Moving is exhausting. Honestly, it’s one of those life events that sounds exciting in your head until you’re standing in a hollowed-out living room at 10 PM wondering why you don’t own a single fork. You’ve got the keys. You’ve got the lease. Now comes the part where you realize the sheer volume of things you need for a new flat just to make it function like a civilized human dwelling.
Most people make a massive mistake here. They go to IKEA or Target and just start throwing stuff in the cart because it looks "aesthetic" or "necessary." It’s a trap. You end up with a decorative hay basket for blankets you don't own yet, but you forget to buy a shower curtain. Then you’re 24 hours into your new life, soaking the bathroom floor because you prioritized vibes over utility. We’ve all been there.
The first-night survival kit is actually non-negotiable
Forget the sofa for a second. You can sit on a packing box. You cannot, however, comfortably survive a night without a few specific boring items.
The most overlooked essential? A decent toolkit. You don't need a professional carpenter’s setup, but a 16-ounce claw hammer, a multi-bit screwdriver, and a tape measure are the holy trinity of moving day. According to home maintenance experts at The Spruce, having these basics on hand prevents that mid-assembly meltdown when you realize your "easy-to-build" desk requires a tool that isn't included in the box.
Then there’s the lightbulb situation. It’s weird, but some landlords take the bulbs with them. Or they leave behind those flickering, sickly yellow ones that make your new home look like a horror movie set. Buy a pack of warm-white LEDs before you move. You’ll thank yourself when the sun goes down and you aren't fumbling for your phone flashlight just to find the toilet.
Toiletries and the "Box of Immediate Use"
Don't bury your toothbrush. Seriously.
Pack one clear plastic bin—let’s call it the "Open First" box. Inside, you need:
- Toilet paper (at least two rolls, don't be a hero)
- Hand soap
- A towel (just one)
- Chargers for every device you own
- Trash bags
- Box cutter (save your fingernails)
If you have these, the first six hours are manageable. Without them, you're driving to a 24-hour pharmacy at midnight in a neighborhood you don't know yet. It's a bad start.
Kitchen essentials: Beyond the basic plate
Kitchens are expensive. If you try to buy everything at once, your bank account will scream. Start with the "Rule of Four." Four plates, four bowls, four mugs, four sets of cutlery. Unless you’re hosting a dinner party on Tuesday night—which you won't be because you'll be tired—this is plenty.
But the real things you need for a new flat in the kitchen aren't just the dishes. It’s the "invisible" stuff.
Take a good chef’s knife. A cheap, dull knife is actually more dangerous than a sharp one because it requires more force, leading to slips. Professional chefs often cite the Victorinox Fibrox Pro as the best "budget" entry point—it’s not flashy, but it works. Pair that with one large cast-iron skillet or a stainless steel pan. You can cook almost anything in a single skillet. From eggs to steak to sautéed veggies, it’s the workhorse of the kitchen.
Also, buy a colander. You will eventually want pasta. Trying to drain boiling water using a pot lid as a shield is a rite of passage that usually ends in burned thumbs and wasted spaghetti. Just buy the colander.
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The stuff you'll forget until you're cooking
Spices are pricey. Don't buy the 24-pack pre-filled spice rack. Most of those spices are probably stale and you’ll never use the "poultry seasoning" anyway. Buy salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and maybe garlic powder. That’s your baseline.
And dish soap? Get the big bottle. You’re going to be washing a lot of dust off "new" things for the first three days.
Sleeping like a person who has their life together
You spend a third of your life in bed. Don't skimp here. While a mattress is a huge investment, the "things you need for a new flat" list must prioritize the sleep environment immediately.
A mattress protector is a boring purchase. It’s not fun. It doesn’t make the room look better. But it saves your mattress from the inevitable coffee spill or moving-day grime. Think of it as insurance for your most expensive piece of furniture.
For sheets, look at the material rather than just the thread count. Thread count is often a marketing gimmick. Cotton percale is great if you sleep hot; flannel is a dream if you’re in a cold climate. Avoid the ultra-cheap "microfiber" sets if you can afford to—they’re basically sleeping on plastic and they don't breathe.
Window treatments are not just for privacy
Windows are tricky. If your flat doesn't come with blinds, this becomes an emergency on night one.
Temporary paper shades are a lifesaver. They cost about $10, you cut them to size, and they stick to the frame. They look "okay" for a few weeks while you figure out if you want curtains or Roman shades. Plus, they stop your neighbors from watching you eat pizza on the floor in your underwear.
Cleaning supplies: The "Not-So-Fun" Category
Your new flat might look clean. It isn't. Even "professionally cleaned" apartments usually have a layer of construction dust or the lingering scent of the previous tenant’s "unique" cooking habits.
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You need a vacuum. If you have hard floors, a simple stick vacuum is fine. If you have carpets, you need something with a brush roll. The Wirecutter often recommends the Shark Navigator series for a reason—it’s a tank and it doesn’t cost a thousand dollars like some German brands.
Add these to the shopping list:
- All-purpose cleaner (distilled white vinegar and water works too)
- Microfiber cloths (better than paper towels for most things)
- A sturdy broom and dustpan
- A plunger (Buy it before you need it. Always.)
The "Middle Ground" items you can wait on
There is a pressure to have a "finished" home immediately. Resist it.
The following items are things you need for a new flat eventually, but buying them in week one is usually a mistake:
- Full-length mirrors: You'll probably break it moving it around until the furniture is settled.
- Wall art: You need to live in the space to see where the light hits before you hang things.
- Rug: Rugs are hard to size correctly until the sofa and bed are in their permanent spots.
- Fancy small appliances: Do you really need a milk frother right now? Probably not. Use a whisk.
Living in a slightly sparse apartment for a month helps you understand how you actually use the space. Maybe that corner you thought was perfect for a chair is actually where the sun hits too brightly, or maybe the "dining area" is better suited as a home office.
Lighting and the "Big Lamp" problem
Gen Z is right about one thing: never use the "big light." Overhead lighting in most flats is harsh, clinical, and generally depressing.
To make a flat feel like a home, you need layers. A floor lamp in the corner and a small table lamp by the bed change the entire vibe of a room. Look for "warm" bulbs—anything in the 2700K to 3000K range. It makes the space feel cozy rather than like a doctor's waiting room.
Safety and the boring stuff
Check the smoke detectors. Most people don't. If they beep, change the batteries. If there isn't a carbon monoxide detector and you have gas appliances, go buy one today. This isn't a "design" choice; it's a survival choice.
Also, locate your water shut-off valve. If a pipe bursts at 3 AM, you don't want to be searching for a hidden panel behind the water heater while your rug floats away. Knowing where the breaker box is also helps when you inevitably plug in a space heater and a hair dryer at the same time.
Creating a realistic budget for essentials
Money disappears fast when you're moving. A good rule of thumb is to set aside $500 strictly for "unforeseen essentials." This covers the shower curtain rings you forgot, the extra long charging cable because the outlet is miles from the bed, and the takeout you’ll have to buy because you can't find the pots yet.
Don't buy everything brand new. Facebook Marketplace and local "Buy Nothing" groups are gold mines for things you need for a new flat. You can often find high-quality wooden furniture—like dining tables or bookshelves—for a fraction of the price of cheap particle-board alternatives. Just be wary of upholstered items like sofas or mattresses from strangers due to the risk of pests.
The Action Plan for Your Move
To keep things organized, tackle your acquisition in this specific order:
- Phase 1 (The Essentials): Mattress, bedding, one towel, toilet paper, lightbulbs, basic toolkit, trash bags, one pan, one knife, and a way to make coffee.
- Phase 2 (The Functionals): Shower curtain, cleaning supplies, broom/vacuum, basic dish set, window coverings, and a trash can for the kitchen.
- Phase 3 (The Comforts): Sofa, rug, dining table, desk, and additional lighting.
- Phase 4 (The Aesthetics): Art, plants, throw pillows, and decorative items.
By following this hierarchy, you ensure that even if you run out of money or energy halfway through, you can still eat, sleep, and bathe. Everything else is just a bonus.
Before you head to the store, take a literal walk through your new flat. Stand in each room and imagine your daily routine. Where do you put your keys? Where does the damp towel go? This mental walkthrough often reveals more "needs" than any generic checklist ever could. Stop focusing on the "dream home" and start focusing on the "functional home." The dream part comes later.