23 First Apartment Must Haves For The Girlies Moving Into Their First Big Girl Apartment

All of the must-haves for the girlies moving into their first big girl apartment!

Are you about to move into your first big girl apartment and trying to figure out what to pack? Or just trying to get prepared for when you decide to make the move?

Either way, we have you covered with actual first apartment must haves!

NOTE: This post is for the girlies who want to know the secret must-haves. We assume you already packed stuff like dishes, brooms, bedroom furniture, etc. If you are looking for the full list go here.

First Apartment Must Haves | For The Girlies Moving Into Their First Big Girl Apartment

---

1. BEST product to keep your apartment smelling clean!

This is by far the best (and cheapest way) to make your apartment smell fresh and clean.

You just press it and the scent starts to go everywhere. You don’t have to plug it in and these can last for 2-3 months!

2. furniture mark-up markers

These markers are a must-have especially if you are renting your apartment.

You literally color over any scratch or mark you make on the furniture.

They’re under $10 and can be used on tv stands, beds, nightstands, cabinets, etc.

3. Homeika Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

This is by far the best vacuum cleaner for apartments and homes. My parents had it and I loved it so much that I bought it for my apartment.

It has detachable parts so you can get under the hard-to-reach places or just vacuum like normal.

4. wool dryer balls

Never buy dryer sheets again with these wool dryer balls. They’re non-toxic and eliminate static

You can find a pack of 6 on Amazon for less than $15!

5. Tool Kit

Every apartment owner needs some type of tool kit.

My dad bought a tool kit for my dorm room and I just kept it with me through the years but I found this pink 219-piece set on Amazon for about $60.

6. portable door lock

Sadly, we need this kinda stuff in our apartments.

This portable door lock will give you a little peace of mind when you go to bed. You can find it on Amazon for less than $15.

We have a full post on all of the safety measurements you should take you can read here.

First Apartment Must Haves

7. water filter dispenser

I LOVE this water dispenser and if your sink is not filtered, you may want to buy it.

One of my roommates in college had it and the water always tasted clean. The best part about this one is it holds 35 cups of water so you won’t need to refill it every day.

8. veggie chopper

I still remember when I first moved into my apartment and I had so many plans for meal prep. But with school, work, and balancing everything, you do not have all day to chop vegetables.

This veggie topper can chop vegetables in seconds – literally.

9. mattress topper

Some apartments come furnished and they do not go out of their way to buy a comfy mattress! But instead of spending hundreds on a new mattress, you can just buy a mattress topper.

This one is less than $60 and is on Amazon.

10. my exact Shower Curtain

Many people (including myself) forget to buy a shower curtain for their apartment. Unless your apartment comes fully furnished you will need one and even if it does, I still recommend you buy one.

This one comes in many different colors and is less than $25.

11. 4-pack holder dispenser

This may just be a me thing but I feel like you finally have your own grown-up apartment when you have a Q-tip holder.

12. Swiffer Sweeper

If you have wooden floors you NEED a Swiffer Sweeper.

I feel like the old mops just drag around dirty water around the floor. While this one comes with refills and you just wash the rag in the washer.

13. Mop & broom holder

My old job had these and they were AMAZING!

It stops dirt and dust from collecting on the ground right underneath it. The brooms and mop also have a place to be so you won’t ever misplace them or wonder where they are.

14. Toilet Cleaner Kit

I HATE cleaning the toilet and this wand allows you to not even touch the dirty toilet. You just put it on the inside and it cleans with every rinse.

Meaning, it last for months and doesn’t require constant cleaning.

First Apartment Must Haves

15. Silicone Faucet Mat

This is one of my biggest pet peeves in any kitchen.

You need to have a place for your sponge and soap to go, otherwise, it all collects by the faucet. That can end up causing mold and other bacteria to grow. This mat easily attaches to your sink and stops that from happening.

16. Dish Drying Mats

This was a major switch I made when I finally got my first big girl apartment.

I used to use rags or any kitchen cloth and just lay them out when I needed to dry a dish. BUT this is a big girl apartment. We need a dish drying rack.

17. Kitchen Sink Suction Holder

This one goes hand and hand with #15.

Having a place to put your sponges and scrubs can make your kitchen more organized. This suction to the inside of the sink so if it’s wet, it’ll just go into the drain.

18. closet organizing hangers

To be honest, I used to HATE these. I didn’t understand them until I moved to my first apartment and finally moved everything out of my parent’s house.

These are great for storing your seasonal clothes. For instance, if it’s summer, put all of your warmer clothes on these hangers and then push them into the back of the closet.

Honestly one of my favorite “hacks.”

19. Rug Pads Grippers

If you love rugs, then you’ll need this gripper.

It is attached to the end of the rug and keeps it from sliding on the ground or a corner from picking up.

20. Extinguishing Aerosol Spray

This portable fire extinguisher is a must-have safety device for any apartment.

You can easily store it in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc. It can extinguish paper, fabric, wood, grease, and electrical fires. It’s also biodegradable, non-toxic, and wipes clean.

It also provides 32 seconds of firefighting time giving you enough time to leave the apartment if needed.

21. Ring Video Doorbell

Safety needs to be a priority in the apartment checklist and the ring video doorbell needs to be on the list. I have one and I love it.

Note: You will need to ask if you can use it from your apartment complex but most, if not all, allow them.

22. 40-Piece Food Storage

I wasn’t going to include this but Amazon has this 40-piece storage container for under $40 (that’s less than $1 for each container!).

If I didn’t already have containers, I would buy these asap.

23. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

The last must-have on this list is Clorox disinfecting wipes.

These will become your favorite cleaning tool (seriously I use them almost every single day!).

I highly recommend buying a set or pack of 4 so you won’t have to run to the store for a few months.