The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist: Everything You Need For Your First Apartment
THE BEST FIRST APARTMENT CHECKLIST!
This blog post may contain affiliate links. View the disclosure for more information. Moving into your first apartment is a major milestone! And while it's a very exciting time in your life, it can also be pretty stressful. This first apartment checklist will make sure you have everything you need to move into your very first apartment.
After having moved into my first apartment a little over a year ago, I can’t tell you how important it is to have a complete first apartment checklist that will ensure you have a smooth and organized transition into this exciting, new chapter of your life!
So I created this first apartment checklist based on everything I found useful when moving into my first apartment, plus the additional items I got over the years that I knew would have been helpful when I rented my first apartment.
Don’t feel pressured to buy everything on this checklist all at once. It makes sense to buy the necessities at first, then you can always get additional items as time passes. So this first apartment checklist is a list you can always refer back to.
I hope this apartment essentials list is as helpful to you as it was to me when moving into your first apartment!
Each item on this list includes a link to an affordable version of the item on Amazon!
First Apartment Checklist PDF
Want your own first apartment checklist pdf? I used this exact checklist when packing for my first apartment, so I attached it here you to download and print to make things even easier!
First Apartment Checklist: Kitchen Essentials
The kitchen was the room in my apartment that I had to buy the most essentials for. This list is long, I know. Luckily, every single item on this list is from Amazon! I found the best first apartment kitchen essentials that are both good quality and affordable. I have almost all of these kitchen essentials in my current apartment and love them all!
Wine Glasses and/or Shot Glasses
Air Fryer and/or Toaster Oven
Coffee Maker and/or Tea Kettle
Spice Containers & Spices
Coffee essentials
If you’re a coffee lover like me, you know how important it is to invest in your at-home coffee essentials! As much as I love Starbucks and my other local coffee shops, it’s WAY more cost efficient to make your coffee daily at home. So here are the coffee essentials I bought for my first apartment and still use today!
Espresso Machine & Milk Frother
Ever since I bought this espresso machine and milk frother combination, I love my at-home coffees so much more than Starbucks! The milk frother has changed the game for me, making my lattes extra creamy. Here’s the same espresso machine without the frother if you’d prefer.
French Press
French presses are known for making the best, most flavorful brews, and this one is my personal favorite. It’s affordable as well!
IG: @gretchengeraghty
Tea Kettle
My favorite tea kettle ever. It’s an investment piece, but so worth it. Great for making hot water for coffee or tea but also serves as a stunning statement piece in your kitchen!
Iced Coffee Cups
I love these cups because of the bamboo lids and glass straws that come with, making it a great cup to take on the go with you or just drink in your apartment. I still have these cups 2 years later, and I’m just as obsessed with them.
Small kitchen Appliances
Small kitchen appliances are designed to make cooking either easier or faster. The following 4 appliances are my favorites that I’m so grateful I purchased for my first apartment.
Ninja Creami
The Ninja Creami is truly one of my favorite 2024 purchases! I make the best high-protein desserts that taste just as good as icecream! I eat one just about every night!
The Best Blender Ever
So my mom passed down the Vitamix blender she’s had for 7 years. Yes, 7! And it’s still in mint condition! I swear by it. Not only is it good for smoothies but it acts as a food processor as well. I’ve made some many sauces, soups, and even icecream in it.
Slow Cooker
Once I learned I can pop some chicken or beef in a slow cooker in the morning, and have it ready by the time I get back from work, I was sold! Not to mention that food simmering for hours makes it tastes so much better!
Ninja Grill
It’s an indoor grill that also allows you to air fry, bake, roast, broil, and dehydrate. So skip the air fryer or toaster oven, and get this Ninja Grill because it does it ALL! The smart thermometer makes it so every meat is prepared to perfection.
First Apartment Checklist: Living Room Essentials
The living room was the room in my apartment where I spend the most money. There so many pieces of large furniture needed to furnish your first apartment. Luckily, I found the best deals and dupes on some of the most aesthetic furniture items, especially my Amazon couch which is the Restoration Hardware Cloud Couch dupe! Check out all of the first apartment living room essentials:
My First Apartment Couch
restoration hardware cloud couch dupe
This is by far the best Restoration Hardware dupe for the most affordable price I have ever seen. And trust me, I have been looking for a LONG time. I own this couch, and it’s in the best investment I made for my apartment!
Check out this post on 24 Luxe, Neutral Beds Under $1,000!
Coffee Table Books
Once you get the basics of your apartment figured out, it’s time to start decorating! Coffee table books are such a fun and easy way to decorate your first apartment living room space without breaking the bank. Tap to shop the books below, or check out my other post on the 56 Coffee Table Books That Will Transform Your Space.
First Apartment Checklist: Bedroom Essentials
The bedroom of your first apartment is arguably the most fun to furnish and decorate. The bedroom should feel cozy, inviting, and a representation of your personal style. I love a clean, white aesthetic for my bedroom with wall art and decor that adds color to the space. Here are all of the best Amazon first apartment finds for your bedroom.
How to Achieve the Fluffy, White Bed
The key to the fluffy, white bed as shown above is a duvet cover, a duvet insert (2 for extra fluffiness), white sheets, and a white bed. I’ve linked affordable pieces to achieve the same look.
First Apartment Checklist: Bathroom Essentials
The bathroom is the room of your first apartment that probably requires the least about of money and effort to decorate. That’s why it’s the shortest of this first apartment checklist. I found everything I needed from Amazon for less and linked them below!
FIRST APARTMENT CHECKLIST PDF
Now that you’ve seen everything you need for your first apartment, download this free printable version of this list, so you can print it out and check off items as you begin packing:
This post is all about the first apartment checklist and everything you need first your first apartment!