The things to buy for a first apartment that people forget are almost always the smallest, cheapest items on the list. Shower curtain liners, toilet plungers, silverware trays, command hooks, basic tool kits, and first-aid supplies get bypassed while attention goes to sofas, beds, and kitchen appliances. I have watched friends move into student accommodation three years running, and the pattern is identical: the first weekend brings a panicked midnight run to a corner shop for a plunger.
I have put together this guide after collecting feedback from renters across our student community, including Reddit threads on r/Adulting and r/Apartmentliving. We will walk through every forgotten corner of the flat, room by room, so your first apartment is genuinely move-in ready on day one. If you are a UK or EU student, I have included a regional section near the end because some essentials differ from US-only guides.
By the end of this guide, you will have a printable first apartment essentials checklist you can take straight to the shops, plus a separate first-night survival box for the moving van.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks: The 10 Most Forgotten First Apartment Items (September 2026)
Skim the list below if you only have thirty seconds. These are the items first-time renters forget most often, drawn from forum threads and our own reader surveys.
- Shower curtain, liner, and hooks — most flats do not include these, and a bathroom without one is unusable.
- Toilet plunger — buy one before you need one, never after.
- Silverware drawer tray — keeps forks from sliding around an empty drawer.
- Command hooks and strips — the only safe way to hang things in a rental.
- Fire extinguisher — small kitchen models cost little and prevent disasters.
- Renters insurance — protects your belongings if the worst happens.
- Basic tool kit — screwdriver, hammer, tape measure, drill.
- Toilet brush and holder — nobody thinks about it until guests arrive.
- Microwave splatter cover — saves your microwave from day one.
- First aid kit — including basic medications you would normally borrow from a parent.
Why First-Time Renters Systematically Forget These Items
First-time renters forget small apartment essentials because of decision fatigue, not carelessness. When you move into a flat for the first time, your brain is processing a hundred bigger decisions — lease terms, utility setup, furniture layout — and the small, low-cost items slip below the threshold of conscious planning.
There is also a phenomenon I call IKEA-blindness: the mind latches onto the visible, photogenic items (sofa, bed, dining table) and skips the invisible infrastructure that makes a home functional. A plunger is rarely on a Pinterest board, but a clogged toilet at 11pm is unforgettable.
Reddit users in r/Adulting put it bluntly: get a plunger before you need it, because you cannot predict when a clog will hit. The same logic applies to a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and renters insurance — they all protect you from a moment you cannot predict. Planning for that moment before it arrives is what separates a smooth move-in from a string of emergency shops.
Bathroom Items People Forget to Buy for a First Apartment
The bathroom is where first-time renters forget the most items. Landlords almost never provide shower curtains, liners, hooks, bath mats, or bins, and tenants do not realise this until they are standing in a wet bathroom on day one. Below are the bathroom essentials that consistently get missed.
Shower curtain, liner, and hooks
A shower curtain and its separate waterproof liner are the most universally forgotten items on every first apartment checklist. Landlords rarely provide them, and many rental bathrooms have only a rod and rings waiting to be fitted. Without a curtain, your bathroom floor is soaked within a minute of running the shower, and the room becomes a slip hazard.
Buy a fabric curtain plus a clear plastic liner as a pair. The liner does the waterproofing and the curtain is decorative. Pack a spare set of hooks because cheap hooks bend on first use.
Toilet plunger
Buy a toilet plunger on day one, before any guests visit. A Reddit thread on r/Adulting put it this way: get one BEFORE you need it. A standard cup plunger handles most clogs, and a flange-style plunger works better for low-flow toilets common in newer UK flats.
Keep it in a small caddy or behind the toilet so it is out of sight but reachable in seconds.
Toilet brush and holder
Toilet brushes are an item nobody thinks about until they need one, which is typically the morning after the first dinner guests visit. A basic brush with a covered holder costs little and lives discreetly next to the loo.
Bath mat
A bath mat is both a comfort and a safety item. Without one, stepping out of a wet shower onto a hard tile floor is genuinely slippery, especially for early-morning or late-night use. A simple cotton mat is easy to wash and quick to dry.
Small bathroom trash bin
Most flats do not include a bathroom bin. A small lidded pedal bin is the standard choice because it is hands-free and contains odours. Larger bins are unnecessary in a typical rental bathroom.
Toothbrush holder, soap dish, and countertop tray
Countertop organisers are easy to forget because they do not feel essential, but they prevent your toothbrush and soap from sitting directly on a damp surface. A small ceramic soap dish or a plastic tray is enough for a one-person flat.
Kitchen Items People Forget When Moving Into a First Apartment
The kitchen is the second biggest source of forgotten first apartment essentials. Pots, pans, and plates get remembered, but the small organising items slip through. These are the kitchen forgotten items that show up in every forum thread on this topic.
Silverware drawer tray
A silverware tray, also called a cutlery tray or drawer organiser, is one of the most-mentioned forgotten items on Reddit r/Apartmentliving. Without one, forks and spoons slide around the back of a deep drawer and develop a metallic rattle every time the drawer opens. A simple plastic tray solves the problem in seconds.
Measure your drawer before buying because trays are not one-size-fits-all.
Ice cube tray
Most people do not realise their freezer does not come with an ice cube tray, especially in rental freezers that have been cleared by previous tenants. A stack of two silicone trays costs little and ends the daily top-up with the sandwich bag method.
Mixing bowls
Mixing bowls are forgotten because they are not used in the first week, but the moment you want to make a salad, whisk eggs, or marinate something, you need them. A nested set of three plastic or stainless steel bowls is the easiest starter.
Microwave splatter cover
A microwave splatter cover is the single most-mentioned kitchen forgotten item across first apartment checklists. Reheating anything with sauce without one means scrubbing the inside of your microwave within a day. A flat plastic cover sits on top of your plate and vents steam.
Pot holders and oven mitts
Pot holders and oven mitts get forgotten because they live in a drawer and are invisible until you grab a hot pan with a tea towel and burn your hand. A pair of silicone mitts is the safest option because fabric ones get damp and conduct heat fast.
Dish rack and drying mat
Most rental kitchens do not include a dish rack. A two-tier rack over the sink is the most popular first apartment choice because it doubles as storage. Pair it with a microfibre drying mat for knives and items that do not fit on the rack.
Can opener
A can opener is a top-mentioned forgotten item, often capitalised in Reddit threads. A handheld manual opener is cheap and works on every tin you will encounter, from baked beans to chopped tomatoes.
Cutting board
Cutting boards are easy to forget because a knife on a countertop feels fine until you scratch the surface. A plastic or wooden board protects your counter and your knives. Get two boards if you handle raw meat, so you can keep one for vegetables only.
Cleaning Supplies a First Apartment Checklist Often Misses
Cleaning supplies are the third biggest category of forgotten items, mainly because nobody wants to think about cleaning on move-in day. Without these basics, you start life in a flat that quickly becomes grimier than the day you picked up the keys.
Mop and bucket
A mop and bucket set is essential for any hard floor. A spin mop with a separate bucket is easier to wring than the old string-and-bucket style and costs only slightly more. If you are in a studio or one-bedroom flat, a flat microfibre mop is enough.
Broom and dustpan
A broom and dustpan is the minimum cleaning kit for any first apartment. A soft-bristle indoor broom works on both hard floors and low-pile carpet. A long-handled dustpan saves your back.
Microfibre cloths
A pack of microfibre cloths replaces paper towels for most cleaning tasks. They are reusable, dry faster than cotton, and trap dust instead of spreading it. Keep four or five in rotation.
All-purpose spray and disinfectant
An all-purpose spray and a separate bathroom disinfectant cover almost every cleaning job in a rental. Skip speciality products until you know what your surfaces actually need.
Trash bags
Trash bags get forgotten because nobody buys them until they take out the first bag. A box of kitchen bags and a smaller roll for bathroom bins covers you for the first month.
Laundry basket and hamper
Laundry storage is a top forgotten item for students in particular. A mesh hamper with handles is lightweight, breathable, and cheap. If your building has a coin-operated laundry, a basket with a lid doubles as a seat in the communal room.
Tools and Basic Maintenance for First Apartment Renters
Tools are the forgotten essentials that separate a calm move-in from a frustrating one. Flat-pack furniture will not assemble itself, picture frames will not hang on their own, and a dripping tap will not fix itself. Every first apartment checklist should include a basic toolkit.
Hammer
A standard claw hammer handles picture hanging, light assembly, and the occasional furniture repair. A 16-ounce hammer is the most common size for renters.
Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
A set with both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers in a couple of sizes covers almost every screw you will meet, from flat-pack furniture to battery compartments. A magnetic tip saves dropped screws behind radiators.
Tape measure
A tape measure is essential for furniture fitting, curtain measuring, and shelf placement. A 5-metre retractable tape is the standard size.
Drill or electric screwdriver
A drill or cordless electric screwdriver saves hours over a manual screwdriver on flat-pack furniture. If you cannot drill in a rental, an electric screwdriver handles 90 percent of assembly jobs without leaving holes.
Level
A small spirit level, or a phone app with a level function, helps you hang shelves and pictures straight on the first try.
Command hooks and adhesive strips
Command hooks are the renter’s best friend. They hold coats, keys, towels, lights, and small shelves without damaging walls. Buy a multi-pack with different sizes because you will use them everywhere.
Safety Essentials First-Time Renters Overlook
Safety items are the highest-impact forgotten essentials. Skipping them does not cause inconvenience — it creates real financial and personal risk if something goes wrong on day ten or day one hundred.
Fire extinguisher
A small kitchen fire extinguisher costs little and protects you from the most common household disaster. Look for an ABC-rated extinguisher suitable for paper, electrical, and oil fires. Check the gauge monthly and replace it every ten years.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
Most rental flats have a smoke detector, but renters forget that batteries need testing on move-in. Press the test button the day you move in. If your flat has a carbon monoxide detector near the boiler or gas hob, test that too. Replace batteries annually.
First aid kit
A first aid kit covers cuts, burns, headaches, and stomach bugs. Pre-packed kits are a good starting point, but add basics that people normally borrow from parents: paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medication you take.
Renters insurance
Renters insurance is the single highest-value forgotten item on this list. A Reddit user who survived an apartment fire said it best: I cannot agree with this enough. Without renters insurance, a single incident — fire, flood, theft, burst pipe — can replace every possession you own with nothing. Policies start at very low monthly costs and can be bought the day you sign your lease.
Door stopper and lock
A door stopper is small, cheap, and useful for ventilation without leaving the door wide open. A simple barrel bolt or chain lock is good extra security on a uPVC front door that does not lock from the inside.
First-Night Survival Box: Move-In Day Essentials
The first-night survival box is the trick experienced renters swear by. Pack one box or bag with everything you need for the first 24 hours, and keep it with you in the car or carry-on. The rest of your boxes can arrive later without leaving you stranded without a toothbrush.
Suggested contents of a first apartment survival box:
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Phone charger and power bank
- Shower curtain, liner, and hooks (if not pre-installed)
- Bed sheets, pillow, and a blanket
- Two towels, one hand towel
- Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant
- Snacks and a bottle of water
- Any prescription medication
- A torch with spare batteries
- Keys, lease paperwork, and renters insurance documents
Reddit users consistently rank the survival box above a full first apartment shopping list in terms of move-in sanity. The goal is to survive the first night without a midnight trip to a supermarket.
UK and EU Student-Specific Items Often Missed on US-Only Checklists
Most first apartment checklists online are written for a US audience. UK and EU student accommodation has a few specific quirks worth noting before you shop. These items will save you the same kind of regret as a missing shower curtain.
Laundry basket with a lid
Many UK student halls and shared houses have a shared laundry room with coin or app-operated machines. A lidded laundry basket doubles as a seat in the kitchen and keeps dirty washing out of sight.
Desk lamp
UK rental bedrooms are often small and dark. A clamp-on LED desk lamp attaches to your desk or headboard without taking up surface space.
Ethernet cable and extension lead
Wi-Fi in student blocks can be slow or unreliable for gaming, video calls, or streaming. A 5-metre ethernet cable and a multi-socket extension lead with surge protection are both worth having on day one.
Printer
Students need to print lecture notes, assignments, and forms. A small inkjet printer costs little to buy outright and saves trips to the campus library.
Lockbox or small safe
If you live in a shared house, a small lockbox keeps passports, bank cards, and medication secure. Choose one with a combination lock so you cannot lose the key.
UK-specific reminders
Your rental will not include a washing machine in many cases — check with your landlord. Dryers are rare in UK flats, so a drying rack and a clothes airer are essential. Council tax does not apply to full-time students but does apply to post-graduation lets, so register with your local council when you move in.
Budget Tips: Where to Buy Cheap First Apartment Items
You do not need a huge budget to cover the forgotten essentials. Most items on this list are available secondhand for a fraction of the retail price, especially items that students buy once and barely use.
Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree
Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and similar local listings are full of students selling their leftover first apartment items at the end of each academic year. Browse from mid-June to mid-July for the best selection. Look for desks, shelving, lamps, kettles, and kitchenware.
Dollar stores, pound shops, and budget retailers
Cleaning supplies, plastic kitchenware, hooks, batteries, and small tools are all cheap at discount stores. Save premium retailers for items you will use daily, like a chef’s knife or a quality pillow.
Library tool loans and repair cafes
Some UK councils and community libraries now lend tools, drills, and sewing machines for free. Repair cafes in many cities let you borrow specialist tools and learn how to use them. Check your local council website.
Free-cycle and university give-away groups
Universities and local Freecycle groups are full of free items at the end of each term. Couches, desks, lamps, and kitchenware are the most common finds. Pickup is usually your responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some useful things to buy for a first apartment?
Useful first apartment items include a shower curtain and liner, toilet plunger, silverware tray, microwave splatter cover, dish rack, command hooks, basic tool kit, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and renters insurance. Focus on small, low-cost items that landlords do not provide and that make the flat functional from day one.
What should you buy first for an apartment?
Buy the first-night survival box items first: toilet paper, phone charger, shower curtain and liner, bed sheets, towels, basic toiletries, and a torch. These let you sleep and clean on day one. Then buy the rest of the forgotten essentials within the first month.
What are the essentials for a first apartment?
Essentials fall into six categories: bathroom (plunger, curtain, mat, bin, brush), kitchen (silverware tray, microwave cover, can opener, dish rack, cutting board), cleaning (mop, broom, cloths, spray, bags), tools (hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, drill, hooks), safety (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, smoke and CO batteries, renters insurance), and admin (key holder, document folder, insurance paperwork).
What are some common things people forget when moving into an apartment?
The most commonly forgotten items are shower curtains and liners, toilet plungers, silverware drawer trays, microwave splatter covers, command hooks, fire extinguishers, basic tool kits, toilet brushes, bath mats, and renters insurance. These small items get missed because decision fatigue on move-in pushes attention toward bigger purchases like sofas and beds.
Conclusion: Your First Apartment Checklist of Forgotten Items
The things to buy for a first apartment that people forget are almost never the big items. They are the small, cheap, easily overlooked essentials: shower curtain liners, plungers, silverware trays, command hooks, basic tools, and renters insurance. Working through a room-by-room first apartment checklist before move-in saves you a string of midnight emergency shops and gets your flat functional from day one.
Pack a first-night survival box separately so the first 24 hours are not a scramble. Then shop the forgotten essentials over the first month, leaning on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Freecycle groups to keep costs down. Renters insurance is the one item worth buying on day one, even if everything else waits.
For more student-specific guidance, browse our Student Accommodation guides on lease basics, area guides, and renting in your first UK city.