First Apartment Essentials: What You Need to Get Started

Moving into your first apartment is thrilling. It’s surreal to sit in your new bedroom or kitchen. You’re realizing you now have a place that’s all yours. But it can be costly to get everything you need. Let’s get into this affordable yet stylish first apartment essentials list.

I recommend setting a budget before you start shopping. Consider moving costs and other expenses. Stick to your budget. Remember, you don’t need everything at once.

You may find that some things aren’t necessary. Focus on what you need now. The list below is a great starting point for identifying the essential items for your new place.

First Apartment Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen often serves as the hub of the home, or in this case, the apartment. Unless you plan to get takeout every night, you must learn to use your kitchen. You can’t do much without the essential tools.

Your kitchen essential starters needn’t break the bank. You will understand what you enjoy doing in the kitchen as you cook more.

You will also learn what you prefer not to do. Then, you can upgrade as needed. These essentials are a good place to start. They are affordable with excellent reviews: 

Pots and Pans

Start with a medium-to-large frying pan, a small and large pot. Buying a small set might be a budget-friendly choice and will give you a good starting point for your cookware.

Additionally, you want at least one cookie sheet, a 9×13 pan, and a pizza stone/tray.

Here is the best-seller pots and pans set on Amazon:

CAROTE 11pcs Pots and Pans Set, Nonstick Cookware Sets Detachable Handle, Induction RV Kitchen Set Removable Handle, Oven Safe, Cream White.

 Dishes and Flatware

You’ll want 6-8 plates and bowls and at least 6-8 of each fork, knife, and spoon. Adding a steak knife set is also a good idea. Here is an affordable starter set that has excellent reviews with more than enough pieces to get your utensil drawer stocked:

49 Piece Silverware Set from Tribal Cooking

Tribal Cooking 49 Piece Silverware Set – Service for 8 – Stainless Steel Flatware serving set – Cutlery Set – Knife, Fork, and Spoon – Kitchen Utensils set – Dishwasher Safe – Stunning Polished Finish

You may consider investing in a nice cutlery set if you cook often. If you don’t plan to cook as often and have a budget you’re sticking to, this is a great beginner’s set:

Amazon Basics 14-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with High-Carbon Stainless-Steel Blades and Pine Wood Block, Black

Drinking Glasses and Mugs

Start with 4-8 water glasses and tumblers. Additionally, you’ll want a few coffee mugs and wine glasses if you drink either – or both if you’re like me 🙂 If you have people over often, bumping your number up to 10-12 of each would be a good idea.

Glassware is usually pretty affordable. I’ve even been known to grab great-quality pint glasses at the dollar store for a dollar each.

Here is a great set for starting. I also found this adorable vintage glass set I just loved:

Ascent 16-Piece Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set from Libbey

Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set: Enhance your hosting game. Experience the perfect balance and elegance with our drinking glassware set. This clear drinking glasses set includes eight 16-oz tumbler glasses and eight 13.3-oz rocks glasses.

Hlukana Vintage Hobnail Drinking Glasses Set of 8, 12 oz Highball Glasses & 10 oz Cocktail Glasses

Basic Cooking Utensils

Essentials include a spatula, a big spoon, a whisk, tongs, and a pizza cutter. Add kitchen shears, a cutting board, and measuring cups/spoons to your list. 

Depending on how often you cook will determine how many and what types of cooking utensils you’ll need.

Here is a set that has just about everything you’ll need to start and comes with this cute utensil holder:

Umite Chef Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set, 34PCS Heat Resistant Kitchen Gadgets and Tools

Food Storage Containers

It would help if you had food containers for leftovers and food prep. Here is a mixing bowl set with different-sized bowls and lids. These are perfect for meal prep and storage afterward.

They also fit into each other for easy storage in the cabinet while not in use. I know starting from scratch usually comes with less-than-desirable cabinet space.

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6) from FineDine

Choose from handy ¾ and 1.5-qt sizes for meal prep and portion control. Graduating to the 3, 4, and 5-qt sizes makes creating meal ideas a breeze. These bowls are deep, preventing splatter and spills. The largest 8-qt bowl is perfect for serving and preparing food for large gatherings. Perfect for everyday use, their convenient space-saving design allows for nesting and compact storage, keeping your space organized.

I recommend getting a microwave if there is room for a few appliances in the budget. Ensure the kitchen doesn’t already have one. A coffee maker, toaster, and air fryer top my list. I still can’t live without any of these!

After these would be a blender, a food processor, a crockpot, and, if you’re fancy, a Kitchen Aid.

Dining Room

Depending on your new apartment, you may have an eat-in kitchen or a small dining space. Either way, you will need a table. The size of your space may determine the size of your table.

There are many affordable and stylish options for your first dining table. Below, I have listed two budget-friendly options for your first apartment. If you have the space for more seating, there is a 4-seater and 6-seater option.

5-Piece Dining Set from Best Choice Products

Specifications: Overall Table Dimensions: 39″(Dia) x 28.5″(H) Table Legs: 20.5″(L) x 20.5″(H) Overall Chairs: 15″(L) x 15″(W) x 32.5″(H) Floor-to-Seat: 17″(H) Table Weight Capacity: 175 lbs. Chair Weight Capacity (each): 350 lbs. Table Weight: 29.53 lbs. Chair Weight (total): 29.1 lbs.

Skempton Cottage Dining Room Table Set from Signature Design by Ashley

The clean-lined, striking table doubles the charm with a brown-tone top featuring a plank effect. It pairs with a grayish-white base with a rub-through effect for timeworn appeal. Six chairs with classic ladderback styling and comfortably upholstered seats make room for one and all. Whether your home is contemporary or modern, you will find a durable dining table set finish that suits your space. There is a perfect material for your dining area as well.

First Apartment Living Room Essentials

If the kitchen is the hub, the living room is the heart of a home. It serves as a central gathering place for family and friends. It’s a space where relaxation meets entertainment, offering comfort and warmth.

This versatile room serves many purposes. It’s great for cozying up with a book or watching a movie and hosting lively gatherings and celebrations.

The living room reflects the personality and style of the homeowner, often showcasing cherished mementos, art, and furniture. It’s a place where memories are made.

Your first living room can be beautiful on a budget. Be wise about where you put your money, find places to pinch some pennies, and get creative.

It would be best if you were willing to spend a little extra on the couch, like the mattress.

It is a piece that can last for many years and bring you countless memories.

The Couch

Your furniture should fit your style and personality, but comfort is just as important. You’ll be spending a lot of time on your couch. It’s worth

spending a little extra for something you love. Below are a few couches that are perfect for smaller spaces and have the comfort to match the style.

100″ Sectional Sofa from VANOMi

VANOMi 100″ Sectional Sofa, Faux Leather Mid-Century Modern Reversible Couch, shaped 3-seat Sofa Couch with Chaise for Living Room, Brown

Deep Seat Convertible Sectional Sofa from Eafurn

Eafurn 113″ Wide Polyester Blend Upholstered Modular Sofa Couch for Living Room, L-Shape Convertible Couch Modern Luxury Sofa with Ottoman and 2 Pillows  

Mid-Century Modern Couch for Living Room

COMFY SHERPA FABRIC: The modern couch is comfortable. The seat and back of the sofa are filled with high-density foam with good rebound. The sinuous pocket spring inside the seat could support you but wouldn’t sink in. High-quality sherpa fabric is soft to the touch and wear-resistant. The multifunctional sofa is excellently comfy and suitable for all kinds of scenes.

Entertainment Center

The entertainment center houses your TV, cable, gaming consoles, etc. People often display photos and other decor here as well. It can also be a statement piece in your living room. Below are some affordable yet stylish pieces.

TV Stand for 65 Inch TV from Jummico

JUMMICO 58-inch Farmhouse TV Stand. It accompanies you through the days of life. Life is a time travel. The most beautiful scenery is not the destination but those who accompany you. This TV stand is like an old friend: reliable, durable, and delectable. It carries the weight of life like you.

SICOTAS TV Stand for Living Room: Rattan TV Console Cabinet with Storage and Shelf

Consider these shelving units if you have space and room in your budget. They can add beauty and charm to your first apartment, and you may also find more decor options to enhance the space.

I love a bookshelf for mixing your books with your decor and genuinely creating a personalized space. Every first apartment essentials list should have at least a few decor pieces to make it feel like home.

Wooden 7 Cube Book Shelf from Leyaoyao

LEYAOYAO—7 Cube Home Bookcase. A bright pearl from a medieval castle, it is a great storage and display solution for home and office. The shelves’ fresh, natural tones will amplify the mysterious, warm atmosphere. They will not steal the show of your books. Additionally, their neutral properties can merge with various interior arrangements. 

Wooden Open Shelf Bookcase from IOTXY

3-Tier Floor Standing Display Cabinet Rack with Legs, 10 Cubes Bookshelf, Warm White

First Apartment Bedroom Essentials

Your first apartment essentials include the bedroom. Of course, the centerpiece of the bedroom is the bed. If you are trying to remain frugal and forgo a bedframe, ensure you have a comfortable mattress.

A comfy mattress is the difference between a good night’s sleep and hating your life the next day. Don’t go cheap on the mattress! This is best to shop for in person so you can test them. I can’t stress enough how important choosing the right mattress is.

If you add a bedframe with a headboard to your perfectly selected mattress, I can help. Below are some affordable and stylish bedframes.

Bed and Bedding

Along with the mattress, get sheets, pillows, and a comforter. Start with one sheet set. This should be plenty. Of course, I will tell you to opt for a comfy sheet set. This doesn’t mean expensive, but you don’t necessarily want the cheapest set, either. As with the mattress, I believe bed comfort is a necessity.

You can buy better sheets later when you’re ready. Pick a comforter or duvet that keeps you cozy and matches your style. Comforters are usually a stand-out piece in a bedroom, so choose a comforter that flows with your aesthetic.

Here are a couple of affordable but chic bedframes:

Allewie Full Size Platform Bed Frame with Fabric Upholstered Headboard

Allewie Full Bed Frame, Velvet Upholstered Platform Bed with Adjustable Vertical Channel Tufted Headboard

Add stylish throw pillows and a throw blanket for color! Your first apartment essentials budget should always include room for some cute decor.

Storage Solutions

Keep your bedroom neat with storage. A dresser is a necessity for clothing storage. You’ll want a dresser that matches the theme of your bedroom.

I have chosen some dressers that match the above bedframes. This is more affordable than buying an entire bedroom set while providing the most storage possible.

Modern 6 Drawer Dresser from Shintenchi

This dresser has six large and deep drawers, providing ample storage space for various daily necessities. Its top expands storage space to help you quickly organize and keep your room clean and organized.

Rovaurx 6 Drawer Double Dresser for Bedroom, Rattan Chest of Dressers

First Apartment Bathroom Essentials

Thankfully, there are only a few bathroom essentials. You will need towels, hand towels and washcloths, a garbage can, and a shower curtain.

Other items you could add to your list include a shower caddie (because showers never have enough storage!), a shelving unit, hand soap dispensers, etc. Here are some fun and functional bathroom accessories.

Cleaning and Household Items

Keeping your first apartment neat is critical. You will need some basic cleaning supplies. These include a strong broom, a good dustpan, sponges, microfiber cloths, and paper towels. A mop or Swiffer works for hard floors, while a handheld vacuum helps with small clean-ups.

Remember to get bathroom cleaning supplies, too. You’ll need a toilet brush, cleaner, and plunger. You should also have laundry detergent, dish soap, trash bags, and light bulbs.

With these items, taking care of your apartment will be easier. You’ll have more time to make it feel like home.

Below is a free printable list of the first apartment essentials for cleaning supplies.

Buying these cleaning and home items is essential for your new place. The right tools will help keep your space clean. You’ll soon have a cozy, well-organized home styled to perfection and feels like home.

Thank you for joining me today! I hope you found some inspiration here that makes designing your first apartment a breeze. Congratulations, and good luck in this new adventure!

Please read my blog for more information on Life and Style by Jilian. Visit my Wayward Storefront for more terrific, personally selected products to enhance your life and style.

Once you’ve moved in, you’ll want to keep your home organized. Check out these two blogs to help you with that! Click either link below: