Start with enough to sleep, wash, make a simple meal and clean up. This editable starter checklist helps you see the gaps in your first apartment; the quantities are a starting point for your household. Optional extras start as skipped.
Before buying, inventory the supplied appliances, furniture, lighting and fittings. Confirm safety provisions and permitted changes with the landlord or building manager; your lease, appliance instructions and local safety rules take priority.
Your checklist
Saving, sharing and item plans
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Choose one plan per row. The checkbox is separate. If you own some and need more, split the item into two rows. Optional items start as Skip.
Buy only if missing; check dimensions and the maker's required bed base.
Sleeping pillow
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Start with one per person; bring a comfortable pillow you already own.
Bedding set
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Check mattress, pillow and duvet sizes and what the set actually includes.
Duvet or blanket
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Choose one suitable for the season; reuse a suitable one before buying.
Mattress protector
Quantity: 1 · Skip
Optional; check whether one is supplied and measure mattress depth.
Simple meals
Saucepan with lid
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
One useful size first; check it works with the installed hob.
Frying pan
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Choose a size for your usual meals and confirm hob compatibility.
Kitchen knife
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Start with one for everyday preparation; no need for a full knife block.
Chopping board
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Choose a practical size that fits your worktop and storage.
Cooking utensils
Quantity: 2 · Need to buy
A spoon and turner are a starting pair; check the cookware's care instructions.
Plates and bowls
Quantity: 2 · Need to buy
Start with one of each per resident; add spares only if useful.
Small cutlery set
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Enough for the residents; a large entertaining set can wait.
Glass and mug
Quantity: 2 · Need to buy
One of each per person is a starting point; bring existing ones.
Food containers
Quantity: 1 · Skip
Optional; add a small set if you keep leftovers or pack meals.
Bathroom basics
Bath and hand towels
Quantity: 2 · Need to buy
Start with one of each per person and adjust for your laundry routine.
Toilet brush and holder
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Check what is already present before adding a replacement.
First-day toiletries
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Bring your usual soap, toilet paper and personal washing essentials.
Shower curtain
Quantity: 1 · Skip
Only if the shower needs one; check the existing rail, size and hooks.
Cleaning and laundry
Broom and dustpan
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Choose a small set if none is available; store it within reach.
Mop
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Check floor care instructions and what cleaning equipment is supplied.
Basic cleaning supplies
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Cloths, a sponge and suitable cleaners; follow each product's label.
Rubbish bin
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Check supplied bins and local sorting arrangements before choosing size and number.
Laundry bag
Quantity: 1 · Need to buy
Use a bag you own if it works for your washing arrangements.
Add only if useful
Reading or desk lamp
Quantity: 1 · Skip
Optional; add one only where the existing light is insufficient.
Curtains
Quantity: 1 · Skip
Optional; check existing coverings, window measurements and permitted fittings.
Basic assembly tools
Quantity: 1 · Borrow
Borrow the tools your furniture instructions call for; confirm permission for any alterations.
Before you shop
Check what comes with the home
Walk through the apartment before making a shopping order. Check appliances, usable furniture, lights, storage and window coverings, then mark each usable item as owned or provided. Agree any shared purchases with the people living there.
Spend on the first week first
Choose the items you will use for sleep, washing, a few meals and cleaning. Leave guest sets, decorative pieces and extra furniture until you know how you use the space. Borrow tools for a one-off assembly job.
Measure before choosing a model
Check mattress and bedding sizes, available storage and the route through doors before ordering large items. Confirm cookware compatibility with the installed hob. For curtains, check the existing rail and any permission needed to change fittings.
Compare the exact item you choose
Settle on a model, size and set contents before checking prices with Muchita Shopping. Compare the same item price across shops and check delivery costs and conditions separately. A cheaper set is useful only if you need what it contains.
Questions about this list
What should I buy before the first night?
Fill the gaps for a usable sleeping setup, bedding, towels, toiletries and basic cleaning. Add a few cooking and eating items if you plan to prepare food immediately. Change anything already usable in the apartment to owned or provided.
Do I need to buy appliances for my first apartment?
Check the inventory and agreement first. Find out which appliances are supplied, work properly and are your responsibility before choosing replacements. A fridge, washing machine, oven or microwave is a separate decision, not an automatic shopping requirement.
What can wait until after I move in?
Extra food containers, lamps and curtains can wait when the home already meets those needs. A sofa, TV, guest tableware and decorative storage are also later choices. Activate an optional item only after checking its use, space and cost.
Sources and scope
IKEA: First apartment essentials for settling into your own place Commercial furnishing guidance from IKEA Philippines supports the sleep, toiletries, cookware, lighting, cleaning and tools categories. It does not establish rental obligations, appliance repair advice, safety requirements or local prices. Quantities and decisions are Muchita starter suggestions. Checked: 2026-10-03
IKEA: Flytta hemifrån-checklista: Tips på startpaket till ditt första hem Commercial starter-home guidance from IKEA Sweden supports tableware, cooking tools, food containers, bedding, towels, bathroom accessories, laundry bags, cleaning equipment and curtains. Product listings and Swedish prices are not recommendations for another market. Quantities and decisions are Muchita starter suggestions. Checked: 2026-10-03