Kick off independent living effortlessly! Navigate the essentials with our First Apartment Checklist—your guide to a perfectly equipped home.
This blog post is about the first apartment essentials checklist!
Moving into your first apartment is seriously exciting stuff! I mean, sitting in your new bedroom or kitchen for the first time and realizing it’s all yours? Total pinch-me moment!
But let’s be real: shopping for an apartment when you’ve never done it before can be a bit of a wild ride.
Deciding what’s a “must-have” versus what you just kind of want? Totally confusing! It’s like diving into chaos.
So, I made a first apartment checklist so you can plan out your shopping list and see exactly what you need! This will help you navigate this whole crazy experience without losing your mind or forgetting anything.
Here’s an important tip: You don’t have to buy everything all at once, and there might be things that you thought you needed but end up realizing you don’t need at all. Spend your cash and focus on getting the essentials for now.
We are going to go through the basic first apartment essentials, such as kitchen essentials, bathroom essentials, bedroom essentials, living room essentials, and more!
First Apartment Checklist
Apartment Essentials: What To Buy For Your Bedroom
Give your apartment bedroom some extra love—it’s the spot where you kick back and relax.
First things first, make sure you’ve got the mattress and bedding sorted from day one. You can delay the bed frame if needed, but sleeping on the floor after a move is definitely not ideal.
Moving day can be super hectic, so having a cozy bed for your first night is essential!
Here’s what else you’ll need.
Bedroom Necessities:
• Mattress
• Bedding (sheets, pillowcases, comforter)
• Bed Pillows
• Bedside Lamps
Bedroom Furniture And Storage:
• Curtains or Blinds
• Dresser or Wardrobe
• Hangersb
• Nightstands
• Rug or Carpet
Other Bedroom Essentials:
• Basic Furniture (chair, small table)
• Storage Bins or Baskets
• Mirror
• Desk or Vanity
• Throw Blankets or Cushions
• Storage Bins or Baskets
Apartment Essentials: What To Buy For Your Bathroom
When you’re setting up your first apartment bathroom, make sure you get the essentials right.
Don’t overlook bathroom essentials such as extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies because they’re easy to miss.
Bathroom necessities:
• Towels (face,hair,hands and body)
• Shower Curtain
• Toilet Paper
• Trash Can
• Shower mat / Bath mat
Hygiene and cleaning necessities:
• toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Body Wash and Soap
• Bathroom Cleaner
• Plunger (A must-have for unexpected plumbing issues)
Other Bathroom Essentials:
• Shelving or Cabinet
• Hairdryer
• First Aid Kit
• Toothbrush holder
Apartment Essentials: What To Buy For Your Living Room
Creating a cozy and practical living room is crucial for making your apartment a chill spot to hang out and host guests.
Setting up this welcoming space is essential in making your first apartment feel like home.
However, keep in mind that you don’t have to get everything right away. Take it slow!
Begin with the basic apartment essentials for your living room before diving into decor and finding your style.
Living Room Necessities:
• Sofa or Couch
• Coffee Table
• Comfy Chairs
• TV stand
Living Space Decor and Organization:
• Baskets or Bins
• Throw Pillows
• Blankets
• Side Tables
• Curtains or Blinds
• Rug or Carpet
Tech and Entertainment Center:
• TV and Entertainment Unit
• Streaming Device
• Wi-Fi Router
• Speakers
Apartment Essentials: What To Buy For Your kitchen
RELATED: First Apartment Kitchen Essentials that you actually need
When it comes to your first apartment, stocking up your kitchen can be more overwhelming than you think. Often, you realize you’re missing crucial items only when you need them.
Start by getting the absolute kitchen essentials, and then add extras gradually.
Kitchen Necessities:
• Pots and Pans
• Cooking Utensils
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Mixing Bowls
Kitchenware and Storage:
• Dishware (plates, bowls, and glasses)
• Flatware (forks, knives, and spoons)
• Food Storage Containers
Kitchen Appliances:
• Microwave
• Toaster or Toaster Oven
• Coffee Maker or Kettle
Cleaning Supplies and Extras:
• Dish Soap and Sponge
• Trash Can and Bags
• Dishtowels
• Plastic or other food wrap
• Oven Mitts
• Vegetable Peeler
• Cheese Grater
• Blender
Other Apartment Essentials:
Though we’ve tackled the essentials, there are a few extra items to consider for your first apartment checklist.
These miscellaneous must-haves prove indispensable in handling diverse needs and situations as you make yourself at home in your first apartment.
Home Organization:
• Drawer Organizers
• Wall Hooks
• Shoe Rack or Tray
• Coat rack
• Doormat
• Clothing drying rack
Home Maintenance:
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Basic Cleaning Supplies
• Extension Cords and Power Strips
• Batteries
• Laundry Basket
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Basic Toolkit
• Stain Remover
• Notepads and Pens
• Vacuum
• Ironing board and iron (or steamer)
Other apartment necessities:
• Reusable Shopping Bags
• Umbrella
• Air Fresheners or Diffusers
• Reusable Water Bottles
• Basic Sewing Kit
First Apartment Shopping Tips:
Getting your first apartment set up is pretty exciting! But before you go crazy with shopping, here are some tips to make sure you’re not overspending.
Set a Budget:
•Establish a budget to guide your spending.
•Prioritize essential items for daily living.
Start with Basics:
•Begin with crucial items like bedding, cookware, and furniture.
Measure Your Space:
•Take measurements to avoid purchasing items that won’t fit.
Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture:
•Maximize limited space with furniture that serves multiple purposes.
•Consider second-hand or budget-friendly options for tables and chairs.
Inject Personal Style:
•Select decor items that resonate with your personality.
•Gradually add decor as you settle in and discover your style.
Be Patient and Gradual:
•Don’t rush the decorating process; let your style evolve naturally.
Look for Deals and Discounts:
•Keep an eye out for sales, especially during back-to-school and holiday seasons.
•Stretch your budget by taking advantage of discounts.
This savvy approach allows you to stretch your budget while still creating a comfortable and personalized space in your new home.
With a strategic mindset, your first apartment shopping experience can be both economical and enjoyable.
This is everything for The First Apartment Checklist
