Everything you need to set up your first apartment, organized room by room. From kitchen basics and bathroom must-haves to bedroom comfort and safety items you should not skip.
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Kitchen Basics
Get a basic cookware set (skillet, saucepan, stockpot)
A 10-inch skillet, 2-quart saucepan, and 6-quart stockpot cover 90% of cooking needs. Stainless steel or cast iron lasts decades while nonstick coatings wear out in 2-3 years.
Buy a 10-inch skillet with a lid
Buy a 2-quart saucepan and a 6-quart stockpot
Stock essential utensils and tools
Start with a chef's knife, cutting board, spatula, wooden spoon, tongs, can opener, and vegetable peeler. One good 8-inch chef's knife ($30-$50) replaces an entire knife block.
Get a chef's knife, cutting board, and knife sharpener
Buy spatula, wooden spoon, tongs, and a can opener
Buy plates, bowls, glasses, and flatware for 4
Service for 4 handles daily use plus a guest. Budget around $40-$60 for a matching set. Avoid buying for 8+ until you know your entertaining habits and storage space.
Get dish soap, sponges, dish towels, and a drying rack
Replace kitchen sponges every 2-4 weeks to prevent bacteria buildup. A compact dish drying rack costs $15-$25 and saves counter space versus a full-size dish drainer.
Buy a few essential small appliances
A toaster and electric kettle are the two most-used small appliances for people living alone. Hold off on specialty items like blenders or air fryers until you know what you actually cook.
The ideal rotation is 3 sets so one is in use, one is clean, and one is in the wash. 100% cotton towels in 600-700 GSM weight dry well and last 3-5 years with regular use.
Get a shower curtain, liner, and rings
Always buy a separate waterproof liner ($5-$10) in addition to your decorative curtain. Replace plastic liners every 6 months or switch to a machine-washable fabric liner.
Stock toiletries and a bathroom organizer
An over-the-toilet shelf unit adds 3-4 square feet of storage for $25-$40. Shower caddies that hang from the showerhead work better in rentals than suction cup models.
Buy a bath mat and a trash can with a lid
A non-slip bath mat prevents falls on wet tile—look for ones with rubber backing. Wash your bath mat every 1-2 weeks to prevent mildew buildup.
Get a plunger and a toilet brush
Buy a plunger before you need one. A flange plunger (the kind with an extended rubber lip) works on toilets, while a flat cup plunger works on sinks and tubs.
Bedroom Setup
Buy a mattress and bed frame
A quality mattress in a box costs $400-$800 for a queen and ships to your door. Most come with 100-night trial periods, so you can return it if it is not comfortable.
Measure your bedroom for bed size (queen needs 10x10 ft minimum)
Get a bed frame with under-bed storage if space is limited
Get sheets, pillows, and a comforter or duvet
Buy 2 sets of sheets so you always have a clean set ready. Thread count between 300-400 in 100% cotton is the sweet spot for comfort and durability without overpaying.
Set up a nightstand or bedside table
Your nightstand should be within arm's reach and at mattress height (24-28 inches). A simple table with one drawer holds a phone charger, book, and lamp without cluttering the space.
Buy hangers and a basic closet organizer
Slim velvet hangers hold 3x more clothing per rod than plastic hangers. A hanging shelf organizer ($15-$20) adds 5-6 shelves inside your closet for folded items.
Cleaning Supplies
Get a vacuum or broom and dustpan
If your apartment has mostly hard floors, a stick vacuum ($60-$100) handles both hard floors and rugs. A broom and dustpan works fine for small apartments under 500 square feet.
Buy all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and disinfectant
An all-purpose spray handles 80% of cleaning tasks. Buy one glass cleaner for mirrors and windows, and one disinfectant for kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces.
Stock paper towels, trash bags, and a mop
A spray mop with washable pads costs $25-$35 and eliminates the need for a bucket. Buy trash bags that match your kitchen can size—13-gallon is standard for most apartments.
Get a laundry basket and laundry supplies
If your building has shared laundry, keep $20 in quarters or set up the payment app before your first load. A collapsible laundry basket saves space in small apartments.
Tools and Hardware
Assemble a basic tool kit
You need a hammer, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure, and an adjustable wrench. A pre-made kit with these items costs $20-$35 and covers most apartment tasks.
Get a hammer, screwdriver set, and pliers
Add a tape measure, adjustable wrench, and level
Buy picture hanging supplies and Command strips
Command strips hold up to 16 pounds per pair and leave no wall damage—perfect for rentals. For heavier items like mirrors, use wall anchors rated for the weight.
Get a flashlight, batteries, and extension cords
Keep one flashlight with fresh batteries in an easy-to-find spot for power outages. Buy 2-3 extension cords (6-foot and 10-foot) but never daisy-chain them—it is a fire hazard.
Safety Items
Install or test smoke detectors in every room
Test smoke detectors monthly by pressing the test button for 3 seconds. Replace batteries every 6 months and replace the entire unit every 10 years (check the manufacture date on the back).
Buy a fire extinguisher (ABC-rated)
A 2.5-pound ABC-rated extinguisher ($25-$35) handles grease fires, electrical fires, and ordinary combustibles. Mount it in the kitchen within 6 feet of the stove, not directly behind it.
Get a carbon monoxide detector if your apartment has gas appliances
CO detectors are required by law in most states for units with gas stoves, furnaces, or attached garages. Place them at knee height (CO rises slowly) and outside each sleeping area.
Stock a basic first aid kit
A pre-made first aid kit ($15-$20) covers bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and gauze. Add personal medications, allergy pills, and an instant cold pack to round it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to furnish a first apartment from scratch?
Budget $2,000-$5,000 for a basic but comfortable studio or 1-bedroom apartment setup including a mattress ($300-$600), bed frame ($100-$300), sofa ($400-$800), small dining table and chairs ($150-$400), and essential kitchen items ($200-$400). Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and thrift stores can cut these costs by 40-60%, especially for furniture pieces. Resist buying everything at once — purchase essentials for the first week, then add items gradually as you learn how you actually use the space.
What tools do I need in my first apartment?
A basic apartment toolkit ($30-$50) should include a hammer, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a tape measure, a level, picture-hanging hardware, and a utility knife. Add a cordless drill ($40-$80) if you plan to mount shelves, curtain rods, or a TV bracket — hand-driving screws into wall studs or anchors is frustrating and time-consuming. A stud finder ($15-$25) prevents failed anchors and drywall damage when hanging anything heavier than a picture frame.
What cleaning supplies do I need for a first apartment?
Start with an all-purpose spray cleaner, dish soap, bathroom/tub cleaner, glass cleaner, a toilet brush, a broom and dustpan, a mop (Swiffer WetJet at $25-$30 is the most practical starter mop), sponges, microfiber cloths, paper towels, and trash bags. Add a vacuum cleaner if you have carpet ($80-$200 for a reliable upright model). Buying one multi-surface cleaner like Method All-Purpose or Mrs. Meyer's for the kitchen, bathroom counters, and general surfaces reduces the number of bottles under your sink from six to two.
Do I need renter's insurance for my first apartment?
Renter's insurance costs $15-$25 per month and covers your personal belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) against theft, fire, water damage, and other covered perils up to your policy limit (typically $15,000-$30,000). The liability coverage ($100,000 standard) protects you if someone is injured in your apartment or you accidentally cause damage to a neighbor's unit — without it, you're personally liable for the full amount. Many landlords now require renter's insurance as a lease condition, and the cost is less than one meal out per month for protection worth tens of thousands of dollars.