Bathroom Essentials for First Apartment: Supplies You Need

Moving out for the first time is a big step. You’re finally on your own and you get to make all the decisions about your life!

One of the most daunting tasks of leaving the nest is filling your own apartment (and figuring out what you need). You need to check out this bathroom essentials for first apartment list, you won’t want to miss anything else on this list.

By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be an expert on outfitting your bathroom and one step closer to being a real adult. 

Bathroom essentials for first apartment

1. Towels

You can never have too many towels (seriously, you can’t). Make sure to stock up on bath towels, hand towels, and face towels:

Bath towels: These are the big, fluffy towels that you use to dry off after a shower or bath. They’re typically made from cotton or other absorbent materials, and they come in a variety of sizes.

Hand towels: These are smaller than bath towels and are typically used for drying your hands after washing them. They can also be used for wiping up spills.

Face towels: Or face cloths are even smaller than hand towels, and are used to dry off your face. You can also use them for cleaning up small spills on counters or tables.

You’ll also want at least one towel (or two) per person living in your apartment so that everyone has their own. Trust us, there will be issues if you don’t have enough towels.

2. Shower curtain and liner

Unless you want water spilling all over your bathroom floor every time you take a shower, invest in a good shower curtain and liner. You can find these relatively cheaply at any home goods store, and most apartments won’t come with one already set up. Just make sure to get one that’s the right size for your shower or tub! 

The combination of the two will protect your bathroom from water damage. Water can quickly ruin paint, drywall, and flooring, so it’s important to keep it contained. They also make it easier to keep your bathroom clean. When water splashes out of the shower, it can leave behind soap scum and mildew. A shower curtain and liner will help contain the water and make cleanup a breeze. Finally, a shower curtain and liner can add a touch of style to your bathroom. There are endless possibilities when it comes to designs, colors, and materials.

3. Cleaning supplies

You’ll want to keep your shower sparkly and clean, which means you need to stock up on some cleaning supplies specifically for it. Cleaning your bathroom is a real pain in the butt, but it’s crucial you stay on top of it. At the very least you’re going to want:

• All purpose cleaner: for cleaning the counters, sink, tub, and tile
• Toilet cleaner: don’t forget to also get the brush!
• Soft cloth or sponge: for washing down the surfaces
• Glass cleaner: for shining up the mirror and any other glass surfaces in the room
• Small vacuum cleaner: to help with any small cleanup jobs

You need the essential tools on-hand so you can keep the mildew and soap scum at bay.

4. Toilet paper and holder

This one should be obvious but we’ll say it anyway, don’t forget to buy toilet paper!

When you move into a new place, you’ll want to have plenty of toilet paper on hand so you don’t run out at an inopportune moment. A good rule of thumb is to buy one roll for each person living in your apartment, per week. So if you have two roommates, aim for six rolls of toilet paper.

As for a toilet paper holder, it might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually really important. A good holder will keep your toilet paper dry and within easy reach. Plus, it’ll help prevent messy accidents (like when the roll falls into the toilet). There’s nothing worse than a soggy roll of toilet paper sitting on the back of a toilet.

5. Bath mat

One of the most important things for the bathroom is a bath mat. A bath mat is essential for keeping your bathroom clean and dry. It also helps to prevent slips and falls in the shower. I know you’re not a kid any more, but you can still slip in the shower, which could lead to a serious injury.

If you don’t have a bath mat, you’re more likely to slip and fall, which could lead to serious injuries. Bath mats are relatively inexpensive, so there’s no excuse not to have one. Make sure you buy a bath mat for your new apartment and keep yourself safe.

6. Trash can

Don’t forget the trash can! It seems like a small thing, which is what makes it easy to forget, but it makes a big difference. A bathroom garbage helps to keep your bathroom clean and makes it easy to take the trash out. No one wants to see garbage while they’re trying to relax in the bathtub.

You may be thinking, “I don’t need a trash can in my bathroom, I’ll just use the one in the kitchen.” But trust me, having a trash can in your bathroom is essential. You’ll end up with a counter full of hygiene product garbage that you have to walk out to the kitchen. Avoid that by getting a small bin for the room.

7. Bathroom mirror

It’s possible your bathroom already comes with a mirror, so this might not be something you need. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll want to add one to your list.

A bathroom mirror can help you get ready for your day. There’s nothing worse than being rushed in the morning and not having time to do your hair or put on makeup. With a bathroom mirror, you can take your time and start your day off feeling confident and put-together.

Mirrors also make small spaces feel bigger and brighter. They reflect light, so placing one in your bathroom will help to brighten up the space. If you have a small bathroom, this can be a huge bonus!

8. Toilet brush and plunger

When it comes to bathroom essentials, a toilet brush and plunger are two items that you cannot go without.

A toilet brush is essential for keeping your toilet clean and free of bacteria. Toilets get gross really fast, and you want to keep them spic and span for yourself and guests! On the other hand, plungers are essentials for clearing any clogs that happen. You’ll be in a really bad situation if you get caught with a clog and don’t have one of these guys on-hand.

Having both of these items in your bathroom will help to keep your space clean and hygienic. Make sure you store these someplace where they’re easily accessible but out of sight (like under the sink). Just make sure to watch each of these after every use!

9. First aid kit

If you’re like most people, when you think of a first aid kit, you probably envision a large metal box filled with medical supplies. However, a first aid kit doesn’t have to be big or expensive to be effective. In fact, one of the best places to keep a first aid kit is in your bathroom.

You never know when an accident will happen. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen at any time. Whether you slip and fall in the shower or cut yourself while shaving, it’s always good to have a few basic medical supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Luckily, first aid kits are relatively inexpensive. You can buy a basic one or make your own for less than $20.

10. Bathroom rug

Not only do you want a bath mat (see above), but you also want to add a bathroom rug to your list.

Bathroom rugs make all the difference when you’re brushing your teeth, doing your makeup or getting out of the shower. Not only does it help keep your feet warm (hard bathroom floors can be chilly!), but they help keep your bathroom floor free from water damage.

Rugs come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials, so you’re sure to find one that fits both your style and your budget. Plus, they’re relatively easy to care for – just be sure to vacuum or shake it out regularly to prevent dirt and dust buildup. So go ahead and add a bathroom rug to your cart – your feet will thank you

11. Caddy or shelves

I find that most bathrooms in apartments nowadays don’t have any shelving or storage. They might have a cupboard under the sink, but that’s usually it. That’s where a bathroom caddy or shelves come in. Trust me, you do have things that need to be properly stored.

A caddy is a good option if you have a tiny bathroom and you don’t want to invest in something large that will take up its own space. They hang over a door (just your bathroom door or the under-the-sink cupboard) and give you a place to store items you need. The big downside is they tend to be small.

If you need something a little larger, then a full-on shelf is for you. You can get a floating shelf that hangs over the toilet (if you can put things in the wall), or a standing shelf that goes over the toilet. In both cases, they simply use space that’s already blocked off by the toilet. No need to take up extra space!

Along with your toiletries, makeup and products, a caddy or shelves can be used to store extra towels, toilet paper, and other essentials. This way, everything’s not out on the bathroom counter making it impossible to clean up!

12. Showerhead

Your apartment probably already comes with one installed, but unless its a brand new building it probably sucks. This is not something you HAVE TO buy, but you probably won’t regret the investment. Separate showerheads are often more versatile than the built-in one, allowing you to use them as handheld showers or overhead sprayers, or you can get fancy with one that imitates rain. If you want to go really fancy, I’d recommend checking something high-tech out like the Hai showerhead.

Ready to stock your first bathroom?

Moving into your first apartment is a big step! It can be daunting to furnish an entire place by yourself but we’re here to help. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to get everything on the bathroom essentials for first apartment right away. But by stocking up on these items, you’ll be one step closer to being a real adult.