First Apartment Checklist: The Items You’ll Need to Feel At-Home

Congrats on finding your first apartment! It’s a great feeling sitting in a space that’s all your own, where you can do as you please.

But an empty space isn’t the most welcoming, so it’s time to fill your space with stuff. Here’s a room-by-room guide to the items you’ll need for your new apartment.

First Apartment Checklist

Kitchen Necessities

As tempting as takeout may be, having the tools to cook for yourself will help you save money. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, it may be a good idea to skip the fancy appliances like a blender, food processor and slow cooker.

Here are some essentials to stock your kitchen:

  • A set of plates and bowls
  • Enough silverware for yourself and your guests
  • At least one pan and a pot
  • A set of measuring cups and spoons
  • An oven-safe baking dish and sheet
  • Glasses and mugs
  • Knives for paring and chopping
  • Mixing bowls
  • Storage containers and plastic bags
  • Dish towels and wash clothes
  • A drying rack (if you don’t have a dishwasher)
  • A garbage can

Bathroom Supplies

Here are some basic toiletries and cleaning items that are a must for your bathroom:

  • Bath and hand towels
  • A bathmat or rug
  • A shower curtain and liner
  • Wall or over-door hooks
  • Storage containers for your vanity or under the sink
  • A plunger and toilet brush
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • A wastebasket

Bedroom Must-Haves

Make your sleeping quarters into a haven with these essentials:

  • A bedframe
  • A side table or nightstand
  • A dresser, stackable organizers or under-bed storage
  • A few pillows
  • At least two sets of sheets
  • A comforter, duvet or blanket
  • A table or standing lamp
  • Hangers
  • A laundry basket or hamper

Living Room Essentials

The beauty of having your own apartment is that you can decorate it however you wish. Your living room is your space to unwind and entertain, so you can customize it to your unique style.

Here are some living room basics to spruce up your space:

  • A sofa, love seat or sectional
  • An armchair
  • Coffee or side tables
  • Lamps
  • A TV stand or console
  • Curtains or drapes (if your space doesn’t have blinds)

First Aid and Tool Kits

Here are some first aid items to keep stocked in your apartment:

  • Assorted bandages
  • Gauze
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Cotton balls and swabs
  • Saline solution
  • A thermometer
  • Ibuprofen, aspirin and antacids
  • Aloe vera

Your toolkit should include:

  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • A hammer
  • An adjustable wrench
  • A tape measure
  • Pliers
  • Wall hooks and nails
  • A flashlight

Ardent Communities has several apartment communities around Columbus, Ohio, that provide ample space for furniture and décor. Connect with us online to learn about apartment availability and floorplans.

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