If you’re moving into your first apartment, it’s easy to have no idea what kinds of things you’ll need. Use my ultimate list of apartment must haves to help you plan for your big move.
Planning to move, but not sure how to prepare for it? When I moved into my first apartment, I did not have a clear idea of what things were worth purchasing and what things I didn’t need to worry about buying.
In this post, I’m giving you my ultimate guide of apartment must haves that I personally have and recommend that you get some variation of too. Whether it’s apartment kitchen must haves or apartment cleaning must haves, you’ll leave feeling super prepared to move!
Here’s my disclaimer though before we dive in: you don’t need to buy all of these apartment must haves RIGHT NOW (or at all if it doesn’t work for you). Yes, there are some things that will be helpful for you to get up front, but I recommend being strategic about what you buy. If you’re a girl on a budget like me, then you’ll need to space out your purchases and buy the things you want over time.
This post is all about the apartment must haves you *actually* need for your first apartment.
BEST APARTMENT MUST HAVES:
IN THIS POST:
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APARTMENT KITCHEN MUST HAVES
1. Dishes
My recommendation for dishes: get an inexpensive, nice glass set (even if it is just four of each) for those times you make a fancy dinner or are hosting people at your place. BUT I also suggest you get some plastic reusable plates and bowls for those weeknights when you’re just cooking for yourself. I’ve always found it is helpful to have both on hand!
2. Pots and Pans
If you’re living on a budget, that means you are going to want to be cooking from home as much as possible. Amazon has so many great sets of affordable pots and pans that fit every kind of aesthetic.
3. Cookie Sheets
Listen, I love having these to be able to make cookies whenever I get a sweet tooth or if I’m hosting people. But I REALLY love my cookie sheets because sheet pan dinners are my jam. Who doesn’t want to throw all of your ingredients on one pan and have dinner ready with minimal mess??
4. Baking Dishes
Baking dishes are another thing that an be used in multiple ways. Use them to bake brownies, make a casserole for dinner, or store leftovers in (that’s why the lids are key). You may not use it every single day, but when you do need it, you will be glad you have them on hand.
5. Cooking Utensils
These are truly essential and I love the affordable kits that they come in so you can get everything you need at once. I have the tan cooking utensils because I leave them sitting out in my kitchen and want them to match my decor. Bonus points that they come with a holder because, let’s be real, apartments don’t typically come with a lot of drawer space.
6. Knife Set
Meal prep will be so much easier if you have a good set of knives. You may not need 12 different knives as I have but I think you need a least a small set. Another key item to go with these is a knife sharpener. I just purchased this one this year and it has brought my old knives back to life while making cutting so much easier.
7. Utensils
Here is my best advice for utensils: get more than you think you need!! I thought I wouldn’t need a full set for me during the week, but by Thursday, I would be out of knives. So get a full set of utensils (+ some extras) and save yourself from having to run your dishwasher so much.
8. Drying Rack
This drying rack has been a lifesaver (and a space saver too). I love how I can leave any dishes that need to be hand-washed out to dry without having to pile them up on my counter and make my kitchen look messy.
9. Coffee Maker
If you’re not a coffee drinker then this isn’t one of your apartment must haves, but I had to include it because I use this coffee maker every. single. day. Maybe more than once if I really need caffeine. Having my own coffee maker saves me from spending a lot of money at Starbucks and the cold brew iced coffee bottle is a cheap and easy way to make myself an iced coffee at home!
10. Toaster
I am obsessed with Drew Barrymore’s appliance collection at Walmart. I typically don’t love having appliances out on the counter, but these are so pretty that I don’t mind leaving my toaster out!
11. Mixing Bowls
A good set of mixing bowls is a necessity because you can use them for literally anything. Pancake mix, popcorn, salad prep, food storage… the list goes on.
12. Measuring Cups + Spoons
Because you’re going to be cooking a lot more now that you have a kitchen, you are going to want to have measuring cups and measuring spoons on hand. I personally love my Pyrex measuring cups because I can put them in the microwave, use them to easily pour muffin mix, and they’re dishwasher safe!
13. Kitchen Gadgets
There are tons of different kitchen gadgets out there and a lot of them are not always necessary, but they do make your life a lot easier. If there is one thing that has been a major game-changer for me in my kitchen, it is my strainer that attaches to the side of my pot. One less large dish taking up space in my dishwasher and not losing any noodles in the sink is a win for me.
14. Dish Towels + Pot Holders
I like to pick out dish towels that will match my kitchen so I can leave them hanging on my oven, but you can always grab a cheap pack of plain ones too!
15. Glasses + Mugs
I am a cup girl through and through and I love having glasses on hand for when I am having people over for dinner. There’s just something about plain glass cups and mugs that makes everything feel more elegant and put together.
16. Tupperware
Plastic Tupperware is a must for food storage in your fridge and if you like taking leftovers with you to class/work. I love when the lids come with an air-tight seal so everything stays fresh for longer.
17. Chip Clips
Chip clips will be a staple in your pantry! These are for sure one of the more affordable apartment must haves so you won’t worry about having to break the bank to have them. (Side note: how cute are these gold chip clips?? I love that they match the overall aesthetic of my apartment).
18. Cutting Boards
You’ll definitely need something to do all that meal prep on! I love having cutting boards of different sizes and having the rubber edges is so important so my workspace isn’t sliding around when I’m using a knife.
19. Bar/Counter Stools
This is where your apartment decorating style gets to shine in your apartment’s kitchen. Whether you need bar stools or counter stools, there are tons of options for every aesthetic.
20. Bar Cart
If you live in a small apartment and are lacking in counter space, getting a bar cart is a great option to help extend your counters. Whether you use it for coffee (like me) or as a traditional bar cart, it’s such a cute and easy way to make your kitchen a little more fun.
APARTMENT BEDROOM MUST HAVES
21. Headboard + Bedframe
A bedframe is one of those apartment must haves that I think people often forget they need to buy. They are super cheap and easy to put together with a headboard if you don’t want to buy a full bed set!
22. Mattress
I love for my bed to feel like I am in a luxurious hotel and my mattress has a lot to do with that! I highly recommend finding a mattress that has memory foam on and I promise you’ll sleep so good!
23. Mattress Cover
Another forgotten part of your bed! Make sure you protect that comfy mattress with a mattress cover!
24. Comforter
Whether you’re a comforter girl or a duvet cover kind of girl, I suggest going more neutral with what goes on your bed! In my opinion, it makes it easier to get creative and fun with more colors in other areas of your room.
25. Pillows
My pillows are the most important part of my bed to me. Here’s a tip I found on Pinterest: get the pillow size one size bigger than your actual bed. So if you have a queen bed, get king-size pillows.
26. Sheets
I always recommend getting two sets of sheets for your apartment! This will help if you need to switch sheets but don’t have time to wash them right at that moment. Just throw the extra set on and wash the dirty ones when you have time!
27. Throw Pillows
My best hack for apartment decorating on a budget: use pillow covers!! It helps you be able to reuse old pillows that may not match your style anymore without having to pay for expensive new pillows every time you want to switch things up.
28. Floor Length Mirror
I love having a floor-length mirror to serve as something functional and as a beautiful design piece! I recommend getting something neutral so that it can work for you long past the apartment you’re living in.
29. Nightstands
Extra storage (try not to use these as junk drawers) and perfect for frames and sentimental pieces that make your room feel more like you.
30. Lamps + Lightbulbs
My favorite thing about my lamps is the height they bring to my room. Also, if you have an Amazon Echo Dot (or any Alexa device), you can get some smart plugs and instantly make your room feel more bougie by just telling Alexa to turn on your lights! It’s an easy (and pretty cheap) upgrade.
31. Throw Blanket
I am a sucker for a cozy blanket (this one from The Styled Collection is a pretty popular Barefoot Dreams dupe!), but the best part about them is that you can use them as a decor piece to instantly make your space feel more put together.
32. Curtain Rod + Curtains
Curtains are another one of those things that make your room look more expensive than it actually is. Whether you use them solely for decor or you like blackout curtains so the sun doesn’t wake you up, you can’t go wrong with either!
33. Rug
A rug is one of those things that can be pretty pricey but I think they are worth the investment. They are the perfect finishing touch and bring so much life and color to your room, especially if you’re a neutrals girl like me.
{RELATED POST: 11 Insanely Cute Printable Wall Art You Need For Your Apartment}
34. Hangers
Make sure to get more hangers than you need! Or if you’re someone who doesn’t want to over-accumulate clothes, try my hanger trick. Flip the hangers the opposite direction on your spring/summer clothes. As you wear them then put them away, put the hanger back on the correct way. At the end of the season, you’ll be able to see all of the things you did not wear and can decide if you want to donate or sell them.
36. Desk
My fellow work-from-home girls know how important your wfh office setup is. And that starts with your desk. Make sure you get one that is functional and big enough to hold all of your monitors and desk supplies.
37. Desk Chair
Another key work from home must have: a comfortable chair. You’ll be sitting in it a lot (although be sure to take breaks and get up to walk around every once in a while) so comfort is key.
APARTMENT BATHROOM MUST HAVES
38. Bath Mats
I love stepping out of the shower onto these bath mats! The best part is that they are super affordable and come in tons of colors that you can easily match to your decor.
39. Shower Curtain + Liner
If your apartment came with a walk-in shower, then you can skip these! But if you have a tub make sure you get a good shower liner and shower curtain. Bonus tip: don’t forget to wash these often!
40. Bath Towels
Want to take your bathroom from average to luxurious? Get a towel warmer! This is definitely NOT a must have but something to consider if you have extra wiggle room in your budget.
41. Washcloths
My suggestion for washcloths is to get white! They’re easier to clean and won’t get bleached from some of the stronger ingredients in skincare that you may use.
42. Hand Towels
You may not need as many hand towels as you do washcloths and bath towels, but I like to keep one out to dry my hands and use a couple on my built-in towel rack as decoration!
43. Tissue Box Cover
Sometimes tissue boxes can have the ugliest patterns on them so I grabbed this tissue box cover so that I never have to worry about it!
44. Vanity Mirror
I leave my vanity mirror sitting out on my counter for decor purposes, but it’s also nice to be able to take it with me to do makeup on the go!
45. Laundry Hamper
This may technically work better in your closet, but I keep my hamper in my linen closet right in my bathroom. It’s so convenient and helps me not leave dirty clothes all over my room!
46. Towel Hooks
Grab some towel hooks for a cute and trendy way to hang up bath towels. If you don’t have the wall space, an over-the-door towel rack will work just as well (and gives you some more hooks for your robes).
47. Small Trash Can
This is pretty basic and any plain, small trash can works. It’s definitely not something to spend a ton of money on!
48. Soap Dispenser
Using a soap dispenser is a great way to keep your bathroom aesthetic cohesive! If you want to get really fancy, you can put lotion in one of the dispensers as well!
APARTMENT LIVING ROOM MUST HAVES
49. Couch
An apartment isn’t always going to have the most space so finding a couch that is on the smaller side is key! If you need more seating, an accent chair is a great way to add it!
50. TV + Streaming Device
I don’t recommend paying for cable because let’s be honest, everything you really need can be found through some sort of streaming service!
51. TV Stand
Most apartments don’t love for you to mount your tv on the wall (hello large holes), and I honestly wouldn’t either because it could mess with your chances of getting your security deposit back. Get yourself a tv stand instead!
52. Floor Lamp + Lightbulb
When I first moved in, I was starting from scratch so I had to build up buying furniture and decor over time. As soon as I put this floor lamp in my living room it instantly made it feel homier! I couldn’t believe the difference it made.
53. End Table
End tables are good to have (even just one end table) because they help with storage that is sometimes hard to find in an apartment! I love keeping fake flowers (that look real) on it and a good candle.
54. Coffee Table
This is going to be the central focus of your living room! I like to decorate mine with some coffee table books, candle sticks, and greenery.
55. Coasters
Don’t ruin your cute coffee table with condensation rings! Be sure to keep a few of these in your living room so that your drinks won’t make a mess.
56. Coffee Table Books
I love the look of a coffee table book almost anywhere. End tables, built-in shelves, and of course the coffee table. They’re so easy to style and make your room feel really elegant.
57. Throw Pillows
The same hack I gave you for bedroom throw pillows works here too! Reuse those old ones with some new pillow covers.
58. Throw Blanket
You’ll definitely want to keep a throw blanket (or multiple) out in your living room. My favorite way to style them is at the end of my couch’s chaise or on a blanket ladder.
APARTMENT LAUNDRY MUST HAVES
59. Laundry Cart
Using a cart in between my washer and dryer has been so helpful to keep all of my laundry cleaning supplies accessible but organized. Just make sure to measure your detergent bottles to make sure they fit in the cart you like!
60. Laundry Basket
Save yourself the hassle of dropping socks on your trip from the laundry room to your bedroom. I don’t have space for one in my apartment, but a rolling laundry basket with separate bins is a great option too!
61. Iron/Steamer
There is nothing worse than having a great outfit planned only to put it on and it has so many wrinkles and you don’t have a way to get them out. One of the best investments I ever made for my apartment is getting a steamer!
62. Laundry Detergent
My holy grail laundry detergent. It is a little pricey so if you are looking for something more budget-friendly, I’ve used Target’s Up and Up detergent too! I definitely think Persil is worth the splurge though.
63. Fabric Softener
Some people like to skip this step, but I love the smell that fabric softener leaves on my clothes!
64. Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets definitely make a difference in static on your clothes after being in the dryer. Again, if you’re ballin’ on a budget, store-brand dryer sheets get the job done too.
65. Stain Remover
Hate Stains Co. stain removers are INSANE. I can’t believe how effective they are at getting stains out even before I put them in the wash. I will always have these in my laundry room.
APARTMENT BALCONY MUST HAVES
66. Chairs + Small Table
When I’m working from home, I love sitting outside and soaking in that fresh air. If your apartment has a balcony, I recommend these being the first things you invest in!
67. Citronella Candle
The last thing you want when working or eating outside if bugs bothering you. A citronella candle will help keep them away!
68. Outdoor Rug
A rug will help tie everything together and make your balcony feel a little bit more cozy.
69. Outdoor Pillows
I know I sound like a broken record here, but two words: pillow. covers. Your balcony decor is something that changes with the season so using covers makes your life a whole lot easier.
70. Hanging Lights
These are my favorite things about my balcony. I love how homey and relaxing they make it feel at night!
71. Doormat
I keep my doormat pretty neutral year-round, but of course when the holidays come I am all about a Valentine’s, Halloween, or Christmas-themed doormat.
APARTMENT ORGANIZATION MUST HAVES
72. Drawer Dividers
I have these in every drawer in my apartment. You really can’t go wrong getting a set of them because eventually, you will find use for all of them!
73. Shoe Rack
This is the easiest way to keep all of your shoes together in one place. It’s also one of my favorite ways to save space in a small closet because you’re able to utilize its height and have fewer things on your floor!
74. Clear Bins
All of my cleaning essentials live in bins because they are so easy to store under a sink and grab the whole thing to carry with me as I clean!
75. Turntables
Turntables are another one of my favorite organizational products because they hold so much and help you save a lot of space in your pantry.
76. Makeup Organizers
I like to keep my makeup separate from my other bathroom essentials so having designated organizers for them has really helped me! If you’re someone who loves makeup and has a lot of different kinds, I recommend using the drawers because you’ll be able to keep everything in one place and still see what you have.
77. Under the Bed Storage
Using under-the-bed storage has helped me save so much room in my closet. During the winter, I keep my bathing suits in them, and in the summer, they are perfect to hold my sweaters!
78. Jewelry Box
I tend to wear the same jewelry every day which means I have a lot of extras that I don’t necessarily want to get rid of. I love using a jewelry box because it helps me easily see all of the options I have and keep all of my valuables in a safe place.
APARTMENT CLEANING MUST HAVES
79. All-Purpose Cleaner
I mostly use an all-purpose cleaner on my counters and cabinets. For being an all-natural brand, Mrs. Meyers is actually pretty affordable and all of the scents smell amazing!
80. Sponges
Buy these in bulk so you’re never caught without a clean one and use a sponge holder in your sink too so you can avoid bacteria build up!
81. Rags
I always have these rags in my cleaning bins because they can be used for anything and anywhere. They also save me from having to use all of my paper towels just on cleaning!
82. Vacuum
My Shark vacuum is probably my favorite Christmas present I’ve gotten in a long time. As nerdy as that sounds, it really has made cleaning my floors, couches, baseboards, etc. so much faster and easier.
83. Mop
What kind of mop you get is solely up to personal preference! I use the Swiffer Wet Jet after I vacuum as a part of my Sunday reset routine!
84. Glass Cleaner
Use this on your mirrors and windows! Pro tip: clean your windows in full sun so you can be sure to not leave any streaks behind.
85. Dish Soap
When I say I use Mrs. Meyer’s products almost everywhere, I mean it. This brand’s dish soap smells SO good and works well on super dirty dishes.
86. Dishwasher Detergent
Let’s be honest, doing the dishes is one of those things that will never be fun. I use my dishwasher as often as I can so I’m constantly rebuying dishwasher detergent. If you want even less work, grab some dishwasher detergent pods!
87. Bathroom Cleaner + Sponges
The sponge for cleaning your bathroom is key because you want to get one with a rough side for any grime buildup that you may have! I wash my shower every 1-2 weeks!
88. Disinfectant Wipes
I use disinfectant wipes in every room of my apartment, but they are super handy, especially for my electronics. There are so many germs that build up on phones, tablets, remotes, and keyboards that need disinfecting often.
89. Hand Duster
Using a hand duster will help cut your cleaning time in half. I use this on all of my surfaces, fans, and blinds!
90. Toilet Bowl Cleaner + Brush
Buying these in bulk will last you forever. As far as a brush goes, you can buy one from your local dollar store. They all get the job done! Once I’ve cleaned my toilet, I also leave an automatic toilet bowl cleaner gel pod inside of it.
91. Stainless Steel Cleaner
Nothing makes my appliances look brand new like stainless steel cleaner. I try to use this at least once a week to help keep everything shiny.
{RELATED POST: 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My First Apartment}
Phew! I know that was a lot, but keep this post saved and come back to it as you pack to double check that you didn’t miss anything critical!
