What do I need for my first apartment?

The essentials are a bed and bedding, towels, a small kitchen kit (pots, a knife, plates and cutlery for four), a cleaning and laundry kit, toilet paper and a plunger, a basic toolkit, and renter's insurance. Add furniture and décor once the basics are covered.

What's the most commonly forgotten first-apartment item?

A plunger, a first-aid kit, extension leads, and a shower curtain top the forgotten list — plus checking that the smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors actually work. Buy the plunger before you need it.

How much does it cost to furnish a first apartment?

Bare essentials can run a few hundred dollars if you shop second-hand and prioritize a bed, kitchen basics, and cleaning supplies first. Spread bigger purchases like a sofa or desk over the first few months rather than buying everything at once.

First Apartment Essentials Checklist

Your first apartment needs less than the internet's endless "must-have" lists suggest — but a few things you'll really miss on night one. This checklist covers the genuine essentials to sleep, cook, clean, and stay safe from day one, so you can add furniture and décor at your own pace. More in our moving and home checklists.

Curated by the Gisti team · Updated July 2026

First Apartment Essentials Checklist · 20 items

Bed, mattress, pillows, and two sets of sheets
Bath towels, hand towels, and a shower curtain
A basic kitchen kit: pots, a pan, a chef's knife, a cutting board, and a can opener
Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, and cutlery for four
Four covers guests without the clutter.
Cooking basics: spatula, wooden spoon, measuring cups, a mixing bowl, a colander
Food storage containers, foil, cling film, and bin bags
A microwave, kettle, or toaster if not already provided
Cleaning kit: all-purpose spray, dish soap, sponges, a mop, broom, and vacuum
Laundry basket, detergent, and a drying rack
Toilet paper, hand soap, and a plunger
Buy the plunger before you need it.
A basic toolkit: hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, and picture hooks
Extension leads and enough phone and laptop chargers
A first-aid kit and basic medicines
Working smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
Test the ones provided, or fit your own.
Trash and recycling bins
Light bulbs and a lamp or nightlight for each room
Renter's insurance and copies of your lease and inventory
Photograph any existing damage on day one.
A shower caddy, bath mat, and toothbrush holder
Pantry staples: salt, oil, pasta, coffee or tea
A doormat and a few command hooks for keys

Make it yours in Gisti

Open this checklist in Gisti to tick items off, add your own, set reminders, and keep it in sync across Android and the web. AI can tailor every item to your exact situation.

Open Gisti