What You Really Need For Your First Apartment (From Bedroom To Broom Closet)

By  Erin Lassner Updated
A courtyard of an apartment, with a fountain and lined with bushes. Peter Schweitzer

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In This Article

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.

Bedroom

Eclectic bedroom with plaid wallpaper, matching brass sconces, wood nightstands, black and white photo, southwestern pillow. Hunker in Partnership With Sonder

Bedroom

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

1. Mattress

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.

2. Sturdy bed frame

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

3. Nice sheets (2 sets)

Again, do not skimp. Thread count matters.

4. Pillows (2)

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

5. Duvet or comforter

You can easily score these bedding essentials on Amazon.

6. Cozy blankets (1 or 2)

Check out our comfiest recommendations.

7. Full-length mirror

Practical and cute.

8. Nightstand

Or two, if you like symmetry.

9. Dresser

It doesn't need to cost the big bucks.

10. Table lamp

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

11. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

We're here with everything you need to know.

12. Window treatments

Here's why they matter.

13. Fan or air conditioning unit

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

14. Area rug

There are tons of budget buys.

15. Wastebasket

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

16. In-closet organization (nice to have)

For your shoes, purses, and other accessories.

17. Hangers

Ones that don't come from the dry cleaner.

Kitchen

Light wood kitchen cabinets with white countertop and built-in shelving. Tri black framed windows and framed portrait. Hunker in Partnership With Acme Real Estate

Kitchen

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

1. Knives

2. Pots and pans

3. Cooking prep tools

4. Mixing Utensils

5. Gadgets

6. Small Appliances

7. Food storage

8. Cleaning and safety needs

Dining Room

Black dining room table with honey-wood chairs, windows of varying sizes Hunker in Partnership With Acme Real Estate

Dining Room

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.)

1. Furniture

2. Dinnerware

  • Dinner plates
  • Salad plates
  • Bowls

4. Cups

5. Serveware

6. Place settings

Broom Closet

an open closet door in a white room with a shag area rug Jacqueline Marque

Broom Closet

Just the basics, for now.

1. Broom and dustpan

5. Basic cleaning supplies

6. Paper goods

Utility Drawer

A white bathroom vanity with drawers of varying sizes. The smallest drawers are open at varying degrees. Sanford Creative

Utility Drawer

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

1. Basic tool kit

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

Office

An sunny office with wood furniture, houseplants, colorful rug and geometric pendant light. Stephen Paul for Hunker

Office

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

1. Computer

Laundry

Kitchen with pink walls, pink square tile backslash, green cabinets and shelving, washer/dryer, bell pendant lights, archway. Stephen Paul for Hunker

Laundry

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

1. Hamper or laundry basket (Ideally two: one for darks, one for lights.)

Bathroom

Bathroom with a figure painting, gold faucet sink, mirror with a shelf, leather and wood ring towel holder, floral accents Trisha Sprouse for Hunker

Bathroom

Luckily, bathrooms come equipped with the basics.

1. Towels (2 full sets)

5. Cleaning and safety needs

Living Room

Living room with light wood floors, gray sofa, white round coffee table Hunker in Partnership With Acme Real Estate

Living Room

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

1. Sofa

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

2. An accent chair or two

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

3. Coffee table

Side tables, too, if you have the room.

4. Window treatments

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

5. Area rug

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

6. TV

And a TV stand if yours isn't mounted.

7. Lighting

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

8. Bookshelves

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

9. Decor (nice to have)

Outdoors

Backyard area with grass, concrete pavers, and wood deck with outdoor furniture. Hunker in Partnership With Acme Real Estate

Outdoors

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

1. Café table and two chairs

5. Herb garden and/or outdoor plants and gardening tools

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.

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