I am including both the large and small items on this list. This is fairly thorough, although everyone has and needs different things. Some items I received from my parents, some I bought new, some were from my stash, and several were gifts from other people. You do not need every single item the first week you move! In the beginning, I had only a bed and a chair in my room and it had a somewhat monastic but charming vibe.
Target is a fun store for apartment shopping. Their Room Essentials line has a lot of cheap and very decent quality items. We have a set of their flatware and it looks great! Another good idea is to get on a community chat or email group where people post giveaways.
I have included quite a few items on this list that will be shared expenses, such as toilet paper and cleaning products. You can work out who lays out the money and mark down shared expenses on a spreadsheet like this and agree to square up, say, once or twice a month. For larger non-consumable items like appliances, there’s no perfect solution for how to share the expense. You can decide what feels best to you but in our place, people just own things and share them (microwave, immersion blender, etc.). You may also have to acquire a washer/dryer (we miraculously got ours for free from someone who was giving it away) and hang window blinds.
Bedroom
- bed frame
- box spring
- mattress
- mattress pad
- duvet
- sheets
- duvet cover(s)
- pillows
- pillow cases
- dust ruffle/bedskirt
- hamper
- trash can
- nightstand
- clock
- Shabbos lamp
- dresser/clothes storage
- hangers
- shoe rack
- over-the-door mirror
- over-the-door hooks
- storage bins and baskets
- under-bed storage
- rug
- air conditioner
- space heater
- desk
- desk chair
- printer
- white noise maker
- luggage
Bathroom
- bath towels
- hand towels
- bath mat
- shower curtain, liner, rings, rod
- tissues
- toilet paper
- hand soap
- toothpaste
- mouthwash
- floss
- body wash
- shower pouf/washcloths
- shampoo
- conditioner
- face wash
- moisturizer
- pads/tampons
- Band-Aids
- lens solution
- Advil/Tylenol
- trash can
- toothbrush holder
- air freshener
- something to cover or frost shower window
- hair catcher for drain
- washing cup
Kitchen
- flatware, meat and dairy
- dishes
- cups
- paper goods
- placemats
- pots and pans, meat and dairy (you can buy these item by item if you don’t know what you need at first)
- sheet pans
- grill pan
- peeler
- knives
- spatula
- tongs
- ladle
- chicken shears
- measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowls
- colander
- cutting boards
- can opener
- utensil holder for countertop
- convection toaster oven
- microwave
- hand mixer
- blender
- immersion blender
- electric kettle
- Shabbos hot water urn
- sandwich maker
- Crock-Pot
- aluminum pans of various shapes and sizes
- aluminum foil
- parchment paper
- Ziploc bags of various sizes
- containers of various sizes
- meat and dairy stickers
- paper towels
- paper towel dispenser
- oven mitts
- pot holder
- dish towels
- fridge magnets
- bag clips
- trash can
- garbage bags
- sponges
- disposable gloves
- dish soap
- draining rack
- matches
- lighter
- Sharpies
- scissors
- washing cup
Shabbos
- tealights
- tealight holder/tray
- challah board
- challah cover
- kiddush cup
- salt shaker
- tablecloth
Living and Dining Rooms
- table and chairs
- couch/loveseat/seating
- bookcase
- magazine rack
- throw
- pillows
Cleaning and Laundry
- broom
- dustpan
- pail
- mop
- floor cleaner
- surface cleaners for kitchen and bathroom
- cleaning cloths
- Goo Gone
- toilet bowl cleaner
- toilet brush
- disinfectant wipes
- vacuum cleaner
- stepladder
- lightbulbs
- tape measure
- laundry basket
- drying rack
- mesh bags
- detergent
- Shout
- dryer sheets
Outdoors
- trash cans
- doormat
- salt for ice
- shovel for snow
This list may seem overwhelming but I really did not buy everything all at once. I bought what I needed first and then additional items as needed. I really recommend doing that so you don’t overbuy or get things you don’t end up using. I shopped mostly at Target, Amazing Savings, and Bed Bath and Beyond.
What would you add to this list? Do you have any pointers for setting up a new apartment?
