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 duvet insert, or an adorable loveseat that fits perfectly in a small apartment or starter home. The key is to balance getting everything you need on the first apartment checklist with prioritizing the splurges that are most important to you. If a powerful vacuum matters more to you than a good toaster, put your money into the vacuum and worry about upgrading your toaster later. And fight the urge to rush. 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. Or items that offend your roommates (this is where the rules for decorating an apartment with roommates come in handy). 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. Below is 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.
The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
Click for a printable version you can take shopping with you
Bedroom essentials
MattressBed frameMattress protectorSheetsSpare sheet setPillowsBlanketQuilt/DuvetNightstandAlarm clockDesk lampDresserFull-length mirrorCurtainsWall/door hooksUnder-bed organizerHangersCatch-all bin or basketDesk fanLaundry hamper
Kitchen must-haves
Medium potLarge potSmall skilletMedium skilletLarge skilletChef’s knifeBread knifeParing knifeLocking tongsRimmed baking sheetSilicone spatulaColanderWooden spoons (slotted)Measuring cupsMeasuring spoonsLiquid measuring cupPlatesBowlsUtensilsToaster
Bathroom essentials
Bath towel setBath matShower organizerDrain coverSoap dispenserShower curtain, liner, and curtain hooksToilet plunger and brushTrash can
Living room necessities
BookshelfCouch/chairCoffee tableCoastersCurtains/shadesTVTV standStreaming deviceFloor lamp
Miscellaneous must-haves
Coat rackDoormatKey hookIroning boardIronSteamerClothing drying rackVacuumBroom and dustpan
