Congratulations, you’re moving into your first apartment!! You should be so excited, especially if it is your first time moving out on your own. It’s a huge sense of independence and you should give yourself a moment to really savour the moment.
Whether you’re moving in with a roommate, or a significant other or you get the space for yourself, it can be very helpful to have a list of all the items you will be needing so you are sure not to forget anything!
Of course, if you are on a strict budget you may choose not to get all of these items before you move in. Instead, they can be bought over time, as you gradually save up and settle into your first apartment.
A great tip when moving into your first apartment is to start shopping as far in advance as you can. Get a storage tub or a moving box and grab one item or a few off your list when you have the chance. This can make it easier if you don’t want to spend a large amount at once.
New Apartment Kitchen Essentials
1. Cups and Mugs
First on our list are some of the basics, cups. But, don’t underestimate what different kinds you may want!
You can buy a nice set of glasses like this that come in two different sizes for a nice variety. Also you may want to add to your list plastic cups. My favorite are these from Amazon which are only 16 dollars for a set of 12 and come in many different color options. You can also find different sizes in these as well.
Coffee mugs are also an item you will want for your first apartment, whether you want to grab a cute set like this or collect some cool and unique coffee cups for your new apartment.
Also Read: 21 Creative and Function Coffee Bar Ideas for Small Spaces
I use to-go cups daily. Every morning I leave for work I make myself an iced coffee with my Mr. Coffee iced coffee maker and either use the cup that comes with the coffee maker or my Starbucks plastic tumblers. Once I finish my coffee for the day I refill it with water a couple of times throughout the day! You may opt for one of those options or perhaps a yeti, my favorite are the ones that come with a straw!
Another good item to add to your list would be Pitchers. If you like to make juices, whether homemade or with premade mixes such as Kool-Aid, a pitcher is a great item to have around your new kitchen.
2. Plates and Bowls
Again you may choose to get glass, ceramic, or plastic. The same target line that offers the plastic cups has a great assortment of plates and bowls too at only 17 dollars for 8 pieces. They also come in a huge variety of colors and have different sizes available as well.
You could also choose to buy a nice Dinnerware set that comes with plates and bowls and even coffee cups!
You can find fun and beautiful designs or opt for a solid set like this one from amazon. It can be a lot easier buying a set this way so you don’t have to think about getting everything separately.
If you prefer to shop in-store, all local big box stores such as Walmart or Target will have lots of options to choose from for both single items and dinnerware sets.
3. Silverware and Silverware Holder
For my apartment, I bought this black matte set of silverware from Amazon and I absolutely love it! I chose this set because it also came with four steak knives as well as different sizes of spoons and forks.
I have a very small kitchen in my new apartment, and there are very few drawers to store my silverware in. With where I wanted to store my silverware, a traditional silverware holder would not fit. This compact silverware organizer is so awesome. I was worried it would be too tall or have the silverware sticking out too far, but it fits everything in it perfectly. I couldn’t be happier!
Knives
Having good knives around the kitchen is much needed. If you want to store them on your countertop knife holder and set. If you want to save space on your countertop a better option may be to get a set to store in your drawers.
Keep in mind all the different ways you cook and all the different types of knives you may need if you don’t want to get a large premade set.
4. Cooking Utensils
While still thinking about all the different ways you cook, think of all the different cooking utensils you may need.
A large wooden spoon, soup ladle, draining spoon, Paster server, different spatulas, an oil brush, tongs, and a whisk are all items you will probably want in your first apartment kitchen.
You can get a set containing all of these items and some things more at many of your local stores. Amazon also has a great variety of different materials including wood and silicone. This silicone set even comes with measuring spoons!
This one from amazon is perfect for your first apartment because it also comes with knives, scissors, a storage holder, and a cutting board!
5. Measuring cups
Getting utensils set like the one above is a great idea to ensure you have measuring spoons as well. You may also want to add measuring cups to your first apartment kitchen essentials shopping list too.
6. Pots and Pans, Bakeware and Mixing Bowls.
Having a nice set of cookware and bakeware is essential when moving into your first apartment. Different sizes of pots and pans with lids are essential to everyday cooking. These are another item you can get in a premade set to ensure you have a good variety for everything you will need.
There are many different kinds of materials to choose from as well, you can find a great set of non-stick, stainless steel or granite coated. You can also find sets of cast iron.
I love this set from Amazon, it is perfect for someone looking to get all the essentials at once. It comes with pots, pans, different baking dishes, a muffin pan, and even some cooking utensils. They also offer Klarna pay, which allows you to make a total of four payments made biweekly.
Baking dishes and baking sheets are also an important kitchen essential. Anytime you plan on using your oven you will be using these items.
Mixing bowls are another important essential for your first apartment kitchen. These can be used for cooking, baking and also when serving. You can find sets of various sizes in these as well.
7. Cutting boards
Another essential you will want in your first apartment kitchen. Cutting fresh fruits and vegetables or preparing meat there are many uses to having a good cutting board.
There are many different types of cutting boards available on the market. You can choose a nice wooden cutting board, there are less expensive plastic options as well as extra thin cutting mats.
8. Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
Things such as a pizza cutter, scissors, can opener, peeler, meat tenderizer, etc. There are a lot of small useful kitchen tools and gadgets you may want to add to your first apartment kitchen essentials list.
These items can be found at any big box store in their kitchen department, or you can find many great options online as well.
9. Potholders and Towels
Finding a nice set of kitchen towels as well as oven mitts or pot holders are another kitchen essential you will want in your first apartment.
Towels are something you will most likely be using daily, they are also a great item to use as decorations. You can find both decorative towels and practical towel sets at an affordable price.
10. Paper products, Straws, Storage bags and eco-friendly options
In your kitchen, you will probably also want items such as paper towels, napkins, straws and storage bags. These can be plastic, paper or eco friendly reusable products.
11. Small Appliances
Small appliances are great to have around the apartment. Depending on the size of your apartment you may choose to only get a few essentials like a microwave, coffee maker, and air fryer.
You may also want to add a toaster, blender and mixer to your shopping list. Espresso machines, waffle makers or kettles may be another essential you may want to bring into your first apartment.
Did you know you can even get a countertop Dishwasher? A cool option if your apartment doesn’t have a dishwasher and you aren’t wanting to hand wash the dishes everyday!
My favorite appliances are from KitchenAid. They are an item worth investing in, they offer amazing quality and can last you many years to come. Check out the best KitchenAid appliances here!
If you are on a smaller budget, I suggest checking out Amazon for their countertop Appliances. You can find a wide range of small appliances on any budget.
12. Trash Can and Kitchen Cleaners
Last on my list of first apartment kitchen essentials would be a trash can, trash bags, as well as cleaning products.
To be fully prepared these are items you want to have on hand and not go out for once they are needed. Most apartments will have a cleaning crew come in and clean the apartment before moving in, however I prefer to do a quick clean of a new place once moving in to ensure it is fully cleaned and sanitized.
First Apartment Kitchen Essentials
Moving into a first apartment is very exciting! Having all the items you need when moving in will ensure you’re ready for all to come on your new journey.
Whether you start shopping in advance or go out and get everything in one big spree, you will be sure to have all that you need.
I find it fascinating that investing in the right kitchenware and appliances can help improve the functionality of your cooking space. My friend wants to try investing in an apartment so he’d live close to his office. I believe investing in essential office appliances should be his priority in the future.