In August 2025 after a breakup, I had to start over in my own apartment from basically scratch.. so whether you are moving into a new home by yourself or with a partner, this list compiles a bunch of essentials that you may not remember to get OR tha...
Sections
7
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Living Room
Cleaning Supplies
Misc. Essentials
Kitchen
Stainless Steel Knives that stay sharp for a while & come with a nice block too! Make sure to grab a knife sharpener to go with!
Knife Set
I love this set, the dishes are thin, but durable so they really take up almost no space in your cabinet and are really sleek.
Corelle Dinnerware Set
Sometimes you just need a bigger bowl for cereal
Corelle Vitrelle Cereal Bowls
Fav. pots & pans set. I love that it is stackable & space saving
Stackable Non-stick Pots & Pans w/ Handle
I use these for meal prep every week! The sizes are drastically different, so I use the big ones the most, but the small ones come in handy pretty often as well.
Glass Storage Containers - 2 sizes
Essential if you are cooking any meats, or even if you bake & need to check the temperature of anything!
Fast-read Digital Thermometer
Simple but good option!
Food Scale
The adhesion on this is really good… too good possibly that it mayy not be renter friendly.. but we shall see. Ill keep y'all updated!
Paper Towel Holder Under Cabinet
These are the most durable cups I’ve ever had & I’ve had them for years. They are super cute & look like glass yet they are shatterproof, so you don’t have to worry about drops!
Shatterproof Drinking Glass
Short glasses, just as wonderful and durable as the tall ones!
Shatterproof Drinking Glasses
I think we ALL use these...
Ziploc, Sandwich Bags
For when you need to package up the bigger stuff!
Ziploc, Quart Storage Bags
For when you need to package up the REALLY big stuff!
Ziploc, Freezer Storage Bags
Bedroom
If you don't want to spend too much money on a wooden dresser, this is a good alternative
3-Drawer Plastic Weave Dresser
Affordable option that has a good lift up off the ground & you can store stuff underneath!
Metal / Wood Bed Frame
Affordable option, cute & matches the end table!
Affordable Nightstand
Similar vibe to the bedroom lamp, just a simple 3-setting bedside lamp. It has USB-A and USB-C, plug an outlet on it too!
Bedside Lamp - 3 Settings
I really like my mattress, I've had it for a year and have seen any body-shaped indents or anything in it. Its super comfy!
Queen-Sized Mattress - Super Comfy!
Love this pillowcase, its a good affordable option that is good for both your hair and skin.
Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin
Bathroom
An Essential of course & my fav brand
Toilet Paper
Grab a couple of these! One for the kitchen, and one for each of your bathrooms.
Handsoap
This bottle lasted me quite a while for only being 2oz and is a really nice amenedy to have, especially for guests to feel more comfy!
It works good enough for me! This is the cheap way to go when starting over for sure.
Cheapy Option for Toilet Bowl Brush / Plunger
Simple, soft so they don’t damage your teeth & a 4 pack so you have extras for guests or yourself in the future!
Colgate Extra Clean Full Head Adult Manual Toothbrush, Soft, 4 Pack
Smells good plus keeps that dandruff away! My fav one
Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Smooth & Silky, with 1% Pyrithione Zinc, 24 Hour Frizz Control and Color Safe, 23.1 fl oz
Living Room
Super affordable option!
Affordable End Table
Lowkey lamp that has a bunch of different setting for both the tone and volume of the light
Dimmable, Remote Controlled Lamp
Nothing, no blanket, is better than this. This is the softest, most comfortable blanket & I would like 100 of them.
Be wary of the dryer cause it will change the texture of the fur
Unhide Blanket
Cleaning Supplies
Dish wands are my fav way to wash my dishes - simple & contains the dish liquid for efficiency!
Dish Wand
If you have stainless steel appliances this will help keep them nice and clean!
Stainless Steel Cleaner
Keep that dishwasher clean so it can keep your dishes cleaner!
Dishwasher Cleaner - Year Supply!
Dawn is so classic, and we love her
Dish Soap
If you have a dishwasher, these are my favorite - they are just so easy to grab and put in, then start it up!
Dishwasher Detergent
One of my fav scents & safe for kitties!
Air & Fabric Spray - Odor Eliminator
If you have a washer and dryer this is a great choice especially for those with sensitive skin!
Tide in Household Essentials | Clear
Don’t forget your sweeper!
Broom with Dustpan
Okay tbf the exact model of my shark vacuum is no longer made, that’s how long I’ve had it (almost 10 years) BUT this is the closest thing to that. I use this thing at least 4 times a week…. Like I said.. almost 10 years!! Worth it.
GREAT, Long-lasting, Shark Corded Stick Vacuum
Misc. Essentials
Fav tissues, soft but not greasy... you know the ones.
Tissues
Grab these if you don't want to damage your walls!
Command Strips
Just to be handy
Multi-use Screwdriver
Another Handy Item
Lil Hammer
I really like this outlet extender as it has different options, grounded outlets and USB-A / USB-C Plug ins.
Surge Protector Outlet Extender
If you do any sort of travel, live in an apartment complex, or just want some extra security, these cameras are great to just have to check into your place. They do require a subscription tho if you want history saved
Blink Indoor Security Camera
I have an older model of these - but they are super sticker and work great! Even on textured walls
Adhesive Wall Mount Bracket for Camera
Pets
I got the smallest size of this for my cat so she can freely go out onto the screened in patio and it was the BEST decision I have made. She goes out there SO often and with this I don't have to open the door everytime!
Pet Patio Door
Another good purchase that I made for my cat. She loves high places, so she will often spend time sleepy at the tippy top of this cat tree.
Giant Cat Tree, 83 inches tall
My cat LOVES to scratch the corners of couches for whatever reason, with this she hasn't TOUCHED my couch.
Furniture Protection - MUST HAVE FOR SCRATCHY CATS
Literally my cats FAVORITE scratchers. She has definitely done some damage on these bad boys but I haven’t had to replace them in a year!
Vibrant Life Fish Cat Scratcher with Catnip, Multicolor, 3 Pack
