What to buy first for your first apartment

You don't need everything on move-in day. Get the essentials for the first night, add the basics over the first month, and wait on the rest until you know the space.

Day one First month Can wait

Item	When	Tip
Bed or mattress, sheets and a pillow	Day one	Buy the mattress new. Sheets and bedding can be simple to start.
Toilet paper, soap and towels	Day one	Pack them in a first-night box with a phone charger.
Basic cleaning kit	Day one	Clean before you unpack. Never mix bleach with ammonia.
Shower curtain and liner	Day one	Easy to forget, and you'll want a shower after moving.
Trash bags and a trash can	Day one	Check the building's trash and recycling rules.
Light bulbs and a flashlight	Day one	Some rooms may have no overhead light.
One pan, one pot, plates and utensils	First month	Enough to cook simple meals. Add more as you cook.
Somewhere to sit and eat	First month	Secondhand is fine. Measure doorways first.
Curtains or blinds	First month	For privacy and sleep. Check the lease before drilling.
Basic tool kit	First month	A screwdriver, hammer, tape measure and picture hooks.
Fire extinguisher	First month	A small kitchen extinguisher. Check that smoke alarms work.
Rugs and decor	Can wait	Wait until you know the space and the light.
Bookshelves and storage	Can wait	Live there a few weeks to see what you need.
Matching furniture sets	Can wait	Build up slowly; secondhand pieces mix well.
Kitchen gadgets	Can wait	Buy them only once you know you'll use them.

General information. We don't recommend brands or stores, and we don't use affiliate links. Check your lease before drilling, painting or hanging heavy items.

Your first-night box

Sleep

Sheets, a pillow and a blanket.

Wash

Toilet paper, soap, a towel and a shower curtain.

Eat

Snacks, water, a plate, a cup and a few utensils.

Fix

Phone charger, flashlight, scissors and a screwdriver.

Read furnish on a budget and first kitchen basics, or add up the cash you need with the move-in cost calculator.