First Apartment with Boyfriend Checklist: Everything You Need

Everything you need for your first apartment with your boyfriend checklist. Our comprehensive checklist covers furniture, essentials, and tips for a smooth move-in.

Moving in with your boyfriend for the first time is an exciting milestone. This checklist covers everything you need to know, from planning and essential items to creating a comfortable living space together.

First Apartment with Boyfriend Checklist: Before the Move

Let’s talk about the exciting journey of moving into your first apartment! Before you start packing boxes, there are a few key things to consider. First off, have you thought about your expectations and budget? It’s crucial to sit down and really think about what you want from your new place and how much you can realistically afford.

Once you’ve got that sorted, it’s time for the fun part – choosing the right apartment! This can be a bit overwhelming, but take your time and don’t settle for something that doesn’t feel right. Remember, this is going to be your home, so it needs to tick all the important boxes.

Finally, don’t forget to set a move-in date. This might seem obvious, but having a specific date in mind will help you plan everything else around it. Trust me, it makes the whole process so much smoother!

First Apartment Essential Furniture

Now, let’s talk about furnishing your new space. The bedroom is a great place to start. You’ll definitely need a comfortable bed – after all, you’ll be spending a third of your time there! I recommend the Douglas mattress. A dresser for your clothes and a couple of nightstands will complete the essentials.

Moving on to the living room, a couch is an absolute must-have. It’s where you’ll relax after a long day, binge-watch your favorite shows, and entertain friends. Don’t forget a coffee table for those snacks and drinks, and a TV stand if you’re planning on bringing a television.

For the dining area, keep it simple with a table and chairs. Even if you’re not much of a cook, you’ll appreciate having a dedicated space for meals – Here are some cute examples!

1. Bed Frame & Mattress

• Why: A good night’s sleep is essential, and investing in a quality mattress and frame is a long-term benefit.
• Tip: Look for frames with built-in storage or platform beds to maximize space.

2. Sofa or Loveseat

• Why: The main piece for your living room, it’s the spot for lounging, entertaining, and relaxing.
• Tip: Choose a pull-out sofa for dual functionality if you have guests over.

3. Dining Table & Chairs

• Why: A small dining set is great for meals, working from home, or hosting friends.
• Tip: Opt for a drop-leaf or extendable table to adjust size as needed.

4. Coffee Table

• Why: A central spot for books, snacks, and decor in the living area.
• Tip: Choose one with extra storage or built-in shelving.

5. Storage Solutions (Dressers, Shelving, etc.)

• Why: Keep clutter at bay with ample storage for clothing, decor, and daily necessities.
• Tip: Multifunctional pieces like storage ottomans or cube shelving units are ideal for small spaces.

6. Desk & Chair

• Why: If you work from home or need a dedicated study space, a compact desk is essential.
• Tip: A foldable or wall-mounted desk works well in smaller apartments.

7. Nightstands

• Why: Having a place next to your bed for a lamp, books, or a phone charger keeps things convenient.
• Tip: Choose nightstands with drawers for additional storage.

8. Entryway Bench or Console Table

• Why: A stylish and functional piece for your apartment’s entrance where you can store shoes, bags, or keys.
• Tip: Look for a bench with hidden storage or a console table with baskets.

9. Lighting (Lamps and Floor Lamps)

• Why: Overhead lighting is often too harsh; floor lamps or table lamps can create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere.
• Tip: Look for dimmable options for flexible lighting.

Kitchen Necessities With Your Boyfriend

Speaking of cooking, let’s dive into kitchen essentials. Start with the basics: pots, pans, and utensils. You don’t need to go overboard, but make sure you have enough to whip up simple meals.

Don’t forget about dishware and glassware. A set of plates, bowls, and glasses will cover most of your needs. And hey, they don’t have to match perfectly – mismatched sets can add character to your kitchen!

Lastly, consider small appliances. A microwave is pretty much a necessity these days, and a coffee maker will save you money on those daily coffee runs. A toaster is also handy for quick breakfasts. If you need to further your first apartment with your boyfriend checklist an ultimate list of pantry items is available here.

1. Cookware

• Non-stick frying pan: For eggs, sautéing, and quick meals.
• Saucepan: Ideal for soups, sauces, and boiling.
• Large pot: Necessary for pasta, stews, and large meals.
• Baking sheet: For roasting veggies or baking cookies.

2. Utensils

• Spatula: Essential for flipping and stirring.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring soups and sauces.
• Tongs: Handy for grilling, serving, and sautéing.
• Whisk: For mixing batters, dressings, and eggs.
• Cutting board: Preferably one for meat and one for veggies to avoid cross-contamination.
• Knives: A chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated knife are the basics.
• Peeler: For fruits and vegetables.
• Can opener: A must for canned goods.

3. Tableware

• Plates and bowls: Start with a set of 4–6.
• Drinking glasses: Versatile for water, juice, or cocktails.
• Mugs: For coffee, tea, or hot beverages.
• Silverware set: Forks, knives, and spoons.

4. Kitchen Gadgets

• Toaster or toaster oven: For quick breakfasts or reheating.
• Microwave: Convenient for reheating and quick meals.
• Coffee maker or French press: If you’re a coffee drinker.
• Colander: For draining pasta, rinsing fruits and vegetables.

5. Food Storage

• Food containers: For leftovers, meal prep, or snacks.
• Plastic or silicone bags: Reusable bags for snacks, storage, and organization.
• Aluminum foil and plastic wrap: For food storage and covering dishes.

6. Cleaning Supplies

• Dish soap: Basic necessity for washing dishes.
• Sponges or dishcloths: For scrubbing pots, pans, and dishes.
• Dish rack: To dry dishes if you don’t have a dishwasher.
• Trash can & recycling bin: Keep your kitchen clean and eco-friendly.
• Paper towels: For spills and quick clean-ups.

7. Cooking Essentials

• Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings for all meals.
• Cooking oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing and cooking.
• Herbs and spices: Start with basics like garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.

8. Mixing and Prep

• Mixing bowls: Various sizes for mixing, prepping, and serving.
• Measuring cups & spoons: For precise cooking and baking.
• Grater: For cheese, zesting, or vegetables.

Bathroom Essentials

Now, let’s talk about the bathroom. Towels and bath mats are obvious must-haves. Make sure you have enough towels to last between laundry days.

A shower curtain is crucial unless you want water all over your floor! And don’t forget to stock up on toiletries – nothing worse than realizing you forgot to buy soap on moving day.

Storage solutions are often overlooked but super important in small apartment bathrooms. Consider over-the-toilet shelving or a hanging organizer to maximize space when considering your first apartment with your boyfriend checklist.

1. Towels

• Bath towels: At least two large, soft towels for drying off.
• Hand towels: For drying hands or face, keep a couple handy.
• Washcloths: Great for washing your face or body.
• Bath mat: Absorbent and slip-resistant to keep the floor dry and safe.

2. Shower Essentials

• Shower curtain & liner: If you don’t have a glass door, you’ll need these to prevent water from splashing.
• Shower hooks or rings: For hanging your shower curtain.
• Shower caddy: To keep shampoos, soaps, and loofahs organized.
• Loofah or wash sponge: For exfoliating in the shower.
• Non-slip bath mat: To prevent slipping inside the shower or tub.

3. Toiletries

• Hand soap: A must-have for handwashing.
• Toilet paper: Essential for every bathroom

4. Cleaning Supplies

• Toilet brush: For keeping the toilet clean.
• Plunger: Essential for emergencies.
• Bathroom cleaner: Disinfecting sprays or wipes for counters, toilets, and sinks.
• Glass cleaner: For keeping mirrors shiny and streak-free.
• Trash can: A small one for discarded tissues, wrappers, etc.

5. Toilet Accessories

• Toilet paper holder: If your bathroom doesn’t have a built-in one.
• Toilet brush holder: Keeps the brush discreet and clean.

6. First Aid Essentials

• Band-aids & antiseptic cream: For minor cuts and scrapes.
• Pain reliever: Keep essentials like ibuprofen or aspirin on hand.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning might not be the most exciting topic, but trust me, you’ll want to have supplies on hand from day one. Start with the basics: a broom, mop, and vacuum cleaner. These will cover most of your floor-cleaning needs.

You’ll also want cleaning products for different surfaces. All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and bathroom cleaner should cover the basics.

Don’t forget about laundry essentials! Detergent, fabric softener, and maybe some stain remover will keep your clothes fresh and clean.

Home Decor and Personal Touches

Now for the fun part – making your apartment feel like home! Wall art and photos are a great way to add personality to your space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles to create a look that’s uniquely you.

Throw pillows and blankets can add color and coziness to your living room and bedroom. They’re also an easy way to change up your decor without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget about plants! They add life to any space and can even help purify the air. If you’re not confident in your plant-keeping abilities, start with something low-maintenance like a snake plant or pothos. 

Need some additional Kitchen decor ideas click here

Practical Items

While they might not be the most exciting purchases, practical items are crucial for any new apartment. A first aid kit is a must-have – you never know when you might need it.

A basic tool kit will come in handy more often than you’d think. Things like a hammer, screwdrivers, and pliers can help with everything from hanging pictures to assembling furniture.

Lastly, consider stocking up on some emergency supplies. Flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items are good to have on hand just in case.

Setting Up Utilities and Services

This a really important step of the first apartment with your boyfriend checklist – Before you move in, you’ll need to set up your utilities and services. Internet and cable (if you want it) should be high on your list – nobody wants to be without WiFi on moving day!

Don’t forget about electricity and water. In some apartments, these might be included in your rent, but in others, you’ll need to set them up yourself.

Lastly, consider getting renters insurance. It’s usually pretty affordable and can give you peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected.

Creating a Comfortable Living Space

Once you’ve moved in, it’s time to make your apartment truly livable. Start by organizing your belongings. Having a place for everything will make your life so much easier.

If you’re living with roommates, now’s the time to establish some household rules. Things like quiet hours, guest policies, and cleaning schedules can prevent a lot of conflicts down the line.

Don’t forget to divide up responsibilities. Whether it’s taking out the trash or buying shared supplies, making sure everyone knows their role can help keep your apartment running smoothly.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Furnishing an apartment can get expensive, but there are ways to save money. Thrift stores can be goldmines for furniture and decor. You might be surprised at the gems you can find!

If you’re handy, consider some DIY projects. Painting old furniture or making your own wall art can save you money and give your apartment a unique touch.

Remember, you don’t have to buy everything at once. It’s okay to make gradual purchases over time. Focus on the essentials first and add the extras as your budget allows.

First apartment with your boyfriend checklist – If you need some help saving for your next apartment check out these useful tips.

Conclusion

Moving in together is an exciting new chapter in your relationship. By following this first apartment with your boyfriend checklist, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and create a comfortable home together. Remember to communicate openly, compromise when necessary, and enjoy this special time as you build your new life together.