Funny photos? Check. Old college sweatshirt? Check. Plunger? Ugh...
Yep, it's easy to forget the essentials when there's way more fun stuff to focus on.
Whether you're moving out on your own from the nest for the first time or you're in school, you're going to want to ensure that you're packing what you need to live comfortably.
Here's an apartment packing checklist to help you ensure you've packed all the essentials so that you don't find out you've forgotten them right when you need them most.
Bathroom
Shower caddy
Towels (Bath, face, washcloths)
Bathroom rug
Shower/bath mat
Shower curtain
Shower curtain/tension rod
Shower curtain hooks
Towel hooks
Bathrobe
Toiletries
Band-Aids
Cold medicine
Shelves
Hair dryer (Straightener/Curling Iron)
Hairbrush/comb
Full-length mirror
Living Room
Sofa
Throw pillows
Chairs (foldable is great for space-saving)
Coffee table
End table
TV/DVD Player
DVDs
TV stand
Video game consoles
Video games
Stereo/Speakers
Floor lamp
Table lamp
Bookcase
Framed photos with roommates
Shelving
Stacking crates
Extra sheet to cover couch (for parties)
Plant(s)
Curtains/blinds
Curtain rods
Fan
Rug (if floor isn't carpeted)
Coat rack or hooks
Doormat
Posters/art
Dry erase board (to leave messages for your roommates)
Kitchen
Table
Chairs
Seat cushions
Place mats
Refrigerator (if apartment doesn't have one)
Refrigerator Magnets (if applicable)
Microwave
Toaster/toaster oven
Can opener
Vegetable peeler
Soup ladle
Spatula
Large two-pronged fork
Chopping/carving knives
Glasses
Coffee mugs
Plates
Silverware
Pots and pans
Oven mitts
Apron
Bottle opener
Kitchen scissors
Tupperware (throw-away is best)
Chip clips
Shelf paper
Dish rack
Dishtowels
Dishrags
Household Supplies
Toilet Paper
Paper towel
Kleenex
Plastic Wrap
Aluminum foil
Laundry detergent
Stain remover
Rolls of quarters (if you need them for laundry)
Dryer sheets
Iron
Mini ironing board or ironing pad
Dish brush / sponges
Dishwashing liquid
Trash can
Trash bags
Air freshener
Resealable plastic bags
Paper plates and cups
Cleaning Supplies
Rags, sponges, scrub-brushes
Mop
Bucket
Dustpan
Swiffer/Swiffer pads
Vacuum
Glass/counter cleaner
Cleaning wipes
Toilet brush
Toilet cleaner
Rubber gloves
Bedroom
Bed (Mattress, Box Springs)
Nightstand
Bed Risers (for extra storage under bed)
Comforter/bedspread
Dust ruffle
Pillows
Sheets (Bring an extra set if you can)
Mattress pad
Desk
Desk chair
iPod/MP3 Player
Stereo/Speakers
Tablet or E-reader
Curtains/Blinds
Curtain rods
Clothing hangers
Alarm clock
Framed photos with family, friends
Book light (if you're sharing a room)
Floor lamp
Nightstand lamp
Crates or stacking storage containers
Fan
Laundry basket/bag
Rug (if your room isn't carpeted)
Address book
Under-the-bed storage boxes
Shoe rack
Computer & School Supply Needs
Computer/laptop
Computer/laptop case
Wireless mouse
Mousepad
Keyboard
Lap desk
Blank discs or drives for the computer labs
Desk organizer
Binders, folders
Printer
Printer and ink cartridges
Printer paper
Pens, pencils
Highlighters
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Backpack or messenger bag
Calculator
Day planner
White-out
Post-It notes
Scissors
Three-hole punch
Tape
Ruler
Stapler
Paper/binder clips
Rubber bands
Extra Phone Charger(s)
Handy Things to Have
Jumper cables
Duct tape
Area maps
Candles
Matches
Umbrella
Safe with a lock (for valuables)
First-aid kit
Stamps
Envelopes
Flashlight
Toolbox
Basic tool set
Tape measure
Batteries
Earplugs
Deck of cards
Weekend bag or small suitcase
Reusable water bottle
Travel coffee mug (to take to class)
Plunger
Light bulbs
Sewing kit (with safety pins)
Lint brush
Wrinkle release
Extra Power strip(s)
Extra Extension cord(s)
Picture-hanging hooks
Air mattress + extra sheets (in case friends visit)
Stepladder