102 Things Everyone Should Have Somewhere in Their First Apartment
Moving into an apartment means filling up a lot of empty space. Even if you start out with some basics from friends or family or your college apartment, there are still so many things you need to buy. To help you make a plan before moving day, I chatted with interior design experts to compile a list of the first apartment essentials that everyone should have. But don’t stress: You don’t need to buy everything all at once.
You might think you have an idea of what you need to make your new apartment feel like home, but seeing these expert recommendations will help you understand what you already own and what you need to buy. Plus, this rundown doubles as a built-in checklist when it’s time to shop.
Whether you’ve just signed your first lease or are thinking ahead to your post-college move, here’s a great big list of everything you might need in your first apartment. From cleaning supplies to starter decor, I’ve covered it all — be sure to bookmark this ahead of moving day.
Living Room
You’ll likely find yourself spending a lot of time in the living room when you want to chill or watch TV — which means you’ll need the right first apartment essentials to fill it out. Interior designer Emily Auffrey says prioritizing cozy lighting should be top of mind: “Having three sources of light is important: a floor lamp, task lamp, and overhead light.”
If you’re moving into a studio or just trying to maximize a small space, interior designer Sandy Saintilus recommends getting a C-table that can hug the sofa if there isn’t room in the apartment for a dining table. Here are some other living room staples designers say will help you make this space a comfortable haven.
- Coasters
- C-table
- Side table lamp
- Floor lamp
- Rug
- Speaker
- TV
- Sofa covers (to refresh a hand-me-down)
- Plants
- Picture frames
- Sitting chair
- Throw blanket
- Throw pillows
- Coffee table
- Sofa
Kitchen
Whether you love cooking intricate recipes or you microwave almost every meal (or both!), there are a few absolute essentials for any kitchen. Saintilus’ unexpected tip is making sure to stock up on Zevo insect traps, and not just for the kitchen — they’re also helpful in the dining room or anywhere you might keep food.
Meanwhile, Auffrey is of the mindset that a few fun items in the kitchen are essential (think: a colorful coffee maker). Here are the other first apartment essentials they recommend for your kitchen.
- Microwave
- Insect traps
- Cereal bowls
- Dinner bowls
- Dinner plates
- Breakfast plates
- Set of pots and pans
- Hand broom and dustpan
- One cast iron pot
- Pot lid holder
- Under-sink storage organizer
- Coffee maker
- The Pink Stuff cleaner
- Reusable dish brush
- Straw and bottle cleaners
- Toaster
- Rice maker
- Air fryer
- Cooking utensil set
- Rubber spatula
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Dishwasher detergent and/or dish soap
- Kitchen towels
- Reusable paper towels
- Fire extinguisher
- Cutting board set
- Blender
- Silverware organizer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bakeware set
Closet
If you have one tiny closet or several, any amount of space is useful for storage and clothing. One of Auffrey’s favorite tips is to invest in nice hangers for the closet to help the entire space look cohesive. Here’s what else to be sure to get for your closet.
Bathroom
Although it might seem like any bathroom already comes with most of what you need, it’s an important room to remember to shop for when moving into your first apartment. Beyond cleaning supplies, things like a shower organizer, a toothbrush holder, and a soap dispenser make all the difference in creating an organized space that feels good to be in. Here’s what to add to your bathroom essentials shopping list.
Entryway
Both Auffrey and Saintilus recommend setting your entryway up soon after moving in — what seems like something you can deal with later can become an eyesore and an inconvenience quickly. Whether your entryway is a spacious foyer or a glorified square-foot by the door, there are a handful of things you should add to make sure it’s functional.
Bedroom
Arguably the most important room of the apartment — after all, you do spend a third of your day in there sleeping — the bedroom deserves special consideration. Cozy lighting and fun decor can go a long way when creating a space you’re happy to wake up to every day, but there are a few extra items that might help the bedroom become your favorite room in your first apartment.
Bedding
Last but not least, the most important part of the bedroom is definitely the bed. Making sure your bed is equally as comfortable as it is cute is a must, and incorporating the best essentials, like sheets and pillows, can elevate your bedroom.
