As a first time renter, you have a lot going on. You just toured some apartments, signed your first lease, and now you might be in the process of securing renters insurance. Every step is new! Shopping for your first apartment is yet another first. It’s always difficult to determine what is essential versus what you want for your new home.
We created this first apartment checklist to make your shopping easier. We boiled it down to items that are deemed essential by tenants we’ve recently moved-in, our own apartment experience, and some extra research. Of course, customize this list based on what you might already have or if something is not truly essential to you.
Ready to start shopping? Follow along as we break down all the essentials for your first apartment!
Before you shop till you drop
Make sure you have a budget
Budgeting for your first apartment is critical! Remember, aside from the items you need to furnish and maintain the apartment, you have other monthly expenses such as base rent, utilities, renters insurance, and food expenses – to name a few. With a budget in place, you can maximize your financial health and plan for the future. View our guide on how to budget for an apartment to make sure you’re prepared.
What to consider when furnishing
Before you go and buy the whole store, you definitely want to consider your new apartment’s floorplan and storage capabilities. Ask the property manager/landlord for a floorplan with dimensions of each room so you have an idea of what furniture sizes you can work with.
Additionally, give some thought to the design and decor you want the apartment to embrace. Are you going for a minimalist, hipster, or chic vibe? Maybe something completely unique? Having a sense of what you want the apartment to look and feel like before shopping will help guide you in the right direction and save money in the long run.
Tailor our checklist to best suit you
This first apartment checklist contains general items and is just a starting point. Ultimately, your lifestyle and preferences are what will determine what is necessary! Use the checklist to get a sense of what an apartment typically has and then customize it for yourself. Remember, you don’t need everything all at once!
For move-in day
Move-in day is here! Yes, it can be stressful, but not if you’re prepared. Here are some items to have with you and tasks that should have been completed beforehand:
- Phone charger
- Snacks and water
- Important documents/IDs
- Cash for unexpected expenses and tips (if you hired a moving company)
- Furniture pads/sliders
- Batteries
- Paper plates, cups and utensils
- First month’s rent payment (typically certified funds)
- Renters insurance (set up before)
- Utilities (set up before)
Kitchen
The kitchen should be equipped with essential items to make cooking and dining convenient. If you can make it a comfortable place to hang out too, even better!
Before making any kitchen item purchases, verify what appliances are included in the apartment. This way, you don’t buy duplicates or forget about an appliance you thought would be there. For example, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you’ll need items to help you hand wash those dishes!
- Pots and pans (basic set)
- Cooking utensil set (spatula, ladle, tongs)
- Dinnerware set (plates, bowls, glasses)
- Silverware set
- Cutting board and knives
- Microwave or toaster oven
- Coffee maker or kettle
- Food storage/containers
- Dish soap/sponges
- Paper towels/holder
- Dish towels
- Trash bags/cans
- Waffle maker
- Blender
- Crockpot
- Air fryer
- Plastic or paper bags
- Placemats
- Colander
- Bottle opener/can opener
- Baking tray
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Oven mitts
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Dishwasher pods
- Aluminum foil/parchment paper
- Chairs
- Dining table
Bedroom(s)
When it comes to setting up your first apartment, the bedroom might be the most important. Afterall, you’re going to need somewhere to lay down after all that unpacking! You’ll definitely want to make sure you have a mattress to sleep on for night one.
Let’s turn this room into your oasis of relaxation:
- Bedframe and mattress
- Bedding (sheets, comforter, bedspread)
- Pillows/pillow cases
- Dresser or wardrobe
- Nightstand/bedside table
- Lamp or overhead light
- Hangers
- Mirror(s)
- Laundry hamper/basket
- Curtains or blinds
- Shoe rack
- Blanket
- Storage containers
- Desk
Living room
The place to hang and entertain! The living room is likely where your friends and guests are going to spend most of their time. Having a comfortable space for gatherings or low-key nights starts here:
- Couch
- Sleeper sofa (optional – for overnight guests)
- Seating (chairs, bean bags, poufs)
- Ottoman
- Wall decor (framed pictures, artwork, posters)
- Television/TV stand
- End table
- Coffee table
- Throw pillows/blankets
- Lighting (floor lamp, table lamp, strip lights)
- Rug
- Clock
- Speaker/streaming devices
Bathroom(s)
As much as you want your bathroom to look elegant and inviting, don’t forget its primary function and what’s required for its use. When shopping it’s easy to overlook certain items or even underestimate quantities needed. Once you’ve got it functional and fully stocked, then you can focus on the overall decor and aesthetic!
- Shower curtains/rings
- Bath/hand towels
- Toilet brush
- Toilet paper
- Plunger
- Bathroom-specific cleaning supplies (glass cleaner, tile cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner)
- Bath/shower mat
- Storage baskets/organizers
- Hand soap/shower gels
- Toothbrushes/holder
- Various toiletries (Q-tips, skincare, nail clippers)
- Trash can with liners
- Scale
- Air fresher (spray or plugin)
- Hair tools (blow-dryer, curling iron, shower cap)
- Potpourri or incense
Tools
Most of the time, on-site maintenance teams are only responsible for fixing issues with the apartment itself; not the furniture, extra appliances, or items you brought along. Therefore, having various tools around the apartment is always helpful. Don’t forget that on move-in day you might have to do some assembling of your own.
PRO TIP: Before mounting artwork, a TV, or anything onto the wall – verify with the property manager that you can do so without financial penalty for making any small holes! Having these tools will make your life easier:
- Cordless drill
- Wall hooks/adhesive hooks
- Assorted nails/screws
- Measuring tape
- Hammer
- Screw drivers
- Level
- Allen wrench set
- Step ladder
- Extension cords
First aid supplies
Having a first-aid kit and various supplies in your apartment should never be overlooked. You want to be prepared in case of an emergency. Here’s what to have:
- First aid kit
- Thermometer
- Medicine
- Scissors/tweezers
- Emergency contact numbers (written down and in plain sight)
- Sanitizers
- Flashlights
- Fire extinguisher/blanket
- Wipes/bandages
- Portable power banks (for phone, tablets, computers)
Cleaning + laundry supplies
You’ve made your apartment beautiful and welcoming, no doubt! Now the challenge is keeping it clean. Remember, these supplies are likely going to be recurring expenses if you want to keep your new home fresh at all times. Here’s what to consider working into your budget:
- Vacuum cleaner (handheld or upright)
- Vacuum cleaner bags
- Mop/bucket
- All purpose cleaner
- Window cleaner
- Broom/dustpan
- Rubber or plastic gloves
- Scrub brushes/cloths
- Ironing board
- Iron or handheld steamer
- Laundry basket
- Fabric softener sheets
- Laundry detergent/pods
Other essentials
The basics are covered, but these various items could make your new home feel a bit more homey and functional:
- Floormats
- Area rugs
- Plants
- Coasters
- Essential oil diffuser
- HDMI cable
- Power strips/surge protectors
- Candles
- Extra light bulbs
- Printer
- Lighter
- Fan
First apartment? check.
Hopefully this first apartment checklist gave you good direction and inspiration for what you need to set up your new home. Remember, tailor this list for yourself and shop in a variety of places to look for deals/coupons to stay in your budget. Congratulations on your first apartment!