First Apartment Budget Checklist

Moving into your first place comes with financial decisions most people aren't warned about. Work through this list before you sign anything.

Check off items as you complete them, then save your progress.

🔑 Before You Sign a Lease

Calculate total move-in costs (not just first month's rent) — see table below

Move-In Cost	Typical Amount	Notes
First month's rent	1× monthly rent	Always required
Security deposit	1–2× monthly rent	Varies by state and landlord; refundable (conditionally)
Last month's rent	1× monthly rent	Some landlords require this upfront
Pet deposit	$200–$500	May be non-refundable
Application fee	$25–$100	Typically non-refundable, covers credit/background check
Moving costs	$200–$2,000+	DIY with friends vs. professional movers
Utility deposits	Varies	Some utility companies require deposits for new accounts

Total move-in cash is saved and ready before signing
Read the full lease — all of it, including addenda and pet/parking agreements
Understand the lease break penalty (typically 1–2 months rent)
Know what's included: parking, laundry, trash, water, pest control
Verify lease renewal terms — when notice is required and how much rent can increase
Photographed the entire unit before moving in (timestamp photos); email them to the landlord to create a record
Confirmed renter's insurance is required (most leases require it) or purchased regardless

Renter's insurance: Costs $10–$25/month and covers your belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. It also covers liability if someone is injured in your apartment. Your landlord's insurance does not cover your possessions. Always get it.

💵 Your Monthly Budget

Total housing cost is under 30% of gross monthly income (rent + utilities + renters insurance)
Know which utilities you're responsible for and estimated monthly costs (see table below)

Utility	Typical Monthly Cost	Notes
Electric	$60–$150	Varies widely by climate, unit size, and usage
Gas (heat/cooking)	$30–$100	Higher in winter in cold climates
Internet	$50–$80	Often negotiable; bundle deals available
Water/sewer	$0–$60	Often included in rent
Renter's insurance	$10–$25	Get at least $20,000–$30,000 personal property coverage

Budget includes groceries, transportation, phone, and subscriptions — not just rent
Written budget exists (even a simple one) before first month of expenses hits
Direct deposit set up with new address on file with employer payroll
Automatic rent payment set up (autopay or calendar reminder — never miss rent)

🛋️ Furnishing Without Breaking Your Budget

Prioritized essentials only for the first 3–6 months: bed, couch, kitchen basics
Avoided financing furniture — 0% for 12 months deals often become high-interest debt
Checked Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and thrift stores before buying new
Accepted secondhand items from family and friends — no shame, big savings
Avoided buying things you don't need yet (dining table for one is not urgent)
Total furnishing budget decided in advance and treated as a hard limit

📋 Financial Setup

Checking account is active and linked to your employer for direct deposit
Savings account opened at KCCU (or HYSA) — starting your emergency fund
At least $500–$1,000 starter emergency fund before moving in
USPS mail forwarding set up from previous address
Updated address with: employer, KCCU, bank, insurance, IRS, subscriptions, voter registration
Credit monitoring set up (free options: Credit Karma, your bank's credit monitoring feature)
Know where your lease, renter's insurance policy, and move-in photo records are saved

📅 Tax Considerations

Update your W-4 with your employer if your address change affects state tax withholding
If relocating for a new position, ask HR about relocation expense reimbursement
Keep track of moving expenses — some may be deductible if related to starting a new job
Note: for most people, rent is not deductible federally (some states have renter's credits)

✅ After You're Settled

Review your first 2–3 months of actual spending vs. your budget — adjust as needed
Build emergency fund to 3 months of expenses as first savings priority
Confirm your 401(k) contribution is at least enough to capture the full employer match
Identify any subscriptions or recurring charges you no longer need
Know your lease renewal date — start thinking 60–90 days before it

0 of 36 items completed

This checklist is for general educational purposes. Housing costs, lease terms, and utility costs vary significantly by location. All figures are estimates. Consult your lease documents and a financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

Emergency Fund Calculator → Automate Your Savings Budget Builder