All Items to Buy When Moving in With Your Partner
Taking that next step of moving in together is a big deal. It might not mean marriage yet, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and adjust to a new lifestyle. You’ll likely have to answer some big questions like, how do we maintain our independence? Is it weird to share a bathroom? And, how do we divide up the chores and tasks? Once you’ve made the decision and are jumping in head first towards moving in, there are a few practical hurdles: finding the apartment, setting a move-in date, and wrapping up your current living situation.
Don’t forget to plan ahead! Before you move in, you’ll want to think about how to combine your household. Here is a convenient and quick checklist to figure out if you have everything you need and to decide who is bringing what. You may want to go in on some of these items brand new to start fresh in your new apartment. Think of it like a registry for married couples, but really a practical list to determine what you have and what you need. This is a minimalist checklist to get you started, but it covers all of the basics so that you can start this next phase of your relationship in a functioning and happy household.
Here are the basics you need to find between the two of you, or buy new!
Couples Checklist
Here’s a shopping checklist for couples moving in together.
Kitchen
- Cookware: Pots, pans, baking sheets
- Utensils: Knives, spatulas, ladles, tongs, vegetable peeler
- Cutting Boards: One for veggies, one for meat
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Dinnerware: Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses
- Flatware: Forks, knives, spoons
- Food Storage Containers
- Coffee Maker or Kettle
- Toaster or Toaster Oven
- Microwave
- Dish Towels and Sponges
- Trash Can and Recycling Bins
- Basic Pantry Staples: Salt, pepper, cooking oil, spices, sugar, flour
Living Room
- Sofa or Couch
- Coffee Table
- TV Stand
- Bookshelves
- Lamps: Table or floor lamps for lighting
- Throw Pillows and Blankets
- Curtains or Blinds
- Rugs
- Decorative Items: Picture frames, artwork, plants
Bedroom
- Bed Frame and Mattress
- Bedding: Sheets, pillowcases, duvet/comforter, blankets
- Pillows
- Nightstands
- Dressers or Storage Units
- Clothes Hangers
- Lamps or Bedside Lights
- Curtains or Blinds
- Full-Length Mirror
- Laundry Hamper
- Alarm Clock
Bathroom
- Shower Curtain and Liner
- Bath Towels: Bath, hand, and washcloths
- Bath Mat
- Toothbrush Holder
- Soap Dispenser or Dish
- Shower Caddy
- Toilet Brush and Plunger
- Trash Can
- Toilet Paper Holder
- Storage for Toiletries
- Mirror (if not included)
- Basic Cleaning Supplies: Disinfectant, toilet cleaner, sponges
Dining Area
- Dining Table and Chairs
- Placemats or Tablecloth
- Coasters
- Serving Dishes
- Wine Glasses and Bottle Opener
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
- Napkin Holder
Laundry
- Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener
- Drying Rack or Clothesline
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Baskets or Hampers
Entryway
- Welcome Mat
- Shoe Rack or Tray
- Coat Hooks or Rack
- Key Holder
- Umbrella Stand
Home Office/Workspace
- Desk and Chair
- Office Supplies: Pens, paper, scissors, tape
- File Organizer
- Desk Lamp
- Surge Protector
Miscellaneous
- Tool Kit: Hammer, screwdrivers, nails, tape measure
- First Aid Kit
- Extension Cords
- Batteries
- Light Bulbs
- Basic Cleaning Supplies: Broom, mop, vacuum cleaner, dustpan
- Reusable Shopping Bags
This checklist covers most of the basics for setting up a new home together. Adjust based on your specific needs and preferences! Download the free Out of Milk app to help you organize your moving checklist.
