Ultimate First Apartment Essentials – How to Make your Apartment Stand Out on a Budget
This is about the first apartment essentials.
Moving into your first apartment is SO overwhelming, especially when you need to be on a budget. However, this is one of the most exciting times because you get to make ALL the decisions for your new home!
We just moved out of our first apartment in the city so I know the exact first apartment essentials list that includes the things you 100% cannot live without. Our apartment was only 750 square feet so we did not have an abundance of space to store a lot of stuff. We had to be mindful about space, money, and not just buying to buy because we knew we would not be in that space forever.
This post is about the first apartment essentials.
This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased from affiliate link, I will receive commission at no extra cost to you. Read disclaimer for more information.
First Apartment Essentials Checklist
Kitchen First Apartment Essentials
The kitchen is the longest first apartment essentials list, but is the most affordable section of your apartment. The kitchen is the center of the apartment and where you will spend a lot of time. Everything you need for your kitchen will be surrounded around cooking, meal planning, or meal prepping. Even if you don’t cook or bake, you will need this kitchen first apartment essentials.
Kitchen Floor Mat
This is the cutest Kitchen Floor Mat for an apartment kitchen. Since there is not a lot of space, this one will look amazing in front of the stove or sink.
Pot and Pan Cooking Set
This is the best Stainless Steel Pot and Pan Cooking Set. A nice set will be an investment for your first apartment, but it will travel with you for years to come!
Knife Set
This is the must have Knife Set for your kitchen first apartment essentials list. It comes will all sizes and a set of scissors!
Glass Tupperware Set
Glass Tupperware is the best for storing leftovers, making meal prep, or just packing food in the fridge. This set comes will all sizes and lids!
Dish Set
This is the cutest Dish Set that comes with everything you could need for your first apartment: plates, small plates, and bowls.
Dish Towels
These are the best Dish Towels for the kitchen. They also come in any color to match your apartment.
Drying Mat
This is the most amazing Drying Mat that will be practical and cute. PLUS it can be easily stored away when you don’t need it on the counter.
Spice Rack
A Spice Rack is a must have in a new apartment. This one is amazing because it comes with the first round of spices for cooking.
Baking Dish Set
This is the perfect Baking Dish Set for a first apartment. It stores well and has the most needed sizing for any cooking or baking needs.
Mixing Bowl Set
This is the best Mixing Bowl set because it is not a million bowls and it comes with lids! Plus it is stainless steel which is the best quality!
Cooking Utensil Set
The #1 Best Utensil set to buy for your first apartment essentials. It comes with anything you could need and will last for years!
Silverware
A good Silverware set is needed for the apartment. This set comes with exactly what you need to get started – spoon, knife, and forks!
Silverware Drawer Organizer
Silverware Drawer Organizer is so important! Is is one of the low budget first apartment essentials that you cannot forget to purchase!
Soap Dispenser
This is the cutest Soap Dispenser set for your kitchen and bathroom. It has labels and either color pump to match your apartment.
Paper Towel Holder
This is the best Paper Towel Holder because it is simple and has suction cups on the bottom. It will not fall over and it is easy to move around the kitchen.
Living Room First Apartment Essentials
The living room apartment must haves list is very short because there is only so much you can fit in the space. The most important part of the living room is making it comfortable because this is the space you will relax and unwind after work. Make your living room cozy and inviting.
Couch
This is the best first apartment Couch. It is the perfect size and is a nice neutral color!
Blanket
This is the coziest Blanket for a first apartment. This blanket comes in any color that you would need to match your aesthetic.
TV
A basic TV is a must have for the apartment. Roku is the easier to use and it comes with stands to hold it up.
Area Rug
A good Rug can transform a space and this is the exact rug for the living room. It will make the apartment feel more homey and cozy.
Coffee & End Table Set
This is the best sized End Table/Coffee Table set for an apartment living room.
Lamp
How cute is this Lamp for an end table? It comes in so many colors to match your aesthetic.
Bedroom First Apartment Essentials
When looking at your young living apartment, your bedroom can be where you go extra simple. Don’t over complicate your bedroom because it is a place for sleeping. These are the most important pieces for the perfect, cozy apartment bedroom.
Headboard
This is the perfect Headboard for a first apartment. The headboard is cute and simple!
Mattress
If you want a comfortable Mattress that will be in the first apartment essentials budget, this is the mattress for you! It is SO comfortable and will last a long time!
Mattress Protector
A Mattress Protector is a not fun but necessary first apartment essential. This mattress protector is washable and can fit on any bed size.
Nightstand
This small Nightstand is a must add for the first apartment essentials list. A minimal nightstand is exactly what is needed for the bedroom, it will match any style and fit any sized apartment.
Dresser
This Dresser is adorable and would go with any style apartment. Extra storage is always needed in an apartment so this is the perfect dresser.
Area Rug
A large Rug is life changing for a space in an apartment. Rugs help section off the space and can make it feel much more homey and welcoming.
Body Mirror
How nice is this Body Mirror? Mirrors can make a space feel bigger so it is a great addition to the living room or bedroom.
Lamp
A nice Lamp can make a huge difference to the space. Overhead lighting is not always the best in apartments so a good quality lamp is a must have.
Bathroom First Apartment Essentials
The key to getting everything you need for your bathroom is buying essentials on a budget. Towels and bath mats can get old very quickly when you use them everyday so they will need to be replaced eventually. Don’t splurge on your bathroom because it won’t be a glamorous part of your apartment.
Bath Mat
A nice Bath Mat must be added to your first apartment essentials list. This one comes in any color to match your bathroom and is washable!
Soap Dispenser Accessory Set
Soap Dispenser Accessory Set is a must on the first apartment essentials checklist. This is the perfect set that will complete your bathroom, keeping you clean and organized at all times.
Trash Can
A cute Trash Can that won’t make your bathroom look cheap or gross. This trash can will blend nicely by the toilet.
Towel Rack
A Towel Rack is life changing for your bathroom, especially if this is a first apartment with boyfriend. This rack is also great if you have guests over and they need a place to hang a towel.
Outdoor First Apartment Essentials
If you are lucky enough to have a patio space, then these are the first apartment essentials on a budget that you need to have to make your space look amazing. Small adds can make a big difference.
Outdoor Chair Set
A super cute Chair Set for the apartment outdoor space. This is the perfect size for a small outdoor area yet can still fit two people comfortably.
Outdoor Rug
An Outdoor Rug is a fantastic addition to a small patio or balcony for an apartment. It makes it easier to walk outside, plus makes the space more cozy!
First Apartment Cleaning Essentials
Cleaning supplies is a must have for your apartment essentials checklist. Obviously apartments don’t have a ton of storage so you have to be smart about the products you are buying. These are the life changing cleaning products that actually work and you will use:
This post is about first apartment essentials.
Don’t miss another post!
Other Posts You’ll Love
- Apartment Shopping – Questions you Need to Ask
- Essential Weekly Cleaning Checklist When Working Full Time
- Closet Clean-Out – How to Effectively Declutter
