Renting a 1-Bedroom Apartment: Move-In Essentials

Renters often discover that landlords skip the basics. This list covers move-in essentials, cleaning, and the utility gaps that derail move-in day.

80 Items
47 Essentials
Estimated $2010.00
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Categories
Move-in Basics Kitchen Parent Setup Home Setup Guest Bedding Bedding Prep & Storage Bedroom Organization Storage Utility Gaps Care & Safety Safety Living Room Bathroom Cleaning Lighting & Electronics Flooring & Space Decor & Plants Bathroom Setup Living Area Entryway Small Space Org Home Decor Apartment Decor

Prices shown are typical estimates. Actual prices may vary.

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Move-in Basics

Immediate essentials for day one
Kitchen trash can
essential Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Shower curtain liner and rings
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Bath mat
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Moving Labels
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $5.00
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Door Stopper Set
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Wall Patch Kit
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Entryway Key Hook
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $6.00
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Kitchen

Cooking and dining essentials
Cookware set
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $80.00
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Cooking Utensil Set
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $8.00
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Can Opener
essential Qty 1 · Est. $5.00
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Dish Towels
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Dish Rack
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Plates and Bowls
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Measuring Cups
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Mixing Bowls
essential Qty 1 · Est. $5.00
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Parent Setup

Move-in day essentials
Mattress protector
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Tool Kit
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $25.00
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Step Stool
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Furniture Pads
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $8.00
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Home Setup

Tools and day-one basics
Measuring tape
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Guest Bedding

Sheets and comfort layers
Blackout curtains
essential Qty 1 · Est. $25.00
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Bedding

Sleep basics and comfort
Throw blanket
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Prep & Storage

Prep faster and store smart
Cutting board
essential Qty 1 · Est. $10.00
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Bedroom

Sleep and storage
Sheet Set
essential Qty 1 · Est. $35.00
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Pillow Set
essential Qty 2 · Est. $18.00
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Bedside Lamp
essential Qty 1 · Est. $30.00
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Pillows
essential Qty 1 · Est. $25.00
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Hangers
essential Qty 1 · Est. $6.00
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Laundry Hamper
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Clothes Steamer
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $4.00
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Under-Bed Storage Bin
essential Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Organization

Labels and storage helpers
Command hooks
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $6.00
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Storage

Make the most of small spaces
Over-Door Hooks
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $6.00
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Under-Bed Storage
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Utility Gaps

Landlords often forget these
Basic tool kit
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $25.00
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LED light bulbs (multipack)
essential Qty 1 · Est. $20.00
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Compact fire extinguisher
essential Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Light Bulbs
essential Qty 1 · Est. $20.00
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Thermostat Batteries
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Outlet Adapters
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Power Outage Night Light
essential Qty 1 · Est. $20.00
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Care & Safety

Peace-of-mind basics
Flashlight
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Safety

Protect your new space
Smoke Detector Batteries
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Living Room

Comfort and lounge basics
Doormat
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Floor Lamp
essential Qty 1 · Est. $20.00
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Curtains
essential Qty 1 · Est. $25.00
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Bathroom

Shower and sink essentials
Shower curtain
essential Qty 1 · Est. $16.00
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Cleaning

Quick cleanups and hygiene
Toilet plunger
essential Qty 1 · Est. $8.00
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Mop and bucket set
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Broom and dustpan
essential Qty 1 · Est. $16.00
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All-purpose cleaner
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Disinfecting wipes
recommended Qty 2 · Est. $6.00
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Paper towels
essential Qty 1 · Est. $9.00
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Trash bags
essential Qty 1 · Est. $7.00
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Toilet brush
essential Qty 1 · Est. $9.00
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Vacuum
essential Qty 1 · Est. $120.00
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Mop
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Sponges
essential Qty 1 · Est. $5.00
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Microfiber cloths
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $6.00
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Glass Cleaner
essential Qty 1 · Est. $7.00
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Toilet Bowl Cleaner
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Lighting & Electronics

Power, light, and daily tech
Surge protector
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $16.00
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Power strip
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $14.00
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Extension cord
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Alarm clock
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Flooring & Space

Protect the floor
Mirror
optional Qty 1 · Est. $35.00
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Decor & Plants

Boost mood
Rug
optional Qty 1 · Est. $45.00
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Bathroom Setup

Clean start
Plunger
essential Qty 1 · Est. $8.00
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Wastebasket
essential Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Living Area

Relaxing space
Sofa/Seating
essential Qty 1 · Est. $450.00
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Coffee Table
essential Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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TV Stand
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $200.00
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Entryway

Welcome home
Shoe Rack
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Key Bowl
essential Qty 1 · Est. $15.00
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Coat Rack
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $50.00
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Mail Organizer
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Small Space Org

Maximize space
Closet Organizer
recommended Qty 1 · Est. $18.00
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Home Decor

Personalize your space
Plants
optional Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Apartment Decor

Personal style
Posters/Art
optional Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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Cushions
optional Qty 1 · Est. $12.00
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