First Apartment Checklist: Essential Things You’ll Need

After browsing rentals on Zillow, finding the perfect one, and getting ready to move in, it hits you: you don’t have all the things you’ll need to live in your first apartment. We’ll help you avoid taking dozens of trips to the store because you keep realizing you forgot to buy that one thing when you need it the most. You don’t want to spill something and realize you only have your own socks to clean up with. 

Save yourself some time — and money spent on online orders — with this comprehensive checklist for your first apartment. And yes, some of these supplies fit into multiple categories, but we’ve only listed each thing one time, so you don’t end up with two toilet brushes.

Cleaning and laundry supplies

Get ready to start scrubbing. If you’re moving into your first place, it's now up to you to keep your home clean. If you’ve got a roommate , figure out who’s responsible for each task. Or create a chore calendar. 

Trash cans
Mop
Broom and pan
Vaccum
Bucket
Floor cleaner
Glass cleaner
Duster
Disinfecting wipes
Paper towels
Tissues
Detergent
Dryer balls
Bleach
White vinegar
Baking soda
Towels or rags
Sponge
Scrubber
Dish soap
Squeegee
Step stool
Hamper
Iron
Ironing board

Kitchen essentials

You may already have some of these, and some of the items listed in other categories too, but make sure you still have enough (i.e. salt) and that everything still works (i.e. your can opener). And consider your cooking style when deciding what you need. Don’t drink tea? Skip the kettle. Have a pretty good set of cookware? No need for a new one. Prioritize what you need most — the basic kitchen essentials.

A set of cooking utensils (like ladles and spatulas)
Knives
Dinnerware
Dishes
Drinkware
Pots and pans
Baking sheet
Toaster
Microwave
Coffee maker
Blender
Tea kettle
Spices (ranging from salt to bay leaves depending on how much you cook)
Foil paper
Saran wrap
Parchment paper
Sandwich bags
Can, wine, and bottle openers
Food containers
Water filter
Oven mitt
Pot holder
Kitchen towels

Bathroom necessities

Yes, you should probably own more than a couple of towels; especially if you plan to have guests stay over. Add things to this room that will help you get squeaky clean and unwind after a long day. 

Bath mat
Bath towels
Shower liner
Shower curtain
Shower rod
Shower curtain hooks
Shower caddy
Non-slip shower mat
Loofah or washrag
Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Floss
Hairbrush or comb
Toilet paper
Plunger
Toilet cleaning solution
Toilet brush

Pet supplies

Don’t forget about your best buddy! What you’ll need varies widely depending on the type of pet you have. These are some general things to have on hand. 

Food
Food and water bowls
Kitty litter
Litter box (consider a covered box if you’re moving into a small space)
Pee pads
Leash

Living room needs

Your living room should be an inviting space to anyone who steps in — yourself included. Yes, decor is a big part of that, but we’ll get to that later. First, prioritize your own convenience. Also, if you do want to buy a new TV, don’t feel like you have to go all-out on a huge screen. In fact, you may be able to get by with watching your shows on a smaller screen.

Sofa
Loveseat
Coffee table
End tables
Television or projector
TV stand or entertainment center

Bedding and bedroom

Your bedroom is your safe space, where you go to rest. You’ll want some soft accessories to keep you comfy. And it’s a good idea to have some extras for any potential guests or cozy movie nights in.

Mattress
Mattress cover
Bed frame
Sheets
Blankets
Pillows
Pillow cases
Nightstand
Tableside lamp
Dresser
Mirror

Safety products

Emergencies come in various forms, so be prepared. Having renter’s insurance can help for when the unexpected happens. You can get renter’s insurance through Zillow with plans starting as low as $8.33 per month.  Having that — and a toolkit with these supplies — can help you keep calm under pressure.

First-aid kit
Extra Band-Aids
Batteries (AAA; AA; D; C)
Matches
Candles
Phone bank
A list of your emergency contacts, written down
A case of water bottles
Bug spray

Weather-ready supplies

Don’t let rain, snow, or sleet keep you from living your best life. If your car is coated in a few inches of snow or it’s pouring rain on your way to work, you can always be ready.

Ice scraper
Snow shovel
De-icing salt
Space heater
Umbrella
Rain boots
Rain coat
Welcome mat (to wipe off your feet)

Storage

Don’t leave extra things lying around. Use any extra space you may have under your bed or in your closet to store the stuff you don’t use every day.

Hangers
Storage bins varying from very large to small
A coat rack (for your coats, hats, leashes, etc.)

Decor

These supplies are fairly optional, and what you buy really depends on your budget and the mood you’re trying to set for your home. And yes, you can still decorate if you’re renting.
If you’re going to live with others, be a good roommate and consult them before you start hanging anything up. They may even help you design the space!

Wall art
Lamps (for ambient lighting)
Rugs
Mirrors
Curtains
Shelves
Flowers
Removable wallpaper (do some reading about renovations like this before you do it)

If you plan to live with someone else, go through this checklist together and figure out if either of you already own any of these items. If not, decide how you’ll split the cost and buy the things you’ll need for the apartment.

Remember you may not need to buy everything on this list right away, or at all depending on what you already own. So, stay organized, stay positive, and most importantly, make your new apartment a place where you can thrive and create lasting memories.