Ultimate Apartment Essentials Checklist

Whether you're moving into your first apartment, relocating for work, or downsizing for retirement, setting up a new apartment can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. This apartment essentials checklist will help you prioritize what matters most, make informed purchasing decisions, and help make your apartment feel like home.

Before You Start Shopping for Apartment Essentials

While shopping right away may sound fun, it's important to make sure what you buy works for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind before purchasing items.

Take Inventory & Measure Your Space

Take inventory of items you can bring from your previous living situation and measure your new apartment accurately. You may already own more essentials than you realize, and this will help ensure you're buying furniture that fits through your door and in your layout.

Set a Realistic Budget

Furnishing your first apartment doesn’t have to happen all at once. Most experts suggest spending about 10–15% of your annual income over several months. Use this general guide to plan your purchases:

• 50% for essential furniture: Bed, seating, dining surface ($800-2,000)

• 20% for kitchen necessities: Cookware, dishes, appliances ($300-800)

• 15% for household basics: Cleaning supplies, linens, storage ($200-600)

• 15% for comfort items: Electronics, decor, extras ($200-600)

Consider Self Storage Options Near You During Your Transition

If you’re transitioning between spaces or downsizing, renting a secure self storage unit can make moving easier. Temporary storage gives you flexibility as you decide what works best in your new apartment.

Move-In Day Essentials

Before unpacking everything, focus on the basics that make your first night comfortable and stress-free. Pack a “first-night box” with these essentials:

Bedroom & Bathroom:

• Two pillows, a blanket, and basic bedding

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and soap

• One bath towel and a shower curtain with rings

Kitchen Basics:

• Plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils

• One pot, one pan, dish soap, and sponges

• Trash bags and a small trash can

Cleaning & Safety:

• All-purpose cleaner and paper towels

• Flashlight with batteries

• Basic first aid kit

Room-by-Room Apartment Essentials Checklist

Every room in your apartment serves a different purpose—and comes with its own must-haves. To make settling in easier, here's a comprehensive checklist so you can confidently stock up on everything you need for your first home.

Apartment Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom is your personal retreat, so start with the basics that make it comfortable and functional. Start with buying:

• Mattress and bed frame: Choose a supportive frame and comfortable mattress for a good night’s sleep.

• Bedding: Have at least two sets of sheets, pillowcases, and a cozy comforter.

• Pillows: Invest in quality pillows that fit your sleeping style.

• Dresser or chest of drawers: Ideal for storing folded clothes if closet space is limited.

• Closet organization: Use slim, non-slip hangers to make the most of hanging space.

• Under-bed storage: Keep seasonal clothing or extra linens tucked away but accessible.

• Laundry hamper: Makes it easy to keep dirty clothes organized between washes.

Apartment Kitchen Essentials

You can start simple with kitchen items, and begin to build over time. A sturdy table and chairs can serve as your main dining and workspace, while a few key tools will cover most everyday cooking tasks. If your kitchen is small, maximize space with small kitchen organization solutions like hanging racks, magnetic knife strips, or under-sink organizers, to keep everything tidy and accessible. Here are some kitchen must-haves to prioritize:

• Cookware: A non-stick pan, a sharp chef’s knife, and a medium-sized pot can handle most meals.

• Bakeware: A rimmed baking sheet is perfect for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or reheating leftovers.

• Dinnerware: Keep a small set of plates, bowls, and drinking glasses or mugs.

• Appliances: A coffee maker, toaster or toaster oven, and microwave are great starting points.

• Utensils & prep tools: Stock a cutting board, spatula, serving spoon, and basic knife set.

• Food storage: Reusable containers make it easy to store leftovers or meal prep ingredients.

• Cleaning supplies: Dish soap, sponges, and dish towels are kitchen essentials you’ll use every day.

Apartment Bathroom Essentials

Your bathroom is one of the easiest rooms to stock since most items fall into just a few categories—personal care, linens, storage, and cleaning supplies. Start with your daily must-haves, then add organization tools to keep everything tidy and within reach. Here's what you'll need:

• Personal care items: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cleanser, moisturizer, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, razor, and shaving cream.

• Linens & accessories: A set of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Add a non-slip bath mat for safety and comfort.

• Storage solutions: Use a shower caddy for toiletries, under-sink bins for extra supplies, and over-the-toilet shelving to make the most of vertical space.

• Cleaning supplies: Stock essentials like a toilet brush and plunger, plus shower and toilet cleaners to keep your bathroom fresh.

Apartment Living Room Essentials

Focus on comfort and functionality when furnishing your living room—as it's a space for relaxing, entertaining, and unwinding. Once you have your basics set up, you can layer in decor to make the space your own. Start with items like:

• Seating: Choose a sofa, loveseat, or a pair of comfortable chairs based on your space and layout.

• Tables: A coffee table anchors the room, while side or end tables keep drinks and remotes within reach.

• Lighting: Use a floor or table lamp to brighten dark corners and create a cozy atmosphere.

• Window treatments: Curtains or blinds provide privacy and help control natural light.

• Storage solutions: Consider hidden storage options like ottomans, TV stands with drawers, or baskets to keep clutter out of sight.

• Decor: Add rugs, throw pillows, blankets, and wall art once your essentials are in place to give the room a personal touch.

Cleaning & Safety Essentials

Cleaning and safety supplies can often get overlooked when furnishing an apartment. While they might not be needed immediately, it's worth it to stock up on the basics to handle everyday messes and small emergencies.

Cleaning must-haves:

• All-purpose cleaner for countertops and appliances

• Glass cleaner for mirrors and windows

• Vacuum, broom, and mop for floors

• Sponges, paper towels, and microfiber cloths

Safety & repair essentials:

• Screwdriver set and hammer for small repairs or hanging wall decor

• Batteries for remotes and smoke detectors

• Small ABC fire extinguisher for kitchen safety

• Flashlight, extra batteries, and a first aid kit for emergencies

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Moving into an apartment? Find helpful resources on the Extra Space Storage Moving Hub. And if you need storage during your transition, we have secure facilities located across the U.S. Find a storage facility near you!