Your First Apartment Checklist: What to Bring (and Skip) When Moving to Berkeley
You've signed the lease, you've found your roommates, and now comes the exciting (and slightly overwhelming) part: packing for your first apartment in Berkeley. Whether you're moving into a modern furnished apartment or a traditional rental, knowing exactly what to bring, and what to leave behind, can save you time, money, and a whole lot of moving day stress.
As your neighbors at ArtHaus Telegraph, we've helped hundreds of UC Berkeley students make the transition from dorms to apartment living. We've seen it all: the overpacked cars, the forgotten essentials, and the "why did I bring that?" moments. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving to Berkeley, so you can focus on what really matters, starting your best year yet.
Before You Pack: Understanding Your Berkeley Apartment Setup
The first rule of smart packing? Know what you're moving into. Not all Berkeley apartments are created equal, and what you need depends entirely on your living situation.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished: The Game Changer
If you're moving into a furnished apartment like those at ArtHaus Telegraph, you're already ahead of the game. Modern student housing communities typically include beds, desks, dressers, couches, dining tables, and sometimes even kitchen essentials. This means you can skip the furniture hunt entirely and focus on personalizing your space.
For unfurnished apartments, you'll need to budget for and transport major furniture pieces—a significantly bigger undertaking. Before you start shopping, check with your landlord or property management about what's included. Even "unfurnished" places sometimes come with appliances, window coverings, or built-in storage. Our Berkeley off-campus housing guide can help you understand what to look for when evaluating different apartment options.
Utilities and Amenities: What's Already Covered?
Understanding what utilities and amenities are included in your rent is crucial for your packing list. Many purpose-built student communities offer all-inclusive packages covering Wi-Fi, utilities, and access to premium amenities like fitness centers, study lounges, and laundry facilities.
Make a checklist of what your apartment provides:
- Is high-speed internet included, or do you need to set up your own service?
- Are there in-unit laundry machines, or will you use a shared laundry room?
- Does the building have a fitness center, or should you budget for a gym membership?
- Are basic kitchen appliances (microwave, refrigerator, stove) provided?
The Essential Bring List: Berkeley Apartment Must-Haves
Now for the good stuff, what you actually need to bring when moving to Berkeley. We've organized this by category to make your packing systematic and stress-free.
Bedroom Essentials
Your bedroom is your sanctuary for studying, sleeping, and recharging. Even in furnished apartments, you'll need to bring your own bedding and personal comfort items.
Bedding Basics
- Mattress protector: Protect your investment and keep things fresh
- Sheets (2-3 sets): Twin XL for most student housing; confirm your bed size first
- Comforter or duvet with cover: Berkeley weather varies, bring layers
- Pillows (2-3): One for sleeping, extras for studying in bed
- Throw blanket: Perfect for chilly Berkeley evenings
Storage and Organization
- Under-bed storage containers: Maximize vertical space in smaller rooms
- Closet organizers: Hanging shelves, shoe racks, and drawer dividers
- Desk organizers: Keep your study space clutter-free
- Command hooks and strips: Hang items without damaging walls
Kitchen and Dining Supplies
One of the biggest perks of apartment living is having your own kitchen. Cooking your own meals saves money and gives you control over your nutrition, a huge advantage over mandatory meal plans. If you're transitioning from dorm life, this is one of the key benefits we discuss in our comprehensive comparison of dorms versus apartments.
Cookware Essentials
- 1-2 pots (small and medium): For pasta, rice, and soups
- 1-2 pans (small and large): Non-stick makes cleanup easier
- Baking sheet: For sheet pan dinners and reheating food
- Mixing bowls (set of 3): Versatile for cooking and meal prep
- Cutting board: Get a good quality one that won't slip
- Chef's knife and paring knife: Invest in decent quality
Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
- Spatula, wooden spoon, ladle, tongs: The basics for any recipe
- Can opener: Manual or electric
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for following recipes
- Colander/strainer: For pasta and washing produce
- Dish soap, sponges, and dish towels: Keep your kitchen clean
Dining and Food Storage
- Plates, bowls, and mugs (4-6 of each): Enough for you and guests
- Silverware set: Forks, knives, spoons
- Glasses and cups: For water, coffee, and other beverages
- Food storage containers: For leftovers and meal prep
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated on campus
- Coffee maker or kettle: Fuel for those early morning classes
Bathroom Necessities
Whether you have a private bathroom or share with roommates, you'll need your own personal care items and linens.
- Towels (2-3 bath, 2-3 hand): Quick-dry towels are ideal
- Shower caddy: Essential if you have a shared bathroom
- Bath mat: Keep floors dry and safe
- Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.
- First aid kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, cold medicine
- Toilet paper and tissues: Stock up on essentials
- Cleaning supplies: All-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, paper towels
Study and Tech Essentials
Your apartment isn't just where you live, it's where you'll do a significant amount of your academic work. Set yourself up for success with the right study tools.
- Laptop and charger: Your most important academic tool
- External hard drive or cloud storage: Back up your work regularly
- Desk lamp: Good lighting reduces eye strain during late-night study sessions
- Power strip with surge protector: Protect your electronics
- Headphones or earbuds: For focused studying and virtual classes
- Notebooks, pens, highlighters: Old-school supplies still matter
- Printer (optional): Consider if you'll use it enough to justify the space
Berkeley-Specific Essentials
Living in Berkeley comes with unique considerations. The Bay Area's microclimates, bike-friendly culture, and urban environment mean you'll need some location-specific items.
Weather and Clothing
- Layering pieces: Berkeley weather can change dramatically throughout the day
- Light jacket or hoodie: Evenings get cool, even in summer
- Rain jacket: Essential for winter months
- Comfortable walking shoes: You'll be on your feet a lot
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: California sun is no joke
Transportation and Safety
- Bike and U-lock: Berkeley is incredibly bike-friendly; invest in a quality lock
- Clipper Card: For AC Transit and BART access
- Reusable shopping bags: Berkeley has a plastic bag ban
- Flashlight or headlamp: For walking home after evening classes
What to Skip: Items You Don't Need
Just as important as knowing what to bring is knowing what to leave behind. These items either won't fit, won't be useful, or are better purchased locally.
Furniture (If You're in Furnished Housing)
If you're moving into a furnished apartment, resist the urge to bring extra furniture. Modern student communities like ArtHaus Telegraph provide everything you need, and additional pieces will just make your space feel cramped. Save yourself the moving hassle and enjoy the simplicity of move-in-ready living.
Excessive Decorations
While personalizing your space is important, don't go overboard. Start with a few meaningful items, photos, posters, small plants, and add more as you settle in. You can always shop locally at Berkeley Bowl or nearby stores once you know what your space needs.
Your Entire Wardrobe
Berkeley apartments typically have limited closet space. Bring clothes for the current season and rotate items when you go home for breaks. Focus on versatile pieces that can be layered and mixed-and-matched.
Bulky Exercise Equipment
If your apartment community has a fitness center (like the 24/7 gym at ArtHaus Telegraph), skip the dumbbells and yoga mats. Use the professional equipment provided and save your space for things you actually need.
Expensive or Irreplaceable Items
Leave family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, and irreplaceable sentimental items at home. While Berkeley is generally safe, apartment living means more people have access to your space. Keep your most valuable possessions secure.
Perishable Food
Don't pack a cooler full of groceries. Wait until you arrive to stock your kitchen. Berkeley has excellent grocery options including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and the famous Berkeley Bowl. Do a big shopping trip once you're settled.
Smart Packing Strategies for Moving Day
How you pack is just as important as what you pack. These strategies will make your move smoother and help you settle in faster.
Label Everything Clearly
Use a color-coding system or clear labels for each room. Mark boxes as "Open First" if they contain essentials you'll need immediately. Include your name and room number if you're moving into a larger community.
Pack an "Open First" Box
Create a box with everything you'll need for your first 24 hours: toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, important documents, and basic cleaning supplies. This saves you from frantically searching through boxes when you're exhausted from moving.
Use Soft Items as Padding
Towels, bedding, and clothing can double as packing material for fragile items. This saves space and reduces the need for bubble wrap or packing paper.
Take Photos of Electronics Setup
Before unplugging your TV, computer, or other electronics, take photos of how everything is connected. This makes reassembly much easier in your new space.
Coordinate with Roommates
If you're moving in with roommates, coordinate who's bringing shared items like kitchen supplies, cleaning products, or living room decorations. This prevents duplicates and ensures nothing gets forgotten. Check out our comprehensive guide on finding roommates in Berkeley for tips on establishing clear communication and expectations from the start.
The ArtHaus Telegraph Advantage: Simplified Move-In
At ArtHaus Telegraph, we understand that moving to Berkeley should be exciting, not exhausting. That's why we've designed our community to make your transition as seamless as possible.
Fully Furnished Apartments
Every apartment comes fully furnished with modern, high-quality furniture. Your bedroom includes a comfortable bed, desk, chair, and dresser. Common areas feature stylish couches, dining tables, and everything you need to feel at home from day one. This means you can literally show up with your suitcases and start living.
All-Inclusive Amenities
Forget about setting up utility accounts or hunting for a gym membership. Our community includes high-speed Wi-Fi, a 24/7 fitness center, study lounges, and secure bike storage, all included in your rent. You get the convenience of simplified billing and the luxury of premium amenities.
Prime Telegraph Avenue Location
Living at ArtHaus Telegraph means you're steps away from campus, surrounded by Berkeley's best dining and culture, and connected to everything the Bay Area has to offer. Check out our neighborhood guide to see why Telegraph Avenue is the perfect home base for your Berkeley experience.
Professional On-Site Management
Our dedicated team is here to support you from move-in day forward. Whether you need maintenance, have questions about your lease, or just want recommendations for the best coffee shop nearby, we've got your back.
Your Move-In Day Timeline
Make moving day smooth with this hour-by-hour timeline:
Before You Arrive
- Confirm your move-in time with your property management
- Arrange parking or loading zone access
- Notify roommates of your arrival time
- Have your lease documents and ID ready
First Hour: Check-In and Inspection
- Complete check-in paperwork and get your keys
- Do a walk-through inspection and document any existing damage
- Test all lights, outlets, and appliances
- Take photos for your records
Hours 2-4: Unload and Organize
- Bring in all boxes and belongings
- Set up your bed first, you'll want it ready by bedtime
- Unpack your "Open First" box
- Organize items by room before unpacking everything
Hours 4-6: Essential Setup
- Make your bed with fresh sheets
- Set up your desk and study area
- Organize bathroom essentials
- Stock your kitchen with basics
Evening: Settle In
- Do a grocery run for immediate needs
- Explore your building and locate amenities
- Meet your neighbors
- Order takeout and celebrate your new home!
Post-Move Checklist: Getting Settled
Once you're moved in, take care of these tasks within your first week:
- Update your address: With the university, banks, and important contacts
- Get a California ID: If you're establishing residency
- Set up your Clipper Card: For easy transit access
- Locate essential services: Nearest pharmacy, urgent care, grocery stores
- Establish a cleaning routine: Coordinate with roommates on chores
- Personalize your space: Add photos, plants, and personal touches
- Explore the neighborhood: Find your favorite coffee shop, study spot, and restaurants
Ready to Make Your Move?
Moving to your first Berkeley apartment is a major milestone, the beginning of your most independent, exciting chapter yet. With this comprehensive checklist, you're prepared to pack smart, move efficiently, and settle into your new home with confidence.
At ArtHaus Telegraph, we're committed to making your transition seamless. Our fully furnished apartments, all-inclusive amenities, and prime location mean you can focus on what really matters: thriving at UC Berkeley.
Ready to see your future home? Schedule a tour today and discover why ArtHaus Telegraph is where Berkeley students live their best lives. Have questions about what's included in our apartments? Our team is here to help explore our floor plans to find your perfect space.
