The first 7 days in a new US apartment, you need a surprising amount of stuff. This list is the minimum survival kit, print it (Cmd+P / Ctrl+P), tick the boxes as you buy.
Sleep + bath (day 1, get TODAY)
- Mattress + box spring or platform bed
- Pillow + 2 pillowcases
- Mattress protector
- 2 sets of sheets (rotate)
- Comforter or duvet
- 2 bath towels + 2 hand towels + washcloths
- Shower curtain + liner + rings (often forgotten)
- Toilet paper (you laugh now)
- Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush
Kitchen essentials (week 1)
- 1 frying pan + 1 saucepan + 1 lid
- 1 chef's knife + cutting board
- 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 forks, 4 knives, 4 spoons
- 2 mugs + 2 glasses
- 1 spatula + 1 wooden spoon
- Salt, pepper, cooking oil
- Tupperware (3-piece set)
- Trash can + trash bags
- Dish soap + sponge
- Paper towels
Cleaning (week 1)
- All-purpose spray (Mrs. Meyer's, Method, generic)
- Toilet bowl cleaner + brush
- Broom + dustpan, OR small vacuum
- Microfiber cloths (3-pack)
- Laundry detergent (pods are easiest)
Furniture (within month 1)
- Desk + desk chair (you'll be here a lot)
- Lamp (most US apartments have NO ceiling lights, surprise)
- Sofa or futon
- Drying rack (US dryers shrink your good clothes)
- Curtains + curtain rods
- Storage bins (closets are small)
Tech + safety
- US power adapter, NOT a step-down converter unless your country uses 220V (most international electronics already work on 100-240V, just need plug adapter)
- Extension cord + power strip
- Renter's insurance (Lemonade, $10/mo, online in 5 min)
- Spare key (give to a trusted friend, not under doormat)
Where to buy (cheap)
- Used:Facebook Marketplace, school's "Free & For Sale" group, IKEA Buy/Sell groups, end-of-year graduation giveaways.
- New affordable: IKEA, Target, Walmart, Costco (need membership).
- Mid-tier: Wayfair, Amazon Basics.
- Don't skimp on: mattress, knife, pots, bad ones are miserable for years.
Total budget
- Bare minimum (used everything): $400–$600
- Used + select new (mattress, knife): $800–$1,200
- All new (IKEA + Target): $1,500–$2,500
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Written by MyHomeversity
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