So you're moving into your first apartment? Congrats! But man, when I moved into my Brooklyn studio last year, I showed up with just a suitcase and an air mattress... then spent three days eating pizza with my hands because I forgot plates. Don't be like me. This checklist covers every single thing you actually need for an apartment, organized by room and priority. We'll even talk realistic budgets because those $5,000 "essentials" lists are ridiculous.
Before You Move: The Survival Kit
First night reality check: You'll be exhausted, surrounded by boxes, and desperately needing a shower. These are non-negotiables for Day 1:
| Item | Why It's Critical | Budget Option | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet Paper (2-ply!) | Do I really need to explain? | $12 for 18-pack (Costco) | HIGH |
| Shower Curtain + Liner | Unless you want bathroom floods | $9 (Target basics) | HIGH |
| Hand Soap & Towel | Basic hygiene isn't optional | $3 for soap + $4 towel | HIGH |
| Phone Charger | You'll need GPS for supply runs | (Hopefully you own one) | HIGH |
| Basic Tool Kit | For furniture assembly and loose screws | $15 (IKEA or Home Depot) | MED |
Pro tip from my disaster move: Pack a "first night" box with sheets, pajamas, toothbrush, and medications. Label it LOUDLY or you'll be digging at 2am.
Kitchen Essentials You Won't Regret Buying
Look, you could survive on Postmates. But cooking saves thousands yearly. These are the actual workhorses:
Cookware That Earns Its Cabinet Space
| Item | Use Cases | Price Sweet Spot |
|---|---|---|
| 10" Non-Stick Skillet | Eggs, grilled cheese, veggies | $25-$40 (T-fal works great) |
| 2-Quart Saucepan | Pasta, rice, soup | $20-$35 |
| Baking Sheet (Half Size) | Roasting veggies, cookies, frozen foods | $15 (Restaurant supply stores) |
Don't bother with huge sets. My 8-piece T-fal ($60) lasted 3 years before I upgraded. Cheap knives? Get one decent chef's knife ($40 Victorinox) instead of a block set.
Appliances Worth The Counter Space
- Microwave: Obvious. Look for used ($30-50 on FB Marketplace)
- Toaster Oven > Toaster: More versatile for small meals
- Slow Cooker: Dump ingredients before work, dinner ready
Food Prep Lifesavers
- Cutting board (plastic = dishwasher safe)
- Can opener (test it in store - some are awful)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Colander
Bathroom Basics That Prevent Emergencies
Nothing worse than realizing mid-shower you forgot towels. Here’s what actually matters:
| Must-Have | Why | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Plunger (WITH flange) | Cheap insurance against disasters | $10 at hardware store |
| Bath Mat | Prevents slips and water damage | $12 at TJ Maxx |
| Toilet Brush | Basic cleanliness | $5 (IKEA) |
Extras I learned the hard way:
- Drain strainers: Cheap hair catchers save plumber fees ($3)
- Over-door hooks: For towels in tiny bathrooms
- Waterproof shower caddy: Avoid rust stains
Bedroom: Sleep Sanctuary Essentials
Sleep quality impacts everything. Don't cheap out here:
| Item | Minimum Quality Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress Protector | Waterproof (trust me) | $25-$40 |
| Sheets (2 sets) | 100% cotton percale (~200 thread count) | $40-$70 per set |
| Blackout Curtains | Blocks streetlights/early sun | $25-$50 per panel |
Mattress trick: Buy a firm memory foam mattress online (~$300 for queen) instead of cheap spring ones. Lasts longer and better support.
Living Room Fundamentals
Focus on comfort + function before decorators:
- Seating: Start with one decent sofa/futon ($300-$600)
- Lighting: Overhead lights suck. Floor lamp + table lamp (~$50 total)
- Trash can: Obvious but always forgotten
- Surge protector: Protects electronics from power surges
Actual Cost Breakdown (Realistic Starter Budget)
| Category | Low-End Cost | Mid-Range Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen & Dining | $250 | $450 |
| Bedroom | $300 (mattress+basics) | $700 |
| Bathroom | $75 | $150 |
| Living Room | $200 (used sofa + lamp) | $500 |
| Cleaning Supplies | $50 | $100 |
| TOTAL | $875 | $1,900 |
This covers true essentials only. Decor comes later. Shop Facebook Marketplace for furniture - scored a $800 West Elm sofa for $200.
Cleaning & Maintenance Must-Haves
Landlords charge insane fees for dirt/damage. Protect yourself:
- Vacuum: Corded > cheap cordless ($80 Bissell)
- All-purpose cleaner: Diluted Simple Green works everywhere
- Microfiber cloths: Streak-free cleaning ($10 for 20-pack)
- Fire extinguisher: Required in many leases ($25)
Document everything during move-in with time-stamped photos. Saved me $500 when landlord tried blaming me for pre-existing stains.
What Everyone Forgets (Until It's Too Late)
After helping 12 friends move, here's the forgotten items list:
| Item | Why It's Overlooked |
|---|---|
| Light bulbs (correct base/wattage) | "There were lights when I toured!" |
| Trash cans for every room | Suddenly realize you're hoarding garbage |
| Step stool | Can't reach top cabinets/shelves |
| Spare keys | Lockouts cost $150+ for locksmith |
Key Considerations When Choosing Things for Your Apartment
Before buying anything, ask:
- "How often will I use this?" (Unitaskers = regret)
- "Does my lease restrict this?" (No wall mounts? No painting?)
- "Where will I store it?" (Tiny kitchens hate bulky appliances)
- "Can I move it easily?" (Next move might have stairs)
I bought a massive dining table for "entertaining." Used it twice. Measure your space twice.
FAQ: Things You Need for Your Apartment
What's the ONE thing people most regret not buying?
Quality mattress. You spend 1/3 of life sleeping. Back pain from a bad bed ruins everything.
Should I buy everything before moving in?
Absolutely not. Get survival kit only. Live in the space for 2 weeks to see what you actually need. Avoids costly mistakes.
Where can I save the most money?
Facebook Marketplace for furniture (sofas, tables), IKEA for kitchen basics, Costco/Sam's Club for bulk paper goods/cleaning supplies.
What should I splurge on?
Mattress and cookware. Cheap pans warp and stain. A $50 good skillet lasts 10+ years.
How do I prioritize if funds are tight?
1) Sleep setup (mattress/sheets) 2) Kitchen (one pot/pan, utensils) 3) Hygiene (towels, toiletries) 4) Everything else.
Remember: Furnishing an apartment isn't an overnight project. Focus on true essentials for living comfortably, then build over time. Happy nesting!