Moving into your first apartment is exciting and stressful all in one. There are things you forget to purchase, which require late night trips to the store. Lucky for you, I made a list of everything you may need to get you started. No late night shopping for you! Keep reading for products I suggest, and tips along the way.
Tips For Your First Apartment
Start Shopping NOW
I strongly suggest gradually purchasing items as you anticipate a move. This approach helps to mitigate the financial burden and ensures you’re adequately prepared for the transition.
Accept Donations
Embrace the opportunity to accept hand-me-downs from family members. Initially, I hesitated to take free items because I wanted everything in my new place to reflect my personal taste. However, I’ve come to realize that there was little concern. Small items like bowls, silverware, and towels, while barely noticeable, were incredibly useful gifts. Larger pieces such as the couch, chair, and kitchen table, received as hand-me-downs, proved to be useful, and save me money. By adding throw pillows, blankets, placemats, and decorations, I was able to use these items with my own unique style, showcasing my personality throughout my home.
Shop Secondhand
Browse through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and resale apps to discover fantastic deals on furniture and decorations. From desks to coffee tables and beyond, you’ll find a plethora of options at discounted prices. However, ensure to prioritize safety when meeting up with sellers, and be cautious of purchasing items that could be unhygienic or unsanitary.
Wait to Decorate
Before diving into decorating with art, take the time to familiarize yourself with the space. Living in the environment allows you to gain a deeper understanding of its dynamics and consider what type of art would compliment it best. This approach also provides an opportunity to save up for a particularly cherished or unique piece. By patiently assessing your surroundings and contemplating your artistic preferences, you can ensure that the art you select resonates harmoniously with your living space.
Items For Your First Apartment
*If you want to shop for an item, click on the photo! Please note that I may receive a small commission from your purchase.
Kitchen
Blender
While a blender might not be essential for everyone, if you anticipate needing one, I highly recommend the NutriBullet. With its 900W power, it’s more than capable of handling standard smoothie and sauce recipes with ease.
Pots and Pans
If cooking is on your agenda, investing in essential cookware sets is a must. Fortunately, you can find reasonably priced sets that cater to your needs. For beginners, opting for nonstick cookware is the best choice, as it simplifies the cooking process and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cooking Utensils
These are relatively self-explanatory, but there’s one crucial note to remember. If you opt for nonstick cookware, avoid using stainless steel utensils while cooking. Stainless steel utensils can scratch the pans, potentially damaging them over time.
Glassware
You have the flexibility to use any glassware that suits your preference. While I initially began with mason jars, I recently came across this set that I adore and wanted to share with you.
Coffee Maker
I recognize that not everyone enjoys coffee, but if you happen to, I highly recommend investing in a Nespresso machine. In my experience, it produces some of the best-tasting coffees and espressos right in the comfort of your home.
Here is my unboxing video if you want to learn more about Nespresso!
Drawer Organization
These are often overlooked, but are so necessary to find utensils quickly. I use this bamboo one and to hold my utensils, reusable straws, and serving utensils.
Bathroom Essentials
Bath Towels
Towels are undoubtedly a necessity for everyday use. Personally, I prefer a waffle-weave towel; they provide a luxurious feel.
Bathroom Accessories
Investing in matching bathroom sets can truly elevate the aesthetic of your bathroom, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Despite their enhancing qualities, they’re often quite affordable, making them a practical and stylish addition to any home.
Bath Rugs
I use two bath rugs in my bathroom setup, placing one right outside the shower and the other at the foot of the sink. This arrangement not only enhances safety by preventing slips on wet floors but also adds a touch of comfort and style to the space.
Bedroom
Dresser
I recommend searching Facebook Marketplace for items like dressers, as you can often find great deals on pre-owned furniture. However, if you’re in need of a new dresser, there are also plenty of affordable options available.
Full Length Mirror
I love my full-length mirror from Ikea. Compared to identical mirrors at other retailers, the price difference is remarkable, nearly double the cost elsewhere. In my opinion, this mirror is a necessity for ensuring your entire outfit is on point before stepping out the door. Moreover, it works wonders in making the room appear larger and brighter than it actually is, adding a touch of spaciousness and illumination to the space.
Bed Pillows
Investing in high-quality pillows is undoubtedly worthwhile for a good night’s sleep. However, you can still find hotel-quality pillows at reasonable prices with a bit of searching. I prefer to check TJMaxx or Home Goods for pillows before making an online purchase. These stores often offer a wide selection of high-quality pillows at great prices, allowing me to feel them in person and ensure they meet my comfort preferences before buying.
Bed Sheets
I wholeheartedly stand by bamboo sheets. They offer a unique combination of cooling properties, softness, and durability. Investing in bamboo sheets ensures a comfortable and luxurious sleep experience that will last you for years to come.
Nightstands
For those living in small apartments, I recommend considering bedside tables with drawers for added storage convenience. However, I understand that such options can be pricier. Instead, I suggest opting for smaller bedside tables like these, which offer space-saving benefits and can accommodate nesting baskets underneath or next to them for additional storage solutions.
Living Area
Coffee Table
I’ve discovered that opting for a coffee table instead of end tables can be a space-saving solution that also provides extra storage. It’s a practical choice that maximizes the use of the available space in your living area.
Blankets
I always keep two blankets on my couch at all times. Not only are they readily available for use when needed, but they also add a cozy touch to the couch’s appearance. While I enjoy browsing at TjMaxx for blankets, there are plenty of other affordable options available as well.
Floor Lamp
If you’re moving into an apartment without overhead lights in the living room, a floor lamp becomes an essential addition. Personally, I prefer floor lamps with dimmable options, allowing for adjustable brightness levels to suit different needs and moods. This is the exact one that I have in my living room!
I hope this checklist and tips will help make your transition into your first apartment as smooth as possible. Don’t forget to download the checklist to keep everything organized and on track! Best of luck with your move!
