15 kitchen essentials that you def need for your first apartment

So sizzlin'

A graphic of kitchen essentials on a beige background with colorful wavy edges
(Image credit: Future)

When moving into a first apartment, there are a lot of things that you need to make your home work for you. One room that needs way more than you think? The kitchen. Yep, there are a whole lot of kitchen organizers, appliances, and cookware that are all useful to have.

The first time I moved into a rental by myself, I came armed with a box of cutlery and a couple of scrappy plates from my time at college. As I went on living there, I found myself constantly having to dash to the store to buy things whenever I realized I didn’t have them. In the words of an age-old meme, ain’t nobody got time for that.

That’s why I’ve put together a handy list of items that you might need for your first kitchen. That way, when you want to whip up a batch of midnight cookies or cook for your 'rents when they turn up unexpectedly, you won’t get stuck.

So, scroll on down for all the kitchen essentials…

15 kitchen items that are perfect for your first place

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Got an empty kitchen that needs a li’l bit of love? Here’s everything you need to fill up your cooking space…

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Small kitchen appliances

 For when you need to bring the heat, without using the whole oven.

Small kitchen pots, pans, and boards

To cook up a storm, you’ve gotta have the right equipment. 

Small kitchen utensils and cutlery

Cut up and spoon up real good with these handy tools.

Small kitchen dishes, glasses, and mugs

 Eat and drink in style with these pretty and practical tableware pieces. 

Small kitchen organizers

Getting everything together straight away will mean less clutter later on.

Got a better idea of what you might need for your new kitchen? I know it may seem like a lot, but take it from someone who has been in the sitch. You're better getting as much as poss now, to save yourself the hassle later. And you know what else? Having a complete kitchen will make your new place feel more like home.


Up next: How to organize a kitchen

Eve Smallman
Staff Writer

Hi there! I’m a staff writer at Real Homes. I've been a lifestyle journalist for over five years, previously working as an editor across regional magazines. Before this, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University a degree in journalism, along with an NCTJ gold diploma. I love running, decorating my rented Victorian home, and discovering new cheeses. 

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