So I moved into my first apartment in February, and now it’s May! In these past few months, I’ve been incredibly busy, very happy, and somehow still getting settled.
Anyway, I wanted to share the best things I got for my first apartment. I feel like so many lists I found while researching before my move were kinda useless or super obvious and vague.
These are the best things I got for my first apartment based on my very real experience as a 20-something moving out for the first time!
Baggu bags
These reusable bags are so easy to throw in your purse and they come in so many designs. They fold into tiny squares and expand into pretty heavy-duty bags.
We use them every time we go shopping for groceries or random odds and ends — my boyfriend keeps one with his keys and I always have one in my purse. These are especially handy if you want to avoid paying for plastic bags (most places near me charge for them now).
Timed feeders for my cats
I got these a while ago and I’m so glad I brought them with me — they make it so I don’t have to wake up early to feed my cats nor do I have to worry about them eating when I’m not home for a few hours.
You can schedule the serving sizes and times for these to go off and boom, you’re all set! I always keep mine filled and have timers to go off once in the morning and once while I’m working during the day. Whenever I’ll be gone during feeding time, I set these before I head out. These are a total must for anyone with pets.
Bissell Featherweight vacuum
One thing I learned while moving out is that vacuums are EXPENSIVE. This is one of the only vacuums I found under $50, and it works wonders for vacuuming up crumbs, cat litter, and pet hair. For only $30, it’s a huge win. The color is gorgeous and the slim size means it fits into our closet really easily.
Plus it comes apart into a smaller vacuum piece to get into tiny areas.
Ninja 8-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven
My boyfriend and I couldn’t decide whether to use our limited counter space for a toaster oven (his pick) or an air fryer (mine), so we decided to find an appliance that does both.
The problem? Most of them are HUGE. And we’d lose all of our counter space. This solution came to me during a commercial whilst I was watching “Degrassi” and I cannot believe more people don’t talk about it.
This appliance air fries, toasts, bakes, and does a ton of other things. But the best part? It FLIPS UP when you’re done. Like you just push it up and BOOM! your counter space is back. It’s absolutely incredible.
Stained glass lightbulb
I found these on TikTok and they’re so fun for adding a dreamy, chill vibe to any space. I popped mine into a lamp with a clear, bulb-shaped shade and it creates such a cool effect.
French press
We don’t have counter space for any Keurig or fancy coffee machine, so my beloved French press came with me and we use it every morning. It’s easy, small, and pairs perfectly with our glass electric kettle.
Plus every time we make coffee with it we feel fancy and like we don’t need to go to higher end cafes nearby.
Massive Rubbermaid Tupperware set
I totally underestimated how often we’d have leftovers. We use these constantly and always have at least five of them stacked in our fridge and four frozen in our freezer with leftover sauce.
I love how nicely all of the pieces fit together, and the different sizes really come in handy.
Yeti mug
I am very forgetful sometimes and I am the queen of brewing coffee and then getting so wrapped up in attending a meeting or doing an assignment at work (or, frankly, just petting my cats) that I forget about it. With this magical mug, it’s OK!
This keeps my coffee warm for HOURS. Room temperature or cold coffee is the worst, and this saves me. I recommend getting the MagSlider lid, which can keep drinks hot for even longer and make them more travel-friendly.
Chom Chom Roller
This is another essential for pet owners, and I found it on TikTok. You run this baby over your comforter, rugs, couch, and anything with fabric and it will remove so much fur that you couldn’t even see. I use this on my rug all of the time.
Black-out curtains
Boring, but these are easily the best things I got for my first apartment. I am easily awoken by the light and our bedroom faces the street, so these were non-negotiable.
Rechargeable lighter
I’ve recently gotten into candles, which I can light only if I never leave them alone near my cats. This rechargeable lighter has been so handy and I don’t have to worry about it running out of juice as a standard one does.
The noise it makes is really annoying, but it doesn’t last long. I also like that you can bend it to any shape so you can get stubborn wicks.
Locking trash can
My cats are very clever and can open most trash cans with basic lids or even pedals. Fortunately, the simplehuman trash can I have locks shut and even though my cats have tried to push it over and get in many times, they can’t do it. Total lifesaver.
Backlight strip for the TV
I love watching TV in the dark, but sometimes it can feel kinda depressing and also cause eye strain. My boyfriend and I love these lights — they change color and are really easy to use. They haven’t stuck onto our TV super well (we had to add on some electrical tape) but overall they’re a great purchase.
Folding step stool
I can’t reach the top of our pantry or half of our cabinet shelves without this. I love that it folds so we can tuck it next to the fridge, out of the way.
Sound machine
I’ve had this since college and it’s crucial for getting a good night’s sleep, especially when you sometimes have to deal with the sounds of the city or loud neighbors.
The white noise is super calming and the machine is easy to tuck away on my nightstand, it’s easily one of the best things I got for my first apartment (and it was excellent in college).
