What to buy when moving into a new apartment

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, but it can also create some stress if you’re unsure of exactly what you’ll need or how to effectively fill your space. 

If you’re moving into a new off-the-plan apartment, a lot of the hard work of selecting the perfect colour palette, stylish fittings and fixtures and high-quality interiors has already been done for you, but there is still the matter of choosing the right furniture and ensuring you have everything you need. 

Here is our list of the key things you will need when moving into your new apartment:

How to prioritise what you need for your new apartment

Start with the basic necessities. What are the vital things we all need to live comfortably and happily? 

Make sure your water, electricity and gas is connected before you move in. This can be arranged over the phone with your chosen utility suppliers – you just need to ensure you have your meter box number and the main power switch is OFF, so they can connect your utilities remotely. Your real estate agent can help you make sure you have the correct information and the apartment is ready for you to move in with power, gas and water connected. 

A toolkit with a screwdriver, hammer, some nails and a measuring tape will also come in handy on your first day - just in case. 

We all need to sleep, eat and bathe – so this is a perfect place to start once moving day arrives. It goes without saying that you will need a mattress and bed, but also bedding; sheets and a duvet cover. 

Make sure you have cutlery and a dinner setting on the day you move in so you can christen your new kitchen by cooking your first meal, or enjoy some local take-away on your own plates. 

Bring towels, your toothbrush and toothpaste, soaps and body wash so you can enjoy a well-deserved shower after spending the day moving and setting up your new home. 

If you have somewhere to sleep, items to eat with and soaps and towels in the bathroom, your first night in your new apartment is sure to be comfortable and happy. 

Kitchen essentials for a new apartment

Here are a few kitchen essentials that will get you through your first few weeks, so you can focus on adding your own personal flair and keep-sakes to your space as you get a feel for your new apartment.

• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Water glasses and mugs
• An electric kettle
• Tea and coffee
• Frying pan, pots, and baking sheets
• Toaster, microwave and blender
• Food storage containers
• Spatula and any other cooking utensil that you use regularly

Bathroom essentials for your new apartment

You will need a few key items for your bathroom, including:

• Toilet paper
• Soap, body wash and shampoo
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Towels and a floor mat

Cleaning supplies 

Cleaning supplies are vital for both the kitchen and bathroom, as well as other living spaces in your new apartment. If you have them on-hand the day you move in, you can make sure the space is spotless before you start moving in your furniture. Ensure you have:

• Disinfectant spray
• A vacuum cleaner, or a broom/dust-pan and broom
• A multi-surface cleaning spray
• Cloths, rags or paper towels
• Laundry detergent and stain remover
• Toilet scrubber and toilet cleaner
• Dish/dishwasher soap and sponges

What you need in your other living spaces of a new apartment

When moving into an apartment, it’s important to ensure that you have ample storage space. Many off-the-plan apartments have generous built-in storage and cabinetry, but it never hurts to have multi-function furniture to store everything you need. 

Living room items that can double as storage include:

• Hollow ottomans with removable lids to store blankets, pillows or miscellaneous items in.
• Television units with plenty of space to hold any gaming consoles or personal items, while also concealing any cables and power sockets from view.
• Bookshelves that double as places to showcase your personal keep-sakes, which also provide space for baskets or boxes to store paperwork, charging cords or miscellaneous items.

Most off-the-plan apartments will have generous built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms, but ensure you have enough space by purchasing a clothing rack or stand-alone wardrobe if you think it will be necessary. 

Moving house is an exciting time – particularly if you’re moving into a new apartment! If you ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your first night, you will be setting yourself up for a comfortable and happy time in your new home.

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