Moving into your first apartment can be a daunting experience. From signing contracts to buying furniture, there is a lot to consider. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we will provide you with the best first apartment checklist to make your move-in process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Our comprehensive checklist includes everything you need to make your new apartment feel like home. From kitchen essentials to bathroom must-haves, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us help you make your first apartment feel like your own.
First Apartment Checklist
Here is a checklist of essential items for your kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and laundry:
- Kitchen: dishes, utensils, pots and pans, cutting board, knives, dish towels, trash can, cleaning supplies
- Living room: sofa, coffee table, lamps, curtains or blinds, TV, entertainment center, rug
- Bedroom: bed frame, mattress, sheets, pillows, blankets, dresser, hangers, curtains or blinds
- Bathroom: towels, shower curtain, bath mat, toilet brush, toilet plunger, cleaning supplies, trash can
- Laundry: laundry basket, detergent, fabric softener, iron, ironing board, drying rack
Make sure to also consider any additional items you may need based on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
First Apartment Checklist: What To Buy For Your Living Room
When it comes to furnishing your first apartment, the living room is one of the most important spaces to consider. It’s where you’ll relax, entertain guests, and spend most of your downtime. Here are some essential items to consider when creating your living room.
11. TV Stand
If you plan on watching TV in your living room, a TV stand is a must-have. Look for one that fits your TV and matches your decor. Be sure to compare prices to find the best deal.
12. TV
A TV is a big investment, so be sure to compare prices and wait for sales to get the best deal. Consider the size and features that are important to you.
13. Apartment Living Room Decorations
Decorations are a great way to add personality and style to your living room. Wait until you’ve moved in to see what you have space for and what matches your decor. Consider adding lamps, throw pillows, blankets, a rug, and curtains to complete the look.
First Apartment Checklist: What To Buy For Your Bedroom
When it comes to furnishing your first apartment bedroom, it can be overwhelming to decide what to buy. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of essential items to consider.
14. Bedframe
A simple bedframe can create a minimalist look in your bedroom. You can add personality with art, bedside tables, duvet covers, and throw pillows.
15. Mattress
Finding a quality mattress within your budget is important. Check out Amazon for options with 400+ reviews. The mattress and topper below both have a 4.6 review (November 2020) and 1000+ reviews.
16. Duvet + Fitted Sheets + Pillows
Duvets are surprisingly affordable, and pillows can make a big difference in your sleep quality. Consider joining the team of fitted sheets and duvet covers for easy bedding changes.
17. Bedroom Furniture
Picking out furniture can be fun! Start with a nightstand, or a small side table, and add a dresser, mirror, small desk, chair, curtains, and lamps.
18. Closet Essentials
Hanging organizers can help maximize your closet space. Invest in hangers to keep your clothes looking neat and organized. These gray velvet hangers from Amazon come in a pack of 50.
19. Apartment Bedroom Decorations
Wait until you move in to buy decorations. Consider curtains, throw pillows, blankets, candles, and nightstand decorations to add personality to your space.
8. Couch
A comfortable and stylish couch is a must-have for any living room. Look for one that fits your space and matches your personal style. Be sure to compare prices to find the best deal.
9. Table + Chairs
A table and chairs are essential for dining and entertaining. Consider a set that matches your decor and is comfortable for long meals and conversations.
10. Coffee Table
A coffee table is a practical and decorative addition to your living room. Look for one that fits your space and complements your decor. Use it to display books, candles, and other decorative items.
In summary, these essential items can help you create a cozy and functional bedroom in your first apartment.
First Apartment Checklist: What To Buy For Your Kitchen
When you move into your first apartment, it can be overwhelming to figure out what you need for your kitchen. Here are some essential items to add to your shopping list:
4. Kitchen Appliances
Consider investing in good-quality appliances, such as a blender, coffee machine, and toaster, depending on what you use the most.
5. Serving Utensils
Serving utensils are a must-have. They can be as cheap or expensive as you’d like. A simple silver set from Amazon is a great option.
6. Kitchen Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies are essential for every kitchen. Get dish towels, a dish rack, sponges, all-purpose countertop spray, a trash can, a paper towel stand, and aluminum foil.
7. Other Kitchen Supplies
In addition to the essentials, you might need wine glasses, Tupperware, mixing bowls, oven mitts, a muffin pan, an ice cube tray, and kitchen furniture like bar stools and a table (if you have the space).
1. Pots and pans
Invest in a few pots and a frying pan, depending on how often you cook. A good-quality set, like the Westinghouse pots and pans, can be a game-changer.
2. Utensils
A basic and affordable set of kitchen utensils is a must. All-in-one sets are a great option and can be found on Amazon and Target.
3. Dishes and bowls
Get small and big plates, deep plates, and bowls in different sizes. Amazon offers affordable yet expensive-looking dishes and bowls.
First Apartment Checklist: What To Buy For Your Bathroom
When moving into your first apartment, it’s important to have all the necessary items for your bathroom. Here are two important subsections to help you get started:
20. Shower Essentials
To make your shower experience more comfortable, you will need a bath mat, shower curtain, towels, and a hanging organizer for your shampoos. These items are affordable and can be found at stores like Costco, Target, or Amazon. Here are some shower essentials that we recommend:
- Shower caddy
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Loofah or sponge
21. Bathroom Cleaning Essentials
Keeping your bathroom clean is important for maintaining a healthy living environment. When moving into your first apartment, make sure to have these bathroom cleaning essentials:
- Toilet bowl brush and plunger
- Toilet bowl cleaner (Chlorox)
- Mirror cleaner
- Trash can
By having these essential items in your bathroom, you’ll be able to keep your space clean and organized, and enjoy a comfortable shower experience.
First Apartment Checklist: What To Buy For Laundry Room
22. Laundry Essentials
When setting up your first laundry room, it’s essential to have the right tools to keep your clothes clean and fresh. Here are some laundry essentials that you should consider having:
- Laundry Detergent, Bags, and Basket: These are the basics that you need to get started with laundry. Choose a detergent that works well with your clothes and skin type. You may also want to invest in laundry bags to help protect delicate items and a laundry basket to keep everything organized.
- Closet and Drawer Sachets: Keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean by using closet and drawer sachets. These small packets contain fragrant herbs and essential oils that can help repel moths and other insects.
- Steamer: A powerful garment steamer can be a game-changer when it comes to getting wrinkles out of clothes quickly and efficiently. Consider investing in a steamer instead of an iron for a more efficient way to keep your clothes looking their best.
- Iron: While a steamer is great for everyday use, an iron is still necessary for more heavy-duty wrinkle removal. Choose an iron with adjustable heat settings and a non-stick soleplate for best results.
By having these laundry essentials on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any laundry challenge that comes your way.