Don’t know where to start in your first apartment? Here are the top first apartment essentials you need in your home to get started.
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Moving into your first apartment is super exciting! Whether you are going solo and moving in with a roommate, this newfound freedom is about to be the best time of your life. Like any new adventure in life, you want to make sure that you are prepared every step of the way, these first apartment essentials were my personal go-to’s when I made the jump this past year.
When moving into your first apartment, prioritize essentials like basic kitchenware, cleaning supplies, and storage to ensure you’re prepared for everyday life You are going to read all about the best products from closet storage to bathroom must haves and my go to cleaning products.
After you read this post, you are going to be well prepped and ready to hit the aisles and prep for all your new apartment essentials.
This post is all about the best first apartment essentials that you need as a first time renter.
Top First Apartment Essentials:
1. Budget
You absolutely NEED to plan and have a budget set before you think about moving. I used this budget planner from Amazon to get my finances in order. Personally, I need to have things written down and checking my balance every couple of days was just not working. It is a great way to set personal goals to meet weekly and see where you can cut down on costs.
A budget may sound like a no brainer but it can easily get away from you when you move and everything you want/need adds up. Not only do you need to think about how you will plan your finances once you move but you need to keep in mind all of the moving expenses such as application fees and deposits.
Etsy and Canva have a lot of digital planners (both free and paid) that can be downloaded as PDF’s and edited for those who prefer the digital route.
2. Cooking Utensils
Your kitchen is the HUB of everything in your apartment. Whether you like to cook or you’re like me and you do it because you need to, the kitchen is a vital spot that you need to make sure is set up when you move. This is the exact set that I bought for my first apartment and it is amazing. It comes with every tool you may need for cooking and baking AND includes measuring cups and spoons.
My favorite part of these cookware tools is that the silicone does not stain. They come in an array of colors and we opted for the white, I can confidently say that they are still white. Big win for Amazon Choice products right there.
3. Cookware
And what goes with kitchen utensils? The tools to cook in! This T-Fal set is the perfect starter set with a few pots and pans to get you started in your first apartment. My personal favorite detail in this set it that all the pieces are dishwasher safe. So even on those lazy nights where I can’t bring myself to clean I can always run the dishwasher with no worry.
Having cookware will not only allow you to cook your own meals but it will also help you save on your budget. In addition, it will encourage you to build healthy eating habits. Having these kitchen essentials really did inspire me to learn a thing or two in the kitchen. (Bonus: removing the food delivery apps from your phone is also big encourangement)
4. Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies are an absolute must have. They may not be fun to buy and I know they are not exciting when you are moving out for the first time but they are super important. Buying a few basics like cleaning spray, a broom, and a mop will lead you down the path to a beautiful AND clean apartment.
This is the un-glamarous side to living but it is oh so satisfying relaxing in your own space after a deep clean day. At the very minumum, a sweep of the floors and a kitchen reset to start your week off right.
Some places where you can go to buy cleaning supplies:
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- Your local grocery store
5. Bedroom Necessities
Whether it’s organizing your closet or making sure you get the most out of your space, this is your sanctuary. Your own space to personalize and make sure it screams YOU. While you probably want to jump right into decor, it is important to get the major essentials squared away first.
Here are the best bedroom essentials you need to help you achieve that:
- Bedframe
- Nightstand(s)
- Mattress
- Silk Pillowcases
- Extra Fuzzy Blanket
- Lamp
- Closet Organizer
- Under The Bed Organizer
I absolutely love the under the bed organizer pieces so I can put away all of the seasonal clothes I am not wearing at the time. The first thing I bought before the move even began were the closet organizers to best utilize my space. They are perfect for when you have more than you have space for.
6. Bathroom Necessities
It’s time to get into your second sanctuary; your bathroom. The spot to be for a hot shower after a long day and where you will most likely spend a good chunk of your morning getting ready in. Whatever time it may be, you will be spending a lot of time in here and you want to make sure your space is a reflection of you.
Here are a few must haves for every bathroom:
- Cleaner
- Microfiber towels (no one wants a streaky mirror)
- Squatty Potty (if you know you know)
- Shower Caddy
- Bathroom Counter Organizer
- Bath Mat
- Towel Set
7. Paper Goods
While planning and moving and making sure you have everything you need, it is so easy for the smaller things to slip your mind. Personally, I had completely forgotten about paper goods and let me tell you, these are a major first apartment essential as well as a constant essential. My aunt was smart to think ahead and surprise me when we started the move and I realized I didn’t even have toilet paper! Five people helping me move, can you imagine the issues this would have caused?
Toilet paper and paper towels should be at the very top of your first apartment essentials checklist. You can buy these items at any grocery store, Target, Walmart, or online.
8. Tool Kit
A basic toolkit is a must-have for any first apartment; you never know when you’ll need to fix a loose screw or hang a new picture frame. Or when your signigicant other will need to come over to do it for you (this was the case for me and I made sure he was prepared)!
All jokes aside though, from assembling furniture to tightening loose screws, a toolkit provides the essential tools to keep your living space in good shape. Not to mention it is pretty satisfying when you put a piece of furniture together for your space and you realize you did it all on your own.
9. First Aid Kit
This is one item you truly won’t realize you need until it’s too late. In my personal experience, it took my roommate cutting herself while cooking dinner for us to realize we did not even have band-aids in our apartment. You never know when you will need first aid BUT you will always be relieved that it is there when you need it if ever.
You will love this Johnson & Johnson first aid kit is the perfect starter kit. In fact, it is so compact that it can be brought along for any travel should you want to take it with you in case of emergencies.
Here are a few other places where you can buy first aid kits:
- Target
- Walmart
Now that you have your essentials covered, you can consider adding a few personal touches, like wall art or a favorite plant, to transform your new apartment into a space that feels unique to you.
This post was all about first apartment essentials and prepping you to make the move in your personal journey.