Packing Checklist: The Essentials for Move-In  - The Jay College Station

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting start to a new chapter. But as move-in day gets closer and you’re double- and triple-checking your suitcase, there’s that familiar, nagging feeling: What am I forgetting? Between coordinating logistics, packing essentials and preparing for your new space, it’s easy to overlook something important, and no one wants to realize it after they’ve already arrived. 

At The Jay, we’ve helped students prepare for move-in season year after year, and we’ve seen the same last-minute stress pop up again and again.  

That’s why we’ve created this guide to walk you through exactly what to bring to your new apartment, from everyday essentials to commonly forgotten items, so you can move in feeling prepared, confident and ready to settle in. 

Read Next: Move-In Essentials: 5 Things to Bring on The Jay Move-In Day 

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. 

Read Next: 15 Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Student Apartment in College Station 

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 

Read Next: Moving Checklist 

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 Texas A&M, 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. 

Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring necessities like your ID and medications with you as you prepare for move-in.  

It can seem stressful to keep a list of all your essentials in your head. Having a list of what you might need as you prepare for your new apartment can help make your transition as easy as possible. 

If you’re still feeling stressed about move-in or have any questions at all about student housing, contact our leasing team at The Jay. We’ve helped hundreds of college students with their move-ins, and we’d be happy to assist you with yours.