Moving into your first flat is an exciting milestone. It can feel a bit surreal when you sit in your new kitchen or bedroom for the first time realizing that this space is finally yours. However, gathering everything you need for your first apartment can be costly, so it’s important to have a plan. Before you start shopping, set a budget that takes into account moving expenses and other costs. Stick to that budget and remember that you don’t have to buy everything at once—some things may not even be necessary. Focus on what you really need first and spend wisely. Here’s a basic first flat checklist to help you get started.
Apartment Essentials: First Flat Checklist
1. Kitchenware
If you don’t want to order takeout every night (which can get expensive quickly) you’ll need to use your new kitchen. While you don’t need everything right away, these basics are essential to start cooking at home:
- Pots & pans: Get one medium or large frying pan, a small pot and a large pot. You might save money by getting a small cookware set.
- Oven-safe dish: A medium or large casserole dish works well.
- Baking sheet: A large or medium cookie sheet for baking.
- Dishes: Two plates and two bowls preferably made of durable material like ceramic.
- Flatware: Two sets of forks, knives and spoons. A steak knife is optional.
- Drinking glasses: Four water glasses which can also work for wine or beer.
- Mug: One mug for hot drinks.
- Coffee maker or French press: If you drink coffee daily, it’s cheaper to make it at home. For tea lovers, a small pot can heat water, so a kettle isn’t necessary right away.
- Knives: Get a serrated knife, a chef’s knife and a paring knife.
- Cooking utensils: A spatula and a large spoon are useful.
- Mixing bowl: One large mixing bowl to start with.
- Kitchen shears: Handy for opening packages.
- Napkins: Paper napkins work just fine.
- Strainer: Useful for draining pasta or vegetables.
- Ice cube tray
- Bottle opener & corkscrew
- Cutting board: Choose a silicon, plastic or wooden one.
- Measuring cups & spoons: One set of each is enough.
- Food containers: Great for storing leftovers.
- Oven mitts: One set for handling hot dishes.
- Dish towels: Four to six towels.
- Dishrags: Two or three to clean up.
- Dish drying rack: Necessary if you don’t have a dishwasher.
- Garbage can
This basic list will help you get started cooking and enjoying your new kitchen. You can always add more items as needed!
Things you can buy later: Items like a toaster oven, microwave, food processor, blender, hand mixer, cake pans and serving dishes. You can also add a slow cooker or Instant Pot when needed. Another thing to consider is getting a small rug for the area near the kitchen sink to make washing dishes more comfortable.
2. Cleaning Supplies
You might find yourself more motivated to keep things clean when you’re in your own space. While you don’t need an expensive vacuum right away, make sure you have the following essentials:
- Garbage bags: Both kitchen-size and small ones.
- Broom & dustpan
- Sponges: Use separate ones for dishes and cleaning.
- Soft rags & microfiber cloths
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Paper towels
- Bucket: Useful for mopping or other cleaning tasks.
- Mop: If you have hard floors.
- Handheld vacuum: Works well until you invest in a bigger one.
- Bathroom cleaning spray
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- Wood cleaner: Only if you have wood surfaces.
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher detergent: If you have a dishwasher.
- Liquid dish soap
- Baking soda & white vinegar
- Rubber gloves
- Hand soap: For both the kitchen and bathroom.
Things to buy later: A more advanced vacuum, furniture polish and a microfiber sweeper.
3. Bedroom Essentials
Getting good sleep is important so if you’re buying a new mattress, it might be worth spending a bit more to make sure it’s comfortable. You can find good bed-in-a-box mattresses online for a few hundred dollars. If a mattress is out of your budget right now, starting with a futon or air mattress is okay. Here’s what else you’ll need:
- Sheets: One set is enough to start, as long as you can keep up with washing them. If not, get two.
- Pillows: Start with one or two.
- Comforter or duvet with a duvet cover
- Lamp: At least one, but ideally two—one for each side of the bed.
- Curtains: If your bedroom doesn’t have window coverings.
- Storage: A dresser, plastic bins or under-the-bed containers for clothes and other items.
- Full-length mirror: A cheap one if you don’t have a good mirror elsewhere.
- Hangers: For your closet.
- Cedar balls or rings: In case you have a moth problem.
- Laundry hamper
Things to buy later: Throw pillows, a rug, a bed frame and a bedside table.
4. Bathroom Necessities
Along with your usual toiletries (like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and body wash), you’ll need a few items to keep your bathroom tidy and practical:
- Bath towels: Two are enough to start with.
- Hand/face towels: Start with two.
- Shower curtain and liner: If your bathroom needs one.
- Wall hook: In case there isn’t one already.
- Toothbrush holder or case: Even a simple plastic cup works—just remember to clean it regularly.
- Bathmat or rug
- Toilet brush
- Plunger
- Toilet paper
- Small trash can
Things to buy later: A nicer soap dispenser, water cup, extra storage or a shower speaker.
5. Furniture
Now for the bigger items. While furniture is important, you can hold off on buying most of these until you have the budget or find a good deal. Sure, eating on the floor every night isn’t ideal but it’s not a huge problem if you have to do that until you can get a dining table or coffee table. Eventually, though, you’ll want to have these basics in your new apartment:
- Sofa
- Coffee table: It doesn’t have to be large.
- Small dining table and chairs
- Extra lighting: One or two lamps or a floor lamp if lighting is an issue.
- Desk and chair: If you plan to work from home.
Things to buy later: Artwork, side tables, throw blankets, decorative pillows, plants, décor, curtains, area rugs, a sound system and a TV with a stand (and hey, no shame—I watched all of ” Money Heist ” on an 5” iPad Mini while saving up for a TV).
6. Food
One of the challenges of living on your own for the first time is learning how to stock your pantry and fridge. Starting with a well-stocked kitchen can help you save money for bigger flat needs. While you’ll still make plenty of trips to the grocery store for specific items, here are some basics to get you started. You don’t need to buy everything on this list but use it as a guide for your first shopping trip.
Pantry:
- Rice
- Bread
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar, honey or a sugar substitute
- Baking soda and baking powder (if you plan to bake)
- Coffee and tea
- Cereal: One or two boxes to start
- Quick-cooking oats
- Grains like quinoa, lentils or farro
- Nut butter
- Ketchup and mustard (or other condiments you like)
- Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Vinegar (white, red, apple cider, balsamic)
- Soy sauce
- Canned or dried beans
- Canned or packaged tuna or chicken
- Dried pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Snacks (chips, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
- Salt
- Pepper
Fridge:
- Milk (whichever type you prefer)
- Butter
- Eggs or egg substitute
- Cheese (cheddar or parmesan work for most dishes)
- Fresh fruit (buy whole fruits to save money)
- Fresh vegetables (buy whole vegetables instead of pre-cut)
Freezer:
- Frozen pizza or dinners
- Frozen burger patties (meat or veggie)
- Meat or poultry
- Frozen fruit
- Frozen vegetables
Things to buy later: Spices—buy them as needed instead of spending on an entire set upfront.
First Aid & Wellness Essentials
Accidents happen and at some point, you’ll get sick. It’s a good idea to have basic supplies on hand to take care of yourself. (Of course, seek emergency care or see your doctor if needed.) You can buy a simple first aid kit and add a few over-the-counter items or start from scratch.
- Bandages: A pack with different sizes.
- Butterfly bandages: For closing deeper cuts.
- Small scissors
- Tweezers
- Crepe bandage: Helps reduce swelling.
- Cold compress
- Cotton balls
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Neosporin: For treating small cuts and wounds.
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Antacids
- Aloe: For soothing minor burns or sunburn.
- Digital thermometer
Things to buy later: Decongestant, allergy medicine like Benadryl, cough medicine, cough drops, saline nasal spray and hydrocortisone cream for skin issues. You don’t need these right away but it’s helpful to have decongestants and allergy meds in advance—nobody likes shopping for medicine when they’re feeling terrible.
7. Other Apartment Essentials
What’s considered essential can vary but there are a few more items you’ll likely want to have before moving into your first apartment:
- Fans: One for each room if your place doesn’t have ceiling fans.
- Flashlight: Keep one in your bedroom and another in the main living area.
- Screwdriver: Both a Philips and a flathead for putting together furniture and handling small repairs.
- Adjustable wrench
- Hammer
Things to buy later: A printer and paper shredder for handling and disposing of important documents.
Where to Find First Apartment Essentials
Target and Walmart are great for first apartment essentials but they might not always fit a tight budget. Here are a few places to consider for finding affordable items including used furniture:
- Goodwill: You can find good deals on kitchen gadgets, furniture, lamps and dishes at Goodwill or thrift stores like the Salvation Army. Be ready to visit a few times to find quality items.
- Dollar Stores: Perfect for stocking your kitchen and bathroom. You can find glasses, silverware, dishes, mixing bowls and even some basic food items like ketchup or cereal.
- Facebook Marketplace: Check online marketplaces for furniture deals. You’ll likely need to arrange pick-up yourself, as most private sellers don’t offer delivery.
- Garage Sales: Great for finding everything from new cookware to gently used furniture. You might find a full set of dishes for as little as $10 but going from sale to sale can take time.
- IKEA: This store has just about everything at reasonable prices but be careful—it’s easy to end up buying more than you planned.
- Amazon: If you have a Prime membership, Amazon can be a convenient option. You’ll find everything you need without leaving home and free shipping makes it even better.
Expect multiple trips to the store after moving in and that’s completely normal. Start with the basics and add or upgrade as you go. Many of these items will last for years, so you won’t have to do this every time you move.
FAQs
What do I need for my first apartment checklist?
You’ll need essentials like kitchenware, cleaning supplies, bedroom or bathroom necessities and basic furniture. Don’t forget about first aid supplies and tools. Start with the basics and add more as needed.
What should be on a first college apartment checklist?
For a college apartment, include items like bedding, basic kitchenware (pots, pans, dishes), cleaning supplies and study essentials like a desk and chair. You’ll also want bathroom items like towels and a shower curtain.
What’s on a first apartment kitchen checklist?
Key kitchen items include pots and pans, utensils, plates, cups, flatware, a cutting board and basic appliances like a coffee maker. You’ll also need essentials like a can opener, measuring cups and storage containers.
How do I create a budget checklist for my first apartment?
Include rent, utilities, groceries, transportation and any moving costs. Don’t forget to budget for furnishing your apartment and stocking it with essentials like cleaning supplies and kitchenware.
What’s on a first apartment checklist for couples?
Couples moving into their first apartment will need similar basics as a single person but you may want to focus on extra bedding, more dishes and additional furniture for shared spaces like a sofa and dining table. Consider discussing a budget and dividing costs to avoid overspending.
