If you’re planning on moving into your new apartment, whether it be your first apartment or a new one, and looking for a list of essential things to buy for the apartment, this article has you covered. 

Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting time, but it also can be an expensive proposition if you need to furnish the apartment with new household items. Not planning your purchases and rushing through the process can cost you even more!

It’s important to know what your basic furnishing needs are and expand your purchases from that point. This way you can spend your money more wisely by purchasing the essentials and leaving the extras until you know you can afford it later on. 

This article will break down everything you need to get for your new home, according to room type. E.g. washroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room etc.  A downloadable PDF apartment essentials checklist form will also be available to download.

Apartment Essentials – New or First Apartment Checklist 

Kitchenware Essentials for a New Apartment

The kitchen is one of the most critical spaces in your apartment.  You’ll be spending lots of time in the kitchen nourishing yourself, socializing and preparing meals. It’s essential to equip your kitchen with the right tools, so you can efficiently use the space for cooking your meals and entertaining guests. Start off with the basic things and if your budget allows it, get the extras that aren’t so essential, later on. 

  • Garbage Can
  • Frying Pan: A good frying pan will cost a bit more than the average but is well worth the purchase, as it will last you a long time. Check out non-stick, non-Teflon, cast iron, aluminum or wok-style frying pans, depending on your preference. 
  • Saucepan
  • Roast pan 
  • Cutlery: forks, knives, spoons etc.
  • Can opener
  • Wisk
  • Stainless steel mixing bowls
  • Air fryer
  • Tupperware food containers
  • Ice cube trays
  • Dish rags and towels
  • Dish soap
  • Knife set 
  • Toaster
  • Cutting board
  • Dish rack
  • Food processor
  • Baking sheet

Cookware:

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Stockpot
  • Baking sheet
  • Roasting pan

Utensils:

  • Wooden spoons
  • Spatulas (slotted and solid)
  • Ladle
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Kitchen scissors
  • Can opener

Cutlery:

  • Chef’s knife
  • Paring knife
  • Bread knife
  • Cutting board

Food Prep:

  • Mixing bowls (various sizes)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or strainer
  • Grater
  • Peeler

Bakeware:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking dishes (glass or ceramic)
  • Oven mitts or pot holders

Appliances:

  • Microwave
  • Toaster or toaster oven
  • Blender or food processor
  • Coffee maker or kettle

Cooking Essentials:

  • Salt and pepper shakers
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Basic spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, oregano)
  • Stock or broth (canned or homemade)
  • Flour, sugar, and other basic baking ingredients

Food Storage:

  • Food storage containers (various sizes)
  • Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and parchment paper

Cleaning and Maintenance:

  • Dish soap and sponge
  • Dish rack or drying mat
  • Kitchen towels or paper towels
  • Trash cans and recycling bins

Things you can get later on

After getting all the essential things for the kitchen you can always add more specialized items later on. Before splurging on these items it’s essential to know your cooking style, the types of dishes you enjoy making and the available storage space available.  

  • Stand Mixer
  • Food Processor 
  • Blender
  • Slow Cooker or Crock-Pot
  • Rice Cooker
  • Microwave Oven 
  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Sous Vide Precision Cooker
  • Egg Cooker
  • Panini Press
  • Juicer
  • Popcorn Maker
  • Mandoline Slicer
  • Electric Can Opener
  • Pasta Maker
  • Electric Griddle
  • Waffle Maker
  • Pan Protectors
  • Egg Separator
  • Herb Keeper
  • Corn Holders
  • Mortar and Pestle
  • Oil Mister
  • Cheese Grater
  • Citrus Zester
  • Pizza Stone
  • Apple Corer
  • Sushi Making Kit
  • Spice Rack

Bedroom Essentials for a New Apartment

Buying the right things for the bedroom in your new apartment can’t be underestimated. The bedroom might not require as much stuff as other rooms, but the furnishings required for the bedroom are extremely important. The bedroom is a place to rest, sleep, have personal time and also a place for intimacy.  Purchasing decisions for items such as beds, mattresses, and pillows requires some meaningful thought and possibly trying them out physically.

Bedroom Furniture: 

  • Bedframe and mattress
  • Pillows (2-4 pillows, depending on your preference)
  • Bedsheets (fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases)
  • Comforter or duvet
  • Blankets or throws

Storage:

  • Dresser or wardrobe for clothing storage
  • Nightstands or bedside tables
  • Hangers for clothes
  • Under-bed storage bins or drawers

Lighting:

  • Bedside lamps (for reading and ambiance)
  • Overhead light fixture or ceiling fan with lighting
  • Floor lamp (if additional lighting is needed)

Window Coverings:

  • Curtains or blinds for privacy and light control
  • Curtain rods or tracks

Organization:

  • Jewelry organizer or box
  • Valet tray or small catchall for essentials
  • Laundry hamper or basket

Decor:

  • Wall art or decor that reflects your style
  • Decorative pillows and cushions
  • Area rug or carpet
  • Wall mirror

Additional Comfort:

  • Curtains or blinds for privacy and light control
  • Curtains or blinds for privacy and light control
  • Curtain rods or tracks

Technology and Entertainment:

  • Alarm clock or clock radio
  • Charging station or power strip for electronics
  • Television (if desired)
  • Speaker system or headphones for entertainment

Personal Touches:

  • Personal photos or artwork
  • Plants or flowers for a touch of nature
  • A comfortable chair or seating area if space allows

Things you can buy later

  • Accent Chairs
  • Vanity or Makeup Table
  • Full-Length Mirror
  • Decorative Rugs
  • Multiple Throw Pillows
  • Jewelry Stand
  • Scented Candles or Diffusers
  • Framed Artwork or Wall Decals
  • Decorative Ladder
  • Chandelier or Pendant Lights
  • Bedside Carpets
  • Electronic Gadgets (smart speakers, mood lighting)
  • Decorative Curtains
  • Personalized Decor (monogrammed bedding, custom wall art)
  • Canopy Bed
  • Bedside Tables with Drawers
  • Bookshelf or Bookcase
  • Ottoman or Pouf
  • Lounge Chair or Chaise
  • Floor-Length Curtains
  • Bedroom Bench
  • Decorative Trays
  • Wall Shelves
  • Personalized Wall Decals or Murals
  • Accent Wall with Wallpaper
  • Faux Fur Throws or Rugs
  • Bed Skirt
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Bedroom Fireplace
  • Smart Speaker
  • Smart Lighting
  • Smart Alarm Clock
  • Projection Clock
  • Wireless Charging Dock
  • Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock
  • Bluetooth Speaker
  • Bedside Tablet Stand
  • Digital Picture Frame
  • Sleep Tracker
  • Gaming Console
  • Voice-Activated TV Remote
  • Projector
  • Wireless Headphones or Earbuds
  • Smart Curtain Opener/Closer

Living Room Essentials for Your New Apartment

The living room is meant for relaxation and entertainment, but also a versatile space for hosting guests and other activities. 

How you furnish your living room will depend on the size and shape of the space.

Your personal touch will also play a role in how you furnish the living room, however, there are some things that are essential for anyone to have. 

  • Sofa or Couch
  • Coffee Table
  • Television and Remote
  • Seating (chairs, recliners, poufs, etc.)
  • Entertainment Center or TV Stand
  • Lighting (floor lamp, table lamp)
  • Curtains or Blinds (window coverings)
  • Throw Pillows and Blankets
  • Shelving or Bookcases
  • Side Tables or End Tables
  • Decorative Items (vases, sculptures, etc.)
  • Area Rug or Carpet
  • Wall Art or Decor
  • Multimedia Setup (DVD player, game console)
  • Remote Control Organizer
  • Cable Management Solutions
  • Power Strips and Surge Protectors
  • Throw Rugs or Mats
  • Plants
  • Mirrors
  • Coasters
  • Clock
  • Trays for Serving or Decoration
  • Remote-Controlled Lighting (if desired)
  • Decorative Curtains or Drapes
  • Accent Chairs or Ottomans
  • Wi-Fi Router or Extender (for connectivity)
  • Wall-Mounted Shelves

Things to buy Later

  • Decorative Vases
  • Faux Fur Throws or Pillows
  • Candles and Candle Holders
  • Decorative Bowls
  • Artificial Plants or Flowers
  • Decorative Wall Clock
  • Tabletop Sculptures
  • Decorative Mirrors
  • Decorative Trays
  • Statement Rugs
  • Throw Blanket Ladder
  • Bookends
  • Floating Shelves
  • Decorative Wall Decals
  • Luxury Coffee Table Books
  • Glass Terrarium
  • Chic Coasters
  • Accent Pillows with Intricate Designs
  • Designer Wall Sconces
  • Personalized Wall Art or Prints
  • Bar Cart
  • Decorative Tapestries
  • Antique or Vintage Finds
  • Hanging Planters
  • Decorative Lanterns

Patio Essentials for Your New Apartment

A patio is typically an outdoor space where you can sit, relax and enjoy the outdoor weather. Here are some essential items to purchase for your patio:

  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Plants and Planters
  • Outdoor Grill or Cooking Equipment 
  • Outdoor Trash and Recycling Bins 
  • Outdoor Fire Pit or Heater 
  • Outdoor Storage (sheds, storage boxes)
  • Outdoor Decor
  • Outdoor Curtains or Privacy Screens 
  • Outdoor Dining Set 
  • Basic Outdoor Cooking Utensils 
  • Outdoor Furniture (seats, cushions and table)
  • Appropriate Outdoor Furniture Covers 

Things to buy later for the Patio

  • Umbrella or Shade Sail
  • Outdoor Throw Pillows
  • Outdoor Curtains or Drapes
  • Outdoor Tiki Torches
  • Outdoor String Lights
  • Outdoor Chandelier or Pendant Lights
  • Outdoor Wall Art or Decor
  • Outdoor Fountain or Water Feature
  • Outdoor Bar Cart or Beverage Station
  • Outdoor Ottoman or Pouf
  • Outdoor Area Rug with Intricate Patterns
  • Outdoor Entertainment System 
  • Outdoor Weather Station or Weather Vane
  • Outdoor Barbecue Grill Station with Built-in Appliances
  • Outdoor Outdoor Mini Refrigerator or Cooler
  • Outdoor Pizza Oven or Outdoor Kitchen Setup
  • Outdoor Hot Tub or Spa
  • Outdoor Swinging Daybed or Hanging Chair
  • Outdoor Projector and Screen for Movie Nights
  • Outdoor Outdoor Gym Equipment or Exercise Area
  • Outdoor Sauna or Steam Room

Bathroom Essentials for your New Apartment

We spend a lot of time in the bathroom so it’s important to furnish the room accordingly. Whether it be washing your hands and face, shaving, brushing teeth, putting on makeup, toilet use, grooming, changing clothes and showering or bathing, the bathroom is a vital room in any apartment!  Here is a list of the essential things to buy for your bathroom:

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toilet Brush and Holder
  • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
  • Shower Curtain or Door
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Soap or Body Wash
  • Towels (Hand and Bath Towels)
  • Shower Mat or Bath Rug
  • Trash Can
  • Mirror
  • Hair Dryer
  • Comb or Hairbrush
  • Razor and Shaving Cream
  • Cotton Balls or Swabs
  • First Aid Kit
  • Hand Soap
  • Toiletry Organizer or Caddy
  • Toilet Plunger
  • Toilet Seat Cover
  • Medicine Cabinet or Storage
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Scale
  • Tissue Box
  • Wastebasket Liners
  • Bathrobe or Towel Wrap
  • Laundry Basket or Hamper
  • Extra Bath Mat
  • Storage Solutions (shelves, cabinets)
  • Toilet Seat Cover
  • Air Freshener

Things to buy later on for the Bathroom

  • Aromatherapy Diffuser
  • Decorative Soap Dispensers
  • Luxury Towels
  • Wall-Mounted Makeup Mirror
  • Bluetooth Speaker
  • Bathtub Caddy
  • Candles
  • Decorative Vanity Tray
  • Framed Art or Decorative Wall Decals
  • Bathroom Plants
  • Luxury Bathrobe
  • Designer Tissue Box Cover
  • Wall Art or Shelving
  • Digital Bathroom Scale
  • Decorative Storage Baskets
  • Wall-Mounted Hair Dryer Holder
  • Crystal or Decorative Knobs
  • Matching Bath Accessories Set
  • Bathroom Tray with Amenity Supplies
  • Faux Fur Bath Mat

Laundry and Cleaning

Depending on your apartment layout, laundry may be inside or outside your apartment.  Some apartments have a dedicated laundry room outside the living space or may be located within the apartment. Either way, there are some essential laundry and cleaning items to purchase, regardless of where the laundry facility is located. 

Here is a list of essential laundry and cleaning room items to purchase to help you maintain a clean, organized, efficient and manageable space: 

  • Washing Machine 
  • Dryer
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Fabric Softener
  • Laundry Baskets or Hampers
  • Clothespins or Clips
  • Iron and Ironing Board
  • Lint Roller or Brush
  • Laundry Bags 
  • Laundry Bins
  • Stain Remover
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Broom and Dustpan
  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Mop and Bucket
  • Cleaning Cloths or Sponges
  • Trash Cans and Liners
  • Storage Solutions (shelves, cabinets)
  • Drying Rack (for delicate clothing)
  • Ladder or Step Stool 
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Cleaning Brushes (scrub brushes, toilet brushes)
  • Air Fresheners
  • All-Purpose Cleaner
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Broom and Dustpan
  • Mop and Bucket
  • Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
  • Scrub Brushes
  • Trash Bags
  • Paper Towels
  • Dusting Spray or Cloth
  • Dish Soap
  • Sponges or Cleaning Pads
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Window Cleaning Kit 
  • Drain Cleaner
  • Stainless Steel Cleaner 
  • Furniture Polish 
  • Lint Roller
  • Laundry Stain Remover
  • Baking Soda 
  • Vinegar 
  • Carpet Spot Cleaner 
  • Extendable Duster
  • Step Stool or Ladder 
  • Cleaning Organizer

Things you can buy later

  • Decorative Laundry Baskets
  • Custom Cabinetry
  • Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
  • Designer Cleaning Tools
  • Automated Vacuum Cleaner
  • Built-In Ironing Station
  • Luxury Linens and Towels
  • Professional Steam Cleaner
  • Decorative Wall Art
  • Chic Shelving
  • Fragrance Diffuser
  • Smart Home Integration
  • Luxe Laundry Hamper
  • Laundry Folding System
  • Smart Laundry Management System

Food

Buying food for your new apartment is an ongoing process, which usually occurs once a week. However, there are some staple food items that only require occasional purchases. It’s the occasional purchases that need to be scratched off your grocery list first!  Here are some essential food items to buy:

  • Rice, pasta, quinoa, oats, and bread.
  • Eggs, chicken, ground beef, canned tuna, and beans.
  • Milk, cheese, yogurt, and dairy-free options.
  • Fresh Produce: Fruits like apples, bananas, and berries; vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and lettuce.
  • Frozen Vegetables
  • Frozen Fruits
  • Olive oil, vegetable oil, cooking spray, ghee etc
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other favorites of yours
  • Canned Goods
  • Condiments
  • Baking Essentials – flour, baking powder, baking soda etc. 
  • Nuts, popcorn, and granola bars.
  • Coffee, tea, bottled water, and any preferred beverages.
  • Butter or Margarine
  • Peanut Butter or Nut Butter
  • Cereal or Granola
  • Jam or Jelly
  • Canned Fruit
  • Ramen or Instant Noodles
  • Sauces and Dressings 

Exploring First Apartment Essentials: Where to Find What You Need

Buying everything for your first apartment, all at once can be an expensive proposition. Even if you spread out your purchases, in the end, it can be a lot of money. Consider buying used or gently worn products, and get free stuff from online ads or social media outlets.  Here is a list of places to find free, cheap and more affordable options to help furnish your new apartment. 

Facebook Marketplace – Facebook marketplace is a very popular online platform where you can buy and sell free products and services. Have a look at their listings and you will find a treasure trove of great deals or even free stuff.

Garage Sales –  A bit more involved, in that you physically need to be at the garage sale to determine if anything that can be purchased is suitable for your needs. However, you can score fantastic deals if you do find something you need! Search online and newspaper listings for local garage sales and plan to hit as many garage sales as possible in one outing! 

Thrift Stores – You can also visit a few thrift stores for some great deals or finds. You do need to actually visit these stores in person to find what you need or looking for. This involves more time but can reap huge benefits.

Conclusion

Buying everything you need for your new apartment, really depends on your existing inventory of household items, and your desire to add new inventory. Your decision can be based on pure necessity or simply from wanting new things to your list. However, if on a budget, getting good deals from purchasing used goods, is always the way to go!