & it was sad to watch... they moved back in with their parents when I moved out into the same apartment complex they lived in & they were like mad that all of our mutual friends would walk into my apartment & take their shoes off & treat it like a home bc everyone treated their apartment like a party house.. but I vanished for like 8 months & worked overtime & saved money & didn’t leave my parents house & they moved out super quick. Takes a lot. At least you figured it out! Some people really can’t. It show you were determined & had the mindset to make a home for yourself & we love that for you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@alexnicoles5575]

Blake Miranda oh wow, what a sad experience for them. Thankfully I never had anything like that. I just ended up putting myself in a position where I had everything I needed to survive in the home, but nothing cozy to add to it or make it feel warm aside from my books. I wanted to love my house, but it felt so cold and I couldn’t figure out why. I became so homesick all I could think was that I just wanted to go home, but I found ways to make it warmer with fragrance, wall art, blankets, candles, etc and eventually it transformed! Now I love being here and really enjoy my time in my home.

[@soccerchick9841]

Blake Miranda good for you, for being responsible and doing what needed to be done

[@ubaok24]

I would suggest those who are apartment shopping to stick to your budget. Don't overspend in rent because you want to keep up with your friends' lifestyles.

[@family561]

Good tip

[@theemperor2017]

@port nut YUP!!

[@Z5Z5Z5]

When I move I expect to sleep on a mattress on the floor and have a desk and own practically nothing in the beginning

[@gladlock]

@port nut seriously, I can’t believe these young people. I landed on this video because I broke up with my bf and have to move out, figured I’d get a refresh on what I need to buy. This is such an unrealistic set of things for a person just starting out in life

[@Ty-me6pl]

Hahahaha I died when she was saying she only said she splurged on two things and then looked at her list again and said "oh shit"

[@aeroroxco]

Note to self: move a little before the holidays to get those holiday sales

[@allisonnicole1659]

I’m moving in December and Black Friday is about to be my best friend

[@Madam.Pentious]

me moving in before black friday hyped af

[@amandacastillo4525]

Agreed. I’m moving in late December and Black Friday and cyber Monday are calling my name 🤣

[@seneca8046]

@@amandacastillo4525 sameee I’ve already gone Black Friday cyber shopping at Walmart. Waiting for the next one, next week to get Tv’s on sale 😭

[@weisabunny]

This helped soooo much!!! Thank you!!! I'm getting divorced, starting from scratch, last time I did this was 25 years ago! So I searched YT knowing I'd find something, I added lots to my list. Thank you!!!!

[@Brookiesncrme]

I hope everything is going great

[@estherolawuyi4204]

same hon except yours was 3 years ago and mine is in 5 days. How has it been?

[@sunshines_life]

Also don't feel cheap for going to a dollar store. Some of them have loads of great apartment/house essentials for a dollar. I definitely plan on hitting a dollar tree when I move out there's no need to spend so much on somethings when you're on a budget!

[@allisonnicole1659]

Basic organizers are a dollar store thing for sure! And they have some great kitchen basics!

[@blazinjaye45]

People go broke tryna impress others

[@AG-cc8hg]

best apartment checklist video i've seen so far ! and I've been watching ALL day

[@BySophiaLee]

hahah good!! glad I could help ;)

[@omnilawrence5792]

Rightt😂

[@katelynn2515]

Good thing this is the first one I’m watchinggg

[@kendrick4l511]

My girl needed a bank statements and stub last week and I was worried about her loosing her not getting her new apartment 😴 but everything good now only because of deelscafe good work 👍

[@therealsaint3075]

he is very good with stub i just got from him kn insta

[@xxcheyxx12]

I got a lot of extremely similar stuff at dollar tree and Walmart. Definitely price shop! 1.97c for measuring cups vs 4, 2$ for oven mits vs 6, mainstays is the Walmart brand and they actually have really decent starter sets of dishes, silver ware, pans, etc.

[@soccerchick9841]

yeah, I mean it’s a good list. But I wouldn’t spend as much on necessities as what she did. they are good examples tho,

[@ronnietheboywonder]

I love how you're getting excited about silverware and the little things because I imagine myself being the same way when I get my own place.

[@bananaborz1]

I was fortunate in that I inherited my home from my grandparents, so I essentially never paid rent or mortgage in my life. That allowed me to put money in some various upgrades (mostly cosmetic, it's a 1800s Victorian style house--old but solidly built). I never really experienced getting a first apartment like most, but I'm still grateful for the house and will never sell it.

[@anouksondagh902]

You're super lucky!!! I'm so happy for you! Victorian style homes are my fav!!

[@bananaborz1]

@@anouksondagh902 Would you believe, eight months later, I'm not even finished? I live in a constant state of renovations or I'm always looking at wallpaper samples and upholstery swatches. And the dust. So much post-construction dust.

[@dinosaur3126]

When I went to college I just got the extreme basics and I am filling in the gaps as I need them cause you don't want to buy something if you won't actually use it.

[@BySophiaLee]

great idea!!

[@hy930807]

I agree. It’s easily attemping buying sets. I remember going to uni and almost all flat mates came with like 12 piece plates etc I nearly did that too because it was a cheap price. But it jus results in they won’t wash until last plate used so jus a pile of mouldy stuff. And when living alone don’t really need that many

[@Z5Z5Z5]

This is what I'm gonna do

[@kenzieurbanec7527]

this is seriously the best video i’ve seen! i watch these videos constantly and not kidding this is the one i’m always going to be looking back at. love it!! as always, super helpful! :)

[@foodlover-bv5kw]

I’m 14 and watching this knowing I won’t be moving in 4 years . It’s just relaxing.

[@samdraven8536]

I relate so much. I have to plan everything out no matter what it is. I've been looking as apartments for months now. Writing down everything I'm actually gonna need. Making budget plans. Etc.. you're awesome

[@ChiChi-sb4ys]

Same here! I plan to move next March and I’ve been planning since fall 2019! I like to be very well prepared and have some room for errors cause things do not always go as planned lol

[@KateJRoberts]

I’m moving out in 9 months and I’m doing the same thing! I buy a few things I know I’ll need every month so by the time I move out I will be set and not in debt! Lol Also, a lot of the things you mentioned can be found at thrift stores for really inexpensive too. 🧡

[@BySophiaLee]

totally agree!!

[@allisonnicole1659]

I’m moving in December and every paycheck I tackle a few more things. It’s a great strategy to make sure you can get everything you want but you’re not killing your bank account all at once

[@anouksondagh902]

Everyone: i had " 9" months to prepare. Me: having to move out within 2 months with finding a place and everything. Found a studio yesterday, moving in 3 weeks!😱

[@vivianaramirez21]

This video was SO helpful!! I am slowing purchasing items throughout the year for my first apartment next year and I have started a checklist as well! I love the white and gold theme, you are spot on! Thank you for the informative video!

[@MrBrownsugar85]

Never been on my own before and I’m doing this. Also going around my parents home taking note of all the household items we have and getting them beforehand so it feels like I have everything I need

[@nativee6228]

You’re so awesome! I’m trying to start my own blog and didn’t know how to , then I came across your video about how to start a blog! So informative! Thanks for your awesome tips and positivity!! Subscribed and love watching all your videos!! Keep up the good and hard work!!

[@singingwithbella]

Love this video! Now I’m excited to move in to my new apartment, I’ve been more excited for the new space now I’m excited to decorate it! Great video!:)

[@mkaylaedwards6066]

I wanna point out that a lot of the time goodwill has plate sets and they are usually only about .99 cents a plate. I got a set of 5 big plates and 5 small plates for $5 (i got them on sale because of the sticker on them) Same with cups! they almost always have glass cups and mugs, I even found some neat sundae cups (5 of them!) and for the cups I spent about the same as the plates, maybe a little more. Life hacks from a super broke college kid

[@alyssalauren1906]

you did an phenomenal job with your apartment and this video!! thanks for all the tips, i will definitely be printing out this list! everything looked gorgeous and i love your style ♥️

[@VanillaCokeFriends]

Amazing! Love this and it’s so useful even after I’ve lived alone for a while.

[@violinplayer101]

Great video, and your first apartment is gorgeous! When I moved out and got my first apartment, I went to IKEA for about 90% of my stuff. Their kitchen stuff in particular is such great quality for how inexpensive it is...The furniture isn’t the best because it’s particle board, but it’s ok for a first apartment when you don’t want to spend a lot of $$. I got my bed frame and mattress from Amazon (free shipping was awesome, and their mattresses come rolled up and vacuum sealed, so makes set up very easy)

[@alyssac5130]

I’m almost 18 (about a month away!) and I want to start building up my stuff and be out of the house by 19 so this was a great list for me to go off of. Thank you!

[@littlemisscerberus]

Did you do it

[@ig6372]

Me and my friend are planning on moving out around June and can't wait, I felt like I was over thinking a list when I mentioned it to her and we put so much on it thinking we forgot something but this does make a ton of sense. It also takes off a lot of the weight off my shoulders, since we both will be buying practically double of mostly everything for each room. I just think im going to over do it but this helps so much and it makes things clearer.

[@aphrodisiaxe]

So what I truly gathered from this other than her amazing taste is that I should 1) wait for sales, and 2) start buying in advance as well.

[@crystalnunez8596]

I just move to my first apartment today this video was extremely helpful definitely going used this to my advantage

[@MercedesGoVroom]

Also thank you for being honest about being able to find things cheaper at other places and full transparency in explaining how you acquired this over time so you were able to be more selective with style/price!

[@tbams58]

You’re the 1st video I sat through without getting bored. lol Great video and tips! 💕

[@destineeneumann7028]

The dollar store is also great for your dishes if you aren't too worried about style! I got just plain black glass dishes and they even have the matching sets there as well.

[@apotheases]

Thank you very much for these videos. They’ve been helping me a lot to plan my first apartment.

[@dayannanarvaez9500]

best video out here for this topic! Helped me out sooo much, THANK YOU!

[@naturallynova7447]

This checklist was so realistic and so helpful. Every other video is fully furnished which doesn’t help someone who is moving in to their first apartment!

[@kaylarosine]

This was super helpful! Thank you so much! I love this video❤️

[@tb11212]

I’m planning on moving out next year. I’m saving up and currently trying to decide what kind of design style I want 😃 I never considered Black Friday shopping for my apartment but I’m definitely going to now!

[@thefoodwench4848]

I agree about the dollar store! I acquired a whole set of guests dinnerware there years ago. As well as utensils And yes Goodwill!

[@alextaylor1805]

fell asleep watching this last night, so had to come back to finish it! I’m 21 and moving out of my dad’s house in March, and your videos have been SO helpful! Could you possibly do a video about renting site unseen (basically where you can’t view the apartment in person before renting?) i’m moving back home which is across the country.

[@alexandramiracle7213]

Thank you. When I will buy the apartments, I will rewatch your video.

[@samisalsa5546]

This is actually the best video on first apartment checklists, good job!

[@Katxo1831]

So many of these I didn't even think about, thank you!

[@dessiraytaylor5951]

i love how honest you are about the prices

[@michellecannon1554]

Broke college student here moving into her first place soon I’m nervous and really excited

[@alexiamaple9207]

This video was SOOOO helpful. I thought I had everything I needed to move and quickly realized I was way off. Thank you so much ‼️‼️

[@blakemiranda6980]

I did this before I moved out too. & everyone said it was very ocd personality of me.

[@nicolemariee7940]

No im the same way!!! Its just being organized lol

[@allisonnicole1659]

I have list after list after list. I’ve been asking everyone “what’s something you need in your house that you don’t think of until you need it” and there’s so much stuff you don’t think of. People say I’m planning too much but best bet I’m going to be prepared

[@anouksondagh902]

I have adhd and am chaotic as f but I made a list and everything as well. It's not ocd, It's smart😋

[@Tyrant96]

Ocd Works Wonders For Some 🍻

[@JayDeeMarvelMusic]

I was stressing about moving but this made it simple and detailed thank u so much I’m passing along to my friends

[@bubbleyumm223]

My boyfriend and I are moving in together in August and you literally just read my mind with this video. I definitely needed this💜💜

[@thatbluegirl7528]

How’s it going??

[@amandajs21]

This is so helpful!l I would have loved to watch something like this before I moved out. I totally think some stuff you can go cheap on. That's what I did and when we got married we got nice versions! :)

[@KatiePattee]

My first apartment I got most of my kitchen and bathroom supplies at the dollar store. If you don’t care about how cute things are and you’re trying to save money, I’d recommend the dollar store 100%. Also thrift stores are a big must for saving money on kitchen supplies!

[@ke-yara]

Im not moving for another two years but im so organized I have to start planning and making lists now 😅 definitely will be utilizing your website and channel

[@joanittabogere2941]

Thank you so much for doing this! I really appreciate it!!

[@lalypop449]

Oooooo Your checklist is basically everything I've gotten :3 but my theme is black 🖤🐈‍⬛ I've been going to Home Goods, target (hardly anything tho) and Walmart for bathroom decor. For the smallest things that don't have to be good quality, dollar tree. I feel like sometimes you do have to spend a little more especially on cookware because if you you get something cheap, can end up being poor quality and then you have to spend all over again.

[@esthiemma]

We plan to move out soon and for the past 2-3 years I’ve been filling boxes with stuff that I know I’ll need that way I’m not spending a fortune when the time comes. I love this video!!

[@islandboy4445]

That was my plan, but here I find myself in a rush because the apartment I want has opened up, and here I am unprepared (I'm my opinion). Kinda disappointed with myself tbh. But it feels like the right time. Good on you!

[@kaleyguinn6520]

is this the better way to go? i’m 17 and am gonna move out on my 18th birthday but i can’t decide if i should start to do this or not

[@emilielaroche7949]

@@kaleyguinn6520 you definitely need to work as much as you can and save as much as you can, when you find the apart you want to take the bare bare minimum and fill up with the needs that are actually showing up as you go. also, watch this with the video the girl made here. follow this video and fill up slowly with what this video is saying: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6u2hKR6Zb6Wr8U

[@tete22829wilson]

Omg thank you so much for this video

[@JS-kc2xs]

A list I didn’t know I needed. Thank you!

[@queentchianda7738]

Im planing to move out of my parents hose I 3 years time I knw it's far but I m using ur video to educate myself and prepare myself on how much I should start saving already to have my dream house ❤❤

[@jcbarquet]

Thanks for the video! I’m setting up my first apartment and this was helpful, you also have great taste. I am debating whether to get a dining table with chairs or just some bar stools to eat on my kitchen island. They look cute but wonder if I’ll miss having an actual table to eat on. But my apartment isn’t huge either..

[@moniquejay9213]

I love the living room rug 😩😍

[@breeyoung7377]

This is a greatly detailed video, thank you ☺️

[@amoniwatson3795]

Thank you so much I’m moving into my first place on Sunday and I’m lowkey freaking out thank you thank you thank you

[@TheCaramel211]

Congratulations! U have a nice apartment! Thanks for the tips

[@AWildJosieAppears]

This is super helpful, thanks so much!

[@sarahgooly6620]

Not me making the exact same list before I even started watching apartment videos! Love this same taste

[@erickeith1001]

Thanks @sophialee very helpful

[@miajobl]

Also don't forget cleaning supplies for kitchen/ bathroom/ living room, power cords, food containers, tin foil, and other little things you may not have notice you use until you need it. Also i heard it is cheaper to move into a new place during the colder months or holiday special deals. Ask people around you if they'll give you stuff they no longer need, but I would buy some food first before any of this stuff.

[@COPhill08]

This is everything thank you!

[@aesthetic_lovers23]

I am not even close to moving out I'm only in my early teens but I love watching apartment videos I have made a list of everything I'll need and I have even made a list in google docs where I am putting links to things I'll need.

[@andrew-qb5le]

Thanks for putting this together

[@sarahgooly6620]

I got a $1600 couch from Ashley and $300 coffee table from Wayfair too. Love it same

[@meicealways5842]

Your apt looks really nice...i love it

[@Jazzmin554]

Great video ❤ getting an apartment is so stressful lol especially when getting w2, paystubs and bank statements I had to pay an online vendor for help

[@luigy75]

I really loved your video, and it was very helpful. Thanks for all the tips and hacks. I’m buying my place next year and I’m very excited. Also, I think you forgot to mention a laundry basket, and or hamper!

[@BySophiaLee]

ohh yes!!! whoops! Good idea.

[@ericebarvia]

Thank you for this video.

[@ratedasmr7811]

I'm also studying Interior Design/Architecture in school. I'm going to buy most of my furniture over time. luckily I can get high-end furniture at a huge discount since I work at a furniture store.

[@joshualavonobeyer9183]

I can’t wait 😛 I’m 37 moving out with my love. I been with her for 11 years

[@dyanimoriah]

in regards to your yellow lighting. Check your white balance on your camera. And put in on indoor/tungsten. That usually solves the issue for me.

[@BySophiaLee]

I'll try that...thanks girl!!

[@chocolat3babe]

Thank you for this!!

[@mmazz414]

LOVED this list, thanks so much, Sophia!! Oh, and for all of you looking to buy cheap apartments... I'm moving to South Dakota in two weeks and just bought a 2BR for $565, all I pay is electric. Get out of the coasts and into the Midwest!! Your mental health and wallet will thank you :p

[@jasonmims5057]

I'm looking to buy my first house soon and here's something I would point out that I've noticed. There are so many small kitchen appliances out now it's ridiculous. I don't mean common ones like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders, I mean wired ones that make certain foods. Here are some: egg poachers and boilers, omlette makers, popcorn makers, quesadilla makers, hot dog toasters,and soda makers. Please don't look at all these things oh cool because you will wind up with whole bunch of machines in your kitchen taking space that you never use.

[@vgracevlogs784]

Great video definitely subbing!

[@florazeng3579]

Just to let you know, that's not laundry detergent. That's fabric softener, think of it as a conditioner.

[@martingallegos917]

This is one of the most useful videos that I'v seen in KZbin

[@GUROBOY..]

I’m only 12 but everyone is already telling me to think about my future, since time really does fly. Thank you for this video, I’m gonna need it someday! 🥛😩👍 Edit: by the way, I just want to say that dollar general and dollar tree are gonna be your best friend, also if you shop at Aldi keep doing that. I have a lot of good stuff from all those stores and I know life’ll be easy by using those stores and then other places for furniture. Then once you are able to get a more money, you can use walmart and better stores later

[@ArcaneGaming]

Ross, marshalls and DD’s discount are your best friend! For furniture I used credit programs like ACIMA credit. Just make sure you pay within 90 days so you don’t pay interest. Hope this helps someone!

[@siphxsiph8438]

Great advice thank you.

[@taylorbinger9802]

This is an amazing vid!!!

[@trentcalson105]

Thanks Cyber always

[@priscillasolis9962]

The gold spoons you can get a 20 pack from target for $20. Really nice video tho! So cute

[@xRainxBowxBritex]

your personality is adorable omg

[@melaniejane7481]

I'd love to see a video of what bakeware items you dub essential! I'm preparing my own little "glory box" of items, but I don't really know how many items/what sizes are good for 1-2 people! Like baking sheets??? What size??? I can't predict my future oven!!! Anyways, I would really love the help - also fab videos!

[@kaleschaos]

this is so helpful tysm!!

[@thePipeBandEnthusiast]

I’ll be working with charity shops for most of my furniture, but I love older stuff with history so that’s just my kind of thing. Saving money, reusing stuff and supporting charity.

[@BySophiaLee]

love that!!

[@alieunscripted]

I plan on moving in January 2022 so I’ll definitely be taking your advice and start stocking up early

[@_miravnm_]

Good video! But it seams like many people have other opinions. For me you don’t need to get everything when you move in. I find it less stressful to get things one by on to not be ,,overload“ I still kinda wish I started to save up for my own place a long time ago. Also It’s always good to get your parents to help if they ofer help

[@abbystankard1467]

Love your rug!! Do you know what size it is? I’m trying to figure out what size I should get for my apartment :)

[@ciaraiman5462]

Omg very helpful !

[@applebebe03]

Your Amazing thank you for this

[@nazishalia84]

I like your natural style keep it up 👏🏻👏🏻

[@laurenromaska5918]

Hi Sophia ! I ABSOLUTELY love watching your videos ! My boyfriend and I are currently searching to rent our very first apartment. And I am obsessing over what our interior decor and must haves i will need for my apartment. I need to start with the basics first! I learned in one of your videos not to get ahead of yourself and assume you’ll have your apartment fully furnished and ready to go within a month. And that was so helpful already because I’m so eager to get everything done. But I need to slow down! AHH just too excited 🤩😍😊. Anyways I’m still working through watching more videos and saving all of them for when I need to buy anything ! ALSO love your style, so simple and clean and CUTE! Giving me the best ideas. Keep up the videos please ! Love you 💕

[@gwendolynrobinson3900]

My husband has lived with a dorm mate, some roommates, and his mom and that's it. I've only lived with my parents and visited him for a few weeks. We've never had our own places though, never had to buy a lot of furniture or kitchen or cleaning stuff. In a few weeks once he graduates we're moving into our first house together! We got a lot of items for our wedding, mostly for our kitchen thankfully, and a LOT of cash to get things for ourselves. I'm pretty glad I didn't move out before getting married now bc I don't think my dad's coworker would've given me 50$ for cookie sheets or Aunt Amy would have given me 500$ for a couch. I'm so, so proud of anyone that fully furnishes their first home themselves because I cannot imagine it.