Furnishing and Decorating your first place

Moving into your first place? Your ultimate checklist of must-have home essentials—organized by category to make settling in a breeze.

Bedroom

• Bed frame
• Mattress (plus mattress protector)
• Pillows
• Bedsheets and pillowcases
• Comforter or duvet
• Hangers
• Laundry basket or hamper
• Dresser or storage bins
• Nightstand and lamp
• Curtains or blinds

Bathroom

• Shower curtain (if needed)
• Bath towels (2–3 per person)
• Hand towels & washcloths
• Bath mat
• Toilet paper
• Toilet brush and plunger
• Toilet cleaner
• Toothbrush holder
• Soap dispenser or soap dish
• Shower caddy
• Trash can
• Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

Kitchen

• Plates and bowls (2–4 per person)
• Cups and mugs
• Silverware (forks, knives, spoons)
• Cooking utensils (spatula, spoon, tongs)
• Knives (chef’s knife, paring knife)
• Cutting board
• Pots and pans (at least one saucepan and frying pan)
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener
• Bottle opener / corkscrew
• Colander
• Food storage containers
• Dish soap and sponge
• Dish rack or drying mat
• Trash bags
• Trash can
• Paper towels and holder

Cleaning Supplies

• Broom and dustpan
• Mop or Swiffer
• Vacuum cleaner (especially with carpet)
• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes or spray
• Sponges and scrub brushes
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• Fabric softener or dryer sheets
• Trash bags
• Rubber gloves

Living Room

• Couch or seating
• Coffee table
• TV and TV stand (if desired)
• Lamps or lighting
• Curtains or blinds
• Throw pillows / blankets
• Wi-Fi router and modem (if not provided)

Basic Tools & Utilities

• Hammer
• Screwdriver set
• Tape measure
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Extension cords / power strips
• Lightbulbs
• Step stool
• Duct tape
• Command hooks or wall-safe hanging items

Safety Essentials

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (if not already installed)
• Emergency contacts list

Other Useful Items

• Storage bins and organizers
• Notepad and pens
• Calendar or planner
• Reusable shopping bags
• Umbrella
• Shoe rack
• Wall clock

credit: Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash