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Your First Apartment Checklist For Bloomington

December 23, 2020

First Apartment Checklist

You discovered the perfect place with the perfect layout for your first apartment. Now, you signed the contract, put your stuff in boxes, and you’re ready to move. However, knowing what items you’ll want for your new apartment can get confusing. What should be on your first apartment checklist for Bloomington?

Here’s a checklist of the basics that you should have when you move in. You might be able to bring some of these basic items from your childhood home, but for other things you might need to go to IKEA or Bloomington’s local furniture store. Online stores such as Ebay are good places to find things at, too. We’ll also provide you with a short list of helpful items that can make living on your own a little better.

Bloomington apartment bedroom 

Bloomington First Apartment Checklist: The Bedroom

These essential items are ideal for a one-bedroom apartment, as you need somewhere to put your bed and clothes. If you are leasing a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment, these things also work well for a guest room.

Essentials:

  • Mattress

  • At least two good pillows

  • Sheets

  • Comforter or Blanket

  • Bedframe

  • Armoire or dresser

  • Clothes hangers

Additional items:

  • Headboard for your bed

  • Large mirror

  • Bedside table and lamp

  • Collapsible laundry hamper

  • Additional blankets

  • Television

  • Shoe rack

Bloomington apartment living room

Bloomington First Apartment Checklist: The Family Room

The living room is the room where you’ll spend a lot of your time. It’s also the space where you’ll have friends and family sit in (although many events end up in the kitchen).

Essentials:

  • Sofa or a few cozy chairs

  • Additional seating

  • Coffee table

  • Entertainment center or TV stand

  • TV

Also nice:

  • End tables

  • Shelves for books, DVDs, or knick-knacks

  • Accent pillows and napping blankets

  • Area rug

Bloomington apartment kitchen area

Bloomington First Apartment Checklist: The Kitchen/Dining Room

The kitchen is easy for a new renter because most of your appliances -- like the refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven -- are already in your apartment. You only really need somewhere to sit in the dining area, but we recommend being able to seat at least four people. Even if you live alone, it’s good to eat at the table with family or friends.

Essentials:

  • Dining room table and chairs (seats 

  • Silverware, plates, and glasses (4 place settings)

  • Mugs

  • Kitchen scissors, spatula, can opener

  • Microwave-if not provided

  • A good frying pan or skillet

  • A cookie sheet

  • A good chef knife

  • Pot for boiling water

  • Oven mitts

Also Nice:

  • Shelves or china cabinet for holding extra dishes

  • Coffee pot

  • Spices, including salt and pepper

  • Dish soap and scrub brush

  • Storage containers

  • Corkscrew, cheese grater, and other cooking items

  • A full knife set

  • Mixing bowls and measuring cups

  • Food -- It’s always helpful to move in with food already in the fridge

Bloomington apartment bathroom

Bloomington First Apartment Checklist: The Bathroom

The bathroom won’t need too much, as the shower, sinks, toilets, and medicine cabinets are built in. If you have a guest bathroom, you only need toilet paper, soap, and a small towel. There are only a few basic items needed for your main or master bath but not as many as in your other rooms.

Essentials:

  • Toilet paper

  • Soap

  • Toothpaste, toothbrush, and other individual toiletries

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Large bath and small hand towels

  • Shower liner, curtain, and hooks

  • Trash can

Also Nice:

  • Floor mat

  • Over the door hooks for towels and bathrobes

  • Toothbrush holder

Bloomington apartment cleaning supplies

Bloomington First Apartment Checklist: Miscellaneous Items

Some household basics aren’t just for a single room. Consider these needed move-in items for an easy transition.

Essentials:

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Trash pails for every room

  • Vacuum

  • Broom and dustpan

  • Laundry detergent

  • Base tool set of a flathead screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver, hammer, and small wrench

Also Nice:

  • Wall artwork

  • Desk to work at

  • Personal knick-knacks

  • Extra light bulbs

  • Sweeper or mop

  • Charging and extension cords

  • Outside doormat

  • Duffle bag and towels for the apartment pool and workout center

Tour What Could Be Your First Bloomington Apartment At City Flats on Walnut

Of course, the first item on your first apartment checklist should be securing an apartment lease! Come and visit City Flats on Walnut and see the ideal community for your first apartment. Contact us at 812-578-8827 or hit the Schedule a Tour button and take a tour with us soon!