This post is all about first apartment checklist and everything you need for your first apartment.
The key to a minimalist apartment is only bringing in what you actually use and love. Start with the basics and add things only when you truly need them. Your space should feel calm, uncluttered, and intentional, so you can enjoy your new home without feeling overwhelmed by stuff!
When I moved into my first apartment in San Francisco, I wish I had a first apartment checklist like this one, it would have saved me from so many last-minute Target runs! 😅 But lucky for you, I’ve put together this First Apartment Checklist to make sure you have everything you need from day one.
To make things even easier, I’ve created a FREE printable First Apartment Checklist so you can check off items as you go.
First Apartment Checklist
Now that I’m writing this post, I’m debating whether to link the items I bought for my first apartment, the ones that truly made a difference and that I still love. To be honest, most of them are from Target, Amazon, and Ashley’s because I was on a budget and couldn’t splurge on pricier options.
If you want to save even more money than I did, honestly just go to Marshalls, Ross, and similar stores, you’ll find everything you need for a fraction of the price!
I only recommend things I truly found useful, not just for the sake of linking them! So, I’ve decided to do it, even though it’s taking me a while to track everything down. I want to make sure I’m only sharing the things that genuinely made a difference in my first apartment, nothing random, just the stuff I truly loved and found useful! Hopefully, if you end up buying anything, you’ll love it just as much!
Kitchen Essentials
The kitchen is where things can spiral quickly (hello, gadgets and duplicate utensils). Keep it simple with only the essentials:
- Plates & Bowls (enough for daily use + a couple extras for guests)
- Drinking Glasses & Mugs (2-4 of each)
- Cutlery Set (forks, knives, spoons)
- Chef’s Knife & Paring Knife
- Cutting Board (preferably wooden)
- Cooking Utensils (spatula, wooden spoon, tongs) * When I first bought my utensils, I chose silicone ones because I wasn’t very invested in non-toxic options back in 2022 when I moved. But now that I know better, I highly recommend wooden ones if you can!
- Small Pot & Large Pot
- Stainless Steel Frying Pan or Cast Iron Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Can Opener
- Strainer/Colander
- Food Storage Containers (glass if possible!)
- Dish Soap & Scrubber
- Coffee Machine + Milk Frother (I use this machine every single day, and my favorite pod is the Double Espresso Chiaro.)
- Basic Pantry Staples (salt, pepper, oil, rice, pasta, etc.)
- Oven Mitts
- Other things you may need or want: a pepper and salt shaker, a spice set, and a sugar container. I got a spice gift set, and honestly, there were spices I never used that just took up space, so I’m not a fan of the set. My advice? Wait until you start cooking and buy only the spices you truly use.
Bathroom Must-Haves
Your bathroom should be clean, functional, and free of unnecessary clutter.
- Towels (2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 2 washcloths)
- Shower Curtain & Liner (if needed)
- Minimal Skincare Routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF)
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Body Wash or Bar Soap
- Razor & Shaving Essentials
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels* I know you’ll need paper towels, but for a more non-toxic option, you can also buy Swedish dish cloths. They’ll change your life, I promise! I got mine from Papaya and have never looked back. I know you can find them on Amazon, but I personally prefer the ones from Papaya.
- Plunger & Toilet Brush
- Laundry Basket
- Trash can and Trash Bags
Bedroom Essentials
Your bedroom should be your calm, uncluttered space.
- Bed Frame (Optional) (if you like a low-profile mattress on the floor, skip it!)
- Quality Mattress *When we got our bed, we went to Mattress Firm and got a Casper mattress and an adjustable bed frame. Later on, I purchased a specific base frame to pair with our adjustable bed. Lately, I’ve heard a lot about Avocado mattresses as a more non-toxic option, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you. I do recommend going to the store directly, though, testing your mattress in person is a very important decision. Oh, and by the way, we never use our adjustable bed.
- 2 Sets of Sheets
- Comforter/Duvet & Cover
- 2-4 Pillows
- Nigh Stand / Bed Side Table
- Lamp or Soft Lighting
- Hangers
Living Room Basics
You don’t need much to create a cozy, welcoming space.
- Sofa or Comfortable Seating *I made a mistake with this one, so it’s not even worth mentioning.
- Coffee Table
- Minimal TV Setup or Bookshelf ( I have this TV stand and love it)
- Cozy Blanket
- A Plant or Two (to add life without clutter)
- A Small Rug (if needed for comfort or warmth)
Cleaning Essentials
- All-Purpose Cleaner (DIY or store-bought)
- Glass Cleaner
- Bathroom Cleaner Just get the Branch Basics kit, it’s all you need and is non-toxic.
- Microfiber Cloths
- Vacuum, Broom & Dustpan
- Mop or Swiffer
- Trash Can & Trash Bags
- Recycling Bin
- Laundry Detergent
- Iron or Steamer (if you wear dress clothes)
- Laundry Hamper
- Laundry Basket
Entryway Essentials
- A small tray for keys
- A shoe rack (if needed)
- A coat rack or minimal storage solution.
Extras That Make a Difference
These items aren’t essential but they will make life easier:
- Minimal Tool Kit (screwdriver, hammer, measuring tape, nails)
- First Aid Kit
- Small Sewing Kit
- Portable Fan and Space Heater
- Command Hooks (for easy, no-damage wall hanging)
- Emergency Supplies (flashlight, extra batteries, candles)