Things you need for an apartment that you wouldn't think of

Shopping for a first apartment isn't easy, when you're searching through the seemingly endless variety of home furnishings, kitchen tools, and linens—and trying to furnish a new home on a pretty strict budget.

First apartment checklist on a budget

The good news is that this is your first apartment and your first time picking these items out for yourself—and it's practically guaranteed that it won't be your last time, so every decision doesn't have to mean a lifelong commitment to a mattress, a set of dishes, or bath towels.

As you work through our ultimate first apartment checklist, don't forget to set a little cash aside for the surprising things you'll need for your first apartment—these little luxuries will make your first adult living space a little homier.

The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist

Check out our printable, portable first apartment checklist; after that, you'll find a digital version that you can keep on your phone during those all-important shopping trips.

With any luck, you'll have your apartment fully stocked before your first

apartment move in basics

basic needs when moving into an apartment