Congratulations! You’re ready to move into your first apartment. It’s a significant milestone but we know it can also be overwhelming. From furniture to kitchen essentials and everything in between, the list of items you need can feel never-ending. But with careful planning and budgeting, you can get your new apartment all set up without breaking the bank. In this guide and checklist, we’ll walk you through a list of apartment essentials with cost estimates and handy tips.
Jump to:
Assess your needs and budget
Before you start shopping, take some time to examine what you already have and what you need. Next, set a budget. Make a list of essential items required for your apartment, prioritizing must-haves over nice-to-haves. Determine how much you can afford to spend overall and allocate a budget for each category of items. Use a checklist to keep yourself organized and on-track.
Start with essentials for your first apartment
Begin by purchasing the furniture and appliances that will make your first apartment livable. Here’s a breakdown of basic items and estimated costs:
- Bed Frame and Mattress: A good quality bed is critical for comfortable sleep. Expect to spend between $300 to $800+, depending on the size and type of mattress. Ikea has great prices on bundled mattress + bed frame sets. This is one item that you will need to buy new.
- Sofa or Futon: Look for a comfortable sofa or futon. If you expect regular out of town visitors, go with a futon or pull-out couch. Prices range from $200 to $800 for a basic sofa and $100 to $400 for a futon. Try Wayfair or Ikea for new couches and futons. For used items, look to Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and Mercari.
- Dining Table and Chairs: A simple dining set generally costs anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the material and design. We recommend a table and chairs with seating for 4 people.
- Coffee Table: Prices for coffee tables vary widely, but you can find affordable options starting from $50 to $200. If you like to eat in front of the TV, you can buy coffee tables that extend to give you more surface area.
- Bookshelves or Storage Units: Invest in storage solutions to keep your space organized. Basic bookshelves start at around $30, while larger storage units may cost $100 or more.
- TIP: If you’re hoping to save some money, use those old amazon boxes to store stuff instead of buying fancy storage containers.
Get comfortable in your new living room
In addition to apartment essentials like a couch and coffee table, you’ll want to add a few items for your living room specifically:
- Smart TV: This one is a no-brainer. Smart TV’s have gotten really cheap and they can save you the cost of buying a separate streaming device. Alternatively, you can probably find a used television at your local Goodwill or on Facebook Marketplace or other re-selling apps. In that case, you’ll just want to get a Roku, Chromecast or Apple TV device.
- TIP: In a pinch, your laptop and a large desktop monitor will do the trick and save you some cash.
- TV stand: A basic TV stand or shelf set can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the material and design.
- Rug: Ikea, Wayfair, and WordMarket are all excellent sources for cheap rugs. Buy one in a darker color to hide any dirt or stains. This is also a great item to buy at estate sales.
- Curtains: Curtains can get really expensive. But they don’t have to be. Expect to spend about $20 – $50 for the cheapest options. You can also find curtains at most Goodwill or other thrift stores.
- TIP: To get serious style at a great price, try a quick curtain DIY. Buy several yards of fabric, some hemming tape and curtain rings with clips. Put them together and voila: you’ve got a nice pair of curtains that fit your taste perfectly.
- Wall Art: Purchasing posters or postcards and framing them cheaply is one great way to make your walls pop. If you have any artistic friends, this would be a great time to hit them up for some original art!
- Throw Pillows and Blankets: Enhance the comfort and style of your couch with throw pillows and blankets. These typically cost $10 to $50 each.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of everything you might want for a fully-furnished living room:
- Couch
- Chair
- Coffee table
- Side table
- Smart TV
- TV stand
- Throw blanket
- Tray
- Bookshelf
- Place for keys
- Curtains
- Poster/wall art
- Coasters
- Rug
Bedroom coziness on a budget
Your bedroom should be a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind. Here are estimated costs for essential bedroom items:
- Dresser or Wardrobe: Prices for dressers and wardrobes range from $100 to $500, depending on size and material.
- TIP: If your rental has closet space, you may not need to purchase either of these things. Try purchasing hanging closet organizers with space for your folding clothes and you may not need a dresser at all!
- Bedding: Invest in a set of sheets, pillows, and blankets for $50 to $200.
- Hangers: Purchase a pack of hangers for $5 to $15.
- Bedside Lamp: A basic nightstand lamp costs around $10 to $30. Lamps are also an excellent item to purchase at estate sales and thrift stores.
- Curtains or Blinds: Add privacy and style to your bedroom with curtains or blinds. The cheapest set will cost about $20 to $50.
Other items for a restful and stylish bedroom include:
- Bedframe
- Mattress
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Sheets
- Side table
- Curtain
- Lamp
- Mirror
- Hangers
- Dresser
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Wall decor
- Hooks
- Laundry basket
- Mattress Protector
- Under Bed Organizer
- Laundry basket
Shop smart for kitchen essentials
When it comes to equipping your first apartment kitchen, focus on essentials that will multi-task and appliances that will make cooking easy. Here are estimated costs for basic kitchen items:
- Cookware Set: A basic cookware set including pots, pans, and baking sheets costs between $50 and $150. Stick to a set that includes at least two sizes of pots and frying pans. Make sure it includes a simple cookie sheet or purchase one separately.
- Colander: A colander costs about $10 to $20 and will come in handy for washing vegetables as well as pasta night.
- Utensils: Invest in a set of essential utensils like spatulas, ladles, and whisks, which typically cost around $20 to $50.
- Knives and Cutting Board: A good quality knife set with a cutting board can be purchased for $50 – $150. We’d recommend a set that includes a paring knife, bread knife, and Chef’s knife at a minimum.
- Plates and bowls: Expect to spend between $30 to $100 for a set of plates and bowls. We recommend buying enough for 4 people to eat together.
- Glasses: A set of 4 water glasses costs about $20. You’ll also want 2 – 4 mugs for your morning coffee or tea. A set of 4 will set you back $30. If you’re a wine drinker, you may want to invest in a set of 4 wine glasses for $20 to $30.
- Cutlery: Get a set of forks, knives and spoons for at least 4 place settings at a cost of $15 – $30.
- Small Appliances: Consider purchasing a toaster or toaster oven ($20 to $100), coffee maker or kettle ($20 to $50), and microwave ($50 to $150) if not provided. An Instant Pot ($100) is another great option for home cooks.
- Tupperware: You’ll want somewhere to store all those leftovers. Get a set with 20+ pieces for about $30
- Dishtowels: The dish towel is the ultimate kitchen multitasker. Use them as oven mitts, hand towels and cleaning tools. They’ll also come in handy in place of a drying rack if you don’t have a dishwasher. They’re a great value at $15 for a 6 pack.
Here’s a full list of the items you will likely need for your kitchen:
- Cookware set
- Colander
- Utensils
- Cutting board
- Chefs knife
- Paring knife
- Bread knife
- Baking sheet
- Spatula
- Colander
- Wooden spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plates
- Bowls
- Utensils
- Toaster
- Glasses
- Travel mug
- Mugs
- Tupperware
- Tea kettle
- Coffee maker
- Ice trays
- Table
- Chairs
- Can opener
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Spices
- Cutting board
- Oven mitts
- Kitchen towels
- Dish drying rack
- Trash can
- Trash bags
- Microwave
- Instant pot
Budget-friendly bathroom basics
Equipping your bathroom with basic necessities will keep you clean and organized. Here are estimated costs for essential bathroom items:
- Shower Curtain and Liner: A basic shower curtain and liner set costs around $10 to $30.
- Towels: Purchase a set of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths for $20 to $50.
- Bath mat: A small bathroom rug can be purchased for $10 to $30.
- Toiletries: Stock up on basic toiletries like toilet paper, soap, and shampoo for $40 to $60.
- Shower organizer: If you don’t already own one, this is cheap at $10 to $20
- TIP: If your new shower doesn’t have the water pressure you’re used to, you can buy one specialized for low water pressure for about $30. You can switch it out yourself in 30 seconds. Just don’t forget to take it with you when you go and re-install the original shower head when you move out.
As you settle in, you’ll eventually want to have the following items for your bathroom:
- Shower curtain
- Shower curtain rings
- Bath towels
- Bath mat
- Soap
- Plunger
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Trash can
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Shower organizer
- Drain cover
- Shower head
Keep that new apartment sparkling clean
Keeping your apartment clean is essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment (and a happy landlord!). Here are the basics:
- All-Purpose Cleaner: A bottle of all-purpose cleaner costs around $3 to $5.
- Broom and Dustpan: Purchase a basic broom and dustpan set for $10 to $20.
- Cleaning Cloths or Sponges: Stock up on cleaning cloths or sponges for $5 to $10.
- Swiffer Wet Jet: The swiffer costs $30 and is much easier to use than a mop and bucket.
- Rubber Gloves: A pack of 4 pairs will set you back about $10
- Laundry and Dish Detergent: Laundry detergent costs about $10 to $15 and dish detergent is usually about $4.
- Vacuum: If your apartment has carpet, you’ll definitely need a vacuum. Prices range from $40 to $400.
- Toilet bowl cleaner and wand: We recommend using the cleaning wand. These typically cost around $10 to $20.
Here’s a full list of the cleaning and maintenance supplies you’ll want to have on hand:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Cleaning cloths/sponges
- Wet mop
- Rubber gloves
- Laundry detergent
- Dish detergent
- Vacuum
- Toilet bowl cleaner and wand
- Ironing board
- Iron
- Paper towels
Safety and maintenance essentials
Don’t forget about those small (and not so small) items that can make your life safer and easier. These are the things that you don’t think about until you suddenly really need them. Here are the basics you need for a safe apartment:
- Basic Toolkit: A basic toolkit including a screwdriver, hammer, and nails costs around $10 to $40.
- First Aid Kit: Purchase a basic first aid kit for $10 to $20.
- Fire Extinguisher: Ensure your safety by investing in a fire extinguisher for $20 to $50.
- Flashlight and Batteries: Keep a flashlight handy along with spare batteries for $5 to $20.
Once you get settled in, you will probably want to start purchasing these additional items for home maintenance, convenience and general safety:
- Doormat
- Key bowl
- Step stool/ladder
- Sharpie
- Power drill
- Light bulbs
- Measuring tape
- Duct tape
- Space heater
- Fans
The home office
If you’re in school or planning to work remotely from your apartment, you’ll want to make sure you have the basics covered:
- Desk: It’s always good to have a dedicated space to work from. Desks cost anywhere $50 to $500 but your kitchen table will also do in a pinch!
- Desk chair: Expect to spend about $40 to $100 for a simple desk chair if buying it new.
Other items you’ll want to have on hand for your home office or study space:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Stapler
- Scissors
- Tape
- Printer/Printer paper
- Task lamp
- File folder for important documents
- Sharpie
Secondhand items will save you serious cash
If you really want to save some cash (and help the planet), buying used is the way to go. You’re probably already familiar with Goodwill and Facebook Marketplace. Both are excellent sources for secondhand furniture, kitchen appliances, and decorative items. You can also check out apps like Nextdoor, Mercari or Offerup for used furniture near you. If you’re looking for a particular style of furniture or a great deal on nicer items, estate sales are another great option for everything from furniture to bedding to pots and pans. You can also check out local buy-nothing groups to get apartment essentials for free.
Keep an eye out for sales and coupons
Before making any purchases, compare prices from different retailers and look for deals, discounts, and sales. Sign up for email newsletters or loyalty programs to receive exclusive offers and coupons.
Remember to prioritize essential items, shop smart, and explore cost-effective options to make the most of your budget. With careful planning and a little creativity, you can create an inviting home that both reflects your personal style and meets your needs.
[ag-video src=”https://youtu.be/NqCj9JzJ1Fc”]
