Apartment Essentials: Things You Need for an Apartment

Moving into your first apartment is exciting! You get your own space, but you also need a lot of stuff to make it feel like home. Most people spend between $150 to $2,000 setting up their first apartment, depending on what they buy and where they shop. The good news? You don't need everything at once.

This guide shows you exactly what apartment essentials you need, how much they cost, and smart ways to save money. We'll cover every room so you can make your new place comfortable without spending too much.

What Are Apartment Essentials?

Apartment essentials are the must-have items you need to live comfortably in your new home. Think of them as the basics - things like a bed to sleep in, pots to cook with, and towels for showering. These aren't fancy decorations but the practical stuff you use every day.

According to   Apartments.com's 2025 rent report , the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the US is $1,624 per month, so it's smart to budget carefully for everything else you need.

Bedroom Essentials for Your Apartment

Your bedroom is where you'll rest after long days, so getting the basics right matters a lot.

Must-Have Bedroom Items

Bed and Mattress  A good mattress is worth spending money on since you use it every night. You can find decent mattresses starting around $200, and many come in a box for easy delivery to apartments.

Bedding Basics  You need at least two sets of sheets so you can wash one while using the other. A basic bedding set with sheets, pillows, and blankets costs $50 to $200. Cotton sheets are comfy and easy to wash.

Storage Solutions  Dressers range from $100 to $500, but if your apartment has good closet space, you might skip this. Try hanging organizers instead - they're much cheaper and work great for folded clothes.

Lighting  A basic bedside lamp costs around $10 to $30. Good lighting helps you read and makes your room feel cozy. Floor lamps work too if you don't have space for a nightstand.

Nice-to-Have Bedroom Items

• Curtains or blinds for privacy ($20 to $50)
• Hangers ($5 to $15 for a pack)
• Full-length mirror
• Small trash can

Kitchen Essentials That Actually Matter

Your kitchen needs the most stuff, but focus on items you'll actually use every day.

Cooking Basics

Pots, Pans, and Bakeware  Start with one medium pot, one large pan, and a baking sheet. A budget of $150 to $700 covers kitchen essentials for most first apartments. You can always add more later.

Knives and Cutting Boards  Get one good chef's knife, one small paring knife, and kitchen scissors. A plastic cutting board works fine and goes in the dishwasher easily.

Basic Appliances

• Toaster or toaster oven
• Coffee maker (if you drink coffee)
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons

Dishes and Eating Supplies

Place Settings  You need plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. A basic flatware set with dinner knives, forks, spoons, and serving pieces works for years. Buy for 4-6 people so you can have friends over.

Cooking Tools

• Spatula and wooden spoons
• Mixing bowls (get different sizes)
• Oven mitts
• Kitchen towels

Food Storage and Cleaning

Storage Containers  Plastic containers with lids keep leftovers fresh and save money on food waste.

Cleaning Supplies

• Dish soap and sponges
• Paper towels
• All-purpose cleaner
• Trash bags and a trash can

Living Room Must-Haves

Your living room is where you relax and hang out with friends. Setting up a living room typically costs $300 to $1,000, but you can spend less by shopping smart.

Seating and Tables

Sofa or Couch  This is usually your biggest living room purchase. A futon or sleeper sofa works great in small spaces since guests can sleep on it too. Look for affordable options or consider second-hand finds in good condition.

Coffee Table  A simple, sturdy coffee table is both functional and stylish. It gives you a place for drinks, snacks, and books. Some have storage underneath, which is super helpful in small apartments.

Entertainment and Lighting

TV and Streaming Setup  You don't need a huge TV. A smaller smart TV works great and costs less. You can probably find a used television at your local Goodwill or on Facebook Marketplace.

Lamps for Good Lighting  Not every apartment comes with the best overhead lighting, if any at all. Table lamps and floor lamps make your space feel warmer and more comfortable.

Storage and Decor

Bookshelves or Storage Units  Basic bookshelves start at around $30, while larger storage units may cost $100 or more. They keep your space organized and give you places for books, games, and decorations.

Throw Pillows and Blankets  These make your couch more comfortable and add color to your room. You can find cheap ones that still look nice.

Bathroom Essentials You Can't Forget

The bathroom can be a tricky space between it has so many essential elements. Things like a shower curtain, extra toilet paper, and cleaning supplies are easy to overlook.

Basic Bathroom Needs

Shower Essentials

• Shower curtain and rings
• Bath towels (get at least 2 sets)
• Bath mat so you don't slip
• Shampoo, soap, and other toiletries

Storage and Organization  Small bathrooms need smart storage. Over-the-toilet shelves, medicine cabinet organizers, and shower caddies help keep things tidy.

Cleaning Supplies

• Toilet paper (buy in bulk to save money)
• Toilet brush and bowl cleaner
• All-purpose bathroom cleaner
• Plunger (trust us, you'll need this eventually)

Nice-to-Have Bathroom Items

• Extra hand towels
• Tissue box
• Small trash can
• Hook for hanging towels or robes

Cleaning and Maintenance Essentials

A clean apartment feels more like home, so stock up on cleaning essentials: vacuum, mop, broom, toilet brush, and all-purpose cleaner.

Basic Cleaning Tools

Floor Cleaning

• Vacuum (needed if you have carpet)
• Broom and dustpan for hard floors
• Mop and bucket

General Cleaning

• All-purpose cleaner
• Paper towels and cleaning cloths
• Sponges for scrubbing
• Laundry detergent

Basic Tools

A basic toolkit including a screwdriver, hammer, and nails costs around $10 to $40. You'll need these for hanging pictures, assembling furniture, and small repairs.

Safety Items for Your Apartment

Don't forget about safety! Purchase a basic first aid kit for $10 to $20 and keep it somewhere easy to find.

Essential Safety Items

• First aid kit with bandages and basic medicines
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Fire extinguisher for $20 to $50
• Emergency contact list

Most apartments have smoke detectors, but check that they work when you move in.

Smart Shopping Tips for Apartment Essentials

Start With What You Really Need

While it can be tempting to go all out on new decor and accessories, start with the items you'll need most—a bed, kitchenware, and standard furniture. You can add decorative stuff later.

Shop Second-Hand First

For smaller items, especially in the kitchen, thrift stores and garage sales can be gold mines. Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, and thrift stores have great deals on furniture and household items.

Use the Dollar Store

You can stretch your budget further by strategically buying essentials from the dollar store without sacrificing quality or style. Great for cleaning supplies, basic kitchen tools, and storage containers.

Time Your Shopping

You can expect rental prices to be lowest when supply is highest and demand is lowest... at the beginning of each month and during the fall and winter. This timing tip works for apartment shopping too - look for furniture sales during slower seasons.

Budget Planning for Your First Apartment

When calculating your first apartment budget,   financial experts recommend  that the cost of your rent alone should not exceed 30% of your take-home income.

Room-by-Room Budget Breakdown

Here's what you can expect to spend on apartment essentials:

Room	Low Budget	Mid Budget	Higher Budget
Bedroom	$200-400	$400-800	$800-1,500
Kitchen	$150-300	$300-700	$700-1,200
Living Room	$300-600	$600-1,000	$1,000-2,000
Bathroom	$50-100	$100-200	$200-400
Cleaning/Tools	$50-100	$100-200	$200-300

According to the   U.S. Census Bureau , about half of Americans spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent, which makes budgeting for apartment essentials even more important.

Money-Saving Strategies

Buy Over Time

You don't need everything on day one. Get the basics first, then add items as you save money and figure out what you actually need. If you have roommates, share the cost of cleaning supplies, basic tools, and some kitchen items. If you're living with roommates, you don't each need to supply a toaster or couch.

Ask for Help  The entire year before I moved into my apartment, I would just ask for apartment things. So, for Christmas and my birthday I would be getting mixers and vacuums. Family and friends often want to help with practical gifts.

Making Your Apartment Feel Like Home

Once you have the essentials covered, small touches make a big difference in how your apartment feels.

Easy Ways to Add Personality

Use Color   Interior design research  shows that throw pillows, blankets, and towels in colors you love brighten up any space. They're cheap ways to add style.

Add Plants  Plants make apartments feel more alive and cozy. Start with easy ones like pothos or snake plants that don't need much care.

Hang Art  Even simple prints or photos in frames make walls less boring. Even small details like candles or plants can breathe life into your space.

Smart Storage Solutions

Small apartments need creative storage. Use:

• Under-bed storage boxes
• Over-door organizers
• Storage ottomans that work as seating too
• Wall shelves to save floor space

When to Hire Professional Help

Some apartment tasks are worth paying for professional help.

Moving Services

According to   Apartments.com's research , on average, a professional moving company charges between $200 and $500 to move into a one-bedroom apartment less than 100 miles away. This might be worth it if you have heavy furniture or are moving far.

If you're in the Edmonton area,   professional apartment movers  can help make your move much easier and protect your belongings during the transition.

Assembly Services

If building furniture sounds terrible, many stores offer assembly services. It costs extra but saves time and frustration.

Common Apartment Essential Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Buy Everything at Once

It's tempting to get everything right away, but you'll spend way too much money. Plus, you might buy things you don't actually need.

Don't Ignore Your Lease

Read your lease carefully. Some apartments don't allow certain things like nails in walls or specific types of window treatments.

Don't Forget to Measure

Measure and plan furniture placement: Trust me, planning ahead and measuring the dimensions of your new apartment is so helpful when you plan where each piece of furniture will go. Nothing's worse than buying furniture that doesn't fit.

Don't Skip the Basics

It's fun to shop for decorations, but make sure you have the essentials first. You need a bed more than you need cute wall art.

Apartment Essentials Checklist

Here's a quick checklist you can use when shopping:

Bedroom:

• [ ] Mattress and bed frame
• [ ] 2 sets of sheets, pillows, blankets
• [ ] Lamp
• [ ] Hangers
• [ ] Curtains or blinds

Kitchen:

• [ ] Basic pots, pans, baking sheet
• [ ] Plates, bowls, cups, silverware
• [ ] Chef's knife and cutting board
• [ ] Can opener, measuring tools
• [ ] Dish soap, sponges, towels

Living Room:

• [ ] Couch or seating
• [ ] Coffee table
• [ ] Lamp
• [ ] TV or entertainment setup
• [ ] Storage/bookshelf

Bathroom:

• [ ] Shower curtain
• [ ] Bath towels and washcloths
• [ ] Bath mat
• [ ] Toilet paper
• [ ] Basic toiletries
• [ ] Cleaning supplies

Cleaning/Safety:

• [ ] Vacuum or broom
• [ ] Mop
• [ ] All-purpose cleaner
• [ ] Basic tool kit
• [ ] First aid kit

Final Thoughts

Setting up your first apartment with all the essentials takes time and money, but it doesn't have to break your budget. Focus on what you really need first, shop smart, and add other items over time.

The key to stocking a first apartment is sticking to the basic essentials. Limit non-necessities and decorative items until you settle in. Remember, this is your first apartment, not your last. You'll learn what you actually use and what you don't need.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and don't stress if everything isn't perfect right away. Your apartment will become more like home as you live in it and add personal touches. The most important thing is having the basics covered so you can sleep, eat, and feel comfortable in your new space.

If you're planning a move in the Edmonton area, consider checking out our   moving checklist  and   local moving services  to make your transition as smooth as possible.