Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming as you try to remember all the things you need for each room. To save you from spending hours wandering the aisles of your local stores in your first week, we’ve created a comprehensive grocery list of the most common items you’ll need when you move into your new home. Print it out, walk around your home with it, and check off anything you’ve already purchased. Then, take it with you when you go out shopping.
To make the shopping trip even easier, consider ordering items online through a retailer like Amazon or Google Express and having them delivered to your doorstep. That way, you can focus on settling into your new home. Don’t forget to keep a running grocery list on your fridge or in a shared note with your family to ensure you don’t forget anything on future shopping trips.
Our grocery list includes pantry staples, spices and seasonings, baking supplies, condiments and sauces, frozen foods, essentials for the fridge, baked goods, meat and vegetarian options, and toiletries. We’ve also included some tips on budgeting and storage to help you get organized in your new home.
Here’s a printer-friendly version:
The Ultimate New Apartment Grocery List
Pantry Staples
Regardless of what you plan to cook in the next few weeks (comfort food anyone?), you’re likely to need a few staples in your pantry. These are the items that you could easily forget that you don’t have yet because you just always keep them around. Make sure they’re on your must-have shopping list for a new apartment.
- Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth — in cartons, or in bullion cubes
- Canned tomatoes
- Pasta sauce
- Dry Pasta
- Rice
- Whole oats
- Tea
- Coffee
- Sea salt or kosher salt
- Lentils and other dried or canned beans
- Snacks like pretzels, chips and salsa, granola bars, etc.
- Cooking and salad oils like olive, sesame, and coconut
Spices and Seasonings
Salt and pepper can go a long way, but every dish gets better with some proper seasoning. Start things in your new home on the right foot with deliciously spiced meals. You could start with:
- Peppercorns
- Parsley
- Basil
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Dill
- Ginger
- Garlic or Garlic Powder
- Chili Powder or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cumin
- Curry Powder
Baking
Are you a whiz with muffins? Make sure you’re prepared for a late-night urge to bake. Some of these items may need to be tweaked to your preference, especially if you are vegan or need gluten-free options.
- Flour, white and whole wheat
- Sugar, white and brown or turbinado
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Vegetable Oil
- Yeast packets
- Cocoa powder
- Gluten-free flours if applicable
Condiments and Sauces
Again, let’s talk about what you don’t want at your new home: boring meals. Burgers need ketchup and toast need jam, so make sure you have some of both on the shopping list for your new home.
- Salad dressings
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- Maple Syrup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce or Tamari
- Mayonnaise
- Peanut or Almond Butter
- Jelly
- Honey
- BBQ sauce
- Vinegar (Apple Cider, Balsamic, White, Red/White Wine)
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Things can certainly get busy when you’re moving but that isn’t an excuse to stop eating your vegetables. Everyone has varying preferences of course, so go with the items you know you’ll use. Bonus if you pick out a recipe to make in advance and buy those ingredients!
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Seasonal items like clementines, peaches, melon or plums
- Grapes
- Lemons
- Avocados
- Lettuce
- Spinach (or other greens)
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Celery
Frozen
When you’ve spent the day painting your new living room and realize you have absolutely no fresh vegetables, having some frozen foods on hand can save the day. Stock up on some of these basics when you’re buying food for the new apartment.
- Mixed vegetables — sauteed mix or another medley
- Berries
- Breakfast foods like sausage, frozen waffles, or bagels
- Ice cream
- Pizza
- French fries
- Veggie burgers
- Healthy prepared dinners
For the Fridge
Everyone is a little different in this category, so it is best if you determine which grocery essentials you use on a daily basis and make your own list here. Milk (dairy or non-dairy), eggs, and other perishable items like butter and yogurt are often staples on folks’ grocery list for a new apartment, but you may have additional items that are necessary.
Baked Goods
For the gluten lovers, prepare your sandwich-making supplies! If you don’t do wheat or grains, keep on reading and skip this category. Whether you prefer to go fresh or frozen with your baked goods depends on your preferences!
- Bread
- Bagels
- Muffins
- Tortilla shells
- Pita pockets
- English muffins
Meat and vegetarian alternatives
If you eat meat, it’s time to find a new preferred butcher or meat shop and grab a few items to get you started. Consider freezing a few things to save you from taking too many trips to the grocery store in your first few weeks in your new apartment. For the veggies among us, you know best what you like to prepare — but we have a few suggestions to add to your new apartment grocery list
- Chicken
- Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- Fish
- Ground beef or turkey
- Deli meats
Vegetarians:
- Tempeh (flavored or unflavored)
- Tofu
- Seitan
- Falafel mix
Toiletries
Since most people have their favorites, you’ll probably be bringing a lot with you already. But just in case you’re starting from scratch — perhaps you moved internationally — this list will ensure you have the basics.
- Bath and hand soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Fresh toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss
- Cotton swabs
- Facial cleaner
- Feminine products
- Deodorant
- Facial and body moisturizer
- Shaving cream
- Razors
- Bandaids
- Gauze
- Hydrogen Peroxide or medical-grade alcohol
- Lip balm
- Sunblock
Before you head out with your new apartment shopping list and splurge on an epic shopping adventure, check your budget! You might choose to identify your necessities and then stock up over time instead of buying all at once. For bulk purchases like toilet paper and rice, consider buying in large quantities from a wholesaler to save a little money!
Make sure to check our New Apartment Ultimate Checklist before making the move.
