1 plate, bowl, and water glass for each person + 1 extra set 1 mug for each person Fork, knife, spoon for each person + 1 extra set Spatula Wooden or silicon spoon 1 chopping knife 1 paring knife 1 frying pan 1 pot Dish soap Dishwasher liquid if you have a dishwasher Broom and dustpan Mop or Swiffer 1 bath towel per person 1 wash rag per person 1 hand towel per person Toilet paper Multipurpose cleaner Paper towels Garbage can Garbage bags Shower curtain Shampoo Hand soap Matches or a lighter Flashlight Screwdriver Scissors Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
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Real Simple
realsimple.com › home-organizing › first-apartment-checklist
The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist
April 30, 2025 - While it can be tempting to go all out on new decor and accessories, start with the items you'll need most—a bed, kitchenware, and standard furniture. Once you have your basics covered, you can gradually begin adding in decorative and ...
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ApartmentList
apartmentlist.com › renter-life › first-apartment-checklist
What Should Be On My Apartment Move-in Checklist? [2025]
August 19, 2025 - A first apartment move-in checklist should include essentials for every room—bed and bedding for your bedroom, seating and lighting for your living room, cookware and utensils for your kitchen, toiletries for your bathroom, plus cleaning supplies, ...
Discussions

What are you favorite/essentials items in your apartment?
Please please please do NOT be past me, and buy a very economical but very uncomfortable couch. Buy the most comfortable seating you can afford. I thought it would not bother me, but I used to chill on pillows on the floor of my apartment instead of that dumb couch, it was so awful. I wanted to destroy it Office Space printer scene style when I left, I hated it so much. (yup, old reference, can't help it) Also, I had a shoe rack next to the door, it kept my space so much cleaner than wearing them everywhere! More on reddit.com
🌐 r/ApartmentHacks
40
26
June 22, 2024
BWT - first apartment essentials?
Not so much a decor tip but, have a trash can with bags and a shower curtain (if your shower needs one) with you when you arrive. (Ask me how I know.) More on reddit.com
🌐 r/bitcheswithtaste
77
35
May 16, 2024
Moving into my first apartment, what are the bare bones I need to live comfortably?
Get a rice cooker if you can. They are a life saver. Also for the kitchen: Silverware (2 of each) Silverware organizer (for the drawer) Dishes (2 of each) Trash can Pots and pans (frying pan, one large pot, one small pot, both with lids) Oven mitts Spatula and whisk Dish towels (3) Measuring cups and spoons Bottle opener / corkscrew combo Aluminum foil, wax paper, and plastic wrap Containers for leftovers Cutting board Microwave Electric kettle / Coffee pot Can opener Knives (a good veggie knife works wonders) Colander Dish soap and sponges / scrubbers Spices! I'll leave the rest of the supplies to others - what I need in my living / sleeping area is probably different from you. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/minimalism
63
26
July 2, 2016
Moving into my first apartment, what are some less obvious items that change your quality of life?
A plunger. If you wait until you need one, you will regret it More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Adulting
264
137
July 15, 2023
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/apartmenthacks › can someone provide a full list of only essentials for moving into a apartment?
r/ApartmentHacks on Reddit: Can someone provide a full list of only essentials for moving into a apartment?
November 21, 2023 -

Me and a few people are moving in and we are struggling to find a list of items that we need without unneeded things in them such as place mats or rugs. If someone could provide a list of things like cleaning supplies, kitchen stuff and general items that’d be needed that’d be awesome.

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Anna Saxton
annasaxton.com › home › first apartment checklist (the stuff you *actually* need)
First Apartment Checklist (The Stuff You *Actually* Need) - Anna Saxton
March 13, 2022 - Renting your first apartment? Here's a comprehensive first apartment checklist of the essentials you'll need - plus tips for saving money!
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Designer Living
designerliving.com › get-inspired › buying-guide › living-room-essentials-checklist › 2437
Get Inspired - Living Room Essentials Checklist | Designer Living
Try a bold color or pattern that doesn’t clash with the rest of the decor but does function to liven up the room a bit. Candles Candles are an accessory that can add a great deal of warm ambiance to a living room without costing you much money. They can be placed on coffee tables, side tables, or mantels and even without being lit they add class and warmth. Be sure to get an appropriate holder so as not to damage furniture with the hot wax. Throws Throw blankets are an essential living room accessory.
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All Things Snug
allthingssnug.com › blog › living-room-essentials-for-you
10 Living Room Essentials for Your First Apartment
You might be thinking, "But we already covered the coffee table, isn't that enough?" Here's the difference: your coffee table handles the heavier, shared items, while side tables are for personal, everyday essentials. Trust us, you'll wonder how you lived without them.
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Scott
scottbrand.com › tips & advice › lifestyle › first apartment checklist
First Apartment Checklist | Scott® US
A cozy chair for a reading nook is also a great addition to your apartment. Coffee Table. This practical piece is great for placing remotes, magazines, and coffee table books. TV along with a TV stand or Console. This is a great alternative if you’re not mounting your TV on your wall. Now that you’re going to be cooking your own meals, having a kitchen fully stocked with the essentials will only make that easier.
Find elsewhere
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Southern Management
southernmanagement.com › blog › the-ultimate-first-apartment-checklist
Top Things You Need For Your First Apartment - Checklist
August 25, 2022 - And lastly, here’s the list of general new apartment essentials and items that don’t belong in any particular room.
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Amica Mutual Insurance
amica.com › home › resource center › home resources › renters › the ultimate first apartment checklist
The First Apartment Checklist: Essentials to Pack and Buy
November 12, 2024 - Whether you’re moving out of your childhood home or moving out of your last dorm room, getting ready for your first apartment is a major milestone. Whether it’s you or your child with an upcoming move, we’ve put together a checklist of items you should consider taking along to feel truly comfortable in your new environment. First, take a look at your apartment’s kitchen and find ways to make the most of your rental space. Once you get the lay of the land, you can follow this checklist to decide what to pack or purchase. If you live in a city and are light on storage space, for example, you may want to consider which appliances you’ll use the most, based on your lifestyle and cooking preferences.
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Storyuniversitynorth
storyuniversitynorth.com › home › first-time apartment living: must-have essentials
First-Time Apartment Living: Must-Have Essentials
September 26, 2025 - You can also find great deals on Facebook Marketplace, especially for items like a lamp, futon, or dining room table. For even better deals, shop during back-to-school sales and seasonal promotions when prices tend to drop. Once the essentials are in place, it’s time to make the space yours. Take advantage of the modern layouts and finishes at Story University North to decorate your new apartment in a way that fits your style.
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Dorm Therapy
dormtherapy.com › first-apartment-essentials-100005408
102 First Apartment Essentials Everyone Should Have | Dorm Therapy
June 25, 2025 - You’ll likely find yourself spending a lot of time in the living room when you want to chill or watch TV — which means you’ll need the right first apartment essentials to fill it out. Interior designer Emily Auffrey says prioritizing cozy lighting should be top of mind: “Having three sources of light is important: a floor lamp, task lamp, and overhead light.” · If you’re moving into a studio or just trying to maximize a small space, interior designer Sandy Saintilus recommends getting a C-table that can hug the sofa if there isn’t room in the apartment for a dining table.
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The Duvall
duvallgrandprairie.com › home › apartment move in checklist
Apartment Move in Checklist - The Duvall
January 30, 2024 - Unlike the first two sections, you should only pack what you need, as the rest can be purchased later. Here are some living room essentials to consider packing for your move-in: ... Your favorite kitchen products should also be on your move-in checklist for your new apartment.
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By Sophia Lee
bysophialee.com › home › blog › the first apartment checklist (with *only apartment essentials)
The First Apartment Checklist (with *ONLY Apartment Essentials)
April 1, 2025 - By strategically buying essentials from the dollar store, you can stretch your budget further without sacrificing on quality or style. Can I get an amen? ... Whether you’re furnishing your living room, stocking your kitchen, or sprucing up your bathroom, the dollar store has so many practical and stylish options to suit your needs. The dollar store + learning how to save for a move and creating a first apartment budget = way easier move!
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Updater
updater.com › home › your first apartment checklist: essentials you need to buy
Apartment Essentials: Your First Apartment Checklist - Updater
July 12, 2024 - A sleeper sofa or futon is a great investment since it can double as a place for your guests to crash. Oh, and there’s no shame in snagging something used from a friend or family member.
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Pinterest
pinterest.com › explore › home decor › furniture › living room essentials list
Living Room Essentials List
Discover Pinterest’s best ideas and inspiration for Living room essentials list. Get inspired and try out new things.
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-some-essential-items-that-people-often-forget-to-buy-for-their-first-apartment-What-advice-do-you-have-for-someone-moving-into-their-first-apartment
What are some essential items that people often forget to buy for their first apartment? What advice do you have for someone moving into their first apartment? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): You need a plunger. You need basic tools. A lightweight hammer, a standard and Phillips screwdriver, measuring tape, level, pliers, and needle nose pliers. You need a LOT of wall/paint safe fasteners… some of the best are ...
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Tripalink
tripalink.com › home › all blog › the essential la apartment setup guide for new renters
The Essential LA Apartment Setup Guide for New Renters
April 22, 2024 - ... Drinking glasses and coffee mugs. ... Oven mitts: Offer extra protection when handling hot cookware. ... Your living room serves as the hub of your apartment; an area in which to relax, host guests and express yourself stylistically.