What to buy for your first apartment

Thinking back to my very first adult apartment after getting out of college, I thought I’d do a post on what I think would be handy for a first-timer.

I remember moving out and thinking: Wait a minute. What do I need? I don’t know. I guess I’ll just figure it out as I go along.

Multiple trips via subway to various stores later, I have a list of what I found helpful to have and I’ve added to this list based on current experience.

Pick and choose at whim!

OFFICE STUFF

• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pens (at least 5)
• Pads of paper or large Post-Its

KITCHEN STUFF

• Rice Cooker (It’s an essential for me as I eat rice constantly)
• Immersion blender (It is fantastic for quick sauces, purees and dips)
• One sharp chopping knife (I suggest a santoku shape)
• A large cutting board in wood (plastic is AWFUL)
• Can opener (I buy canned tomatoes but you can omit this if you don’t buy cans)
• A set of cutlery (fork, table knife, tablespoon, teaspoon)
• A set of plates and cups (dinner plate, mini plate, bowls, cups)
• A set of 3 large glass bowls (for baking, mixing, salads, etc)
• Kitchen scissors (for cutting vegetables, food and so on)
• Pots in small, medium and large with their lids
• Pans in medium and large with lids
• Casserole dish for baking
• Microwave
• Convection Oven or Toaster Oven (made many a meal in one)
• Electric kettle
• Oven gloves
• Baking sheets (at least 2 pans)
• A Silpat (silicone baking sheet cover so that your food won’t burn on it)
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons
• Set of cooking tools (Tongs, Wooden spoon, Spatula, Large Scoop with and without holes, Ladle)
• Strainer
• At least 6 kitchen towels (personally, I use a lot)
•  if you have a really small kitchen, you should definitely read up on some good kitchen organization ideas and tips as it will make it easier to keep everything neat and organized

BASIC TOOLBOX

• Duct tape
• Box cutters
• Screwdrivers with all the different heads
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Adjustable wrench
• Allen Wrenches
• Nails meant for the wall to hang things (key holder, pictures)

CLEANING STUFF

• Baking soda (buy an extra box to open and put in the fridge and no-name is cheaper)
• White Vinegar
• Broom and pan or Vacuum cleaner
• Bucket
• Kitchen sponges
• Orange super tough scrubby thing for pots and pans
• Rags made from your old t-shirts for cleaning

HOUSEHOLD STUFF

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Plastic wrap
• Tupperware boxes with glass bottoms with snap and lock lids (at least 5 for lunches, 5 for dinners, various sizes for snacks and so on)
• 2 bathroom towels
• Extension cords (3 is a good number)

Phew! That for me, is a basic set of tools and items for a home.

Anything to add?