Are you ready to leave the nest and head off to college? Or maybe you’re looking for a new place of your own. Either way, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all of the essential items needed when setting up your apartment. With so many things on your to-do list, shopping for a new apartment can seem overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve put together this comprehensive list to help make sure you’ve got everything from furniture essentials and kitchenware, down to bath towels and more! 

• Cookware – pots, pans, and baking sheets for cooking and baking.
• Utensils – spatulas, ladles, spoons, tongs, and whisks.
• Cutting boards – for chopping vegetables, fruits, and meat.
• Chef’s knife – a good quality, sharp knife for cutting, slicing, and chopping.
• Paring knife – a smaller knife for precision cutting.
• Mixing bowls – for mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for measuring ingredients accurately.
• Colander – for draining pasta and vegetables.
• Strainer – for straining sauces and liquids.
• Can opener – for opening canned goods.
• Bottle opener – for opening bottles.
• Corkscrew – for opening wine bottles.
• Blender – for making smoothies, soups, and sauces.
• Food processor – for chopping, slicing, and shredding vegetables.
• Hand mixer – for mixing cake batter and making whipped cream.
• Stand mixer – for kneading dough and mixing ingredients.
• Microwave – for reheating food quickly.
• Toaster – for toasting bread and bagels.
• Coffee maker – for brewing coffee.
• Tea kettle – for boiling water.
• Mixing spoons – for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Oven mitts – for handling hot pots and pans.
• Dish towels – for drying dishes and wiping countertops.
• Dish soap – for washing dishes.
• Dish rack – for drying dishes.
• Sponge – for cleaning dishes and countertops.
• Trash can – for disposing of food waste and garbage.
• Aluminum foil – for covering food and lining baking sheets.
• Plastic wrap – for covering food and keeping it fresh.
• Wax paper – for lining baking sheets and wrapping food.
• Baking dishes – for baking casseroles and cakes.
• Roasting pan – for roasting meat and vegetables.
• Pie dish – for baking pies.
• Cake pans – for baking cakes and brownies.
• Muffin tin – for baking muffins and cupcakes.
• Cookie sheets – for baking cookies and biscuits.
• Towels – bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths for personal hygiene.
• Shower curtain – to prevent water from splashing out of the shower.
• Shower liner – to protect the shower curtain from getting wet.
• Bath mat – to prevent slipping on wet floors.
• Toilet brush and holder – for cleaning the toilet.
• Plunger – for unclogging the toilet.
• Toilet paper – for personal hygiene.
• Soap dish – for holding soap.
• Toothbrush holder – for holding toothbrushes.
• Trash can – for disposing of waste.
• Hair dryer – for drying hair.
• Curling iron or straightener – for styling hair.
• First-aid kit – for treating minor injuries.
• Bath caddy – for holding toiletries in the shower.
• Toilet cleaner – for deep cleaning the toilet.
• Air freshener – for freshening the bathroom.
• Bathrobe hooks – for hanging bathrobes and towels.
• Bathroom storage – for keeping bathroom essentials organized.
• Bath towels – for drying off after a shower or bath.
• Sofa – for comfortable seating.
• Armchairs – for additional seating.
• Coffee table – for holding drinks, snacks, and reading material.
• End tables – for holding lamps and other items.
• TV stand – for holding the TV and other electronic devices.
• TV – for entertainment purposes.
• Floor lamp – for additional lighting.
• Table lamp – for additional lighting.
• Rug – for comfort and style.
• Curtains or blinds – for privacy and light control.
• Throw pillows – for comfort and decoration.
• Blankets – for warmth and comfort.
• Artwork – for decoration and personal style.
• Decorative items – such as vases, figurines, and candles.
• Wall shelves – for displaying decorative items or books.
• Bookshelves – for storing books and other items.
• Coasters – for protecting surfaces from water rings.
• Clock – for keeping time.
• Indoor plants – for decoration and air purification.
• Picture frames – for displaying photos and artwork.
• Tray – for serving drinks and snacks.
• Pouf or ottoman – for additional seating or footrests.
• Console table – for displaying decorative items or as a makeshift desk.
• Throw blankets – for decoration and warmth.
• Mirrors – for decoration and functionality.
• Accent chairs – for additional seating and decoration.
• Wall decor – such as tapestries, wall art, and decals.
• Speakers – for music and other audio entertainment.
• Throw rugs – for added comfort and decoration.
• Floor pillows – for additional seating or decoration.
• Fire extinguisher – for safety purposes.
• Smoke detector – for safety purposes.
• Bluetooth speaker – for music and audio entertainment.
• Bar cart – for storing and serving drinks.
• Bar tools – such as shakers and strainers.
• Decorative mirrors – for decoration and functionality.
• Bed frame – for holding the mattress and providing support.
• Mattress – for comfortable sleeping.
• Pillows – for comfortable sleeping and decoration.
• Comforter or duvet – for warmth and decoration.
• Sheets – for covering the mattress and pillows.
• Bedside tables – for holding lamps, books, and other items.
• Lamps – for additional lighting.
• Dresser – for storing clothes and other items.
• Closet organizer – for maximizing closet space.
• Hangers – for hanging clothes in the closet.
• Full-length mirror – for getting dressed.
• Wall mirror – for decoration and functionality.
• Window treatments – for privacy and light control.
• Blankets – for warmth and comfort.
• Desk – for working or studying.
• Desk chair – for comfortable seating at the desk.
• Laundry hamper – for dirty clothes.
• Iron and ironing board – for pressing clothes.
• Alarm clock – for waking up in the morning.
• Humidifier – for adding moisture to the air.
• Fan – for air circulation.
• Air purifier – for improving air quality.
• Under-bed storage containers – for storing items out of sight.
• Nightstands with drawers – for storing items out of sight.
• Cleaning supplies – including a broom, dustpan, vacuum, mop, bucket, cleaning solution, and sponges.
• Fire extinguisher – for putting out small fires.
• Tool kit – including a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a wrench.
• Flashlight – for power outages or emergencies.
• Batteries – for powering devices and appliances.
• Extension cords – for accessing outlets in hard-to-reach places.
• Surge protectors – for protecting electronics from power surges.
• Step stool – for reaching high shelves or changing light bulbs.
• Curtain rods and hardware – for hanging curtains or blinds.
• Picture hangers – for hanging pictures or other wall decor.
• Command strips – for hanging items without damaging walls.
• Power strip – for providing additional outlets.
• Scissors – for cutting paper or other materials.
• Tape – for securing paper or other materials.
• Desk lamp – for additional lighting at a desk or workspace.
• Door stopper – for keeping doors open.

Okay…maybe you don’t need ALL of these things, but this comprehensive list can give you good ideas if you’re moving into your first apartment and need to start buying furnishings and supplies. Remember: you don’t need everything all at once and you can always check local thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and garage sales to find things you need!