Best First Apartment Checklist-Essential Items You Need
Are you ready to take the next step in your life and planning to move into your first apartment? It sounds so exciting for first-timers. Every item will be according to your need and choice be it bedroom stuff, bathroom items, kitchen utensils, cleaning products, or everything from scratch. It is so much fun. This first apartment checklist will have you covered with all the essential items.
Being ready with the checklist is the most important thing because then accordingly you can plan. I implemented this when I had my first apartment and it made things easier. It is very important to spend on essential needs first and then, later on, you can buy other luxurious items.
There are a couple of tips I would like to share before we proceed further. Make sure you check the prices in all the major online stores like Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, and Home Depot before you buy your product so you can buy from the one which is offering you the best deal.
Also, you don’t need to buy expensive furniture. You can get your parent’s old furniture which they are not using or maybe buy some furniture from a thrift store.
Always keep your eyes and ears open for online sales especially sales on Black Friday. You can save a lot of money here.
Let’s unfold
First Apartment Checklist
Bedroom
1.Bed Frame
As I mentioned before you can get it from your family or from the thrift store. Try to look for the best deals online. Before getting the bed frame try and figure out the dimension according to your apartment size. After all your apartment needs to look spacious too so if you will get a big frame it will occupy most of the area.
You can buy Queen upholstered bed frame from Amazon.
2.Sheets
You don’t need more than two sheets in the beginning. Just make sure you wash them regularly.
3.Mattress
I was very sure that I won’t be spending too much on the mattress but at the same time, I wanted it to be comfortable. I think I found the best deal.
4.Pillow
I make sure my pillows are soft and comfortable. I got duvet covers too.
5.Bedroom Furniture
These items you will be needing so buy them one at a time as per the requirements.
Mirror
Desk
Chair
Curtains
Box Spring
Alarm Clock
Nightstand-Choose a tiered nightstand that has ample storage space so that you can keep your charger or any other items there.
Mattress Topper
Shoe Rack
Dresser
Wall Art- You don’t want your walls to look cluttered with pictures but you don’t want them to look empty too. So a nice wall art will definitely look classy.
Duvet
Hangers
Book Shelf
Wardrobe-Usually in rented apartments there is not enough closet space so you need a wardrobe where you can keep all your clothes.
Ottoman With In-Built Storage-You can keep your sandals or throw blankets in the storage.
Living Room
Buying things for the living room is expensive so research thoroughly before you buy any item. If you like to invite your friends for a movie or sports or for just a casual get-together you have to make sure there is enough seating arrangement.
1.Couch
This takes away a lot from your wallet. When I bought it I searched every online store to find the best deal for me.
You can also buy a sleeper sofa that works as a bed too.
2.Television
I spend most of my time on my iPhone and hardly get time to watch tv but whenever I have my friends with me we would watch a movie or a sport. I wanted to buy a big-screen TV but did not want to spend a lot so I bought a TCL television set. The quality of the video is top-notch.
3.Table
I was looking for a multi-purpose table which will work well as a coffee table and food table and I can use it for my work as well. I also wanted it to look stylish.
4.Miscellaneous Living Room Essentials
You don’t need to buy them immediately but these items will make your living room beautiful.
Curtains
Pillows
Vases
Lamp
Windows Treatment
Kitchen
I would suggest you initially only get the essential dishes but later on, you can buy a full dish set. Also, you won’t want to eat your food sitting on the couch all the time so maybe later you can buy a bar stool or kitchen table.
1.Dishes
You can get it from IKEA. They have a good collection. Since it was my first apartment I was looking for a bundle package. You get it at a low price. I got mine from Amazon. This included mugs, bowls, and dishes.
2.Appliances
It depends on your requirement but the most important appliances are
Toaster
Blender
Grinder
Hand Mixer
Crockpot
Coffeemaker-You, don’t need to pay every day to have coffee at Starbucks. Just get a coffeemaker and make your coffee whenever you want.
Food Container
Instant Pot
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
3.Utensils And Cleaning Items
You will be needing utensils and serving utensils. These are mandatory items so look for the best option online. I found them on Amazon.
Hygiene is essential. If your kitchen is clean you will feel good and would love to try new dishes. Few Cleaning items are
Trash Can
Garbage Bags
Dustpan
Broom
Tea Pot
Refrigerator Deodorizer– You keep a number of different food items in the refrigerator and this results in a nasty odor. A refrigerator deodorizer removes the odor completely.
Oven Mitts- Instead of using old clothes it is better to use oven mitts, it keeps you safe from any burns.
Colander
Dishwasher Pods
Multi-purpose Spray
Paper Towel
Dish Towels- Your dishtowels will be visible most of the time so get nice textured cute towels that even if left out in open don’t embarrass you.
Corkscrew
Sponges
Skillet
Bowls
Paper Towel Holder
Drinking Glass-Get a set of tall and short glasses that will be useful for all occasions. Even if you are hosting a party you don’t need to buy extra glasses.
Bottle Opener
Water Purifier
Saucepan
Bakeware– To make pizza or cake or cookies you need bakeware
Spoons
Loop Brushes- You need to clean your water bottles and pot and for that, you need loop brushes.
Forks
Spatula
Liquid Soap- The liquid soap gets rid of all the grease on your dishes and makes them look fresh.
4.Miscellaneous Kitchen Items
Apart from utensils, there are a few other important kitchen stuff
Bar Stools
Baking Sheet
Knives
Tupperware
Aluminum Foil
Wine Glass
Chopping Board
Cookie Sheet
Casserole
Measuring Cups
Dish Drying Rack
Hand Soap– After cleaning your kitchen you need to clean your hands so stock up a couple of bottles in advance.
Bathroom Items
There are a few must-haves in a bathroom from bath towels, and shower liners to cleaning supplies.
Hand Towels
Bathroom Cleaning Spray
Toilet Paper
Shower Curtain Liner
Bucket
Shampoo
Hooks
Soap
Toilet Cleaner
Loofah
Conditioner
Body Wash
Tooth Paste
Tongue Cleaner
Toothbrush
Toothbrush Holder
Bath Towel
Shower Caddy- Like other parts of your home you want your bathroom also to look organized. Keeping your shampoo, body wash, and conditioner, on a shower caddy will make your bathroom look clean.
Detergent
Plunger
Bathroom Mat
Personal, Laundry, And Miscellaneous Items
These are some personal and other stuff you need
Laptop
Hair Dryer
Charger
Candles
First Aid Kit
Sewing Kit
Fan
Chip Clips
Makeup Organizer- It will keep your skincare product, and makeup items look neat and organized.
Shop On Container Store
Perfume
Deodorant
Window Ac
Space Heater
Steam Iron
Ironing Board
Dustpan
Umbrella
Scissors
Bulbs
Laundry Basket
Flashlight
Speaker
Wi-fi Router
Batteries
Air Freshener
Mop
Smoke Detector
Duct Tape
Screw Drivers
Stapler
Anti-Bacterial Wipes
Fire Extinguisher
Hammer
Wood Cleaner
Measuring Tape
Grocery Items
The list of grocery items depends on your personal choice but there are some essentials that everyone needs.
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Spices
Butter
Vegetable
Vanilla Extract
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Baking Powder
Edible Oil
Mayonnaise
Fruit Juices
Fruits
Coffee
Milk
Tea
Sauce
Flour
Meat
Rice
Noodles
Pasta
Oats
Cereal
Bread
Cheese
Jam
Eggs
Snacks
Did you like this checklist for apartments? Let me know. I would love your response.
Read:12 Stylish Murphy Bed Ideas
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