What You Really Need for Your First Apartment (From Bedroom to Broom Closet)

Welcome to your first apartment. Now what? This comprehensive list lays out the basics along with a few luxuries — think of this as an inventory of your need-to-haves and nice-to-haves. Whether you're graduating, moving out of your family's home, or simply starting fresh, keep scrolling for a comprehensive home essentials shopping guide.

A good night's sleep can fix almost any problem, especially if your first adult bedroom is up to snuff.

You spend one-third of your life in bed. Time to invest in a good one. You should get in the habit of cleaning it, too.

Futons need not apply. Headboard is still optional, though.

Again, do not skimp. Thread count matters.

And then wash them every three months. Our team tested nearly 30 pillows so you don't have to.

You can easily score these bedding essentials on Amazon.

Check out our comfiest recommendations.

Practical and cute.

Or two, if you like symmetry.

It doesn't need to cost the big bucks.

Either a desk or bedside lamp will do. (Note: bedside lamps are often sold in pairs.)

We're here with everything you need to know.

Here's why they matter.

First, check to see if there's central air, a window unit, or ceiling fan.

There are tons of budget buys.

Amazon has some of the best budget-friendly finds, no surprise.

For your shoes, purses, and other accessories.

Ones that don't come from the dry cleaner.

You don't have to be a budding home chef, but you will have to cook for yourself at some point.

• Chef's knife
• Paring knife (Read why this one's our favorite.)
• Bread knife
• Kitchen shears
  

• Small and large sauté pan and small and large pot (you can buy in sets or as individuals)
• Dutch oven
• Sheet pans (2 or 3)
• Casserole pan (13" x 9")

• Mixing bowls
• Microplane or box grater
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (Collapsible is great for easy storage.)
• Cutting boards (2 or 3) (Nice to have at least one that's dedicated to raw meat.)

• Tongs (2 sets)
• Wooden spoons (3 or 4)
• Whisk
• Spatulas (2-4)

• Ice cream scoop
• Can opener
• Wine opener
• Thermometer
• Blender

• Coffee contraption of your choice (coffee or espresso maker)
• Teakettle (Cosori makes the best electric kettle.)
• Toaster oven (or air fryer-toaster oven combo)
• Microwave (optional)
• Rice cooker (nice to have)
• Food processor (nice to have)
• Mixer (nice to have)
• Instant Pot (nice to have) (Read more about it here.)

• Tupperware or other food storage containers
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap
• Sandwich bags

• Dish rack
• Trash can and bags
• Stepladder
• Fire extinguisher
• Kitchen towels
• Potholders

Even if you're not hosting Thanksgiving this year, you'll likely want to entertain at some point. Place settings for eight mean less frequent dishwashing, too. (At the very least, you need four.)

• Dining table (In a pinch, a card table will do! Extendable dining tables are all the rage right now.)
• Chairs or bench

• Dinner plates
• Salad plates
• Bowls

• Water glasses
• Wine glasses
• Mugs

• Salad bowl and tongs
• A few nice-ish serving dishes

• Placemats
• Cloth napkins (nice to have)

Just the basics, for now.

• Bleach, all purpose cleaner, vinegar, baking soda, etc.
• Sponges
• Scrubbers
• Cleaning rags

• Paper towels (Score a paper towel holder while you're at it)
• Toilet paper

Everything you need, aside from the number of your local handyman.

• Hammer and nails
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers and screws
• Allen wrenches
• Tape measure

Your office doesn't have to be its own room, but it should be its own space.

Whether or not you're lucky enough to have laundry in your unit.

Luckily, bathrooms come equipped with the basics.

• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Face cloths
• Fabric or wooden bath mats (two is ideal)

• Squeegee (for glass shower stall)
• First aid kit and medicine cabinet basics (Prescriptions, cold medicine, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, etc.)
• Wastebasket
• Toilet plunger and toilet brush (or a two-in-one)
• Shower and drawer organization (nice to have)

To lounge on your own and entertain others, you need a few creature comforts.

Again, it's worth investing; a decent couch can last up to 15 years.

Ottomans or poufs can work double-duty. Check out our top picks, below.

Side tables, too, if you have the room.

Here's how to choose the best ones for every room in the house.

You can never go wrong with a jute rug. We love yellow, green, and blue rugs, too.

And a TV stand if yours isn't mounted.

Professionals suggest layering light sources — task lighting, accent lighting, and then recessed or track lighting. Think in threes!

... With real books (Kindle, you can stay on the nightstand.)

• A statement houseplant or two (And these hacks will help you keep them alive.)
• Art
• Throw pillows

A balcony! What a treat. Here's what you should buy for it.

A note about being on a budget: Not everything here needs to be brand-spanking-new. Scour Craigslist, hit the thrift stores, borrow and barter. It will all come together in its own time.