Look, moving into your first place is a weird mix of “I’m an adult!” and “Oh god, I’m an adult.” I remember my first apartment. I had a mattress, a laptop, and a single fork. I ate a lot of takeout that you eat with your hands.
Forget the perfect Pinterest list. Here’s what you actually need to get started without having a panic attack in the middle of Target.
The Kitchen: How to not live on delivery
You don’t need a ton of junk. You just need to be able to make a simple pasta dinner without using a shoe as a bowl.
- One good knife: Just one. Go feel them at the store. Get one that doesn’t feel like a flimsy piece of tin. You can cut pretty much anything with a solid 8-inch chef’s knife.
- A cutting board: Otherwise, you’ll ruin your counters.
- Two pots and one pan. A small pot for ramen, a bigger pot for pasta, and a frying pan for eggs and grilled cheese. That’s it. You can cook 90% of your meals with these.
- Basic tools: A spatula, a big spoon, and tongs. Tongs are the best. Also, a can opener. You’d be shocked at how many cans you need to open.
- Dishes for two: Two plates, two bowls, two mugs, two sets of forks/spoons/knives. This is enough for you and a friend, and it forces you to wash dishes before your sink becomes a biological hazard.
Your Bedroom: The Sleep Zone
Don’t cheap out on sleep. It affects everything.
- A decent mattress. This is your biggest expense. It’s worth it. A mattress on the floor is a classic look. A simple frame makes it feel less temporary.
- Bedding. Get a sheet set (fitted sheet, top sheet, pillowcases), a mattress protector (seriously, spills happen), and a comforter. Get two pillows.
The Bathroom: Avoid Disaster
- A shower curtain AND a liner. The liner is the plastic part that actually stops the water. Check if you need a rod first. A classic mistake.
- Towels. Two bath towels. Not twelve. Two. This means you can wash one and still have a dry one.
- TOILET PAPER. Bring your own pack on move-in day. I am not joking. This is non-negotiable.
The Living Space: Making it Feel Human
- Something to sit on. A couch is great. A comfy armchair works too. Just somewhere to sit that isn’t your bed.
- A lamp. Overhead lights are the worst. A lamp makes it feel cozy.
- A trash can. For the kitchen and the bathroom. You’ll thank me.
What You Can Totally Skip (For Now)
I give you permission.
- Weird kitchen gadgets. You don’t need a garlic press or an avocado slicer. See if you actually cook first.
- A giant dining table. It can wait.
- A ton of decor. Let your style happen slowly. Buy things you love, not just things to fill a wall.
Here’s a real talk tip. You’re going to have stuff you love but don’t need every day. For me, it was my camping gear and my collection of old board games. My apartment was tiny. A friend told me to get a small storage unit. It was a lifesaver. It’s like an extra closet for your life. All my “someday” and “seasonal” stuff went in there, and my apartment could just be for my “right now” stuff. It stopped me from feeling buried in my own possessions.
Setting up your first place is a journey, not a race. Start with this list. You’ll be okay. Promise.
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