Your first apartment move is small, but it has more parts than people expect. You pack a lot of little things, carry them up stairs or into an elevator, and need to live in the place that same night. This list covers what to buy for packing, for move-in day, and for the first week. It comes from LiteMovers crews who have moved Philadelphia-area apartments since 2007.
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What Makes a First Apartment Move Different?
Most first moves have little furniture and a lot of loose items. Clothes, kitchen odds and ends, books, and bathroom things fill more boxes than people guess. The building adds its own rules too.
- ✓Stairs and tight turns. Walk-ups and rowhome conversions in Philadelphia have narrow stairs. Smaller boxes carry better.
- ✓Elevator reservations. Many high-rise and mid-rise buildings require you to book a freight elevator and a time window.
- ✓Insurance certificates. Larger buildings often ask your mover for a certificate of insurance (COI) before move-in day.
- ✓The first of the month. Most leases start on the 1st. Movers, trucks, and elevators book up fast around it.
Packing Supplies for a First Apartment
A studio or one-bedroom usually needs 15 to 30 boxes. Use mostly small and medium sizes. Our box calculator breaks the count down by room.
Core packing supplies
One variety pack plus tape and paper covers most studios. Add a second box pack for a one-bedroom with a full kitchen.
- ✓U-Haul Box Variety Pack, 25 boxes — small boxes for books and pantry items, large for bedding and pillows.
- ✓U-Haul Paper Box Tape, 3 rolls — paper tape grips cardboard and tears by hand.
- ✓U-Haul Packing Paper, 500 sheets — wrap dishes, mugs, and frames. Skip newspaper; the ink transfers.
- ✓U-Haul Shorty Wardrobe Boxes, 3-pack — hang clothes straight from the closet rod into the box.
- ✓Mattress bag — keeps a new or nearly new mattress clean in the truck and hallway.
- ✓Quart zip bags — one bag per piece of furniture for screws, bolts, and Allen keys. Tape it to the piece.
Moving out of a walk-up or into a high-rise? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Move-In Day Kit
Pack these in one clearly marked box that rides with you, not in the truck. It is what you reach for in the first two hours.
Tools and basics
Small, cheap, and missed by almost everyone on a first move.
- ✓Safety box cutter — for opening boxes without cutting what is inside.
- ✓Multi-bit screwdriver and an Allen key set — most flat-pack furniture needs both.
- ✓25-foot tape measure — measure doors and stairs before you buy a sofa.
- ✓Furniture sliders and felt pads — protect floors and your security deposit.
- ✓Surge protector power strip — older apartments rarely have enough outlets.
First-night essentials
Stores near you may be closed by the time the last box comes in.
- ✓Toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, and trash bags.
- ✓Shower curtain, liner, and hooks — the one thing people realize they need at 11 p.m.
- ✓A few LED bulbs — some fixtures come empty.
- ✓Phone charger, sheets, a towel, and a change of clothes. See our first-night box list.
First-Week Setup Supplies
Most leases limit holes in the walls. These items make a rental work without losing your deposit.
- ✓Removable adhesive hooks and strips — hang art, keys, and towels without nails.
- ✓Over-the-door hooks — instant closet space for coats and bags.
- ✓Shelf liner — cover old cabinet shelves before you unpack dishes.
- ✓Under-bed storage bins — the easiest extra storage in a studio.
- ✓A basic tool kit — hammer, pliers, level, and a few screwdrivers last for years.
Mover’s tip: Measure the building entrance, stairwell, and apartment door before move day. Then measure your sofa and bed frame. If the numbers are close, tell us when you book so the crew brings the right tools.
What to Skip
- ✓Buying big furniture before you measure. A sofa that does not fit the stairwell is the most common first-apartment problem we see.
- ✓Extra-large boxes. They get too heavy for stairs. Stick to small and medium.
- ✓Plastic totes for heavy things. Lids pop and sides crack when stacked in a truck.
- ✓A full kitchen set on day one. See the cabinets first. Many apartment kitchens hold less than you think.
Where LiteMovers Fits In
LiteMovers moves studios, one-bedrooms, and small apartments across Philadelphia and the Main Line. Crews bring blankets, dollies, floor runners, and door protection. We can also handle the building paperwork, like elevator timing and certificates of insurance. See our apartment movers page, or read the full moving supplies guide for other supply lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes do I need for a studio apartment?
Most studios need 15 to 20 boxes. A one-bedroom needs 20 to 30. Buy mostly small and medium boxes so they stay light enough for stairs.
What should I buy before moving into my first apartment?
Buy boxes, paper tape, packing paper, a mattress bag, and zip bags for furniture hardware. Then pack a move-in day box with tools, toilet paper, a shower curtain, bulbs, and a power strip.
Do I need movers for a first apartment?
Not always. For stairs, an elevator reservation, or a building that requires a certificate of insurance, a licensed mover saves time and protects your deposit. LiteMovers handles small apartment moves across the Philadelphia area.
When should I book movers for a first-of-the-month move?
Book two to four weeks ahead for a move near the 1st. Reserve the building elevator as soon as you have a date.
More Moving Supply Guides
- ✓College Moving Supplies — dorm and off-campus move-in list, plus summer storage.
- ✓Senior Downsizing Supplies — sorting, heirlooms, air beds, and safety gear for a smaller home.
- ✓Moving Supplies Buying Checklist — the full list and how much to order.
- ✓Moving Box Calculator — box counts by home size.
Moving into your first apartment?
LiteMovers moves apartments across Philadelphia, the Main Line, and the suburbs. Get a real estimate from a real local mover.
Call (610) 755-5535 · Toll-free 1-877-798-8989
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