First Apartment Checklist: Costs, Budget & Everything You Need

Your first apartment will cost roughly two to four times your monthly rent upfront, including the security deposit, first and last month's rent, moving expenses, and basic furnishings. Budget $3,000–$8,000 in total move-in costs for a typical apartment. Below is a step-by-step checklist covering budgeting, apartment hunting, move-in costs, essential purchases, and insurance so nothing catches you off guard.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

Before you start browsing listings, know what you can realistically afford. The standard guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. If you earn $4,000/month before taxes, aim for $1,200 or less.

Key budget rules:

• The 30% rule: Maximum rent should be 30% of gross income
• The 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs (including rent), 30% for wants, 20% for savings
• The 3x rule: Most landlords require your income to be at least 3x the monthly rent

Do not forget to budget for expenses beyond rent: utilities ($100–250/month), internet ($50–80/month), renters insurance ($15–30/month), groceries, and transportation. Your total housing cost is more than just the rent number on the listing.

Step 2: Find the Right Apartment

Start your search 4–6 weeks before your target move-in date. Most landlords will not hold a unit longer than 2–3 weeks. Here is what to prioritize:

• Commute time: A cheaper apartment with a 90-minute commute costs you in gas, transit passes, and lost time
• Included amenities: In-unit laundry, included utilities, or free parking can save $100–300/month
• Neighborhood safety: Check crime maps and visit at night before signing
• Lease terms: 12-month leases are standard, but month-to-month gives flexibility at a premium
• Roommate option: A 2-bedroom split with a roommate can save 30–50% vs. living solo

When touring, check water pressure, outlet locations, phone signal, window condition, and any existing damage. Take photos of everything before signing the lease.

Step 3: Calculate Your Move-In Costs

Move-in day is the most expensive day of renting. Here is a realistic breakdown for a $1,500/month apartment:

• First month's rent: $1,500
• Security deposit: $1,500 (usually 1 month's rent)
• Last month's rent (if required): $1,500
• Broker fee (NYC, Boston): $1,800–$2,700 (one month or 8–15% annual rent)
• Moving truck or movers: $300–$2,000
• Utility deposits: $50–200
• Renters insurance (first month): $15–30

Total estimate: $3,365–$9,430 for a $1,500/month apartment, depending on your city and whether a broker is involved. With a roommate, these costs are split, often cutting your portion in half.

Step 4: Essential Purchases for Your First Apartment

You do not need to furnish the entire apartment on day one. Focus on the essentials first and add comfort items over the following months.

Day 1 essentials ($500–$1,500):

• Mattress and bedding (do not sleep on the floor even one night)
• Towels and shower curtain
• Toilet paper, hand soap, basic cleaning supplies
• Trash bags and a trash can
• Basic kitchen items: pot, pan, spatula, knife, cutting board, plates, cups, utensils
• Light bulbs (many apartments come with empty sockets)

First month additions ($300–$1,000):

• A desk or table for eating and working
• Seating (even a folding chair works short-term)
• Hangers and basic closet organization
• Laundry hamper and supplies
• First aid kit and basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, measuring tape)

Money-saving tip: Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist free section, and local buy-nothing groups before buying new. Previous tenants in your building may be selling furniture at steep discounts.

Step 5: Get Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is one of the cheapest and most valuable protections you can buy. For $15–30 per month, it covers:

• Personal property: Replacement cost if your belongings are stolen, burned, or water-damaged
• Liability: If someone gets injured in your apartment and sues
• Additional living expenses: Hotel and food costs if your apartment becomes uninhabitable

Many landlords require renters insurance as a lease condition. Even if yours does not, get it. A single stolen laptop could cost more than years of premiums. Most policies also cover your belongings outside your apartment (theft from your car, for example).

Common First-Apartment Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spending the maximum you can afford: Leave a cushion. If you qualify for $1,800, aim for $1,400–1,500 so unexpected expenses do not wreck your budget.
2. Forgetting move-in costs: Many first-time renters budget for monthly rent but not the $3,000–$5,000+ needed on day one.
3. Skipping the lease fine print: Know your notice period, pet policy, subletting rules, and early termination penalties before signing.
4. Not documenting move-in condition: Take dated photos of every wall, floor, and fixture. This protects your security deposit at move-out.
5. Buying all-new furniture: Secondhand furniture can save 60–80%. Your first apartment does not need to look like a catalog. Focus on functional over fashionable.