Moving to your first apartment is something new and important. Moving to college, starting a job or having your own space is both thrilling and a bit overwhelming.
A lot of individuals find out just how much they miss after they move. First-time renters usually pay somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000 for furniture and basic things. And with almost half of all American renters under 34, you’re not alone in attempting to make it all fit.
This is why we have made this short and simple first apartment checklist for each room. It has every item you require, including those needed for cooking, cleaning and both your bedroom and bathroom.
Let’s get you settled and make your new place home sweet home!
Kitchen Supplies
Your kitchen is an essential place in your apartment. You cook, eat and possibly gather for socializing here. Having the suitable tools helps you handle both heating up leftovers and cooking full meals. Below you’ll find a list of kitchen supplies to have in your kitchen.
- Frying pan
- Pots with lids
- Saucepan
- Cooking utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, ladle, tongs)
- Knives
- Cutting board
- Plates and bowls
- Forks, knives, spoons
- Glasses and mugs
- Toaster (optional)
- Microwave (optional)
- Coffee maker (optional)
- Food storage containers
- Plastic wrap and aluminum foil
- Dish soap and sponge
- Dish rack
- Trash bags
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Cleaning and Laundry Supplies
Taking care of the cleanliness in your apartment allows you to maintain your health and comfort. Suitable cleaning supplies are useful in helping you to keep your home tidy. Cleaning your counters and washing your clothes will ensure your home is always clean. Here is the list of some of the most important cleaning supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Floor cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Bleach
- Sponge
- Scrubber
- Duster
- Paper towels
- Paper towel holder
- Tissues
- Towels or cleaning rags
- Squeegee
- Trash cans
- Trash bags
- Bucket
- Step stool
Tools for Cleaning Floors
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop
- Vacuum cleaner (if carpeted)
Laundry Supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Stain remover
- Dryer balls
- Laundry basket or hamper
- Hamper (if you want a separate one)
- Iron
- Ironing board
Bedroom Supplies
Your bedroom is where you can relax, unwind and get some fresh energy. Smart storage and soft bedding help you have better sleep and keep your clothes neat. All these bedroom essentials allow you to feel comfortable and at ease. Here is the list of top bedroom supplies for your first apartment:
- Bed frame and mattress
- Mattress protector
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Pillows
- Comforter or duvet
- Extra blankets
- Dresser or clothes storage
- Closet organizers and hangers
- Bedside lamp or reading light
- Alarm clock or phone charger station
- Laundry hamper
- Optional: throw pillows, blankets, rugs
Bathroom Supplies
Because you use the bathroom at the start and finish of each day, keeping it neat is very important. If there are plenty of towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies, you’ll feel clean and your guests will like your bathroom. Below is the key list of items to check in your first apartment bathroom.
- Bath towels (multiple)
- Bath mat
- Shower curtain and liner
- Shower rod and hooks
- Shower caddy
- Non-slip shower mat
- Loofah or washcloth
- Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Hairbrush or comb
- Toilet paper
- Plunger
- Toilet cleaning solution
- Toilet brush
Living Room Supplies
You usually relax in your living room, watch TV there or visit with friends. The area is cosy and welcoming because of the comfortable chairs and bright lighting. A few key decorations will make your room look nice and be useful for relaxing or entertaining.
- Couch or chairs
- Coffee table or side tables
- Floor or table lamps
- TV and remote (optional)
- Bookshelves or storage units
- Decorative pillows and rugs
- Curtains
- Power strips and extension cords
Miscellaneous Supplies
Sometimes making little changes can bring about great results. With these simple essentials like tools, batteries and flashlights, you can address little problems and be ready for any situation.
- Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdrivers, nails, tape measure)
- Batteries
- Flashlight
- Chargers and extension cords
- Reusable water bottles
- Notepad and pens
- Umbrella
- Reusable shopping bags
Safety Supplies
Being safe in your home is very important. You and your things are safer because of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and reliable locks. Carrying safety items with you makes you feel secure and allows you to deal with emergencies easily.
- Smoke detector (check if the landlord provides)
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Fire extinguisher
- Working door and window locks
- Emergency contact list
- Lockbox or safe for important documents
Pet Supplies (if applicable)
When you bring home a pet, meeting their needs is a responsibility as you set up your new place. With food bowls and toys, your pet is kept happy, healthy and comfortable in your apartment.
- Food and water bowls
- Pet food
- Leash and collar
- Bed or crate
- Toys and grooming tools
- Litter box and litter (for cats)
- Cleaning supplies for accidents
First Apartment Setup Tips
Follow these ideas to get comfortable in your new home without stress:
- Start with the basics: Start with the essentials like a bed, kitchen items and toilet paper and add more things as you need them.
- Buy gradually: Accumulate your items slowly over time. Decide what’s most important to you by comparing your budget and your everyday needs.
- Measure before you buy: Take measurements and check if the furniture will be able to fit in your room and go through the door.
- Stay organized: Appoint labels to storage containers and put things on shelves or under the bed for extra storage.
- Decorate with purpose: Think about lighting, colors and textures to turn your space into a home-like atmosphere.
FAQs
What do you need for a first apartment checklist?
Make sure you have kitchen tools, bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries and basic furniture for all the rooms. Start by making your home useful.
Is it hard to get approved for your first apartment?
It is up to the landlord to decide. Most of the time, you need to give details of your earnings, allow a credit check and provide references. It can be useful to have a co-signer.
How do I stick to a budget when setting up my apartment?
Make choices about what you really need, get things secondhand or from cheap places and add pieces bit by bit.
What cleaning supplies should I buy first?
As a first step, you should get an all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, toilet cleaner, a broom and laundry detergent. Add more as needed.
How do I make my first apartment feel like home?
Decorate with pictures, area rugs, lamps and nice throw covers. Clean the area and furnish it in a way you personally like.
Conclusion
Besides unpacking, moving into your first apartment means making a place you can feel comfortable in. Having the necessary items in every room will give you a sense of comfort, organization and help you make the most of your new independence. Having a great kitchen is useful no matter if you’re hosting, having a break or just trying to get by each day.
Be patient, find things that you like and keep in mind you can always add new items over the years. Make things comfortable, bring in what matters to you and you’ll see that your apartment begins to feel just like home.
If you’re shopping for essentials and want a reliable place to start, check out Garafour for great finds to set up your new space.