Shopping for a first apartment isn't easy, when you're searching through the seemingly endless variety of home furnishings, kitchen tools, and linens—and trying to furnish a new home on a pretty strict budget.
The good news is that this is your first apartment and your first time picking these items out for yourself—and it's practically guaranteed that it won't be your last time, so every decision doesn't have to mean a lifelong commitment to a mattress, a set of dishes, or bath towels.
As you work through our ultimate first apartment checklist, don't forget to set a little cash aside for the surprising things you'll need for your first apartment—these little luxuries will make your first adult living space a little homier.
The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
Check out our printable, portable first apartment checklist; after that, you'll find a digital version that you can keep on your phone during those all-important shopping trips. With any luck, you'll have your apartment fully stocked before your first lease is up.
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Click for a printable version you can take shopping with you
Bedroom Essentials
The good news: You may already have many of the bedroom essentials stocked, whether you grab the items from your current bedroom or your college dorm stash. Make sure that you have two sets of sheets, so you can have one in the wash while the fresh set is on your bed.
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- Mattress
- Bed frame
- Mattress protector
- Sheets
- Spare sheet set
- Pillows
- Blanket
- Quilt/Duvet
- Nightstand
- Alarm clock
- Desk lamp
- Dresser
- Full-length mirror
- Curtains
- Wall/door hooks
- Under-bed organizer
- Hangers
- Catch-all bin or basket
- Desk fan
- Laundry hamper
Kitchen Must-Haves
Stocking your kitchen well can be a big up-front expenditure, but it'll save you money when you make it easier to cook at home. You don't have to splurge on the highest end versions of any items—a basic set of glasses or plates can serve you well for years.
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- Medium pot
- Large pot
- Small skillet
- Medium skillet
- Large skillet
- Chef's knife
- Bread knife
- Paring knife
- Locking tongs
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Silicone spatula
- Colander
- Wooden spoons (slotted)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Liquid measuring cup
- Plates
- Bowls
- Glasses
- Utensils
- Toaster
- Blender
- Bottle, wine, and can openers
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Mugs
Bathroom Essentials
Getting the right gear for your first apartment's bathroom can help make it a relaxing place for self-care. It's worth investing in plush bath towels—and organizers to help you store all of your products.
- Bath towel set
- Bath mat
- Shower organizer
- Drain cover
- Soap dispenser
- Shower curtain, liner, and curtain hooks
- Toilet plunger and brush
- Trash can
Living room Necessities
You may end up spending a bit more in your living room, where a lot of big-ticket items like sofas, TVs, and other furnishings live. If your budget is tight, many furnishings can be found second-hand to help you get your first apartment furnished in style.
- Bookshelf
- Couch/chair
- Coffee table
- Coasters
- Curtains/shades
- TV
- TV stand
- Streaming device
- Floor lamp
Miscellaneous Must-Haves
These items need to find a home in your home—and you'll definitely want them to help keep your place (and your clothes) organized and neat.
- Coat rack
- Doormat
- Key hook
- Ironing board and iron (or steamer)
- Clothing drying rack
- Vacuum
- Broom and dustpan
- Dust rags or duster
First Apartment Shopping Tips
Before you ransack your local home goods store, consider these tips to ensure you're maximizing every penny.
Figure out your overall budget
Moving into your own apartment can be an expensive time, since you're likely on the hook for a security deposit and first and last month's rent—in addition to any moving costs and buying things for your apartment. Figure out how much you actually have to spend, and how you want to distribute that.
Leave yourself a little wiggle room
Set aside a small portion of your apartment budget for any last-minute must-haves that'll come up as you move in.
Coordinate with your roommates
If you're living with roommates, you don't each need to supply a toaster or couch. Have a meetup to discuss what items you each have and what items you're willing to buy .
Pro tip: While big-ticket items like couches may seem like a place where you can all chip in together, remember that it may only be a few years before someone's leaving the apartment. If you do need to combine forces to buy something expensive, have a plan for how you'll settle things when someone moves out.
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Don't rush
Fight the urge to rush to get everything at once. It's true that sleeping on the floor in an empty apartment isn't fun, but it's better than spending money on items you don't actually like.
Think ahead
Your first apartment likely won't be your "forever home," but some of the pieces you buy while you're there could easily translate to a new space. A good-quality futon that's the focal point of your studio apartment living room/bedroom could eventually be a space saver in your future guest bedroom, while a splurge-y stand mixer could last you for decades.
Get creative to stretch your budget
The classic "wooden boards and milk crates" bookshelf has been a time-honored first apartment hack. But there are plenty of other ways to save money on furnishing your apartment. Look for items on sale, shop at budget-friendly stores; check out Buy Nothing groups, garage sales, and Freecycle options near you; or head to your local thrift shop for bargains.
