First-time apartment renters guide

Maybe you've been living at home. Or maybe you've been staying in a college dorm. Either way, moving into your first apartment is a big step.

We've put together a guide to help you prepare for this new phase. It includes a checklist of things you'll need for your new place, tips for setting up utilities and advice on how to protect your belongings and finances.

What do I need to buy?

One of the most exciting parts about renting your first apartment is outfitting it with furniture and décor. This is how you make it yours.

But furnishing an apartment isn't cheap. You'll want to make sure there's room in your budget for the essentials before you splurge on extra stuff. To get you started, we came up with a checklist of helpful tips.

Tip: If you have roommates, coordinate before buying new items, especially if storage is limited. Just make sure everyone's on the same page about which items can be shared and which can't.

Furniture

Unless you get lucky enough to find a partially furnished apartment, furniture will likely make up a large chunk of your budget. Here are the typical furniture items you'll need in your first apartment:

• Bed frame, box spring and mattress
• Desk and chair
• Dining table and chairs
• Sofa and loveseat
• Coffee table
• TV and stand
• Extra storage like shelves and dressers
• Lamps

To stretch your money, check out thrift stores, online marketplaces and yard sales. These can be great places to pick up gently used, quality furniture at a lower price.

Also, when choosing furniture, keep your lifestyle in mind. For example, if you work or study from home, you might want a higher-quality desk chair. Or if you like having guests, you may want a bigger dining table.

Tip: Before you buy new furniture, measure your space first. The last thing you want to do is carry a couch up several flights of stairs just to discover it doesn't fit in your place.

Kitchen essentials

Cooking your own meals is a great skill to develop. It's also a great way to save money. Here's what you'll need to set up your kitchen for basic meal preparation:

• Frying pan, small and large pots
• Spatula, slotted spoon and other cooking utensils
• Kitchen knife set
• Cutting board
• Can and bottle openers
• Oven-safe dish
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Plates and bowls
• Drinking glasses and mugs
• Forks, spoons and knives
• Oven mitts
• Coffee maker
• Microwave or toaster oven
• Reusable food storage containers
• Dish towels
• Dishwasher detergent
• Dish brush or sponges
• Dish soap
• Dish drying mat or rack
• Garbage can

To make the most of your kitchen storage, don't buy more than you need. If you're living alone in a small apartment, you probably won't need 12 dinnerware sets. Just get two or four. This'll help you save space. Plus, it'll be easier to keep up with cleaning the dishes.

Bedroom furnishings

One of the most important spaces in your new apartment will be your bedroom. After all, it's where you spend at least a third of your time. Here's what you'll need to make it a place to rest after a long day:

• Bed sheets, pillows and comforter
• Nightstand
• Lamp
• Hangers
• Laundry hamper
• Small trash can
• Mirror
• Power strip or surge protector
• Personal fan or space heater

If you need more storage in your room, get creative with how you use the space. Bed risers can be a cheap way to make extra space beneath your bed for plastic bins or stacking drawers. And if your closet's too small, use a garment rack to hang clothes.

Bathroom accessories

Your bathroom may not be the most exciting room in the house, but it's one you don't want to forget. And if your apartment has more than one bathroom, you'll want to make sure these bases are covered for each one.

• Hand soap
• Bath and hand towels
• Shower curtain, liner and hooks
• Bathmat
• Toilet brush
• Plunger
• Toilet paper
• Small trash can

Cleaning supplies

Living on your own also means you're responsible for cleaning. These basic items will get you started:

• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum
• Mop and bucket
• Cleaning rags
• Paper towels
• Disinfecting wipes
• Durable sponges
• Bathroom cleaning spray
• Multipurpose cleaning spray
• Glass cleaner
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Garbage bags

You'll also need supplies for doing laundry:

• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Stain-removing spray
• Color-safe bleach
• Dryer sheets
• Bag for delicates
• Clothes drying rack
• Laundry basket
• Iron and ironing board, or handheld steamer
• Sewing kit

Household safety

As a first-time renter, safety may not be on your mind. But it's important to have a few things around in case of fires, minor injuries or power outages. Be sure to keep these items in a central location like the kitchen or a hallway closet:

• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Lighter or matches
• Check your smoke detectors, replace batteries as needed

What utilities do I need to set up?

When it comes to utilities, every apartment is different. Some complexes include utilities in the cost of your rent. Others require you to set up utilities on your own. And of course, some will have a mix. Check with your landlord or apartment manager to see which of these common utilities you'll be responsible for:

• Electricity
• Water and sewer
• Natural gas
• Internet
• Cable
• Trash collection
• Recycling

To set up utilities, you'll probably need to create an account with each local provider, confirm your address, provide billing information and schedule a start date for the services. Your landlord or apartment manager will be able to provide details about which utility providers cover your unit.

Tip: Make sure your utilities are set up before move-in day. Otherwise, you may find yourself without electricity or running water for a day or two.

Don't forget renters insurance.

Getting your first apartment furnished is satisfying. It's truly an investment in your life, and one that deserves to be protected. Even if your landlord or apartment manager doesn't require it, it's smart to consider buying renters insurance.

You can get a renters policy from USAA for as little as 33 cents per day.^{See note1} This helps provide protection for your personal property, including all those items on our apartment essentials checklist. So if your belongings are damaged or lost in a fire, earthquake, theft or other covered event, your insurance company can help pay to repair or replace them.

Your renters policy can also include liability coverage. If someone's injured in your apartment or you cause damage to another person's property, liability coverage can help protect you against a claim or lawsuit.

You may want to consider other types of insurance, as well. If one of your roommates has four legs and fur, consider contacting our alliance company, Embrace, to ask about pet insurance. You can also save money when you bundle your renters and auto insurance.

Embrace your independence as you move into your first apartment and have confidence that your belongings and finances are protected.