Moving into a new apartment should feel exciting, but as move-in day approaches, it often comes with a lot of questions. Between packing, coordinating logistics and preparing for a new space, it’s surprisingly easy to forget something important. And nothing disrupts that first day more than realizing you left a must-have item behind.
At Rambler, we work with students every move-in season and see the same challenges pop up again and again. Even the most organized movers tend to overlook a few essentials.
That’s why we created this guide to help you prepare for move-in day with confidence. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the key items to bring to your new apartment, including essentials, helpful extras and commonly forgotten things that can make your first week much easier.
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Bedroom
As you’re doing your final sweep of what essentials you’ll need to get settled in your room, make sure you have:
- A comforter
- A mattress topper
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- A laundry hamper
Bathroom
While you get adjusted to your new apartment, you’ll want to make sure you have the bathroom basics, including:
- Towels
- Toilet paper
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
If you have a skincare or makeup routine, you’ll also want to make sure you have those items easily accessible to make getting ready in your new apartment no-stress.
Kitchen
While you might be waiting to get fully settled in before bringing in your mom’s air fryer or buying a new set of matching pots and pans, this checklist of kitchen items may help you in your packing and shopping journey:
- A water filter
- A water bottle
- A fridge*
- A microwave*
- Air fryer
- Toaster
- Dishes:
- Plates
- Bowls
- Mugs
- Cups
- Silverware:
- Forks
- Spoons
- Knives
- Cooking utensils:
- A wooden spoon
- A spatula
- Measuring cups
- Chip clips
- Zip lock bags
- Cutting board
- Pots and pans
- Oven mitts
- Baking sheets
- Trash can
*Ask if included in your unit.
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Organization
Moving into a new apartment is like a blank slate: overflowing drawers and mismatched socks are a thing of the past. Having organizational tools as you move-in can set you up for a successfully organized space (even if it might not stay that way). Some helpful items could be:
- Drawer organizers
- Hanging storage
- A shoe rack
- Hangers
Cleaning Supplies
Like organizing, a new apartment is the chance to start on the right foot with keeping things clean. To set yourself up for success, consider bringing items like:
- A vacuum
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher detergent
- Multi-purpose spray
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
Decor
While some wouldn’t consider it a necessity, bringing decor into your new apartment can make the place feel more like home as you get settled in. Some basics to get you started could be:
- A rug
- Curtains
- Framed photos
- Wall art
- Command strips
School/Office Supplies
As you prepare to start your semester at The University of Michigan, you’ll probably need to make sure you’re bringing your school supplies in addition to your apartment necessities. As you’re packing, make sure you have:
- Your computer
- Pencils
- Pens
- Highlighters
- Scissors
- Tape
- A backpack
Miscellaneous
Finally, there are those items that you always seem to feel like you might need but can never really remember what they are. We’ve compiled our list of random things you might want to keep on hand as you move-in to your new place:
- A power strip
- Lamps
- Tools:
- Pliers
- A hammer
- A screwdriver
- Chargers
- A portable charger
- Headphones
- A printer*
- A fan
- An umbrella
*Ask if your apartment building offers printing services.
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Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring necessities like your ID and medications with you as you prepare for move-in.
With so many things to remember, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed while preparing for a new apartment. Creating a simple checklist of essentials can help take the pressure off and make the entire move-in process feel much more manageable.
And if you still have questions about move-in or student housing, contact the Rambler leasing team. We’ve guided hundreds of students through the move-in process and would be happy to assist you as you prepare for yours.
Alexis
Alexis is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler Ann Arbor. She's a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Communication and Media Studies. Her favorite drink to order is a Blueberry Dream matcha!
Published On: July 8, 2026
Last Updated On: July 6, 2026
