First Apartment Essentials From Abt

You're moving into your first apartment, and it's a completely new experience. What are your first apartment essentials for movie-in? Whether you're coming from a college dorm or a fully-furnished home, apartment living is a whole new ball game. Before we start going through our list of first apartment essentials, we suggest you take a look at what's included in your lease. So many apartments include large kitchen appliances inside, and a few even include furniture like sofas and beds (especially on college campuses). But for some leases, you're coming into a completely empty space, and that can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together our list of your first apartment essentials. And unlike a classic checklist, we'll dive into detail on what you need, your options and why.

A comfortable and supportive bed is the most important thing in any home, and you'll need it fast. You'll have a few options, like the popular bed-in-a-box. While many beds-in-a-box are perfect for quick move-ins and require little maintenance, they do take time to set up and you won't know how comfortable they are until you've purchased them, set them up and laid down after a long day of moving in. A classic mattress, be it a hybrid, memory foam or regular innerspring model, has cons as well—mainly that they're large and difficult to move. The best bed to pick is one you know you already love. If you're wise, you'll choose one from a showroom that you've already gotten to test, whether it's a bed-in-a-box or a hybrid. Abt's showroom showcases some of our best mattresses. Choose one you love for your new apartment and you'll get the best sleep every night. And if you choose a bed-in-a-box, don't forget to take it out of its box quickly upon arrival. They take some time to expand.

The next must-have is a couch, and it should be easy to put together, too. Whether you're a college student scratching your head or an adult with a complete toolkit from the hardware store, no one wants to spend an afternoon putting together a difficult piece of furniture. That's why we recommend an easy-to-assemble modular sofa like the Flexsteel Flex. With this model, assembly and disassembly is easy with a single included tool (check out how our team members built it). You can even take seats apart and move them throughout your home as needed during parties or movie nights. Flexsteel Flex sofas and sectionals come in many sizes, so explore the loveseats, ottomans and chaises until you find just what you love for your space.

Not everyone wants a TV (especially students with a heavy workload) but we think that they're first apartment essentials for everyone. Whether you use yours to wind down after a long day or have fun with a video game, you'll likely find more use than you'd think. And you'll find TVs on sale all year, too. But since you'll be living in an apartment, there are limitations. Instead of being able to mount yours to the wall, you'll likely need a TV stand or console table. This is a great spot to stash video game consoles, books, knickknacks and anything else you'd love to find a place for and show off.

Technically not a necessity, rugs tie a space together perfectly and help bring style to a new home. A large rug beneath your extra-comfy bed brings your own personal touch into your bedroom, while an oversized one in your living room can make your space seem larger than it actually is. Check out our furniture ideas for small spaces to learn more.

Whether your kitchen is massive or tiny, stock it with what you need to craft beautiful meals and microwavable snacks. Don't be that person with one fry pan; make sure you've got a collection of the cookware and bakeware you need, as well as essentials like knives, cutlery and dinnerware. They don't have to be amazing since these are your first apartment essentials, but you should have them. Other must-haves include cooking utensils like tongs, a spatula, stirring spoons and a slotted spoon, as well as a pasta strainer, cutting boards and drinkware.

You'll need places to keep your things, from kitchen leftovers to your entire collection of clothing. Before you start brainstorming storage solutions, take your space into account. Maybe you don't have a ton of room for clothing storage, or maybe you have tons. Maybe you have a massive refrigerator and pantry, or zero extra room in your tiny kitchen. Take your space into account when shopping to ensure you don't go overboard.

Things you will need for kitchen storage include a collection of food storage containers that's large enough to handle your leftovers and meal prep. Some collections even nest within themselves, making stashing your storage a simple task. Looking for help organizing your clothing in the bedroom? There are always the classics, like dressers and chests. These are easily added and are another way to bring a touch of style to your space. But if you're looking for creative ways to store things in your room, make the most of every inch. Find drawers that fit beneath your bed, or look for closet organizers that will fit your space. You'll be surprised where you can find extra square feet when you're in need. 

Once you're happily moved in, the next task is keeping your space clean, lovely and livable. There are the first apartment essentials like paper towels, antibacterial wipes and bathroom cleaners, and then there are the true investments, like vacuums. When vacuum shopping, pick one that fits your budget and your floors well. Carpet generally requires an upright vacuum, while a stick vacuum is good for floors and low-pile rugs. And if you have medium and low-pile rugs, a canister vacuum is considered the best. This is your first apartment, so there's no reason to buy three vacuums at once. But if your home primarily consists of one floor type, pick out the right vacuum for your needs. We love robot vacuums because they take one more thing off your list, but stick vacuums tend to be the most versatile (and can be very low-priced for first apartment essentials).

Our last suggestion is to add extra security tech to your list of first apartment essentials. While your space may have a deadbolt lock, renters are twice as likely to be burglarized than homeowners according to the Bureau of Justice. Help make your home safer with home security tech like video doorbells and other cameras. Since you're a renter, you'll likely want a video doorbell that doesn't require hardwired power, so look for battery-powered models when shopping. Other options like exterior lights and cameras might be a good choice for balconies and windows. A combination of these security devices will help keep you safer in your new home.

The last thing you should bring along with your first apartment essentials is confidence. Whether you're staying here for just a year, your college career or longer, it's going to be easy to make this new space your home. Have fun making it your own and inviting friends and family to gather together here. If you feel like you're missing something, you can likely find it at Abt. Reach out to us at 800-860-3577 or shop online at Abt.com.