• About
  • Contact Me
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Organization
  • Decorating
  • DIY
  • Recommendations
    • Dining Room Must Haves for 2024
    • 9 Favourite Kitchen Recommendations
    • Favourite Living Room Finds
    • Favorite Bedroom Decor Finds
    • Bathroom Decor Favourites
  • Freebies
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Interiors by Abbey – Inspo for your dream space

Interiors by Abbey - Inspo for your dream space

  • Organization
    • 9 Time Saving Tips for Moving Into A New Apartment
    • Top Tips For Decluttering Small Spaces
    • How to Organize Your Apartment: A Complete Guide
  • Decorating
  • DIY
  • Favourites
    • Best Living Room Decor Finds
    • Dining Room Finds
    • 9 Kitchen Must Haves For 2024
    • Top Bedroom Decor
    • Bathroom Finds
  • Freebies
    • New Apartment Checklist
    • Your Perfect Cleaning Schedule
    • Free Bedroom Cleaning Checklist
    • Free Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
    • Floral Wall Art Printables
    • Spring Wallpapers for iPhone

Must-Have Items for Your New Apartment [Printable Checklist]

February 27, 2024 · In: Freebies, Organization

Moving into a new apartment is exciting but stressful (especially when you’re mindful of a budget). Here are some must-have items for your new apartment to help you settle in comfortably and efficiently.

Included further down below is a checklist that you’ll be able to print out for before and after you move in!

First, Apartment Bedroom Essentials

Cleaning, organizing and decorating takes a lot of energy – and so personally I would prioritize the sleeping situation to be well rested first! Everything else can wait. For the bedroom, start with basics like a bed, mattress, a sturdy bed frame, fresh sheets, pillows, and curtains for privacy.

See my recent post on the best affordable mattresses here.

Lighting, a rug, hangers and storage furniture such as a dresser and bedside table are also important to consider, but depending on your budget you can get some of the other essentials first.

dresser

Bathroom Essentials

Setting up a bathroom in a first apartment is pretty simple – usually, the space is quite small so be sure to look at some of the storage solutions I’ve suggested below. If you want to revamp the space a little, here’s some ideas!

For your basics, get:

  • Towels
  • Soap + Soap Dish/Bodywash
  • Shampoo + Conditioner
  • Shower curtain
  • Bath mat
  • Trash can
  • Trash bags
  • Toothbrush holder
  • Small storage organizer
  • Toilet paper
  • Toilet brush
  • Shower caddy

Additional items to consider:

  • Air freshener
  • Plunger
  • Cleaning supplies (list in the FAQ below)

Apartment Kitchen Must-Haves

Setting up a kitchen in a first apartment can take a really long time to get just right – especially if you like to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen. But first, you’ll need:

  • Get basic tools like pots, pans, spatulas, dishes, and utensils.
  • Small appliances like a toaster (or even more versatile, a toaster oven) and coffee maker.
  • Storage containers and spice racks are essential for organizing food and kitchen items.
  • Use command hooks for hanging kitchen towels or utensils.
  • Keep a little medicine box with advil/tylenol and allergy medications on hand for seasonal changes.
Interior of modern living room with grey sofa and coffee table

Living Room Essentials

And now for the space that you might spend the most time in! Make the space cozy by adding personal items like family hand-me-downs, small appliances, cute lighting fixtures and a comfy seating area with a coffee table. Ensure you have space for technology like a TV or heater.

coffee table

A rug can also add warmth and character, while curtains or blinds provide privacy and ambiance.

For those on a tight budget, using hand-me-down furniture or items borrowed from family and friends can be a cost-effective option as you save up and plan for more decor items.

*And then a random tip, I like keeping a small handheld vacuum by the living room for cleaning up crumbs from the sofa (if you’re an eat-at-the-couch kinda person you’ll thank me later)!

Laundry Room Must-Haves

When setting up your first apartment’s laundry closet area, you’ll need:

  1. Essential items like detergent, stain remover, fabric softener, and dryer sheets or wool balls that are necessary for washing and maintaining clothing.
  2. Being able to access the vacuum for cleaning up lint and debris can make doing laundry more efficient.
  3. Small tools like lint rollers, de-wrinkling spray or a portable steamer might also be good to keep handy.

Creating Your Own Checklist

When moving into a first apartment, creating a first apartment checklist is important. It’s a great visual, at-a-glance way to make sure you have all the items you need before and after your move. Feel free to download and use mine (fill in the form above to receive it), and then to customize it or add onto it as you need.

If you have lots of things you’re packing up prior to moving, be sure to check out my time saving moving tips here!

Tips For Maximizing Space in Your Apartment

Creative storage solutions for maximizing space in a small apartment:

  • Use under-bed storage bins
  • Utilize over-the-door shoe organizers for small items
  • Install vertical shelving units to make the most of vertical space

Furniture tips for creating more space in a living area:

  • Choose dual-purpose furniture like a bed frame with built-in storage
  • Opt for a coffee table with hidden compartments for extra storage

Multi-functional products for small apartment living:

  • Consider using command hooks for hanging items
  • Invest in a space heater that can also act as a fan in warmer months
  • Choose a compact vacuum for easy storage (and you’ll be more likely to pull it out to use too)

Summarizing some tips for moving into your first apartment:

  • Ask family and friends for hand-me-down items to save on costs
  • Invest in versatile pieces like a bed frame with built-in storage
  • Prioritize essentials for the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom for functionality first

Cleaning Supplies to Buy

Setting up your first apartment is an exciting time. You want to make sure you have everything you need to keep it clean and welcoming. Here are some basic cleaning supplies you should have on hand:

  • Dish detergent, laundry detergent
  • All Purpose Cleaner
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Baking Soda (very multi-purpose!)
  • Vinegar
  • Window Cleaner
  • Bathroom Cleaner
  • Microfiber towels
  • Sponges
  • Floor Mop
  • Smaller Vacuum to save space

FAQ

What are some essential kitchen items I should have for my new apartment?

Some essential kitchen items for your new apartment include: a set of knives, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, pots and pans, mixing bowls, a can opener, spatula, and cooking utensils.

What furniture pieces are must-haves for a new apartment?

The must-have furniture pieces for a new apartment include a comfortable sofa, a versatile dining table with chairs, a bed frame with a mattress, and storage solutions like shelves or dressers.

What items can help with organization and storage in a new apartment?

Some items that can help with organization and storage in a new apartment are storage bins, shelves, over-the-door hooks, under-bed storage containers, and drawer dividers.

Are there any decor items that are essential for a new apartment?

Yes, essential decor items for a new apartment include curtains for privacy, a rug for warmth and style, and wall art to personalize the space. I’d recommend waiting until you have all your essential items first though before you start shopping for decor, that way you won’t run out of budget for the stuff you need!

Did this list help? 🙂 Add in your own fav essentials down in the comments!

By: Abbey · In: Freebies, Organization · Tagged: amazon apartment finds, apartment checklist, apartment must haves, first apartment, first apartment checklist

you’ll also love

10 Modern Bar Cart Syling Ideas
10 Cozy Neutral Bedroom Ideas 2025
Farmhouse Living Room Wall Decor Ideas

Join the List

Stay up to date & receive the latest posts in your inbox.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

9 Free Aesthetic Valentine’s Day iPhone Wallpapers [2024]

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Welcome!
hello!

Welcome to Interiors By Abbey! Join me as I share my advice, our own experiences, and DIYs for creating a dream space for your family!

Read More

Connect

join the list

Subscribe for updates, free resources and more!

Featured Posts

10 Cozy Neutral Bedroom Ideas 2025

40 Modern Amazon Apartment Decor Finds Under $50 You Need

10 Farmhouse Wall Art Prints for Living Room

Categories

  • Organization
  • Decorating
  • DIY

Search

Copyright © 2025 · Interiors by Abbey