First Apartment Essentials

Kitchen

You don't need a fully stocked kitchen on day one — but you do need the basics to cook a meal and eat it.

• A set of pots and pans (a small saucepan, a medium skillet, and a large pot will cover most meals)
• A basic knife set or at least one good chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula, wooden spoon, tongs
• Can opener and bottle opener
• Plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs (service for 4 is a good starting point)
• Flatware — forks, knives, spoons
• Dish soap, sponge, and drying rack or dish towels
• Trash bags and a trash can
• Paper towels and aluminum foil
• Coffee maker or kettle (if that's your thing)

Bedroom

• Mattress and bed frame (or at minimum, a mattress on the floor works temporarily)
• Pillows and pillowcases
• Sheet set and a comforter or duvet
• Hangers for your closet
• A lamp or bedside light (overhead lighting alone isn't great for bedrooms)
• Curtains or blinds if not provided — both for privacy and light control

Bathroom

• Towels — at least two bath towels and two hand towels
• Shower curtain and rings (most apartments don't include these)
• Bath mat
• Toilet paper (buy more than you think you need)
• Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste — the basics
• A small trash can
• Plunger (you'll want this before you need it)

Cleaning Supplies

• All-purpose cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner
• Broom and dustpan (or a vacuum if you have carpet)
• Mop or Swiffer for hard floors
• Cleaning cloths or rags
• Laundry detergent and a hamper

Living Room

This can be built over time — you don't need everything on day one.

• A couch or seating (even a comfortable chair works to start)
• A small table — coffee table, side table, or both
• A lamp for ambient lighting
• Power strip or surge protector
• Wi-Fi router (check with your internet provider)

Tools & Miscellaneous

These are the things most people forget — and then need within the first week.

• Basic toolkit: hammer, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, tape measure
• Flashlight or headlamp (for when the power goes out)
• Batteries
• Command hooks and strips (for hanging things without damaging walls)
• Extension cord
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher (small kitchen-rated one)
• Doormat