What to Pack When Moving Out for the First Time

Moving out for the first time is exciting — but it also comes with a long checklist. Whether you’re heading to uni, starting a new job, or simply ready for independence, it’s easy to forget the essentials. This guide walks you through what to pack, room by room, so you can move out with confidence (and fewer last-minute runs to Kmart).

🛏 Bedroom: More Than Just the Bed

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, so comfort matters. Start with bedding basics — sheets (x2), pillow, quilt, and a mattress protector. Even if your new place is furnished, you’ll probably need your own linen.

Don’t forget a laundry basket, a clothes drying rack (if your new place doesn’t have one), and some storage boxes or under-bed containers for extra stuff. A desk lamp and a power board are useful too, especially in shared spaces.

🍽 Kitchen: Stock Up Beyond Just 2-Minute Noodles

If you're moving into a share house or studio, you’ll likely need your own kitchen gear. Pack at least one of everything: plate, bowl, mug, glass, cutlery, and a few basic cooking tools like a frying pan, saucepan, spatula, chopping board, and knives.

It’s also smart to bring a reusable water bottle, lunchbox, and a few food storage containers. Don't forget dishwashing liquid, sponges, and tea towels — people often overlook cleaning supplies.

Pro tip: Bring one “emergency meal kit” — like pasta and jarred sauce — so you don’t need to shop on Day 1.

🛁 Bathroom: Yes, You’ll Need a Toilet Brush

Bathrooms often don’t come with the basics. Bring a shower curtain (if needed), a bath mat, toiletries, a toilet brush, and bathroom cleaner. It’s easy to overlook a rubbish bin for the bathroom, so throw in a small one.

You’ll also need towels — ideally two, so you always have a clean one ready — and a toiletry bag if you're sharing the bathroom with housemates.

🧰 Bits & Bobs: The Unexpected Essentials

This category is where most people forget things. You’ll want:

• Scissors and tape
• A small toolkit or at least a screwdriver
• Extension cords and spare power boards
• Pens, notepad, envelopes (for bills!)
• Blue-tack or removable hooks
• Important documents (passport, ID, bank details)

Keep all important paperwork in a folder or box — you’ll thank yourself later.

🧹 Cleaning Supplies: Because You’re a Grown-Up Now

Even if you don’t plan on cleaning often (no judgment), you’ll still need some basics. A broom, mop, dustpan, and surface spray go a long way. Stock up on garbage bags, toilet paper, and laundry powder from day one.

If you have allergies or asthma, it’s worth bringing a vacuum or at least a dusting cloth. Clean spaces = less stress.

🛒 Grocery Basics for Week One

You don’t need to stock your fridge like a MasterChef contestant. Instead, start with:

• Pantry: rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, canned tuna, tea/coffee
• Fridge: milk, eggs, bread, butter, cheese, fruit
• Extras: olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar

Also bring a few reusable shopping bags. They’re often forgotten but always needed.

Final Thoughts

The first week in your new place will be a mix of chaos and excitement — but being well-packed helps it feel more like home, faster. Don’t stress if you forget something. There’s always time to pick it up later. Moving out isn’t about perfection; it’s about building independence, one plate and power board at a time.