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Today on the blog, I wanted to share my new apartment shopping list! I recently moved into my own 3 bedroom // 2 bathroom apartment, and planning out what I need to buy has been a WHOLE process.
Eventually, I’ll have a blog post dedicated to each room, but as I’m buying things I wanted to have a place to share updates and reviews!
Okay, let’s get started!
New Apartment Checklist
In this blog post, I’m sharing *everything* I’ve bought for my new apartment. I’ve also included links, prices and a running total for each room.
When I was planning my apartment move, I tried to pre-buy a good amount of items. For the last few years, I’ve been living with my parents, helping my mom out as a care giver and also investing my income into my fashion collection and career.
So, I didn’t have *anything* that a lot of folks have on-hand. I lived on-campus for all of my undergraduate degree at Stanford, so I’m really starting from scratch here, lol!
Okay, let’s get started with the apartment shopping list!
** Section 1 || New Apartment Checklist – Kitchen **
Okay, so first thing to note is that I am *not* a chef, and so let’s be real about what I am and am not buying, lol! I’m not buying a lot of bakeware or pots and pans, it’s just not my thing!
#1: New Apartment Checklist – Kitchen Cookware Set | I paid $70 on Black Friday!
Okay, so first up is pots and pans! When moving into a new place, I decided that it’s easiest to just buy a cookware SET, and then you can decide what pieces to invest in later on.
I’m a big fan of teal, so I snagged this Rachel Ray cookware set. Honestly, I’ve only used it to cook breakfast (woo eggs and bacon), and the non-stick surface has been nice.
I like the cushion handles on the glass lids, that’s been nice!
I am *not* impressed with the spatula it came with (it’s too short), so plan on buying separate spatulas, etc.
Shop this cookware set HERE!
#2: New Apartment Checklist for the Kitchen Essential – Cooking Utensil Set ($24.99)
Ok, so my parents actually got me this apartment essential for Christmas (lol), so I didn’t technically buy it.
This cooking utensil set has just about anything you could need! From tongs to a spatula to a ladle – it’s all here.
If you’re like me and use a spatula every dang day, you may want to buy a couple of extra spatulas!
Snag this cooking utensil set HERE!
#3: New Apartment Checklist – Dinnerware Plates ($59)
Next up on our apartment essentials list is DINNERWARE!
Plates, bowls, cups, oh my!
I spent a LOT of time looking at dinnerware, before deciding on this dinnerware set! I love the square look with edges, what can I say?
I’m not a fan of IKEA dishes, and I think the trend of dinnerware in colors (like blush pink) is kind of gross. The thought of eating on that? Makes my stomach hurt!
I snagged this dinnerware set on Amazon, but another great place to get dinnerware sets is Ross, TJ MAXX, Home Goods at At Home. My Aunt Becky got me these as a gift! Thank you, Aunt Becky! <3
Snag this dinnerware set HERE!
#4: New Apartment Checklist – Drinking Glasses ($34.99)
I like square glasses, so I snagged this set of 16 glasses. This set has tall and short glasses! Definitely a must-have item for your apartment essentials list.
Snag this apartment essential here.
#5: Apartment Essentials List – Silverware or Flatware ($30 ++)
Okay, so the world of silverware is WILD folks. There are so many different designs and options that I felt super freakin’ overwhelmed by what to buy.
Like, obviously flatware is going to be on everyone’s apartment essential list – but which brand?
Amazon has a lot of good options, and honestly I got my silverware from Target! Eventually, I’ll swap these out to invest in silverware, but right now I need to just *have* silverware, ya know?
My advice is to just pick SOMETHING to avoid overwhelm.
Check out this flatware set HERE!
#6: New Apartment Checklist: Flatware Organizer for Drawer ($15)
Gotta be organized! There’s a variety of sizes of flatware organizers, so just go with what works for you. Remember, you can always swap out for a different organizer as needed.
Hot tip! Be sure to measure your drawer before purchasing one of these. I got one from IKEA that was an inch too long, fml.
Check out flatware organizers on amazon HERE!
#7: New Apartment Checklist: Knife Block Set ($70)
Like silverware, you can spend just about any amount of money on kitchen knives. Because it’s just me, I opted for this $70 (ish) dollar knife block set from Target.
Real talk, I chose this knife set because I like the aeshetics!
Check details here!
#8: New Apartment Checklist: Cutting Boards ($15)
Next up on our list of apartment essentials are cutting boards!
In my apartment, my goal is to only buy things that I really like! This can make it tough to buy essentials (ie I’ve been using plastic forks while I figure out what flatware I want to get).
I kept hemmig and hawing over cutting boards, until I saw these SPARKLE CUTTING BOARDS AT TARGET!
*Cue anime heart eye face*
This is a cutting board set in a 3-pack, available HERE!
#9: New Apartment Checklist: Pyrex Containers ($43.99)
Okay, babe. BACK AWAy from the plastic tupperware, please and thank you!! Pyrex containers are glass, which is important for MICROWAVING! I got this set, and honestly I’m probably going to get a second!
Snag this apartment essential HERE!
#10: New Apartment Checklist – Measuring Cups & Spoons Set ($22.99)
I don’t do much cooking or baking, but my besties do! I got a set of measuring cups and measuring spoons for the folks in my life who are going to need them! 😉
Snag this set on Amazon, HERE!
#11: New Apartment Checklist – Mixing Bowls with Lids ($34.99)
Mixing bowls are super duper handy, and if you snag a lid can store leftovers or be used to transport food to a party!
Snag these mixing bowls HERE!
#12: New Apartment Checklist for Kitchen: Stainless Steel Measuring Cup
Alsooooo, these measuring cups (ahem) that come in a set of 2!
Shop these essentials (ahem) here.
#13: New Apartment Checklist for the Kitchen – Swiffer Wet Jet ($30)
Next up on my list is a Swiffer Wet Jet! I bought mine at a Black Friday sale, and they regularly retail for around $30 on Amazon.
Snag yours here!
#14: New Apartment Checklist – Cleaning Supplies ($200)
Here are the cleaning supplies I snagged for my apartment:
- Scrubbing Bubbles
- Pine Sol
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
- Windex
- Clorox Toilet Wand
- Hand Soap
- Comet
- Sponges
- Dish Soap
- Dishwashing Detergent
- Broom & Dust Pan
^ Real talk, the best place to buy this stuff is at CostCo. I go with my bestie to CostCo, and we split our apartment essentials buys. I don’t need like 4 things of Windex, lol. But it is nice to have an extra on hand!
#15: New Apartment Checklist: Stainless Steel Appliance Polish ($5)
Cleaning nerd alert! There is special polish for stainless steel appliances. If you have stainless steel in your next apartment then you’ll definitely want to snag this product! It makes appliances SHINE!
Snag this apartment essential here!
#16: New Apartment Checklist: Broom, Small Hand Broom & Dustpan
Lol, this essential is a little low on the list, but oh well! I have a long handled broom, and a little brush with dust pan set.
Snag the small hand broom set here!
#17: Apartment Essentials List – Dish Towels ($30 for 2 Sets)
I bought dish towels during Black Friday, so if you’re shopping outside of sale season, i’d budget around $30. I got dish towels and “Bar towels” to keep my apartment clean.
I snagged these dish towels from Amazon (I have them in red), and there are different color options available! Another great place to snag this apartment essential is IKEA!
Check them out HERE!
#18: New Apartment Essentials List: Silicon Oven Mitts ($12.97)
My friend, Alex, got me these silicon oven mitts from my Amazon Wishlist, and I’m stoked about them! These oven mitts are available in 10+ more colors!
Snag yours HERE!
#19: New Apartment Checklist: Dining Room Table //Kitchen Table to Eat At
#19: New Apartment Checklist: Crystal Wine Glasses ($44.95)
Ok, perhaps not an ESSENTIAL – but these are def on apartment essential on my list!
When it come to furnishing an apartment, it’s important to know what you don’t really care about, and what items you want to invest in!
For me, i am super into wine and cocktails (I’m planning an EPIC bar cart). For this reason, I chose to go with higher quality wine glasses from ELIXIR on Amazon.
My bestie Kaitlin bought me these, and I gotta say that I can *absolutely* tell a difference between these and lower end wine glasses!
Check out these wine glasses HERE!
#20: New Apartment Checklist: Counter Wine Holder // Wine Rack ($19.99)
I received this wine rack as a gift, and I love it! It can be screwed into a cabinet (a no no for an apartment) or put on a counter! I chose this wine rack because most counter wine racks hold like 9 wine bottles – way too many for me!
UPDATE: This wine rack is a PAIN to put together. I love the aesthetics, but recommend going with a different wine rack. It has tiny little screws that were a pain to put in!
Down for a bit of a challenge? Check out this wine rack here!
#21: New Apartment Checklist: Kitchen Wine Corkscrew ($11.99)
Ok, real talk, I have like 4 of these hanging out in my kitchen. There’s nothing more annoying than searching through a bunch of drawers for a bottle opener, ya know?!
(I have also seen these at Home Goods for around $8.99.)
Snag this corkscrew here!
#22: New Apartment Checklist – Foldable Step Stool ($19.99) |I got mine for $12.99
Next up is an kitchen step stool! I am stoked to have high ceilings in my apartment, which means needing a little help in the height department, lol.
This step stool is $19.99 on Amazon, and I actually snagged my step stool for $12.99 on Home Goods.
Snag this apartment essential HERE.
#23: New Apartment Checklist – Paper Towel Holder ($9.95)
These paper towel holders are just about everywhere, and you’re going to need one! I got mine for $9.99 in a copper/gold type finish HERE!
Real talk, there are an ABUNDANCE of these at Home Goods for $3.99 ish. If you’re on a tight budget, def recommend Home Goods for a paper towel holder.w
Snag a paper towel holder HERE!
#24: New Apartment Checklist: Paper Goods & Baggies ($40)
I didn’t even think of this when planning my apartment, but you’re going to want Ziploc baggies and garbage bags for your apartment!
I spent about $40 on my first set:
- Sandwich baggies ($8 ish)
- Gallon zip baggies ($8 ish)
- Kitchen garbage liners ($15 ish)
If you go through a lot of baggies, I recommend going to Costco and buying a bunch at once!
#25: New Apartment Checklist – Motion Activated Trash Can from Be Human ($200)
Once you have a motion-activated trash can, you can’t go back! It just makes life so much easier.
The leading brand (in my opinion) for motion activated trash cans is Simple Human. I’m going to snag this black and silver motion activated garbage can when it comes back in stock!
Check it out HERE!
#26: New Apartment Checklist – Can Drink Holder for Fridge ($16.99)
I got this set of 2 can drink holders after seeing a TikTok with them! I drink a good amount of Diet Coke (read: a FREAK ton), and the box with a 12-pack are clunky and ugly!
This is a set of two containers and holds about 9 cans each! Boom!
Snag this apartment essential here!
#27: New Apartment Checklist: Kitchen Sponge Organizer ($12.99)
I like this kitchen sponge organizer, because it hangs on the sink and has room for multiple items. I got a sponge organizer that fits… 1 sponge, and I wis I hadn’t done that, lol. I also tried a sponge holder with suction cups and hated it, so be warned!
Snag this apartment essential HERE!
#28: New Apartment Checklist – Ice Cube Tray (2 for $6.95)
I have an ice maker, and I still bought a couple of ice cube trays! It’s nice to have extra ice onhand for parties and guests!
Snag 2 trays HERE!
#29: New Apartment Checklist for Kitchen: Champagne Glasses ($40)
I included htese on my Amazon wishlist, and my Twitter friend, Aquila, snagged them for me!
i am really excited to host holiday parties and birthday parties with these.
Snag this set of champagne glasses here.
#30: New Apartment Checklist: Metal Organizer Rack for Pans & Baking Sheets ($22.99) | (I got mine for $4.99 at Home Goods)
Ok, so I bought this apartment essential to organize baking sheets and pans under my sink.
Aaaaand, I ended up returning this to Amazon when I found almost the same exact organizer for $4.99 at Home Goods.
If you like the bronze look, then you can snag this apartment essential HERE!
#31: New Apartment Checklist: Stainless Soup Spoon ($10.99)
I didn’t know how much I *needed* a soup spoon, until I was scrubbing off crusted fried egg off of my stove for the fourth day in a row (smh).
This soup spoon acts as a rest for spatulas or spoons you use to cook with. 10/10 recommend!
Snag this apartment essential HERE!
#32: New Apartment Checklist: Mortar & Pestle ($29)
Ok, this might not be an item on your apartment essentials list, but it is definitely on mine!
A mortar and pestle can be procured from a variety of stores. i recommend waiting for one to “jump out” at you when out and about! I saw a similar mortar and pestle (pictured below) at Home Goods, and instantly fell in love!
#33: New Apartment Checklist: Spice Rack or Kit
Woohoo spices! When it comes to buying food items, I recommend *not* purchasing from Amazon, as there are different resellers who may have.. interesting sanitary practice.
I snagged a bunch of spices at the grocery store and Trader Joe’s!
#34: New Apartment Checklist: Blender, Coffee Maker, Egg Beater & Toaster
I’m grouping these last items together because they’re essential, and I don’t have a lot of opinions on WHICH ones are the best.
I got a $40 coffee maker for guests (I’m an espresso lover), and I snagged a blender and toaster from Target based on aesthetics. I recommend snagging an egg beater from Home Goods or Ross if you’re not going to use it more than 1x a month!
#35: New Apartment Checklist: Microwave Cover ($5)
Cleaning crusted food off of a microwave is NOT fun, and there are COVERS for your plate to avoid that happening.
I snagged this apartment essential from IKEA! Below, I’ve linked to a collapsible microwave cover from Amazon.
#36: New Apartment Checklist: Fruit Bowl ($24.58)
Ok, so this isn’t something you need to search out, in my opinion! Plenty of stores carry large decorative bowls, so (like the mortar and pestle) snag one of these while out and about.
I keep avocados and bananas in my copper fruit bowl that I snagged from Target! It’s no longer in stock, so here’s a similar bowl from Amazon.
Shop fruit bowls HERE!
#37: New Apartment Checklist: Cheese & Charcuterie Board ($39.95 +)
Ok, so I haven’t purchased a cheese or charcuterie board yet, because I’m waiting for a whole SET (and upcoming Black Fiday sales, lol).
Below, I’ve linked to a charcuterie board set (complete with cheese knives) from West Elm that I have had my eye on!
Check it out here!
#38: New Apartment Checklist: Meat Thermometer ($17)
Ok, so I am NOT into cooking. Like, at all. That said, every dang kitchen should have a meat thermometer!
I purchased a meat thermometer from Home Goods, as they have a plethora!
Meat thermometer HERE!
#39: New Apartment Checklist: Kitchen Things
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of kitchen thingies I bought:
- Cheese Grater
- Vegetable Peeler
- Meat tenderizer
- Can opener
- Garlic Press
- Potato Masher
- Cirus Juicer
- Splatter Guard
#40: New Apartment Checklist: Sassy Alligator Oven Mitt
Joy and humor is essential, people! I put this item on my Amazon Wishlist and received it as a gift. I freaking love it! It makes me smile every time I use it!
Snag this sassy oven mitt here!
#41: New Apartment Checklist: Plus Size Apron ($95) from Hedley and Bennett
Ok, so finding plus size aprons was a whole SITUATION, and I probs need to write a blog post roundup with resources.
I haven’t made a final call yet, but these plus size aprons from Hedley and Bennett are calling my name! Def tempted to review these!
Check out plus size aprons HERE!
#42: New Apartment Checklist: Baking Sheets & Pizza Pan
Cookies! Pizza! Nuff said!
I actually snagged all of my baking sheets from Ross. I found that they have the best deals (and the same exact products as big box stores).
I wandered through Ross a few times in 1 month, and snagged a variety of baking sheets and a pizza pan for $4-$9 each.
** Section 2 || New Apartment Checklist – Bathroom **
Okay, now it’s time to talk about the BATHROOM!
What a room!
Here are the apartment essentials you’re going to want for your bathroom:
#43: New Apartment Checklist: Extra Long Bathroom Towels (Also Hand Towels)
Ok, so I’m a little biased here, but I think everyone should buy long (or wide width) bathroom towels!
Small people will have more towel to snuggle up in after their shower (love it), and bigger folks will be able to, you know, wrap the towel around them (also love it).
I got these wide width or extra long bath towels for $10 each from Target! And here are my faves from Amazon!
I snagged these hand towels from Target for my guest bath, and these hand towels for my primary bath!
#44: New Apartment Checklist: Soap Dispenser ($13)
Listen, I know that these come in a fun set with a toothbrush holder.
I also know that it’s freakin’ disgusting to have your toothbrush holder on top of your counter, because when you flush your toilet the… particles GO ALL OVER THE DANG PLACE. EW.
I recommend getting a soap dish and a liquid dispenser. Because options are important.
I got this bathroom set for my guest bath from Target!
Shop this apartment essential for the bathroom HERE!
#45: New Apartment Checklist: Poopouri Spray & Refill ($20.99)
I said what I said.
Spray HERE!
#46: New Apartment Checklist: Toilet Bowl Scrubber ($14.99)
We’ve got an apartment to clean, folks! I like the Clorox Wand for this, because the “permanent” toilet bowl scrubbers need to be BLEACHED after each use, or they become a little freakin’ germ colony. I know I’m not going to do that, so, Clorox Wand it is!
Snag this apartment essential HERE!
#47: New Apartment Checklist: Plunger
It’s not glamorous, but it’s life. I picked one up at the store, and I’m probs gonna get this plunger from Amazon, because I like that it has a case.
Get your plunger HERE!
#48: New Apartment Checklist: Small Trash Can ($25.99) | I got mine for $12.99 at Home Goods
I like that this apartment essential has a little pail that you can take out! These small trash cans have a wide range of prices, and they’re all similar. There are a bunch of small bathroom trash cans like this at Home Goods for around $12.99.
Snag this apartment essential HERE!
#49: New Apartment Checklist: Bath Mats ($26.99)
Ok, so real talk. Every online retailer. has a bunch of bath mats listed. I recommend going to the dang store and figuring out what kind of fiber you like, as there are super soft options, minimalist options and a rug weave that kind of looks like…. noodles.
I got memory foam bath mats from Bed Bath & Beyond, and they get weird stuff on them when I wash them. I recommend making sure to get bath mats that have good reviews!
Link HERE to this apartment essential.
#50: New Apartment Checklist: Shower Curtain & Shower Liner (and the little rings to hang them on)
Ok, so I just ordered a shower curtain online, and then when it showed up it was wayyyyy too short. I recommend getting out your measuring tape (link here to one if you don’t have one yet), and measuring from your shower curtain rod to the ground.
I know, I’m a real one.
#51: New Apartment Checklist: Jars for Q-Tips & Cotton Pads
These jars come in a variety of styles (I’m actually getting these), and you can put q-tips and cotton pads in them. Boom! An aesthetic.
Snag clear jars to put on your bathroom counter HERE!
#52: New Apartment Checklist: Organizing Bins for Drawers
So you can get these clear organizer bins at a variety of Big Box Stores, but I actually recommend going to a Home Goods store to get these. By far, Home Goods has the best deal on these organizing bins – often the same brands found at other stores.
I would buy a few at a time (and. measure your drawers), so that you know the sizes (ish) to get.
#53: New Apartment Checklist: 2 Tier Shelf for Bathroom Counter ($24.99)
This might not work for your counter, and that’s okay! I bought one for my primary bathroom, to store various skincare products and luxury cosmetics I like to look at (lol no shame).
It ended up not working for the counter, so I have it under one of the sinks to organize products!
Snag this shelf for your bathroom HERE!
#54: New Apartment Checklist: Candles from Brennan Candle Co
I love Brennan Candle Co, and the candles are made by folks in Colorado! Love to see that!
Snag your candle HERE!
#55: New Apartment Checklist: Bathtub Pillow ($23.99)
Ok, is this essential…?
For me it is! This is quite cushy!
Get this apartment essential HERE!
#56: New Apartment Checklist: Bubble Bath from Honest Co ($10.99)
We love bubble bath! I haven’t been able to find a brand that makes bubble bath for adults, so I hit up The Honest Company, for lavender bubblebath.
I love BUBBLE BATHS!
Shop bubble bath HERE!
#57: New Apartment Checklist: Shower Squeegee
I don’t have showers with glass doors, but if you do then you’ll def want a shower squeegee!
Shop squeegees HERE!
#58: New Apartment Checklist: FirstAid Kit ($13.99)
Accidents happen! I snagged a first aid kit like this (you can def go with something more robust)!
First aid kit here!
#59: New Apartment Checklist: Hamper for Dirty Clothes ($25 approx)
Woohoo laundry! Depending on the layout of your apartment, you may put your clothing hamper elsewhere!
Wherever it ends up in your new home, it needs to be there, lol! I have a black black hamper with a lid + handles for my bedroom.
Shop this hamper here!
** Section 3 || New Apartment Checklist – Bedroom **
Ok, now that we’ve covered 2 super important areas, let’s talk about the bedroom!
I’m literally in the middle of planning my bedroom, so I haven’t gotten a whole lot of stuff. But, I’m going to keep updating this list with essentials as I buy them!
#60: New Apartment Checklist: King Sized Canopy Bed Frame ($499)
Ok, so this isn’t going to be everyone’s go-to bedframe, but after doing a LOT of research on king size canopy bed frames and reading reviews, this IKEA canopy bed frame was the best one for under $2,400. All the other beds I found that were more expensive had the same weight limit, pretty similar materials, etc.
I am intrigued by these bed frames that can support up to 1,000 pounds (most beds are rated for 500 pounds total, including the mattress).
I’ll be writing a separate blog post with a round up of gold king size canopy bed frames, wherein I figured out that most metal frames are garbage (womp womp). So, I painted this IKEA frame gold!
#61: New Apartment Checklist: Mattress ($679+)
Real talk, I did. a bunch of research on plus size mattresses. I tried to ask various brands for a gifted mattress to review, but it didn’t work out! So, I snagged. a $600 mattress from CostCo!
I bought a CostCo membership to buy a mattress, and 10/10 recommend!
#62: New Apartment Checklist: Mattress Cover ($30)
Hygiene FTW! I recommend buying one of these with your mattress, so you know. it will fit.
I just snagged this mattress protector for my new mattress!
#63: New Apartment Checklist: Sheets & Pillowcases
I like microfiber sheets, because they’re smooth without making me feel like I’m going. to slide off of my bed, lol! I keep 3 sets of sheets for my bed, making it much easier to do laundry and change sheets/pillowcases weekly!
#64: New Apartment Checklist: Nightstands ($117.99)
Okay, so I snagged some pretty stylish black nighstand by Tommy Hilfiger from Home Goods, for $89 each.
Shoping at Home Goods can be a challenge, because a lot of the items read as “Christian Girl Fall” if you know what I mean. I recommend going to Home Goods at least 1x a week to snag deals!
Snag this nightstand from Amazon HERE!
#65: New Apartment Checklist: Nightstand Lamps
Real talk, unless you find lamps that you adore – this is an IKEA purchase!
#66: New Apartment Checklist: Dresser ($169 from IKEA)
i plan on customizing this dresser from IKEA for my bedroom. Looking at different dresser options, I haven’t been super impressed with the offering of cool dressers. The ones I do love start at around $4,000, so stay tuned on that front!
When it comes to buying furniture at IKEA, I’ve learned to check the website and act as if I’m going to checkout online. Often, the product page for a specific item will show that it’s in stock, when it’s not! Ugh! I also found out that Click & Collect doesn’t guarantee getting an item, so if something is in stock that you have ben waiting on, then I’d go get it ASAP!
#67: New Apartment Checklist: White Noise Machine ($50)
Folks, I talk about this white noise machine from LectroFan ALL OF THE TIME. It has helped my sleep so dang much!
I’ve had this white noise machine on almost 24/7, and I bought it a year and a half ago. I’ve taken it on oodles of trips. 10/10 recommend! Aaand it also comes in black!
Snag your white noise machine here.
#68: New Apartment Checklist: Black Velvet Hangers ($36.99 for 50 pack)
Being a fashion designer and a fashion blogger means I have a LOT of clothes. And i’m freakin’ tired of broken hangers and random wire hangers and just… ugh.
When I moved into my own place, I decided I wanted BLACK VELVET HANGERS ONLY!
I ordered 100 hangers to start, and have been ordering in lots of 50 since then. Sometimes these are available at CostCo, as well!
Snag Zober black velvet hangers HERE!
#69: New Apartment Checklist: Shoe Racks ($17.99)
Ok, folks! I looked at a stupid number of shoe racks, and I’ve decided that this Shoe Rack from Target is my #1 recommendation because it can EXpAND to fit different spaces.
I have one of these shoe racks in my main entry closet and one in the closet of my bedroom.
Snag this apartment essential here.
#70: New Apartment Checklist: Dresser Drawer Organizers ($26.96)
Tired of digging through dresser drawers? Same! I just ordered dresser drawer organizers, and I’ll report back with a recommendation!
Shop these dresser drawer organizers HERE!
#71: New Apartment Checklist: Photo Frames
Real talk, don’t waste your money buying brand new photo frames – unless you are in LOVEEEE with a specific frame. Goodwill and thrift stores are overflowing with photo frames, so I’d stop in there to get a photo frame for 50 cents that would cost $14 at a store. It’s a no brainer!
#72: New Apartment Checklist: Waste Paper Basket ($15.65)
I snagged this black waste paper basket on Amazon, and.I purposefully chose a little trash can that’s stylish/part of the aesthetic and smaller.
This will hold misc bits of trash and tissues.
Snag this apartment essential here.
#73: New Apartment Checklist: Acrylic Tissue Box ($9.99)
I first saw this acrylic tissue box at my bestie’s apartment, and I knew I had to have it. The tissue box covers available at most home goods stores feel dated, and I LOVEEE this look.
Snag this apartment essential here.
#74: New Apartment Checklist: Jewelry Organizer Mirror ($150)
Ok, so I haven’t ordered a mirror like this QUITE yet, but it’s probably going to happen. I have a LOT of costume jewelry, and I am tryin to be better about not losing items from various jewelry brands (my fave plus size rings here).
I like that this furniture piece can hold a lot of jewelry, and it can be out in the main bedroom space. But I’m not WILD about the style lines and aesthetic.
I may end up getting molding or framing to put around the mirrored edge and painting it. TBD!
Snag this jewelry storage furniture piece for your apartment here.
#75: New Apartment Checklist: Air Purifier& Humidifier
The air quality in Utah is not great. I am going to snag an air purifier and humidifier for m my apartment, TBD on which ones I’ll select!
** Section 4 || Apartment Shopping List – Home Office **
So some folks have a room dedicated to being a home office, and some people do not! I have a room dedicated to being a home office, and here are my essentials:
#75: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Desk
Ok, I am currently on the prowl for a desk, and I’m thinking I’ll end up purchasing several pieces and making a new BIG desk.
I’ve been looking at desks for about a year (roundup of black and gold desks HERE), and I’ve found that if you need a simple small desk for a laptop to work from home then Home Goods is the place to go.
If you’re looking for desks with pizzazz, I’d go with Wayfair.
Eventually, I’m definitely going to have a desk for my home office custom built (built in SHELVING ftw!!), so stay tuned on this front.
#76: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Desk Chair
This is pretty self-explanatory. I recommend going to a store and trying out chairs IRL, and then ordering online.
I’m thinking of getting this chair! I’m doing a whole white/pink office!
#77: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Shredder ($120)
OMG! Everyone NEEDS A PAPER SHREDDER! Shred your mail, babes! Shred documents with lists and handwriting. Shred it all!
I have this shredder HERE!
#78: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Filing Cabinet & Hanging Folders ($20)
Every adult needs a filing cabinet (or a folio if you don’t have room for a filing cabinet). In my experience, these are all over Facebook Marketplace. I inherited mine from my parents.
These hanging folders are super fun! I snagged some for me and my mom!
#79: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Desk Accessories ($25)
Who doesn’t love DESK ACCESSORIES?! Don’t forget to snag some fun things for your desk! I would pick these up as you shop other places, putting items you LOVE on your desk. Curated workspace FTW!
I’m snagging this set of
#80: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Supplies ($30 +)
- Tape
- Scissors
- Postage Stamps
- Envelopes
- Paper Clips
- Pushpin
#81: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – White board // Cork Board
I have a big old white board for brainstorming, and I also have a bunch of 9×9 corkboards for my vision board (tutorial on vision boards here).
Snag these HERE!
<< Construction Zone!!>>
Some items are missing photos or links! I will continue to update this post!
#82: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Ring Light for Video Calls
Pereption makes a difference, folks! Being well lit is money! Def recommend a ring light if you’re taking calls from home.
I also snagged a few adjustable $15 IKEA clip on lamps, to light me/the room as needed! I mostly use these in the winter. Multiple light sources is the name of my game!
#83: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Rug
We love a statement rug ! This is a good idea if you’re going to be at a desk and sitting in your chair. I don’t want to leave permanent divots in the carpet as a renter.
#: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Bookshelf // Shelves
Books bOOKS BOOOOKS!
Nuff said.
#: New Apartment Checklist for Home Office – Wall Art
When it comes to art, i’m making it a point to buy from living artists and illustrators, and doing my best to steer clear of mass-produced art – unless I love the piece (like this painting from Target’s Opal House line).
** Section 5 || Apartment Shopping List – Living room **
** Section 6 || Apartment Shopping List – Garage & Balcony or Patio **
Okay, so most apartments don’t come with a garage, but we still have car care items to store – and other stuff! I also have an apartment balcony, so I’m lumping these items together!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Tool Set ($25 +)
A tool kit is a MUST for every apartment owner. Real talk, I rolled my eyes at having one of these – and dang it has been so useful!
If you plan on doing a lot of diy projects, you’re also going to want a hand drill + set of bits!
I got this toolkit (in purple, lol) as a Christmas gift!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Patio Set
A patio set isn’t a MUST, but it is for me! I’ve found that the best deals for patio furniture are online and at Home Goods! Facebook Marketplace can also have great options.
Check these stores (later in the summer / early fall) for patio furniture:
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Lighting ($44.99)
I love these lightbubs and lights for a home patio or backyard! I haven’t found the ones I want yet, but these are super fun!
Snag these lights HERE!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Ice Scraper // Push Broom
I live in Utah, where it SNOWS! It DUMPS snow here. That’s
Snag this apartment essential HERE!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Small Vacuum for Car
I haven’t snagged one of these, because I use a detailer! A few of my besties have a small handheld vacuum hanging out in their trunk, making car detailing a lot easier.
Snag the small vacuum here!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Doormat ($30)
Next up on our checklist of what to get for a new apartment is a DOORMAT!
I recommend getting a robust matt with thick bristles, so folks don’t track in mud. If you don’t want folks wearing shoes in your home, then this is “Shoes off, please!” doormat is great!
Snag this doormat here!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Garage & Balcony – Games
I snagged a bunch of fun boardgames (Settlers of Catan, UNO, etc) on Black Friday weekend. Games are a popular gift, and I snagged a few popular games from Target!
** Section 7 || Apartment Shopping List – Misc **
#: New Apartment Checklist – Laundry Drying Rack ($65.99)
i love my drying rack! I have had other drying racks that collapsed under the weight of the clothes, because the joints weren’t reinforced.
My friend Alex got me this drying rack as a housewarming present for my new apartment, and it ROCKS. I don’t usually use all 4 areas, so I only use what I need. It’s also collapsable, and I put it in a linen closet super easily.
Snag this laundry rack here!
#: New Apartment Checklist – Washing Machine Cleaner
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** Section 8 || Apartment Shopping List – For Guests **
Here’s a list of miscellaneous items that I bought to host guests!
#: New Apartment Checklist for Guests – Full Bedding Set
#: New Apartment Checklist for Guests – Air Mattress
#: New Apartment Checklist for Guests – Toiletries
#: New Apartment Checklist for Guests – Heating Pad
Check back soon!
I’ll be updated this list on almost a daily basis as I add items and list rooms!
