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Apartment Necessities: Things you need for your first apartment
Moving out for the first time is an exciting experience for many people. Whether you’re starting off in a college dorm room, moving into your own studio apartment, or renting your first apartment with roommates, there are plenty of things you’ll need to buy for your new apartment.
To help you on your apartment shopping spree, we’ve made a handy PDF checklist you can print out and take with you when buying new home items. You may already have some of the things on our apartment essentials checklist. If that’s the case, just mark it off the list and move on to the next! You’re one step ahead of other first-time renters.
Household Items
Every first apartment needs some common, everyday essentials that many people often overlook when starting out on their own. Tools, cleaning supplies, and other miscellaneous items are easy to forget when you begin planning your new apartment shopping list. But, these basic household items are likely to stay with you through multiple moves.
Tools
Having a tool kit around the apartment will save you time and money whenever something minor breaks down. Don’t rely on your landlord for every minor repair job, do it yourself with these inexpensive tools.
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Cordless power drill
- Hammer
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Tape measure
- Duct tape
- Leveler
Cleaning Supplies
Nobody wants to live in a dirty apartment, but nothing stays clean forever. Keep your first apartment spotless (and ensure you’ll get that security deposit back) with these essential cleaning supplies.
- Vacuum
- Wet or Dry Mop
- Bucket
- Broom
- Dustpan
- All-purpose cleaner
- Shower cleaner
- Dishwashing soap
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- Sponges
Emergency Kit
When living on your own for the first time, it’s up to you to be prepared for an emergency situation. You’ll be glad you invested in the following items when disaster strikes.
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
Laundry
Linens and towels are absolute necessities for your first apartment. You definitely don’t have to buy fancy bedspreads or designer bath towels. But, having a few sheets for your bed and a way to dry yourself off after showering will make your first apartment experience all the better.
- Dish towels
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Wash clothes
- Bed sheets
- Comforter
- Duvet cover
- Bed skirt
- Pillow cases
- Laundry basket
Kitchen Must-Haves
Appliances
Most apartments include a refrigerator and (sometimes) a large electric or gas oven. For all other cooking needs, you’ll have to get the following kitchen appliances.
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Blender
- Slow cooker
- Coffee maker
Cookware
Cooking at home is the best way to save money when you move out on your own. But first, you’ll need the proper cookware.
- 10-inch Skillet
- 3-quart Sauce pan
- 8-quart Stock pot
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cup set
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Serving Spoon
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Paring knife
Utensils & Dinnerware
All that homemade cooking needs something to be served on and eaten with, so be sure to stock your new kitchen with enough cutlery and dinnerware.
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Chopsticks
- Cups
- Bowls
- Plates
Pantry & Refrigerator
Obviously, food is the number one item you’ll want in this section of your first apartment, but we wouldn’t want to suggest what groceries you should buy. Instead, here’s a list of non-edible essentials for your pantry and fridge.
- Water filter
- Ice cube trays
- Plastic storage container set
- Plastic storage bags
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
Bedroom Essentials
You spend one-third of your life sleeping. That means you’ll be spending a lot of time in your new bedroom. Make it the most comfortable room in your first apartment with this bedroom essentials list.
- Bed frame
- Box spring
- Mattress
- Pillows
- Book shelf
- Computer desk
- Computer chair
- Desk lamp
- Nightstand
- Dresser
Bathroom Supplies
The bathroom isn’t the most attractive room in the apartment to shop for, but you’ll want to consider grabbing a few odds and ends to help maintain it and ensure your guests don’t run away screaming.
- Toilet brush
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Plunger
- Toilet paper
- Loofah
- Hand soap
- Shower curtain and hooks
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Squeegee
Living Room Furnishings
Living room furnishings are likely the most expensive items a first-time renter will purchase. With that said, you wouldn’t want a living room without a TV to watch or a sofa to sit on. Would you?
- Sofa
- Chairs
- End table
- Coffee table
- Entertainment center
- Television
- Throw pillows
- Standing lamp
