First apartment
Setting up a first place: a basic tool kit, kitchen starter gear, bath and bedding, cleaning supplies and the safety basics.
Amounts below are for 1 person. They are planning estimates; change any of them on your list.
Saves the 15 must-haves, 6 easy-to-forget items and 5 things to do to a list on this device. Upgrades are up to you. Then shop the list item by item and tick things off.
At a glance
- 🛒 Basic tool kit1 kit
- 🔎 Pots and pans starter set1 set
- 🔎 Dishes and cutlery for one1 set
- 🔎 Cutting board and knife1 set
- 🔎 Bed sheets2 sets
- 🔎 Bath towels2 towels
- 🔎 Shower curtain and rings1 set
- 🔎 Trash bags15 bags
- 🔎 All-purpose cleaner1 bottle
- 🔎 Toilet paper12 rolls
- 🔎 Paper towels2 rolls
- 🔎 Plunger1 plunger
- 🛒 First aid kit1 kit
- 🛒 Fire extinguisher1 extinguisher
- 🛒 Power strip1 strip
🛒 4 exact products we picked · 🔎 11 Amazon searches, so you choose the brand and size.
Must-haves (15)
- Our pick
Basic tool kit
CRAFTSMAN 57-piece home tool set
Hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, sockets and a tape in one case.
Good for: First apartment
Get about 1 kit
1 kit for the group
- Upgrade: CRAFTSMAN 102-piece tool kit ↗More sockets and bits, for home and car.
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Pots and pans starter set
Get about 1 set
1 set for the group
Amazon search: “pots and pans set”
Dishes and cutlery for one
Get about 1 set
1 person × 1 = 1 set
Amazon search: “dinnerware set for one”
Cutting board and knife
Get about 1 set
1 set for the group
Amazon search: “camping cutting board knife”
Bed sheets
Two sets: one on the bed, one in the wash.
Get about 2 sets
2 sets for the group
Amazon search: “queen sheet set”
Bath towels
Get about 2 towels
1 person × 2 = 2 towels
Shower curtain and rings
Get about 1 set
1 set for the group
- Must-have
Trash bags
Our rule: half a bag per person per day; at least one per day.
Get about 15 bags (1 × 50-pack)
1 person × 30 days × 0.5 = 15 bags
Amazon search: “heavy duty trash bags”
All-purpose cleaner
Get about 1 bottle
1 bottle for the group
- Must-have
Toilet paper
Our rule: about 3 rolls per person per week.
Get about 12 rolls (1 × 12-pack)
1 person × 30 days × 0.4 = 12 rolls
- Must-have
Paper towels
Our rule: about a roll per person every three weeks; more for cookouts.
Get about 2 rolls (1 × 6-pack)
1 person × 30 days × 0.05 = 2 rolls (rounded up)
Plunger
Get about 1 plunger
1 plunger for the group
- Must-haveOur pick
First aid kit
First Aid Only 298-piece all-purpose kit
A stocked kit to start from. Add your own medicines.
Good for: Home and car
Get about 1 kit
1 kit for the group
- Upgrade: Surviveware comprehensive first aid kit ↗A bigger, organized kit in a tough bag.
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
- Our pick
Fire extinguisher
First Alert HOME1 fire extinguisher
A rechargeable home extinguisher rated 1-A:10-B:C.
Good for: Kitchen and garage
Get about 1 extinguisher
1 extinguisher for the group
- Also good: Kidde FA110 fire extinguisher ↗A basic single-use 1-A:10-B:C extinguisher.
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
- Our pick
Power strip
Anker USB-C power strip, 6 outlets
Six outlets plus USB-C and USB-A ports.
Good for: Dorms and desks
Get about 1 strip
1 strip for the group
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Easy to forget (6)
Light bulbs
Get about 6 bulbs (1 × 6-pack)
6 bulbs for the group
Amazon search: “led light bulbs”
Command hooks and strips
Get about 1 pack
1 pack for the group
Amazon search: “command strips”
Hangers
Get about 20 hangers (1 × 50-pack)
1 person × 20 = 20 hangers
Doormat
Get about 1 mat
1 mat for the group
Dish rack
Get about 1 rack
1 rack for the group
Laundry hamper
Get about 1 hamper
1 person × 0.5 = 1 hamper (rounded up)
Amazon search: “collapsible laundry hamper”
Upgrades (4)
- Our pick
Cordless drill
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX drill (LD120VA)
A light drill with a 30-piece bit set.
Good for: Home projects
Get about 1 drill
1 drill for the group
Product link checked Oct 30, 2026
Air fryer
Check dorm rules first.
Get about 1 air fryer
1 air fryer for the group
Cordless stick vacuum
Get about 1 vacuum
1 vacuum for the group
Area rug
Get about 1 rug
1 rug for the group
Spend less (1)
Instead of cordless stick vacuum:
Broom and dustpan
Get about 1 set
1 set for the group
Things to do (5)
- ✅ Get renters or home insuranceRead what's covered for theft, fire and water.
- ✅ Change of addressUSPS, banks, employer, DMV and voter registration.
- ✅ Transfer utilities and internetBook start dates before moving day.
- ✅ Test smoke and CO alarmsTest monthly; replace batteries as the maker says.
- ✅ Spare keys made
More in moving and new homes
General planning information, not professional or medical advice. A list does not guarantee anyone’s safety. In any emergency, call your local emergency number and follow official guidance from local authorities.
As an Amazon Associate, PleaseBeReady earns from qualifying purchases.