Your first apartment should feel like freedom, not a financial panic attack.
By The HomeStoreLinks Editorial Team | Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Your first apartment should feel like freedom, not a financial panic attack. After helping dozens of friends set up their first places (and making plenty of mistakes in my own), I’ve learned the truth: you need way less than you think—but what you DO buy matters a lot.
This isn’t a list of 100 “nice-to-haves.” This is the stripped-down, actually-necessary 30 items that make an empty apartment feel like a functional home. Everything here serves multiple purposes, fits tight budgets, and will last through multiple moves.
Total budget: $1,200-$1,800 for everything below (or less if you buy used/budget versions) (We’re going for one bedroom, solo living. Things that will impact pricing a bit is location.)
Quick Picks: Start Here
If you only buy three things this week, make it these:
🏆 #1 Mattress in a Box You can't function without sleep. Everything else can wait.$300-$600[Buy on Amazon]🛋️ #2 Convertible Futon/Sofa Bed Seating + guest bed + makes room feel furnished immediately $250-$400 [Buy on Amazon]🍴 #3 Complete Dish Set (4-piece) You'll eat every meal off these for years. Buy quality.$50-$100 [Buy on Amazon]
The Complete 30-Item First Apartment Checklist
SLEEP (Items 1-4)
1. Queen or Full Mattress
Why: Everything else is negotiable. Sleep isn’t.
Skip the $100 Amazon mattress—you’ll regret it in 3 months when your back hurts. Instead, go with a mid-range memory foam mattress-in-a-box from Zinus, Lucid, or Tuft & Needle. These compress for delivery, expand in 24 hours, and last 5-7 years.
Budget pick: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam ($280-$350) now $249 (15% OFF)
Customers promising review: “I’m still leaving it at 5 stars. We have now had this mattress for just over 3 months and still love it. I am falling asleep faster, staying asleep and waking up feeling more rested. I have slept on both sides and even in the middle of the mattress and have equal comfort anywhere. I normally have 3 dogs hogging the bed and what’s really nice is I barely notice if they get up and move to a new spot, even if it’s right next to me.” – Zooper
Splurge pick: Tuft & Needle Original now $626.50 (30% 0FF)
Speaking from experience – Don’t wait to “save up for the perfect mattress.” Buy something decent NOW. Sleeping on an air mattress for months destroys your productivity and mental health.
[Shop Mattresses on Amazon HERE]
2. Mattress Protector (Waterproof)
Why: Spills happen. Sweat happens. Dust mites happen.
A $30 waterproof protector extends your mattress life by years. Get one that’s quiet (not crinkly plastic-sounding) and machine washable.
Best pick: SafeRest Premium Mattress Protector $59
3. Bed Frame or Platform Base
Why: Mattresses need airflow or they get moldy. Also, adults don’t sleep on the floor.
You have two options:
- Budget: Zinus Platform Bed Frame (no box spring needed, $279)
- Upgrade: Metal bed frame with storage underneath $279 (NOW 18% OFF)
Pro tip: Platforms with built-in storage = no need for separate dresser in small spaces.
[Shop Bed Frames on Amazon HERE]
4. Sheet Set + Comforter
Why: Self-explanatory, but people forget to budget for this.
Get TWO sheet sets so you can wash one and still have sheets on the bed. Go for microfiber (easier than cotton) or a cotton-poly blend. Get a comforter that’s machine washable—no dry clean only nonsense.
Budget pick: Bare Home Premium Sheet Set $39 (NOW 15% OFF) + Amazon Basics Comforter $26.90
Better pick: Mellanni Sheet Set $30 (NOW 40% OFF) + Bedsure All-Season Comforter $45 (NOW 44% OFF)
COOKING & EATING (Items 5-12)
5. Pots & Pans Set (Basic 10-Piece)
Why: Ramen doesn’t cook itself, and DoorDash will bankrupt you.
Get a nonstick set with at least: 1 large pot, 1 small pot, 1 large skillet, 1 small skillet. T-fal and Cuisinart make great budget-friendly sets.
Best pick: Nonstick 10-Piece Set $80.70 (NOW 15% OFF)
What you DON’T need: Expensive stainless steel or cast iron yet. Start with nonstick and upgrade later.
[Shop Cookware sets on Amazon HERE]
6. Knife Set (3-Piece)
Why: One good knife beats 14 mediocre ones.
You need: chef’s knife (8″), paring knife (3″), bread knife. That’s it. Don’t buy the 20-piece block—half of it is useless.
Best pick: Cuisinart Color Knife Set with Blade Guards ($20-$30)
7. Cutting Board (Plastic, Dishwasher-Safe)
Why: You’ll use this literally every day.
Get not-toxic ones (not wood) for your first apartment—it’s dishwasher-safe and doesn’t harbor bacteria like wooden boards when you inevitably forget to oil them.
Best pick: Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set ($15-$20 for 3)
[Shop cutting boards on Amazon HERE]
8. Dish Set for 4 (Plates, Bowls, Mugs)
Why: You need to eat off something, and paper plates get expensive fast.
Get a simple 16-piece set: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 bowls, 4 mugs. Corelle is virtually indestructible (I’ve dropped mine 100 times). Ikea’s OFTAST is also great and dirt cheap.
Budget pick: Stoneware set for 4 (16 pieces) $53 NOW 41% OFF
Better pick: Ribbed stoneware set for 4 (for 4, 16 pieces) $102 (NOW 15% OFF)
[Shop dinnerware sets on Amazon HERE]
9. Silverware Set for 4
Why: Eating with your hands is only cute at certain restaurants.
Get a basic 20-piece set (5 pieces × 4 place settings). Stainless steel, dishwasher-safe. Nothing fancy.
Best pick: Basics 20-Piece Flatware Set ($13.30) NOW 34% OFF
[Buy silverware sets on Amazon HERE]
10. Can Opener + Bottle Opener
Why: You’ll need this exactly when you don’t have it.
Get a manual can opener that actually works (OXO makes the best one) and a simple bottle opener.
Best pick: OXO Good Grips Can Opener ($20)
[Buy can openers on Amazon HERE]
11. Cooking Utensils (Spatula, Spoon, Tongs)
Why: Can’t flip eggs without a spatula.
Get heat-resistant silicone utensils: 1 spatula, 1 slotted spoon, 1 serving spoon, 1 set of tongs.
Best pick: StarPack Silicone Kitchen Utensil Set $17 NOW 41% OFF
[Shop kitchen utensils on Amazon HERE]
12. Dish Soap, Sponges, Dish Towels
Why: Dishes don’t wash themselves (yet).
Buy a big bottle of Dawn dish soap, a pack of sponges (replace monthly), and 4-6 kitchen towels.
Best pick: Dawn Ultra Dish Soap + Scotch-Brite Sponges + Amazon Basics Kitchen Towels ($30 total)
[Shop Kitchen Cleaning on Amazon HERE]
BATHROOM (Items 13-16)
13. Shower Curtain + Liner + Hooks
Why: Unless you enjoy water all over the floor.
Get a fabric shower curtain (looks better than plastic), a SEPARATE plastic liner (replace every 6 months), and rust-proof hooks.
Best pick: Shower Curtain + PEVA Liner + Hooks ($25-$35 total)
[Shop bathroom accessories on Amazon HERE]
14. Bath Towel Set (4 Towels)
Why: You need at least 2 so you can wash one and use one.
Get 2-4 bath towels. Cotton or cotton-blend. Dark colors hide stains better.
Budget pick: Amazon Basics Towels (6-pack, $25-$35)
Better pick: Utopia Towels (4-pack, $30-$40)
[Shop bath towels on Amazon HERE]
15. Toilet Brush + Plunger
Why: Do I really need to explain?
Buy these BEFORE you need them. Get a toilet brush with a holder and a flange plunger (not a sink plunger).
Best pick: OXO Toilet Brush + MR.SIGA Plunger ($25-$35 total)
[Shop Bathroom Essentials on Amazon HERE]
16. Bath Mat (Non-Slip)
Why: Hospital visits are expensive.
Get a memory foam bath mat with rubber backing. It’ll feel luxurious and prevent slipping.
Best pick: Gorilla Grip Bath Mat ($15-$25)
[Shop bath mats on Amazon HERE]
CLEANING (Items 17-20)
17. Vacuum or Stick Vacuum
Why: Dirt accumulates faster than you think.
If you have carpet: get a basic upright vacuum. If you have hardwood/tile: a cordless stick vacuum is perfect.
Budget pick: Bissell Featherweight Vacuum ($30-$40)
Upgrade pick: Bissell Cordless Stick Vacuum ($80-$120)
18. Broom + Dustpan
Why: For quick sweeps between vacuum sessions.
Best pick: OXO Good Grips Broom and Dustpan ($25-$35)
Or Get one with a long handle so you don’t have to bend over.
[Shop sweeping on Amazon HERE]
19. All-Purpose Cleaner + Bathroom Cleaner
Why: Your landlord WILL charge you if you don’t clean.
Get Method or Mrs. Meyer’s for all-purpose cleaning, and Scrubbing Bubbles for the bathroom. One bottle of each lasts months.
Best pick: Method All-Purpose + Scrubbing Bubbles ($15 total)
[Shop cleaning supplies on Amazon HERE]
20. Trash Cans (Kitchen + Bathroom)
Why: Garbage doesn’t belong on the counter.
Get a 12 or 13-gallon kitchen trash can (with lid and foot pedal) and a small bathroom trash can.
Best pick: Rubbermaid Step-On Trash Can + Simple bathroom can
[Shop Trash Cans on Amazon HERE]
LIVING SPACE (Items 21-25)
21. Sofa or Futon
Why: You need somewhere to sit that isn’t your bed.
For first apartments, a futon or convertible sofa bed is clutch—it’s seating + a guest bed. If you have space/budget, get an affordable ‘good looking’ couch from IKEA or Amazon.
Budget pick: DHP Andora Futon ($200-$300)
Better pick: Zinus Sofa ($350-$500)
22. Coffee Table or Side Table
Why: Somewhere to put your laptop, coffee, remote.
Get something simple and lightweight. Glass top or wood. Bonus if it has storage underneath.
Best pick: Furinno Simple Design Coffee Table ($35-$50)
[Shop coffee tables on Amazon HERE]
23. Lamp (Floor or Table Lamp)
Why: Overhead lighting is depressing.
Get one good lamp for your living area or bedroom. Warm bulbs (2700K), not the harsh white light.
Best pick: Simple Designs Floor Lamp ($25-$40) + LED Warm Bulb ($10)
24. TV Stand (If You Have a TV)
Why: TVs don’t belong on the floor or random boxes.
Get a simple media console that holds your TV + has storage for remotes, game consoles, etc.
Best pick: Furinno TV Stand ($40-$70)
[Shop TV stands on Amazon HERE]
25. Curtains or Blackout Shades
Why: Privacy + sleep quality.
Get blackout curtains if you’re a light sleeper or work night shifts. Regular curtains if you just need privacy.
Best pick: Nicetown Blackout Curtains ($20-$30 per panel)
[Shop curtains/blackout shades on Amazon HERE]
UTILITY (Items 26-30)
26. Laundry Hamper
Why: Clothes on the floor attract bugs.
Get a collapsible mesh hamper or a sturdy plastic one with handles.
Best pick: SimpleHouseware Laundry Hamper ($15-$20)
[Shop laundry baskets on Amazon HERE]
27. Iron + Ironing Board OR Steamer
Why: Job interviews require unwrinkled shirts.
If you hate ironing: get a handheld steamer ($25). If you’re old school: get an iron + tabletop ironing board.
Easy pick: Conair Handheld Steamer ($25-$35)
[Shop iron and steamers on Amazon HERE]
28. First Aid Kit
Why: Cuts, burns, and headaches don’t wait.
Get a pre-made kit or build your own: band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic, gauze, tweezers.
Best pick: Swiss Safe First Aid Kit ($20-$30)
[Shop first aid kits on Amazon HERE]
29. Toolkit (Basic)
Why: You WILL need to assemble furniture and hang things.
Get a basic toolkit: hammer, screwdriver set, measuring tape, picture hangers, wall anchors.
Best pick: Amazon Basics Tool Kit ($30-$40)
[Shop more tool sets on Amazon HERE]
30. Extension Cords + Power Strips
Why: Apartments never have enough outlets where you need them.
Get 2-3 power strips with surge protection and one 10-foot extension cord.
Best pick: AmazonBasics 6-Outlet Surge Protector (2-pack, $20-$25)
[Shop more surge protectors Amazon HERE]
Upgrade as you go along:
Save your money. You can buy these later when you actually need them:
❌ Coffee maker (use a French press for $15 instead)
❌ Toaster oven (if your oven works fine)
❌ Dining table (eat at the coffee table for now)
❌ Dresser (use closet + under-bed storage)
❌ Decorative pillows (nobody cares)
❌ Fancy cookware (health and basic are good starting points. You’re not a chef yet.)
❌ Multiple trash cans (2 is enough)
❌ Area rug (wait until you know you’ll stay a year+)
Buying Strategy to Save Money
Buy New:
- Mattress (hygiene)
- Pillows (hygiene)
- Shower curtain liner (hygiene)
- Underwear (women) (men) (obviously)
Buy Used/Thrift (if you go this route, budget for deep cleaning, cleaning, delivery, etc) :
- Furniture (sofa, coffee table, shelving)
- Kitchen items (dishes, utensils—just wash well)
- Lamps
- Picture frames
- Decorative items
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns
- IKEA: Cheap furniture, good quality for price
- Target: Good middle ground on everything
- Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist: Furniture
- Thrift stores: Kitchen items, lamps, decor
When to Buy:
- August-September: Back-to-school sales
- January: Post-holiday clearance
- Black Friday: Big ticket items (vacuum, TV)
- End of month: Furniture stores trying to hit quotas
FAQ
How much does it cost to furnish a first apartment?
Expect $1,200-$1,800 for all 30 items if buying new. You can cut this to $800-$1,000 by buying used furniture and shopping sales. Budget $200-$300 for immediate essentials (mattress, sheets, dishes, shower curtain), then add $100-$200/month for the rest over 3-6 months.
Plus with ordering on Amazon, you get it delivered, and most items are returnable.
What should I buy first when moving into an empty apartment?
Priority order:
- Mattress + sheets (sleep)
- Shower curtain + towels (hygiene)
- Dishes + silverware + glasses (eating)
- Toilet paper, soap, cleaning supplies (function)
- Everything else
Can I skip the bed frame and just put the mattress on the floor?
Short-term (1-2 months): Fine.
Long-term: Bad idea. Mattresses need airflow or they get moldy. You’ll also collect dust, bugs, and it’s harder to get in/out of bed. A basic frame is $80—just buy it.
What if I can’t afford everything at once?
Start with the “Priority 1” items (sleep, hygiene, eating), then add 2-3 items per paycheck. Most people take 3-6 months to fully furnish their first place. That’s normal.
Should I buy a TV?
Honestly? Only if you already have one or find a great deal. You can watch everything on your laptop for now. If you DO buy one, get a 32-43″ for under $250 (TCL, Hisense, Insignia brands).
What about a microwave?
Many apartments come with one. If yours doesn’t, get a basic 0.7-0.9 cu ft microwave for $60-$80. Not essential day one, but very convenient.
Your first apartment doesn’t need to look like an Instagram influencer’s loft. It needs to be functional, comfortable, and help you build good habits (cooking, cleaning, sleeping well). Plus, if it is your truly first first apartment, and if you’re living by yourself, treat it, at least first few months as a ‘trial’. If you’ve never lived alone, or in an apartment, trust us, your ‘must haves’ will definitely change, and you’ll know within first three months, whether it is you want to invest in statement light piece, or designer looking table. You don’t want to be cheap, but you also don’t want spend unnecessary money on items that may prove not working out for you – (if you’re going to be spending money, it should be funstional and enjoyable for at least 3-6 months). Right?
These 30 items will get you 90% of the way to a livable home. Everything else—the decorative pillows, the fancy coffee maker, the accent chair—can wait until you know you’re staying longer than a year and have a better sense of your actual lifestyle.
Start with these, add gradually, and resist the urge to buy everything at once.
If I had to pick ONE item that makes the biggest difference in first-apartment quality of life? The mattress. Everything else you can improvise. You can’t improvise sleep.
All products featured on HomeStoreLinks are independently selected by our editors, while we may earn a commission from qualified purchases, we only recommend products genuinely worth your money.
Last Updated: November 25, 2025
