33 First Apartment Essentials You Don’t Want To Forget

Moving into a new apartment soon and looking for first apartment essentials? Here are all the things you need for your first apartment.

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first apartment essentials

When moving into an apartment for the first time, it can be hard to figure out first apartment essentials you need to buy.

I remember when I moved into my first apartment I had no clue where to start when it came to things you need for an apartment. I’ve moved into many new places since then, though, so now I know everything you need to get when it comes to apartment essentials!!

Here are new apartment essentials that you can’t forget for your first apartment!

This post is all about first apartment essentials.

The Complete List Of First Apartment Essentials

Table of Contents

Bedroom

1. Comforter/ Duvet And Duvet Cover

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If you don’t already have a comforter set for your first apartment, you’ll want to get one!

2. Sheets

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Sheets are another essential you’ll need to grab for your first apartment if you don’t already have some.

3. Pillows And Pillow Cases

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You’ll also need some pillows and pillow cases. Satin pillowcases are much better for your hair and skin than cotton ones. I have these satin pillow cases and I love them!

4. Throw Blanket

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A throw blanket might not be an “essential” for everyone, but it definitely was for me. Having an extra blanket that you can carry around the house and use when you’re sitting in the living room is a must.

5. Laundry Basket

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You’ll need a laundry basket for your first apartment. I really like this one because it can double as cute decor.

Related Post: 55 Super Cute And Affordable First Apartment Ideas For Decorating On A Budget

6. Curtains

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Something I totally forgot to get for my first apartment was curtains. They aren’t essential as long as you have blinds in your apartment, but they will help block the light out if you’re someone who doesn’t like the sun shining in your face in the morning.

7. Lamp

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If you’re like me and absolutely hate having overhead lights on, a floor lamp is essential for your first apartment. This industrial one is so cute and would be a perfect way to decorate your first apartment.

8. Clothes Hangers

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Another thing I forgot to get for my first apartment was hangers. Make sure you grab some so you have something to hang your clothes on!

9. Organization And Storage

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You’re also going to need something to store things in. These drawers and clothes storage bags are perfect for storage in a new apartment!

Bathroom

10. Towel Set

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Towels are another thing I totally forgot to get for my first apartment. I was so used to having them readily available at my parents’ house that I didn’t even think about it. Make sure you get some for your first apartment!

11. Shower Caddy

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A shower caddy will make your life so much easier than just putting all of your shower stuff on the side of the bathtub. It’s essential if you have a lot of shower products.

12. Plunger And Toilet Brush

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Yet another thing I didn’t even think about getting for my first apartment! Not having a plunger when you need one is inconvenient to say the least.

13. Shower Curtain, Rod, And Liner

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Make sure you also grab a shower curtain and liner for your new apartment. Some might already have shower curtain rods in them that previous tenants left, but I’d grab one just in case!

14. Trash Can

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You’ll also need to get a little trash can for your bathroom.

Related Post: 25 Must-Know First Apartment Tips You Need To Know Before Moving In

15. Bath Mat

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You could just use a towel as a bath mat and wait to buy an actual bath mat, but if you don’t have a ton of towels to spare, getting a bath mat first would be a good idea.

Kitchen

16. Pots And Pans

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You’ll need pots and pans for your apartment if you plan on cooking at all. This cooking set is super cute!

17. Knife Set

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You’ll also need some knives if you’re someone who cooks.

18. Cutting Board

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I don’t know if I ever bought a cutting board for my first apartment, but I definitely should have, though! I used my plates to cut food on and I ruined all of my plates by doing that. Make sure you get a cutting board if you’re going to be cooking!

19. Dishes, Bowls, Cups, And Mugs

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You’re going to need some plates, bowls, cups, and mugs. These sets are so cute and are perfect for a first apartment.

20. Silverware

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Silverware is something else I didn’t really think about until I needed to eat something and realized I didn’t have anything to eat it with. Don’t forget to get some!

21. Baking Sheet

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Don’t forget to get some baking sheets too!

22. Coffee Maker

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You’ll save so much money with a coffee maker if you’re a coffee drinker. It might seem like an investment up front, but it is so worth it if you drink coffee a lot! It will pay for itself pretty quickly when you aren’t buying expensive coffee all the time from coffee shops.

Related Post: 45+ Perfect First Apartment Gifts For Their New Place

23. Dish Drying Rack

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This is yet another thing that did not even cross my mind when I was moving into my first apartment. If you’re really strapped for cash, you can lay a dish towel down and just put wet dishes on that to dry. I would definitely recommend getting a dish drying rack if you can, though. You can fit a lot more dishes in it and wont have to worry about getting the counter all wet.

24. Cooking Utensils

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Don’t forget to get some cooking utensils for your apartment kitchen as well.

25. Tupperware

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Make sure you get some tupperware as well so you have something to store your leftovers in.

26. Mixing Bowls And Measuring Cups Set

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Another essential for people who cook! Make sure you get some mixing bowls and measuring cups, especially if you like to bake.

27. Garbage Can

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A kitchen garbage can is a definite essential. Don’t forget to get this!!

Cleaning

28. Laundry Supplies

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You’ll also need stuff to do laundry with. This fabric softener smells like HEAVEN and is my absolute favorite. You’ll also need some detergent. I like to use wool dryer balls to keep lint off my clothes and help them dry faster!

29. All Purpose Spray

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You probably don’t want to buy a million different cleaning sprays for your apartment up front, so an all purpose spray is a great catch-all to get to make sure your apartment stays clean!

30. Broom And Dustpan

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Along with all the other things I forgot to get when moving into my first apartment, I forgot to get a broom and dustpan. This is something you really need to have before you need it. Like, dropping glass on the floor and having it shatter everywhere, and only then realizing you don’t have a broom is…not fun.

Related Post: 9 Seriously Smart Tips For First Apartment Decorating On A Budget To Make Your Place Look Amazing

31. Cordless Vacuum

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This vacuum is a Dyson dupe and apparently it works really well! You can detach the top and make it into a little handheld one.

32. Dish Soap And Sponge

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You’ll need dish soap and a dish sponge to do your dishes with!

33. Handsoap

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Also don’t forget to grab some hand soap for your new place!

This post was all about the best first apartment essentials you need to get for your new apartment.

More Posts You’ll Love:

55 Super Cute And Affordable First Apartment Ideas For Decorating On A Budget

25 Must-Know First Apartment Tips You Need To Know Before Moving In

45+ Perfect First Apartment Gifts For Their New Place

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