Apartment Move-In

Is your college student ready to move from home (or a dorm or sorority house) into an apartment…on their own? It’s a crazy transition time, and we’re living it! We are getting ready to help our daughter move out at the end of the month. She has an apartment with some friends, and my son has done this…but I’m trying to help her remember all the things she’ll need!

I know she won’t be that far away, and she can always come home for things. But I want her to have the best start possible. Here is my starter apartment list:

Kitchen

__ Dishes __ Cups or Glasses __ Silverware __ Pots and Pans __ Baking Sheet __ 9x13 Glass Dish __ Food Storage Containers

__ Spatula and Serving Spoon __ Aluminum Foil __ Plastic Wrap __ Pot Holder/Oven Mitts __ Dish Towels __ Paper Towels/Napkins

__ Dish Soap __ Dishwasher Detergent __ Measuring Cups & Spoons __ Sharp Knife __ Trash Bags __ Mixing Bowl

Pantry

__ Flour __ Sugar __ Canola Oil __ Salt & Pepper __ Pasta/Sauce __ Peanut Butter __ Bread __ Packaged snacks/bars __ Spices

(They can buy whatever else they need for recipes, like chocolate chips, oats, brown sugar, trail mix, baking soda/powder, canned milk/fruit, etc.!)

Refrigerator

__ Milk __ Butter __ Fruit/Veggies __ Ketchup __ Lunch Meat __ Cheese __ Salad Dressing

Living Room

__ Sofa __ Rug __ TV __ Entertainment Center/Shelf for TV __ Coffee Table __ Lamp __ Coasters for Drinks __ Chair

(Anything else they’d like: more furniture, drapes, end tables, lamps, art, decor, gaming system, etc.)

Bedroom

__ Bed (unless furnished) __ Bedding __ Dresser/Chest (unless furnished) __ Desk __ Desk Chair __ Storage Options (under bed storage, shoe racks for door)

(Anything else they’d like: mirror, rug, wall decor, lamps, night stands, etc.)

Bathroom

__ Towels __ Washcloths __ Soap/Body Wash/Shampoo __ Bathroom Cleaner __ Toilet Brush __ Rug __ Soap Dispenser/Dish

__ Q-tips __ Toothbrush __ Toothpaste __ Floss

(Extra: wall decor, organizing storage cart or bins)

I think that just about covers it, you can always add more!

I also love to leave little things behind for them to find after I’m gone. I leave little stickers or words of encouragement hidden along with little notes taped in weird places. I always get a text when they find them, and that’s the BEST! You can also leave $5 Starbucks cards, $10 for some lunch, or other thoughtful things. They’ll know they are loved and remembered.

Hope your transition is seamless. It won’t be easy, but you can do it. We can cry together in August. No one has to know.

love, mom