Are you moving into your first apartment and unsure of what’s needed for your bathroom? Or are you someone who just wants to be on the safe side and make sure their list is sufficient?

If so, you’re in the right place!  I have a checklist for the Must have bathroom essentials for first apartment that you’re going to need to make your bathroom functional from day one.  With this list you’ll start your new chapter in your new home on the right foot!

Let’s make sure that you have everything you need to avoid those annoying last minute store runs.

Bathroom Essentials for First Apartment you Need (By Category)

Shower Essentials

Shower curtain and waterproof liner

Having a shower curtain and waterproof liner is a MUST and should be high priority on your list.

When i moved into my first apartment, I was sure that I had everything that I needed to get me going. But I unfortunately forgot to buy a shower liner and didn’t notice until it was time to take a shower and the stores were closed (what a bummer).  

That night I was forced to use just my shower curtain, which was an epic fail. I was left with a soaked cloth curtain and a wet floor. This could have been prevented if I remembered to get the liner.  

Don’t be like me, make the liner a priority!

Shower curtain rings or hooks 

Just like the liner, make sure buying shower curtain rings or hooks are a priority as well. You need the hooks to hang your curtain and liner.

Buying new hooks can be fun. There’s many different styles and colors to choose from.  Play around with it.  This is your new space. Make it yours!

Bath mat or Rug

When shopping for a bath mat, look for something that compliments your new shower curtain.  This gives your bathroom a very neat and spa-like vibe.

Having a bath mat is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps keep your floors dry when exiting your shower. You want to prevent any slip and falls and keep yourself and others safe.

The bath mat will also keep your bathroom tidy by preventing puddles of water on the floor when drying off from your showers.

Hanging Shower Caddy

This may be my favorite Bathroom Essential that I own! The hanging shower caddy not only keeps you organized, but it looks great and helps keep your bathroom neat and free of clutter.

You can add your soaps, shampoos and conditioners, body scrubs,  razors, loofahs. Anything that you’ll need while in the shower.

This allows you to keep all of your showertime accessories in one place and not have to jump in and out if you forget something.

Now let’s talk about the Bath and Body Care Essentials you’ll need 

Bath towels, Hand Towels and WashCloths

Finding the right Bath towels, Hand Towels and Washcloths can be very easy.  They usually come in sets, which makes it very convenient.

White sets give your bathroom that clean, spa-like feeling.  But you can also pay around with different colors that match your decor and the vibe you are going for. Have fun! Your bathroom should feel like an oasis.

Body Wash / Bar Soap

Don’t forget your soap and body wash.  What a headache it would be to prepare yourself for a nice bath or shower and realize you have nothing to wash with.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Just like your soap and body wash, having your shampoo and conditioner on hand is essential.  You can keep your shampoo and conditioner in your shower caddy for easy access

Razor and Shaving Essentials

Another must have that can be stored in your shower caddy.

Toilet Essentials

Having your toilet essentials is very important when moving into your first apartment.  You don’t want to be caught off guard not having these necessities for your bathroom

Toilet Brush and Holder

Having a toilet brush and holder is very important!  Something that you may not think about at first, but this definitely should be added to your list.

A toilet brush is essential when cleaning your bathroom.  There’s tons of styles that you can choose from to match your decor and vibe. 

Toilet Plunger

Just like the toilet brush and holder, the toilet plunger is an absolute necessity.  Some toilet brushes come with a plunger like the one above; but there are plungers that are sold separately. People tend to forget this on their list and are caught in a pickle when needed.

If you stay in an apartment, maintenance can always help.  But having your own plunger can prevent an unnecessary call.  Who wants to have to wait to use their bathroom??? (Not me)

Toilet Paper (stock up!)

Have you ever gone to the bathroom and noticed you didn’t have anymore toilet paper!? This is the worst.  I don’t want this to happen to you, so be sure to stock up on toilet paper before you move into your new apartment.

Its better to have closet full of rolls than none at all

Toilet paper Holder or storage basket

If you want an aesthetically pleasing look, I recommend getting a toilet paper holder or storage basket.  Your apartment will most likely come with the standard toilet paper holder, but why not jazz it up? 

I prefer the standing toilet paper holders. They are renter friendly and prevent you from having to drill any holes.  They also come in different styles.

Air freshener, spray and candles

Keep your bathroom smelling great with either a good air freshener, spray or candle.  If you’re like me, get all 3! Lol

Basics for your Sink and Vanity

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Have you ever stayed the night over someone’s house or went on vacation and realized you didn’t have your toothbrush!?  I have and its not fun.

Let’s prevent an unnecessary trip to the store and add a new toothbrush and toothpaste to your list; RIGHT NOW lol. Your toothbrush will be one of the first things that you’ll look for and use after moving into your new apartment.

Hand Soap

Having hand soap available is important for both you and your guest.  I love to use an antibacterial soap to kill all of the germs that we run into.

You can also get a soap dispenser to add to the aesthetically pleasing oasis that you are creating.  Soap dispensers come in many different styles and colors.  There are also some eclectic soap dispensers that are pretty cool.

Hand towels or Paper Towel

Make sure to keep hand towels or paper towels available for you and your guests. 

My biggest pet peeve is someone using my face towel to dry off their hands.  If you have a separate area for hand towels, the confusion will be eliminated and everyone can have dry hands! Lol

Small countertop organizer or tray

Having a countertop organizer or tray is definitely a life hack!  The organizer allows you to keep some of your essentials like your face care items on your counter, while still looking organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Countertop organizers for your bathroom come in many different sizes and styles.  I personally love the organizers with multiple shelves, which allows me to add more products without looking cluttered. 

Bathroom Cleaning Essentials

Some Must have bathroom essentials for your first apartment are definitely cleaning supplies.  When moving into your new apartment, you definitely want to clean before using anything and you’ll also want to clean as you go.

Here are a few cleaning essentials you need to add to your checklist:

All purpose bathroom cleaner

Having an all-purpose bathroom cleaner is key to keeping your bathroom tidy and disinfected.  You can use most cleaners for your sink, shower and even your toilet.

Glass or Mirror Cleaner

Keep your mirror and glass products clean and free of debris.  I’m a huge fan of Windex for my glass items. But there are plenty of grea  glass cleaners on the market.

I make sure to keep my mirrors free of dust or even toothpaste from brushing my teeth.  Remember, the mirror is the first thing that people look at when when entering your bathroom. Keep it looking good!

Disinfectant wipes or spray

I love to keep both in my bathroom.  A great disinfectant will keep your bathroom free and clear of germs.

I love my Clorox disinfectant wipes for wiping down the toilet, door handles, light switches and wiping down my countertops

 Sponges

Sponges are necessary when cleaning your sink, tub and any surfaces.  I keep a separate sponge for my sink and one for my tub.  I use the sponges with a great disinfectant solution or spray.

Small trash can with liners

I can’t live without my bathroom trash can. It’s so convenient and prevents you from taking an unnecessary trip to your kitchen to throw things away.

The bathroom trash can also also serve as decor and help to elevate your space with the many designs that it comes in.  I prefer a stainless steel can. 

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This one is pretty self-explanatory.  Make sure to get a good toilet bowl cleaner to keep your toilet sparkly and fresh.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Start Simple and then add on

The checklist that I provided will give you a great running start when moving into your first apartment.  These Bathroom essentials for first apartment will help you create a clean and functional space.

As time goes on you’ll build your routine around the basics and eventually add on based on your own preferences.

You can also upgrade over time with your decor and storage options.