In total, expect to spend anywhere from $4,400 to $8,700 if you are purchasing all brand new.
The most expensive items include: bed frame, dresser, mattress, couch, tv, kitchen/dining table, and chairs.
Adding up quickly include items such as kitchenware (pots, pans, etc), bath towels, lamps, and bathroom supplies.
See below for a full checklist.
Let’s go Room By Room
Bedroom
Your bedroom is typically where you spend the most time so you want it to be as comfortable as possible.
- Bed frame ($150 to $1,000)
- Mattress ($150 to $700)
- Nightstand ($50 to $100)
- Dresser ($300)
- Alarm Clock ($10)
- Pillows, bed sheets and comforters ($50 to $300)
- Closet hangers ($30)
Total Approximate Cost: $750 to $2,500 per bedroom
Living Room
Your living room is a space where you want to relax and unwind, so you will want to include some important comforts.
- Couch ($500 to $1,000)
- Armchairs ($150 to $300 each)
- Television ($500 to $1,000)
- Coffee Table ($250)
- Google Home or Alexa ($100)
- Rugs and carpets ($100 to $400)
Total Approximate Cost: $1,600 to $3,050
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, which is why you will want to make sure it is well equipped with vital tools and appliances to make your life easier.
- Chairs and tables ($150 to $500)
- Bar stools ($250)
- Microwave ($90)
- Strainers and can openers ($10 to $20)
- Knife set ($30 to $100)
- Cooking pots and pans ($75 to $150)
- Baking Trays ($50)
- Silverware set ($30)
- Dinnerware, plates and bowls set ($50)
- Cups, mugs and glasses ($40)
- Coffee maker ($100)
- Paper towel holder and paper towels ($10)
- Napkins ($10)
- Trash can ($10 to $20)
- Blender ($30)
- Measuring Spoon and Cut Set ($20)
- Spatulas, spoons and whisks ($20)
- Oven mitts ($10 to $20)
- Mixing bowls ($10 to $20)
- Storage bags/cups ($10)
- Spice containers/condiments ($10 to $20)
- Mixer ($50)
- Pizza Cutter ($10)
- Placemats ($10)
- Dish Towel ($5)
- Serving Bowl ($10)
- Food
Total Approximate Cost: $1,110 to $1,600
Bathroom
For your apartment bathroom, you will want to make sure all the essentials are included for your bath and personal care.
- Toothbrush holder, toothbrush, mouthwash and toothpaste ($10 to $20)
- Bath and hand towels ($20 to $40)
- Toilet paper ($20)
- Plunger ($5)
- Shower curtain and shower curtain liner ($20)
- Shower hooks ($10 to $20)
- Soap and shower gel ($10)
- Hand washing liquid or soap ($10 to $20)
- Shampoo and Conditioner ($10 to $20)
- Small trash can ($10)
- First-aid supplies ($30)
- Bath and toilet rug ($20)
- Any Medication
Total Approximate Cost: $175 to $235
Cleaning Supplies
You will also need to make sure your apartment is kept clean with the right stock of supplies.
- Trash bags ($15)
- Toilet scrubber ($15)
- Dishwashing soap ($5)
- Sponges ($5)
- All-purpose cleaning ($10)
- Shower and bath cleaning ($10)
- Bathroom cleaning supplies ($20)
- Kitchen cleaning supplies ($20)
- Vacuum cleaner ($100 to $300)
- Mop and bucket ($20)
- Laundry detergent ($10)
Total Approximate Cost: $230 to $430
Light
You may also need to have additional lights for your own needs as typically many apartments are dark and need more light.
- Stand-up lamps ($50 to $200)
- Table lamps ($50 to $100)
- Extra Light bulbs ($10 to $20)
Total Approximate Cost: $110 to $320
Additional Supplies
Apart from the main things, you may also need some additional things for the house.
- Tool kit ($30)
- Welcome mat ($10 to $20)
- Area rugs ($50)
- Duct tape ($5)
- Batteries ($10 to $20)
- Power strips and extension cords ($10 to $20)
- Flashlight ($10 to $20)
- Fans ($50 to $100)
- Pens and paper ($10 to $20)
- Tweezers ($5)
- Packing tape to return packages ($5)
- Artwork and Wall Décor ($250)
Total Approximate Cost: $430 to $520
Total approximate cost, of all the above, is about $4,400 to $8,700 for things you may need for your first apartment. Of course, you may have many of these items already so it could be less. If you have multiple bedrooms or bathrooms though, it could be more.
Setting up an apartment from scratch takes some planning, which is why this checklist is a great place to start. Add or remove whatever you need for your own personal situation and you are on your way to a well-organized lifestyle.
Where to find your first apartment items?
There are a variety of stores in-person or online. As a best practice, it can be helpful to breakout the shopping into three categories: furniture, mattress, and all other. While possible to get it all from one store, it’s usually best to have two separate tracks.
For Furniture
You can check out Wayfair, Amazon, Target, West Elm, and more.
For Mattresses
Mattresses are typically a specialty category. You can try out places in-store like Mattress Firm, Mattress Warehouse, or shop online at stores like Casper.
For Other Items
You nearly all other items you can check out general stores like Target, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond.
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