First-month US apartment shopping list (printable, 2026)

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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