From finding the right neighborhood to picking a roommate, moving out is daunting enough without wondering you have everything you need. Whether it's your first apartment or not, there are some items that are essential to every day life.
If it's your first apartment, you'll have very little in terms of furniture and kitchenware. Sometimes, you'll have leftovers from college dorm life or receive hand-me-downs from well-established relatives. Maybe you are trying to downsize, because you're moving to a smaller space. It's hard to know what to buy and what to throw away. Don't waste money on things you won't use because you might need it.
Overwhelmed, yet? Use this comprehensive checklist for a collection of everything you'll need for your first apartment -- from the kitchen to your bathroom.
Here are the top 10 must-haves for your first apartment, separated by room.
Bedroom essentials
Bedrooms can be decorated easily (think pre-styled, bed-in-a-bag options). If you want to add some personal touches, invest in a couple throw pillows or large framed prints.
A good feng shui bedroom promotes fresh airflow and balanced energy to keep you well-rested at night. That means keeping your electronics (cell phones, televisions, laptops) in other rooms not to disturb or distract you! If you are allowed to paint, choose neutral skin-tone colors (beige, light brown) as they are very calming and restorative.
- Bed
- Pillows
- Bedding and sheets
- Alarm clock (no cell phones!)
- Nightstand
- Hangers
- Full-length mirror
- Laundry hamper
- Closet storage containers
- Window treatments
Kitchen and dining must-haves
Apartments usually offer a joint area for the kitchen and dining room. If you have both, consider yourself lucky. When buying kitchen accessories, it's tempting to buy a lot of fancy gadgets. However, it's more prudent to just purchase the basics, and save the more intricate items for your first house. (You will never require a garlic press in an apartment.)
When space is an issue, items that do double duty are life savers. If possible, keep counters clear at all times; cluttered countertops draw the eye and make the room seem smaller.
- Pots and covers
- Oven-safe bakeware set
- Non-stick baking sheet
- Casserole dish
- Microwave-safe dishes and bowls
- Flatware (forks, spoons)
- Cutlery (knife set)
- Cold drink glasses, ceramic mugs
- Keurig (makes coffee and tea)
- Cooking utensils
- Two cutting boards (one for meat, one for everything else)
- Oven mitts
Bathroom necessities
You might spend so much time worrying about other rooms that you forget the bathroom. Not only will you spend a lot of time there, but most of your guests will use your bathroom at least once per visit. The more organized this room is, the better.
The biggest tip for transitioning from college chic to post-grad? Matching towels! Throw away those mismatched, threadbare towels from your days of communal dorm showers and acquire a coordinated set (monogrammed if you feel fancy).
- Shower curtain
- Shower rings
- Non-slip tub treads
- Absorbent bath mat
- Towels
- Personal toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, lotions, loofahs, tooth brush, toothpaste, cotton swabs, etc.)
- Toilet paper
- Scrubber brush
- Plunger
- Air freshener
Living room essentials
The living room is where you'll host friends and relatives, so you'll spend the most time decorating it. Add life to those blank walls! Framing posters automatically classes them up, so don't worry about spending a lot of cash on one-of-a-kind art prints.
Mix in some mirrors as they create the illusion of visually expanding your space. Floor lamps will also cast a more flattering light than the overhead option already installed in most apartments. Good lighting and a well-placed mirror can really turn a room around.
- Couches
- Coffee table
- Television
- Media console
- Streaming device/cable box
- Floor lamp
- Storage (like a bookshelf)
- Side tables
- Artwork or wall hangings
- Window treatments
Supply closet must-haves
Maybe your supply closet is not a closet at all. It could be under the sink or in a caddy by the back door, but you should have these cleaning items in your apartment at all times.
- Sprays
- Disinfectant
- Multi-surface
- Glass
- Dish detergent
- Sponges, scouring pads
- Laundry detergent
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop
- Vacuum
- Paper towels
- Garbage cans
- Trash bags
Miscellaneous necessities
All rentals should (but don't always) come with safety devices like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. When you sign your lease, ask what is supposed to come with the apartment and what you will need to bring yourself.
Check local laws to see what's mandatory. For example, most states require at least one working smoke detector near each sleeping area.
- Toolkit
- Screwdriver
- Screws, plastic anchors
- Step stool
- Batteries
- Power strips, surge protectors, extension cords
- Flashlight
- Light bulbs
- Candles and matches
- Carbon Monoxide alarm
- Smoke detector
- First-aid kit
Tackle rooms one at a time. Outfitting your first apartment with these essentials is almost as important as the place itself. You can't live in an empty apartment! Check local thrift stores for expensive items, and don't be afraid to ask others for small housewarming gifts. Purchase these items before the move, so all you have to do is unpack.