25 Items for Your First Apartment Checklist

The Living Room

Look for living room furniture based on the size of your apartment. Prior to move-in day, ask your landlord to give you the dimensions of your place. If space is at a premium, opt for smaller pieces of furniture rather than oversized ones. For example, coordinate a sofa or loveseat specifically designed for small spaces with sleek armchairs, nesting tables and an airy glass or acrylic coffee table. If out-of-town family and friends plan on visiting, consider a sleeper sofa or daybed that allows the living room to flex into a cozy guest room. In addition to seating, storage is a must. Media consoles keep electronics such as TVs and gaming consoles contained, while shelves neatly display books and decor. Consider the lighting as well. If the apartment doesn’t have pre-installed flush mount lights, bring a floor lamp to illuminate the whole room, or opt for a couple table lamps for softer light. Moving into a pre-furnished apartment? Focus on making the space yours with small home accents such as decorative pillows, area rugs, botanicals and wall art.

The Dining Room

As with living room furniture, shop for dining room pieces by size. What do you have space for? Narrow your search for a dining table and chairs by considering how many people you plan on hosting regularly. If you have a small eating area or a kitchen pass-through, consider a drop-leaf table for entertaining. Its sides lift to seat extra guests for dinner or game night, and when folded it makes a striking console table. Pair it with complementary dining chairs for a formal look, a storage bench for added functionality or low stools to save space. Don’t forget about the dining essentials either. A dinnerware set is handy for a quick breakfast before work as well as any get togethers you might host. Plan on having at least eight dinnerware settings—that way, you won't be out of plates, bowls or mugs before the dishwasher is full. Opt for a simple white set that can grow with your needs, or make a bolder choice with modern matte black. Whichever way you go, find dinner and salad plates that coordinate with your apartment's aesthetic. Complete the place settings with other necessities, such as drinking glasses and flatware. If you're of drinking age and want to have friends over for cocktails in your new place, add in barware that goes with your libation of choice. In addition, a few key serving pieces—platters, bowls and utensils—ensure your housewarming and other parties go smoothly.

The Kitchen

Looking for a kitchen checklist for your apartment? First and foremost, think about the recipes you enjoy the most as well as what you need to make them. For instance, if you enjoy flatbread, a pizza stone might be an essential for your kitchen. If you’re someone who frequently makes protein shakes or leafy smoothies, a strong blender might be higher on the list. When it comes to small appliances, start with what you know you will use right away, such as a toaster and coffee maker. If you aren't sure which coffee pot fits your needs, our guide on how to choose a coffee machine can help. Then, —fill cabinets with saucepans, frying pans and other essential cookware items. For the occasional batch of cookies or brownies, a bakeware set contains all of the necessary tools for a decadent dessert. Remember a set of pot holders and oven mitts for handling hot cookie trays. Then, consider other kitchen linens, from towels to sponges. Supply the kitchen with smaller must-haves as well. A knife set, cutting boards, measuring cups, spatula and a can opener are only a few of the little things that make cooking so much easier. Remember a garbage can, too.

The Bedroom

After a long day at work or school, come home to a cozy sanctuary for a relaxing night in. Begin with the basics—instead of sleeping in a dorm-like twin bed, opt for a full, queen or king bed that represents your transition into adulthood (and adds spacious comfort). Look for a plush mattress that will support you for years. In addition to the bed frame, headboard and mattress—and a box spring if your bed frame requires one—it’s a good idea to invest in nice bedding that you’ll look forward to curling up with every night. Instead of a wildly patterned duvet cover, choose a solid color or a mix of neutrals. These selections will never go out of style and are easily adaptable to new spaces. Then, add a nightstand or two beside the bed for a lamp and an alarm clock. The space also houses any nighttime reading material. If you need additional storage, bedside tables with drawers also stow pajamas or smaller clothing items. As for larger furniture, a dresser or chest holds pieces of clothing in addition to extra sheets, towels or seasonal apparel. Don’t forget a full-length mirror, too. Morning outfit checks ensure you always look your best..

The Bathroom

Create a serene space for evening baths or in-home spa days with bathroom decor. As you exit the shower, step out onto a soft bath mat that absorbs any excess water. Hang at least two bath towels over a towel rack for a fully stocked bathroom—one for your body, the other for your hair. If the bathroom has a bathtub, find a shower curtain that complements the room’s existing palette and features. Near the sink, leave out a few hand towels next to a storage bin that contains your toothbrush, colognes or perfumes and cosmetics. Feel free to build up your stash of toiletries over time. Start with everyday basics such as hand soap, bath soap and shampoo before moving on to more indulgent products, including bath salts and massage bars. Though you may not need them right away, bathroom cleaning supplies should be near the top of your first apartment checklist, too.

The Fun Part

Make your apartment feel like home with little extras for a personalized touch. Any room can easily transform into a radiant oasis with a new rug and curtains. Coordinate the two to revive an empty space with quirky flair. Pick up fresh or faux botanicals and place them in vases throughout the home to enliven your space. Meanwhile, picture frames filled with photos of family and friends incorporate personal memories into home decor. Invest in pieces that are both pretty and functional. Wall hooks, for example, help you organize but also fill empty wall space and make the place your own. Storage baskets hold any extra throw blankets in the living room while providing a chic accent.

Checklist:

• • Sofa
• • Coffee Table
• • Media Console
• • Lamps
• • Cookware
• • Bakeware
• • Knives
• • Flatware
• • Dinnerware
• • Barware
• • Kitchen Linens
• • Can opener
• • Toaster
• • Coffee maker
• • Tea kettle
• • Garbage can
• • Bed frame
• • Mattress
• • Bedding
• • Nightstand
• • Dresser
• • Towels
• • Waste basket
• • Toiletries
• • Cleaning supplies