Moving into your first apartment can be both exciting and stressful.
To make sure you have all the essential items, it is important to create a checklist to ensure you don’t forget any essentials for your new home.
From furniture and appliances to storage solutions and organizational supplies, this list will help get you started on what to buy for your first apartment. And best of all, everything on the list is available at discounts that won’t break the bank.
So whether you’re moving into your first place or helping someone else make the transition, be sure to check out our ultimate checklist of essentials for your first apartment. Happy shopping!
Bedroom Essentials
Having good quality bedroom essentials is crucial for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the bedroom is where we spend a significant amount of time. It’s important to ensure that it is a comfortable and relaxing space. Good quality bedding, pillows, and mattresses can make a huge difference in terms of the quality of our sleep. This, in turn, has a significant impact on our overall health and wellbeing.
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Investing in high-quality bedroom essentials for your first apartment can save you money in the long run. While it may be tempting to purchase cheaper options, they often need to be replaced more frequently. This can end up costing you more money over time.
Good quality bedroom essentials, on the other hand, are built to last, and can provide you with many years of comfortable and restful sleep.
Also, having good quality bedroom essentials can also enhance the overall aesthetic of the room. When you have a comfortable and visually appealing space to retreat to at the end of a long day, we are more likely to feel relaxed and at ease. This can have a positive impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing.
Here are the basic essentials for your bedroom:
- Bed frame and mattress
- Pillows (2-4)
- Bed sheets (2-3 sets)
- Comforter or duvet with cover
- Blankets or throws
- Mattress protector
- Nightstands or bedside tables (2)
- Table lamps or wall-mounted lighting
- Closet or wardrobe with hangers
- Curtains or blinds
- Rug or carpet
For extra comfort and convenience (and if you have the budget), consider adding the following:
- Dresser or chest of drawers
- Full-length mirror
- Wall art or decor
- Alarm clock or smart speaker with voice assistant
- Storage solutions such as under-bed storage or a storage bench
- Reading chair or small seating area
- Diffuser or candles for a relaxing scent
- Charging station for devices
- Laundry hamper or basket
Of course, the specific bedroom essentials needed may vary depending on your budget, preferences, and the size and layout of the bedroom. If you don’t have money yet, for instance, you can choose not to buy a bed frame just yet and have the mattress on the floor. It would be better to save up for a sturdy bed frame than buy a cheap one that’s uncomfortable. The important thing is that you now have a starting point for creating a comfortable and functional bedroom space.
Living Room Essentials
After a long day at work, the best thing you can do is relax in the comfort of your own home. There’s nothing quite like settling into your living room, surrounded by items that make you feel cozy and comfortable.
You want furniture to provide support while maximizing relaxation, such as a plush reclining sofa or relaxing chair so you can put your feet up. Consider bringing in softer elements like a shaggy area rug or fuzzy throw blankets to add texture and style to the overall look and feel of the room.
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Adding some ambient lighting with modern track lighting or pendant lamps will set the right peaceful mood for unwinding at home. With these essentials, you’ll have a complete space to help put your mind and body at ease after a long day!
Here’s a checklist of must-haves to make your living room a cozy and inviting space:
- A sofa or couch
- Coffee table
- Entertainment center or TV stand
- Lighting (Overhead lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces)
- Side tables
- Storage (Shelves, cabinets, or a media console)
- Decorative accessories artwork, vases, sculptures, or plants.
- Window coverings (Curtains, blinds, or shades)
- Rugs
- Electronics and connectivity (power outlets or USB charging ports)
Remember, this checklist serves as a starting point, and you can always customize it to your personal preferences and available space. For instance, you can add some window seating if you have a bay window or extra space near the window. You can also set up an audio system with speakers or a soundbar if you enjoy music or want a surround sound experience.
Dining Room Essentials
A dining room is a place where family and friends gather to eat, talk, and share stories. Creating a welcoming and comfortable space can help make these moments even more special.
Depending on the size of your space, you will want a table that works. Firstly, a table is the centerpiece of any dining room. Consider the size of your space when choosing a table, as well as the number of people you want to seat. If you have limited space, consider an extendable table that can expand for larger gatherings. Secondly, comfortable chairs are crucial for enjoying meals with loved ones. Look for chairs with supportive backs and cushioned seats that encourage lingering around the table after dinner is finished.
Thirdly, lighting plays an important role in creating atmosphere in your dining room. A chandelier or pendant light above your table provides ample light while also adding style to your space.
Here’s a checklist that should make it easier for you to get the essential items that every dining room should have:
- Dining table
- Dining chairs
- Tablecloth or placemats
- Dinnerware (Plates, bowls, and cutlery)
- Glassware (Water glasses, wine glasses, and any other types of drinkware you frequently use)
- Serving dishes and platters
- Dining room storage (A sideboard, buffet, or hutch)
- Lighting
- Window coverings
If you want to spice up your dining area, you can also add decorative elements like a centerpiece, candles, or wall art to enhance the ambiance and visual appeal of the dining room. You can also consider adding a bar cart or wine rack to store your favorite drinks and glassware. And of course, you can add additional seating options like a bench or extra chairs for larger gatherings or accommodating guests. Just be mindful of the space so you don’t unnecessarily cramp out your dining area.
Kitchen essentials
Once your dining area is set up, you also need to make sure you have a functional kitchen. You don’t want to end up with a lovely dining area only to find out that your kitchen lacks the necessary tools and equipment for cooking and food preparation.
Start by stocking up on the basics: pots, pans, plates, utensils and anything else you find essential. These items will provide you with the tools necessary to get your cooking endeavors going in the right direction.
Take some extra time choosing which essentials are right for your needs – you may find that certain items make your job easier or help you cook even tastier dishes. Invest in quality cookware and utensils. Having reliable pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, and other culinary tools will enhance your overall cooking experience.
That being said, no one’s kitchen needs to be filled with every single item available – aim for quality over quantity!
Here’s a checklist of minimum essentials for kitchenware:
- Cookware:
- Saucepan(s) with lids
- Skillet or frying pan
- Stockpot or Dutch oven
- Casserole dish
- Utensils and tools:
- Chef’s knife
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoons and spatulas
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Can opener
- Kitchen shears
- Colander or strainer
- Grater
- Vegetable peeler
- Oven mitts or pot holders
- Kitchen appliances:
- Stove or cooktop
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Toaster
- Food storage:
- Food containers with lids (various sizes)
- Plastic wrap or reusable beeswax wraps
- Aluminum foil
- Ziplock bags
- Glass jars with lids
- Kitchen gadgets and accessories:
- Canisters or storage containers for dry goods
- Sifter or sieve
- Kitchen scale
- Thermometer (meat or oven)
- Grilling tools (if applicable)
- Tableware and serving:
- Dinner plates
- Salad plates
- Bowls
- Drinking glasses
- Silverware (forks, knives, spoons)
- Serving spoons and forks
- Serving bowls or platters
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Napkins or paper towels
- Tablecloth or placemats
- Cleaning supplies:
- Dish soap
- Dish drying rack or mat
- Sponges or dishcloths
- Trash can or recycling bin
- Cleaning brushes or scrubbers
- Broom and dustpan
- Kitchen towels
Remember, this checklist provides a basic set of kitchen essentials, and you can always customize it based on your cooking style, preferences, and specific needs. Some optional but very helpful kitchen items can be a spice rack, blender or food processor, coffee maker, and dish towels.
Bathroom essentials
The bathroom is the one room of your home that deserves an extra bit of effort.
This room holds considerable significance as it is a space for personal hygiene and relaxation. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the entire bathroom, including the tiles, sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub. If you have the time and budget (and patience!), you can also add a fresh coat of paint to the walls or update any outdated fixtures.
Having a bathroom that’s stocked with cozy and absorbent towels and hygienic toiletries can make all the difference in your day-to-day living. From plush bath mats that you can sink your feet into every morning to a variety of soaps, lotions, and other hygiene products, making sure to have the essentials ready when you need them will help guarantee a comfortable start or end to another good day.
Invest in functional storage solutions such as shelving units or baskets to keep towels, toiletries, and other essentials organized. Don’t forget to choose curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to enter.
Below is a list of must-have bathroom essentials for your first apartment:
- Bath Towels and Washcloths
- Toothbrush Holder
- Hand Towel
- Soap Dish or Dispenser
- Mirror
- Towel Rack or Hooks
- Toilet Paper Holder
- Storage (Shelves, cabinets, or a vanity)
- Lighting (Overhead and vanity lighting)
- Trash Can
- Bath Mat
- Toilet Brush and Plunger
Once you have the basics, then you can start adding more optional items like a shower enclosure to prevent water from splashing outside the shower area. You might even want to have a bathroom scale if you like to monitor your weight.
To enhance the overall ambiance, include scented candles or plants that thrive in humid environments. Add personal touches like artwork or decorative accents that reflect your style and personality while creating a comfortable atmosphere in this essential space of your new apartment. Keep things simple but don’t skimp on quality – luxury doesn’t mean extravagance, it just means taking care of yourself!
Finishing Touches
Finally, make sure to add any finishing touches that will give your new home just the right vibe. Consider adding picture frames, wall art, vases, and throw pillows to spruce up your living room or bedroom. Opt for items that reflect your personal style in a way that makes you feel at home. With these final touches, you can be proud to say this is truly your space!
Now that you know what the essentials are for each room in your home, you can begin to put together a plan for furnishing and decorating your space. Keep in mind your budget and be sure to shop around for the best deals on furniture and décor. With a little time and effort, you’ll turn your first apartment into your dream home in no time.
