21 Things You Need for Your First Apartment in a Big City

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This post is all about 21 things you need for your first apartment in a big city. 

Let’s be honest….moving to a big city can be hard! Especially if you’re moving into your first apartment! That’s why we are going to show you 21 things you need for your first apartment.

Is it normal to be stressed when you move into your first apartment?

There are a lot of emotions moving into your first apartment. You may feel elated when you get the apartments keys and walk into the empty space for the first time.

Then reality hits and you realize you have no idea what you actually need for your first apartment. It’s not furnished. It may be a little dusty, and you suddenly begin to feel overwhelmed with the process.

A couple of years ago, we were feeling the same way. Our first apartment taught us so much about what’s truly important and what items are smart to invest in when you first move in.

Renting or owning an apartment is truly so much fun! It comes with it’s challenges, but it’s also the space that you can truly make yours! It’s the space you can feel comfortable to invite people into.

Before you get too overwhelmed with the process, allow us to help you out and share with you 21 things you will actually need for your first apartment in a big city!

Things You Need For Your First Apartment

Tools for Your First Apartment

1. Cartman 148 Piece Tool Kit

Living in an apartment, your maintenance crew can handle major problems, however if you need to build furniture or hang an art print on the wall, this tool kit will come in handy. We’ve been surprised by how much we’ve used our toolkit over the years. It’s come in clutch too many times to count!

You absolutely need a tool kit for your first apartment! This is one thing I am so grateful we had when we moved into our apartment. 

2. Kitchen Utensil Set

During our first year of living in our apartment, we realized we didn’t have a lot of the basic utensils. We found ourselves cooking pizza one night and realizing as we were decorating our pizza that we didn’t have a pizza cutter! This utensil set has everything you need. You won’t have to worry about picking one up last minute.

3. Silverware Set

Silverware is super important to have. After all, you can’t eat with your hands the night you move into your apartment. This set from Crate & Barrel is such a gorgeous set of silverware. It will last you for years and years to come.

Check out this silverware organizer for your silverware drawer!

4. Dinnerware Set

We have this dinnerware set from Crate & Barrel and absolutely LOVE it! It’s simple but such good quality, and not to mention super cheap. We love the uneven finish of the plates. It adds character is beautiful for plating food.

5. Storage Canisters

Storage canisters are a smart item to buy for your first apartment, because they are great for holding different dry goods and keeping your food clean and organized.

Clear storage containers are great if you have a small pantry too, because it makes the items easier to see. It also makes your pantry looking clean.

6. Knife Set

This item may be forgotten more often than not. When we got our first apartment, this was one of the first items we bought. A good knife set is a must. Whether you cook or not, you’ll find yourself using them more than you think.

7. Toaster

One of the most basic items for your kitchen is a toaster. It doesn’t have to be a super fancy toaster. If you’re living in an apartment in a big city, look for items that help you save space. We recommend this small toaster:

8. Coffee Machine

As you may know, we can’t live without coffee, and we know many people can’t function with out too, so we added this too the list. This Ninja Coffee machine can make regular coffee, lattes and more!

9. Cleaning Catty

Having a cleaning catty is a must! We are clean freaks and always have to have cleaning supplies on hand. In a big city, your apartment is most likely small. Smaller apartments and spaces collect dust so fast. Furthermore, having a cleaning catty that you can move from room to room is super convenient!

10. Vacuum 

A small, compact vacuum that can be easily stored in a closet is a must-have item for your first apartment. It’s easily accessible when you spill something on the floor, get crumbs on your couch, or just to clean your apartment.

This one is similar to the Dyson vacuum by SO much cheaper!

11. Broom + Dust Pan

A basic broom is something we use daily to tidy up our space. Like we said before, small spaces collect dust, crumbs and other fallen particles so fast. A broom and dust pan are something you always need to have no matter where you live.

12. Swiffer Wet Jet Mop and Sweep

We swear by our stiffer mop. It’s a perfect and easy way to clean an apartment. It’s also able to reach under furniture and cabinets very easily.

Furniture for Your First Apartment

13. Comfortable Sofa

A comfortable sofa is a must! We love this one from West Elm. What’s so cool about West Elm is that they make furniture that is meant to fit in small spaces, so if your apartment is on the smaller side, this sofa could be a great option.

We have found great furniture from Facebook Marketplace over the years if you’re looking for a cheaper option!

13. Bed Frame

We love the simple look of a platform bed. This one from Wayfair is looks just like the one we have in our apartment. The sleek, classic design of the wrought iron bed posts are vintage, but could be easily paired with more modern pieces as well. 

Other Must-Have Items

14. Mattress

Finding a comfortable mattress is a must. You want to sleep well in your new space, and it’s possible to find a mattress that’s low in cost but great in quality. This one has wonderful reviews and is an amazing find!

15. Linens + Comforter

So you have your bed frame and mattress and need some linens and a comforter to make your bed look presentable and cute! 

Having crisp, white linens givens your bed a “hotel” feel and looks clean and bright.

We have this Casaluna Duvet Cover from Target and are obsessed with it!

16. Air Mattress

We didn’t know how much we would use an air mattress until we had weekends on end where friends and visitors would stay with us for the weekend. If you have more than one room in your apartment it may not be necessary, but we found that when you live in a big city, people will come and visit, want to stay, and they have to have a place to sleep. This one is super easy to blow up and fold up when you’re finished using it.

17. Under Bed Storage

In our first apartment, under bed storage was amazing and saved us a lot of room in our small closet! We bought sweater boxes, like the ones below, at Target. They are super easy to slid out from under your bed to grab a sweater and then slide right back under.

18. Baskets for Storage

Storage baskets were essential to keeping items organized in our small, first apartment. These are a great option for storing sweaters, hats, scarves and other belongings that you don’t need to access quit as often.

19. Matching Hangers

Buying matching hangers for your closet is a great way to create a cohesive, clean look in your closet. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can transform the look and organization of your closet. We love the feel and look of these black velvet hangers!

20. Shower Curtain + Liner

If your shower doesn’t not have a glass encasing, you will need a shower curtain and liner. The liner goes on the inside of the shower and deflects water droplets from going outside the shower. 

These marble shower curtain hooks are so adorable and would make a subtle statement in your bathroom!

We love the shower curtains below! Aren’t thy so cute?

21. Towels, Hand towels and Wash Cloths

You’ll need a good amount of tools, hand towels and wash cloths to start you off in your first apartment. We love white or more neutral towels to start out with. They seem luxurious and “spa-like”! These Parachute Turkish Towels are worth the investment! They are soft, comfortable and withstand the wash.

That’s all for the 21 things you need for your first apartment. We know that having an apartment checklist like this would have been super helpful before we moved into our first apartment. Happy shopping! 

This post is all about things you need for your first apartment.

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