33 Must-Have Items for Your First Apartment: Essentials List

Moving into your first apartment is totally exciting … until you find yourself sitting on the floor, completely exhausted, without even a can opener or toilet paper. Luckily, this checklist protects you from all the chaos of moving into your first apartment.

Kitchen Essentials List For Your First Apartment

1. A Small Air Fryer

Yes, that’s the most important thing in your kitchen. And not just for the first little while. Likely, you don’t even have a kitchen when you’re first moving in. That means you neither have an oven nor a stove. So, a small air fryer will absolutely come in handy.

You can basically do anything with it, whether it’s cooking, baking, or frying. And the best part is you can do all that and save loads of fat. Sounds like a deal to me.

2. 18 Piece Ceramic Pots & Pans Set

If you find yourself in your first apartment without a kitchen on your first day, an air fryer is definitely a must-have. But let’s be honest, we all know that sooner or later, the kitchen will arrive. And that’s exactly when you’ll probably have to ask yourself: where am I going to put all these pots and pans?

I think everyone knows that struggle. However, luckily there are pots and pans sets where you can even remove the handles. So, this set will save you a lot of space.

And that’s not the only great thing about this set. It’s even oven-safe. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Ultimately, it offers everything you need to get started:

Cooking

8″ frying pan
10″ frying pan
1.5 qt saucepan
3 qt saucepan
10″ sauté pan

Accessories

2 removable handles
2 silicone utensils (spatula & spoon)
2 fridge storage lids
2 silicone pot lids
4 pan protectors (for stacking)
1 silicone mat

3. Expandable Dish Drying Rack

Nothing ruins the aesthetic in our kitchen more than those ugly yellow abtropfschalen made from plastic, right? But don’t you worry, I found a more minimalistic version of a drying rack, which is even made from stainless steel, making it rust-resistant.

Plus, it’s expandable and stretches from 15.5″ to 23.2″. And it can even hold your mugs on the side. Well, let me know if you find something better than that; I’ll be patiently waiting.

4. Under Sink Organizer

The cabinet under your sink is usually a total mess. And that makes sense, because who else but you ever looks inside it, right? There’s nothing to find in there except trash bags and drain pipes.

But let’s be honest, moving into your first apartment marks the start of adulthood. And that means keeping things organized. Even in the places no one sees, like that spot under your sink. And well, an under-sink organizer is the ultimate solution for that.

I think this one is the best for three reasons:

You can pull out the bottom basket
It fits perfectly around pipes
You can adjust the height and save tons of space

Even putting it together is quick and easy.

5. Storage Jars

A messy pile of colorful plastic bags filled with pasta, rice, oatmeal, etc., which you then seal with some random clips that are just as colorful, just looks, well, like crap. Let’s just be honest.

Of course, it’s not just about the aesthetics but also about the organizational aspect. And the fact that food goes bad faster, and in the worst-case scenario, even attracts moths. Unfortunately, I know what I’m talking about, and that’s not cool at all.

The solution is these storage jars, which even look uniform and ensure that food stays fresh longer and you can see everything at a glance.

6. 40 Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Utensil Cutlery Set

I’m sure you don’t want to eat with plastic cutlery all the time. That just creates a lot of unnecessary trash. That’s why I’d recommend buying a set of cutlery before you move out.

I can recommend this high-quality set because it’s made of stainless steel and will last you a long time. It will definitely give you the feeling that you’ve settled in and are living like a normal person.

7. Ceramic Tableware Set

It’s exactly the same here. I mean, when you have guests over, you don’t want to serve food on plastic plates, right? Especially in the long run, it’s important to have nice tableware. It’s best to choose ceramic tableware that matches your decor.

Neutral colors are always a safe bet, of course, which is why I’ve linked a cute set here. The great thing about ceramic is that it’s microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, which will make your daily life a lot easier.

8. Mug Set of 4 With Stand

If you love coffee or tea, you can’t do without mugs. Sure, you won’t need that many at first. Especially if you still have a few mugs at home that you can bring with you. But if that’s not the case, why not get yourself a cute mug set that comes with an extra stand? That way, you can keep your coffee corner organized at all times.

9. Glasses Set of 16

The set comes with 16 glasses, which, to be honest, is a good deal for the price. But again, if you can bring a few glasses from home, say, 4 to 6, that’s more than enough to get you started. Later on, you can gradually expand your collection.

10. 14 Piece Silicone Cooking Utensil Set

The number one mistake many people make when setting up their first kitchen is buying kitchen utensils made of hard plastic or metal. The problem with this is that metal will scratch the nonstick coating on your pots and pans.

And cheap plastic can melt. That’s why I’m a big fan of silicone kitchen utensils. This set is especially great because it’s dishwasher-safe; something few of these kitchen utensil sets are. That’s just super convenient.

Plus, they won’t scratch your pots, which is even more important.

11. Bamboo Cutting Board

By the time you cook in your first apartment for the very first time, you’ll realize, “Oh, I need a cutting board.” How else are you supposed to cut your vegetables without immediately ruining your countertop? It’s absolutely essential and a must-have for your first kitchen.

Plus, you can just drape it over the sink when you’re not using it to save space. Also: invest in just one 6 or 8-inch chef’s knife. It will handle 95% of all your chopping, slicing, and dicing. And no, you don’t have to spend 60$ on one single knife. The one I linked is only 12$ which will work just fine.

12. Can Opener

When you move out, you think about pots, pans, and glasses. But you tend to forget one tiny thing that you’ll only miss when you actually need it. Like when you’re standing there in the evening and want to open your can of tomato sauce.

A can opener will save your life more often than you’d think. The great thing about this one is that it doubles as a bottle opener, which sets it apart from standard options.

13. Trash Can with Dual Compartments

Nothing is worse than having trash bags just lying around all over the place. Let’s set the aesthetic factor aside for now. What’s really bad about it is the unpleasant smell that’s bound to develop.

That’s why a trash can is non-negotiable from the start. A trash can with two compartments is, of course, top-tier.

If you sort your trash, a trash can with two bins is obviously the way to go. Then you could throw your everyday trash on one side and your recyclables, like plastic bottles, on the other.

What’s also really great, of course, is that the trash can has a soft-close feature and doesn’t make any noise when it closes. That’s pure luxury, of course, and a bit of a splurge, but you could also see it as an investment.

Oh, and don’t forget to buy trash bags; otherwise, it’s gonna be a disaster.

14. All in One Deal

You need oven mitts. There’s no getting around it, and it’s easy to forget them. As you can easily tell, I’m a big fan of sets, and this one is great for a few reasons.

It includes 2 kitchen towels, one oven mitt, and one pot holder—everything you need, right at your fingertips.
The oven mitt and pot holder have non-slip silicone grips. This way, your cookware won’t slip.
It protects your hand. Oh, what a surprise.

Bathroom Essentials For Your First Apartment

1. A Complete Bathroom Set

Buying everything separately usually costs more than buying it as a set. And the best part is that it looks super stylish when everything matches. Like this set here. It comes with almost everything you need for your bathroom:

A fabric shower curtain, a clear liner with weighted magnets, and 12 rust-resistant hooks
Toothbrush holder, soap dispenser (don’t forget to buy soap, though), soap dish, tumbler, and toilet brush with holder
Bathroom trash can

It also comes in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find the right one for you.

2. Shower Caddy

We’ve all been there, right? More often than not, the shower looks completely cluttered and messy, especially because there are bottles lying around everywhere. But with a shower caddy, things look completely different.

What I love about this shower caddy is that it’s affordable and renter-friendly. You don’t even have to install it in the shower, just hang it on your showerhead. It’s that easy.

3. A Plush, Non-Slip Bathmat

I’m sure you don’t want to step out of a warm shower and onto the cold floor. And of course, you could also just spread towels on the floor and use them as a bath mat, but let’s be honest, that’s just not comfortable at all.

So definitely invest in a plush, non-slip bath mat. It will basically feel like you’re walking on a cloud – safely.

4. Waffle Weave Towels

It’s very tempting to buy the cheapest bath towels when you move into your first apartment. (Quick tip: As a rule of thumb, you’ll need at least two large bath towels and two smaller hand towels to start with. That way, you always have a clean set while the other is in the wash.)

But the problem is that these towels dry very poorly, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms.

They stay damp for a long time and start to smell musty quickly. I’m a big fan of waffle-weave towels for three reasons:

They dry extremely quickly because their honeycomb structure gives them more surface area, allowing air to circulate better.
They’re space-saving and can be folded flat. So they’re perfect for small bathrooms!
Well, they look spa-like and expensive.

5. Over-the-Toilet Storage Shelf

If the bathroom in your first apartment is on the small side, you’ll need to make the most of the space you have. To keep things from lying all over the floor or cluttering up your entire bathroom with bulky cabinets, why not just use the empty wall?

With a few floating shelves, you’ll save floor space and can store things like toilet paper (!), toiletries, or towels. It looks stylish and helps you stay organized.

You can also use small woven baskets to put in all your stuff and then place them on the shelf. This way, you’ll have a dedicated basket for everything.

6. Over-the-Door Hooks

You probably haven’t even thought about over-the-door hooks yet. But trust me, they’re an absolute lifesaver.

You don’t have to drill any holes at all, and they instantly create space for hanging things, so your towels and bathrobes will never end up on the floor again.

Just make sure to measure your door thickness before buying! Otherwise, the door might not close all the way, or the hooks might rattle.

7. Laundry Basket

Dirty clothes just have that magic ability to spread across the entire bathroom if they don’t have their designated spot. That’s why a laundry bag or basket is essential. You could go for a slim, hangable one, or if you have some space to spare, choose a classic laundry basket.

8. Bathroom Cleaning Supplies

I know, I know, no one moves into their first apartment dreaming about scrubbing the toilet. But unless you want your new bathroom to look like a chaotic dorm room within a week, you absolutely need a basic cleaning kit from day one. You don’t need hundreds of different bottles, just the basics:

All-Purpose Bathroom Spray: Your holy grail for sinks, counters, and the outside of the toilet. Get one with lime-scale protection if you live in an area with hard water.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Look for a gel that clings to the rim. Pair it with a sturdy toilet brush (and please, get one with a holder that hides the brush!).
Microfiber Cloths: Paper towels leave streaks. Microfiber cloths are reusable, scratch-free, and perfect for making your mirror and chrome faucets shine.
A Scrub Sponge: Keep one specifically for bathtub or shower tiles to remove soap scum without scratching the surface.

Bedroom & Living First Apartment Essentials

1. Two Sets of Bed Sheets

You’ll probably pack your favorite bed sheets from your parents’ house, which is a great way to save money. But you absolutely need a second set.

When your only set of sheets is in the wash and won’t dry in time for bed, you’re stuck sleeping on a bare mattress. Trust me, buy one extra set before move-in day just to be safe.

2. Heavy-Duty Extension Cords

I don’t know who designs apartment layouts, but the outlet placement is always a joke. You’ll definitely end up with your desk on one side of the room and the only plug on the complete opposite wall.

Seriously, buy at least two long extension cords with multiple plugs right away. You’re going to need them on day one just to keep your laptop, phone, and bedroom light running without tripping over cords.

3. Command Strips

Most landlords will absolutely lose it if you start drilling into the drywall the second you get your keys. To save yourself the drama (and protect your security deposit), stick to Command Strips. They work like magic for things like heavy frames, mirrors, or lighting, and they peel right off when you leave.

4. A Basic Tool Kit

You don’t need to buy a massive, professional toolbox, but you definitely need a few basics from day one. Trust me, trying to assemble an IKEA bed frame with a butter knife is a nightmare you don’t want to experience.

Just grab a cheap kit that has a hammer, a screwdriver with different bits, and a tape measure. You’ll be reaching for it constantly during your first week.

5. A First Aid Kit

Moving is messy, and you’re almost guaranteed to scrape a finger on a cardboard box or stub your toe on a door frame. It’s incredibly annoying to realize you don’t even have a single band-aid in the middle of a chaotic move-in day.

Buy a small first aid kit with some plasters, painkillers, and medical tape before you pack your first box.

6. Renovation Bulbs

A lot of people forget that when you get the keys to a new apartment, the previous tenants usually take their light fixtures with them. You’ll just find naked wires hanging from the ceiling.

Grab a few cheap, temporary light bulbs and plastic sockets so you aren’t stuck unpacking your life in pitch-black darkness after the sun goes down.

7. A Mop or Swiffer For the Floors

Moving day is messy. People will be walking in and out with heavy cardboard boxes, tracking dirt across your entire apartment. Don’t wait until the weekend to buy a mop or a Swiffer. You’ll want to do a quick wipe-down the second the last box is inside; otherwise, you’ll be sleeping in a dust bowl.

8. A 9V Battery For the Smoke Detector

Here is a classic moving-day nightmare: you finally sit down to relax, and a smoke detector starts making that mind-numbing, high-pitched beep because the battery is dying. Most apartments have detectors installed, but they love to act up every now and then. Just buy one cheap 9V block battery and keep it in your pocket. Thank me later.

9. A Key Bowl or Hook

Honest advice? Get a key bowl. Moving day is pure chaos, and your keys will get lost if you just toss them onto a random counter. Drop an aesthetic small bowl or stick a cheap Command hook near the entrance before you even start unpacking. You’ll thank yourself later when you actually know where they are.

10. A Doormat

Do yourself a massive favor and throw a cheap doormat outside your door before you start carrying anything inside. It saves you so much cleaning time later. Plus, it instantly makes the place feel a little bit more like your home from the very first minute.

11. Vacuum Storage Bags

When you’re packing up your things, you suddenly realize how much stuff you actually own. Bulky winter coats, extra blankets, and those spare bed sheets we talked about really take up a ridiculous amount of space. If your first apartment doesn’t have giant closets (which is usually the case), vacuum storage bags are a game-changer.

You just pack them full, suck the air out with a vacuum cleaner, and watch a massive mountain of clothes shrink into a tiny, flat pancake. They keep your stuff dust-free, and you can easily slide them under your bed or tuck them away at the top of a tiny wardrobe.

Final Thoughts

Look, your head is probably a mess right now with all these lists. But seriously, just stop for a second. Nobody thinks your first place needs to look perfect on day one. If you have light, a hot shower, and a mattress, you literally won. Just buy the basic survival stuff for now. You’ll notice what’s missing once you actually live there anyway. Take it week by week.