everything you’ll need for your first apartment: apartment must haves

Moving into an apartment for the first time can be tricky when it comes to what you’ll need. I’ve got you covered in all things apartment must haves! Are you on your own with a completely empty space to fill? Below you’ll find a list of all the apartment must haves that you’ll want when you move in for the first time! A few of these items can be purchased along your journey, but most of them you’ll want even on the first night! SO, aside from the larger obvious items like a dresser, a bed, and a couch, here’s exactly what you’ll need that you’ll find helpful when it comes to moving into your first apartment!

 

I don’t know about you, but I HATE moving. I have moved more times in my life than most 26 year olds. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve LOVED moving to all the cities and countries… it’s the PACKING and the physical MOVING items into the place that I hate! Putting things away, and decorating are definitely a huge light at the end of the tunnel for me! Having list’s are the only way I could ever make it through a move. So I’ve broken down all of the things you’ll need, by categories of each room! ENJOY!! 

bedroom essentials

Of course, your first “needs” for your apartment must haves when it comes to your bedroom is your mattress, and bed frame. Unless you thoroughly enjoy sleeping on the floor, I don’t recommend moving in without this! After that you can move onto the bigger items such as the dresser, and your nightstands! Other than those, the bedroom essentials you won’t want to forgot when moving into your new place are listed below!

Note: Kevin and I got all new bedding when we moved into our new place and if there is ONE thing you take from this entire post – it’s that you NEED these pillows from amazon. With a VERY close second of needing this exact duvet and duvet cover. It sounds very cheesy but very every single night I get into bed I make a comment of how freakinggggg comfortable it all is. This is not an exaggeration!! Don’t be surprised if everyone on my Christmas list gets new pillows this year 😛

• duvet insert + duvet cover
• sheet sets 
• pillows 
• decorative pillows
• nightstands 
• shoe organizer
• fan
• floor or desk lamp  
• hangers
• hamper/laundry basket (+ detergent/dryer sheets!)
• storage bins (for under the bed, behind the door, closet shelf etc.)  

living room essentials

When it comes to apartment must haves in the living room a couch is usually the first thing people think of,  other than the television haha! So, aside from those bigger items here are a few you’ll find helpful for your first apartment! 

• tv stand/entertainment center
• coffee table 
• rug
• blanket basket
• decorative throw pillows
• curtains / blinds
• end tables
• coasters 

   

bathroom essentials

There is nothing funnier than thinking since you have all of your towels, shampoos, body wash’s etc. that you’re good to go for a shower in your new place – then realizing you can’t actually take that shower without a curtain and liner! HA! So here are a few more items for you apartment must haves list!

• towels (more than just 2 – you’ll thank me later)
• toilet paper (+ poo-pourri lol)
• shower curtain
• shower liner
• shower curtain hooks
• bath mat
• toothbrush holder 
• waste basket
• plunger + toilet bowl brush wand
• hand towel + hand soap
• under the sink storage bins
• over the toilet storage rack or shelves (if you’re limit on space this is a nice addition)
• toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/body wash/cleanser/loofa/razor etc.)
• towel hooks

kitchen essentials

This may be my favorite little section because I absolutely love cooking and being in the kitchen! I find pure joy in learning and perfecting a new recipe! Baking on the other hand is a work in progress but I still find it fun and enjoyable. Depending on the layout of your apartment, you’ll want to be sure to purchase a table + chairs, OR barstools before moving in – you can only take eating at a cardboard box on the floor for so long… trust me! 😛 

• Keurig (any type of coffee machine first and foremost!) – for minimal space options, check out my post on the Keurig K-Mini X Jonathan Adler!
• coffee mugs, of course
• storage containers/tupperware
• utensils (forks, knives, spoons, spatula, ladle, can opener, pizza cutter, oven mitt etc.)
• silverware drawer organizer
• drying rack
• measuring utensils (cups, tsp, tbs)
• dish plates, and bowls
• drinking glasses
• dish towels (get plenty of these, you will be surprised + thankful!)
• trash can + bags
• chip clips
• pantry shelves/containers
• ziploc bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper,
• cleaning supplies (soap, multipurpose cleaner, paper towels, dish detergent, dish wand etc.)
• mixing bowls
• spices
• pots + pans
• baking set  
• other big cooking items, if necessary (crockpot, toaster, electric kettle, quesadilla maker, ninja, cutting board, panini press, air-fryer etc.) 

 

general household essentials

This section is an overall view of items that are apartment must haves that don’t necessarily go with one specific room and could be used for multiple! So make sure to write these down for your apartment must haves because I promise they will come in handy!! 

• vacuum (obsessed with my Dyson – but you do not need to splurge for your first apartment!) I find that the stick vacuums are perfect for a smaller space! they take up a lot less space and are easy to maneuver in smaller areas! Here’s a similar vacuum that is a fraction of the price of a Dyson (and on sale!!!)
• swiffer + broom (I could swiffer all day HAHA – I LOVE the “open window fresh” scent!)
• tools (doesn’t have to be a massive took box but a little tool kit will be helpful! Especially when purchasing new furniture you’ll be putting together!)
• light bulbs
• batteries
• measuring tape (for furniture/bins you’ll want to make sure fits!)
• power strips + extension cords
• heating pad
• first-aid (Advil, ibuprofen, NyQuil, Band-Aids, tissues, hand sanitizer etc.)
• scissors + tape
• storage bins for season decor 
• outdoor patio lights
• patio furniture

decor essentials

I don’t know about you, but I always dreamed of one day decorating my own home – starting out with an apartment was perfect and so exciting for me! It may be a small space, but those are the best to make ‘homey’ amiiriight?! Obviously, these are not a must have right away, they will most likely come throughout your time being in the apartment! Maybe each paycheck you could budget off for decor?! Here are a few things that could make your new space feel more like home! 

• throw pillows
• rugs
• personalized wall decor
• picture frames
• wall decor
• mirror (floor length + wall)
• lamps (floor length and desk)
• faux plants 
• entryway table
• candles
• baskets 
• table books

MAKE A LIST!

Like I literally always preach, for everything, make a dang list!!! Better yet, print out this page and highlight what you have already gotten, whiteout what you’re not getting at all, and I would even make a note next to the item telling you which box you put it in! (number the box or just identify the box ex: “blue box” “amazon box” “clear bin” etc. etc.) I’m telling you, planning it all out will make your moving experience A LOT MORE SMOOTH! Put a little effort into the process and the outcome will be easy!

I hope this post was more than helpful in your move to your first apartment(or dorm room!) As always, subscribe to be alerted when a new post of mine comes out and follow me on instagram for more day to day fun! Thank you all for reading! <3

 

XOXO -B

.

.

.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at NO extra cost to you!) This does NOT effect my opinions or my reviews on ANY products. Everything I do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of my reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible