Apartment Hunting: The Checklist

Our visit to Bo Jue Da Di, our current apartment.  We loved the kitchen and decided to rent!

We have changed apartments a few times in China and have a good handle on what's required in a move.  There always seems to be something you overlook, so I decided to make a list.  I hope this can help you too.

The items below are a guide in helping you pack and think about your new China apartment.  Some housing elements may be provided by your landlord or company.  If not, you can always try to negotiate them into your lease.   For example, we asked our first apartment's landlord to update the fridge and TV.  She did so, and managed to have everything in line before we moved in.  On the other hand, when we asked our current apartment's landlord to put a small flat screen TV in our bedroom, she politely declined.

Asking never hurts, but know it is up to your landlord's discretion.  

Your local grocery store or street side seller can help you get the basic cleaning supplies and rudimentary items, like trash cans, for your new home.

Housing Elements

Kitchen Stove Microwave Microwave Oven Water Dispensing Machine & Water Bottle  Fridge Dining Table for 4 People Coffee Machine Basic Kitchen Utensils: potato masher, spatulas, ladles, draining spoon, turner, spaghetti drainer, can opener, vegetable peeler, measuring spoons, measuring cups, mixing bowl, salt & pepper shakers, dish towels, pot holders Basic Pots & Pans, Wok, Rice Machine Set of Plates, Bowls, Silverware, Coffee Mugs, Glasses (for 4 people) Food--Coffee, Cereal, Sugar, Salt, Instant Noodles, Milk, Bread Mixer Blender Big Waste Basket

Bedroom(s) A/C unit Bed Night Stand Bed Sheets & Comforter / Bed Spread* Beds are NOT the same size as back home, please buy your sheets in China.  Fitted Sheets are difficult to find.  Bed Sheets can be found at most grocery stores. Pillows & Pillow Covers Hangers for Closet (for shirts and skirts) Mattress Pad* Beds are hard.  A variety of mattress pads can be bought here, typically at a "home store" like HOLA or a street side kiosk. Clock / Radio Waste Basket for each Bedroom

Bathroom Hand Soap Body Soap / Body Wash with Scrubber Toilet Paper Tooth Paste Set of Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Rags Broom, Dust Pan, Mop Toothbrush Holder Laundry Basket Bath Mat Waste Basket for each Bathroom

Living Room A/C TV Coffee Table Clock Satellite TV DVD Player

Utilities Internet Clothes Washer Cell Phone with SIM Card Taxi Cards for Suzhou/Shanghai/Kunshan on Key Ring Teacher Orientation Book Clothing Rack, to hang dry clothes VPN Ayi (maid) Magic Jack Computer Ironing Board & Iron Cleaning Supplies: Soap, Scrubbers / Sponges, Rags, Bleach Welcome Mat, Outside Front Door