New/First Apartment Checklist: What You Need to Buy?
Moving into your first apartment is a major step towards independence. Whether renting or owning, this new space is all yours, and making it feel like home is essential. To achieve that, you will need to gather the essentials. This first apartment checklist offers a simple guide covering everything from furniture to kitchen supplies and cleaning tools. It will help you create a cozy space to settle in and make it yours.
Table of Content
- New/First Apartment Checklist: What You Need to Buy?
- First Apartment Checklist Infograph
- First Apartment Checklist: Tips for Shopping
First Apartment Checklist of 75+ Items
Here’s a quick guide to what you need for your first apartment:
#1. Safety Requirements
Ensuring safety in your new apartment is important for a secure and comfortable living environment. You can protect yourself and your space from hazards and emergencies by implementing safety measures.
Here’s a list of safety essentials every first apartment should have.
| Must-Haves | Optional |
| First Aid kit | Security cameras |
| Renters insurance | Motion sensor lights |
| Emergency/Disaster kit | Window locks |
| Home security | Panic button |
| Fire extinguisher | |
| Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors |
#2. Kitchen Supplies
The kitchen is the heart of your home. So, having everything you need to cook delicious meals and create memorable moments with your loved ones is important. From cookware sets to utensils, ensuring you have all the necessary tools for cooking and dining is essential for a functional kitchen.
Here’s what you will need in your kitchen as per our first apartment checklist:
| Must-Haves | Optional |
| Gas cooktop / Range | Dishwasher |
| Cooking utensils | Baking equipments |
| Pots and pans | Smoke detector |
| Dishes | Chimney |
| Drinking glasses & Mugs | Coffee maker |
| Cutting boards & Knives | Bottle opener and corkscrew |
| Rolling pin board | Vegetable chopper |
| Teapot & Tea strainer | |
| Pressure cooker | |
| Cup & saucer | |
| Spoons & Forks | |
| Mixer/Grinder | |
| Food containers & Jars | |
| Water purifier | |
| Oven-safe dishes & Oven mitts | |
| Refrigerator | |
| Napkins, Dish towels, and Rags | |
| Garbage can | |
| Washer & Dryer |
#3. Bedroom Basics
Your bedroom is your private space where you relax after a busy day and wake up feeling refreshed for the next day. It’s important to make it comfortable and organized, starting with a cozy bed and bedding. You probably already have basics like sheets, pillows, and blankets from your old place, which is great. However, there’s more to creating a cozy bedroom than just having bedding. Consider adding storage solutions like dressers or closet organizers to keep your space tidy and peaceful. These items help you stay organized and contribute to the overall comfort of your bedroom.
Here are some other items you might need in your bedroom:
| Must-Haves | Optional |
| Mattress & Mattress topper | Bed frame |
| Bedsheets | Nightstand |
| Blanket/Comforter | Vanity |
| Pillows | Rug |
| Wardrobe/Closet | Wall decor |
| Hangers | Alarm clock |
| Laundry bag | |
| Mirror |
#4. Bathroom Necessities
Ensuring your bathroom is well-equipped is key to staying clean and comfortable. While you have likely packed your toiletries, it’s essential to remember other items that contribute to a great bathroom experience. From shower curtains to basic toiletries, having these essentials on hand ensures your daily grooming routine goes smoothly. Small things make a big difference in creating a welcoming and functional space for personal hygiene needs.
Make sure to bring the following:
| Must-Haves | Optional |
| Towels | Bathroom organizer |
| Shower curtain and liner | Wall hooks |
| Bath mats or rugs | Soap dispenser |
| Toothbrush & Toothbrush holder | Bathroom freshener |
| Hand soap | |
| Toilet brush & Plunger | |
| Toilet paper & Toilet paper holder | |
| Trash can |
#5. Living Room Furnishings
Your living room is the heart of your home, where you hang out with friends, chill out, and just be yourself. Making it cozy and inviting is key, and that means having comfy seating, a cool TV setup, and some decorative elements to make it feel like your own space. When setting it up, think about how you want it to look and feel – you can go for a theme or add stuff you like.
As for this new apartment checklist, be sure to have:
| Must-Haves | Optional |
| Sofa | Armchair |
| Coffee table | Bookshelf |
| Small dining room table | Ottoman/Pouf |
| Chairs | Rug |
| Lamps | Decorative pillows for sofa |
| TV and TV stand | Accent decor & Wall art |
| Curtains/Blinds | Indoor plants |
| Shoe rack | Desk and chair (work-from-home setup) |
| Fans & Air conditioner |
First Apartment Checklist Infograph
First Apartment Checklist: Tips for Shopping
- Make a list of everything you need and set a budget to avoid overspending.
- Take your time to explore your options, especially for big-ticket items like furniture and appliances.
- Focus on purchasing essentials first, knowing your first apartment might not be your forever home.
By following this checklist and shopping wisely, you can create a comfortable space that feels like home.
Final Thoughts
Ready to move into your first apartment? With this checklist, you can ensure you have all the essentials covered. Whether moving into your own space for the first time or starting fresh in a new place, having everything you need will make settling in a breeze. So, use this checklist as your guide, and enjoy creating a comfortable and welcoming home that reflects your style and personality.
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