Moving into a new apartment is an exciting new chapter in your life. New friends, new challenges, and a new kitchen desperately awaiting its first meal. However, if you’re standing in your empty kitchen wondering about your first food shopping list for your new home, we have you covered. We’ve crafted the ultimate massive new apartment grocery list, including a pdf download to ensure you start this new journey without a hitch.
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Why You Need a New Apartment Grocery List
Moving into a new apartment or home is a thrilling experience full of possibilities, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities, like stocking your kitchen. This is where a well-organized new apartment grocery list comes into play.
It saves you the stress of last-minute shopping trips and helps you prioritize essentials, enabling you to stick to a budget during an already costly moving process.
Plus, with a stocked kitchen, you’re less likely to opt for fast food or expensive takeout and more inclined to explore your cooking skills.
That said, let’s dive into a list that covers the basics of what you’ll need if you just recently moved in.
First Apartment Grocery List: The Basics
If you are wondering what groceries you will need when you first move, this list is for you. Unlike our expanded checklist, this covers the must-have items for your first apartment grocery list, organized by category to make shopping easier.
Protein
- Chicken breast
- Eggs
- Canned tuna
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Beef or pork
- Ground turkey
- Protein powder
Fruits and Vegetables
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges/Mandarines
- Romaine Lettuce
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Potatoes
- Avocados
- Lemon/Lime
Dairy or Plant-Based Alternatives
- Milk
- Eggs
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta, goat, etc.)
- Yogurt
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Lactose-free milk
- Butter or margarine
Grains & Seeds
- Bread (consider a whole-grain option)
- Rice (either white or brown or both)
- Pasta (regular or whole wheat)
- Quinoa
- Chia Seeds
- Flaxseed
- Oats
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
Snacks
- Chips
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Fruit snacks
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Rice cakes
Drinks
- Water (still or sparkling)
- Juice (orange, apple, etc.)
- Tea (black, green, or herbal)
- Coffee (whole bean or ground)
- Non-dairy creamers
- Soda
Pantry Staples
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oils (olive, avocado)
- Sugar or sweeteners
- Spices (cinnamon, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, bouillon cubes, onion powder)
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
- Canned goods (beans, soups, vegetables)
Baking Essentials
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips or cocoa powder
Frozen Foods
- Frozen vegetables
- Frozen fruits for smoothies
- Ice cream
- Frozen yogurt
- Frozen dinners for emergencies
Personal Care In Your New Apartment Grocery List
While food is undoubtedly a priority, personal care items deserve a spot on your new apartment grocery list. These essentials might not be edible, but they’re crucial for your daily routine and well-being. Include these items in your shopping trip to ensure you’re covered from head to toe:
Bath and Body
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Facial cleanser
- Lotion or body cream
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
Hygiene Essentials
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products (Tampons, Pads, Wipes etc.)
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand wash
- Q-tips and cotton balls
Hair and Beauty
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair styling products (gel, mousse, etc.)
- Bobby Pins
- Drugstore Makeup (if applicable)
- Facial Cleanser
- Makeup remover or wipes
First Aid and Medicine
- Band-Aids
- Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, aspirin)
- MultiVitamins
- Allergy medication
- Antiseptic wipes
- A basic first-aid kit
Household Essentials
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- All-purpose cleaner
- Sponges and scrubbers
- Trash bags
- Ziploc Bags
- Aluminum Foil
- Parchment Paper
- Paper Towels
New Apartment Grocery List: How to Make a Grocery List
Creating a grocery list for your new apartment can seem daunting. However, it will save you a lot of headaches later on. To save you the headache of making one, we created our grocery shopping checklist to take the load of building one yourself. However, if you still want to make your own customized first food shopping list, here are some tips to make one efficiently:
How To Make A Grocery List:
Plan Ahead
Meal planning is an excellent way to make your list more targeted. By knowing precisely what meals you’ll be preparing in your new apartment, you can grab the ingredients for each meal. This will help you avoid food waste in the future as well as simplify your shopping trip.
Check Your Pantry
Before you even begin to make a grocery list, it’s essential to know what you already have. Inspecting your pantry, fridge, and freezer prevents you from buying duplicates and helps you identify what’s missing or needs replenishment.
Categorize Your List
Instead of jotting down items haphazardly, organize them into categories such as ‘Dairy,’ ‘Produce,’ ‘Meat,’ and ‘Pantry Staples.’ Doing so helps you visualize your list better and correlates with how most grocery stores are laid out, saving you time zigzagging through aisles.
Use An App or a Pen & Paper
There are numerous apps designed to help you manage your grocery shopping. Apps can sort items by category, keep track of what you’ve bought, and even sync your list in real-time with other household members. Some apps even offer features like saving recipes, creating shopping lists from those recipes, and sending you reminders.
To keep things simple, I use the reminders app that comes preinstalled on most iPhones to keep track of my shopping when I don’t have my checklist on hand. But feel free to use whichever App you like. You can also consider doing it the tried and true old school way of using a Pen & Paper.
Consider Seasonal Items
Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and even certain seafood and meats can be more affordable and fresh. When you make a grocery list, include a section for seasonal items to incorporate into your meals.
Don’t Forget Non-Food Items
Groceries aren’t just about food; you also need cleaning supplies, toiletries, and possibly pet food. Include a separate section in your list for these essentials so they aren’t overlooked.
Lastly, Keep a Running List
Keep a notepad in your kitchen, or use a dedicated app to jot down items as you run out. This running list serves as a starting point when you sit down to make your comprehensive grocery list.
Ensure Fewer Trips By Buying In Bulk
Lastly, when preparing your new apartment grocery list, consider the long-term benefits of buying in bulk. Bulk buying is not only budget-friendly, especially for non-perishable items, but it also reduces the frequency of your shopping trips, saving you both time and money. This strategy can be particularly beneficial for staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and household essentials like cleaning supplies and toilet paper.
Get Your 230+ Item Grocery Shopping Checklist Printable.
Are you still feeling overwhelmed? We’ve got a special treat for you. Get a FREE 230+ item grocery shopping checklist! and never again worry about missing items on your next trip. This massive grocery list will make your first trip to the grocery store a walk in the park.
