Initial equipment: Furnishing an apartment after moving out

Moving into a new apartment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. Purchasing furniture and groceries is essential. But what exactly is included in the ultimate initial setup? This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of everything you need. 

With our tips on the page, you will transform empty spaces into a cozy home and make the right decision when shopping.

What is included in the initial equipment of the apartment?

The initial furnishing of a new apartment forms the foundation for a comfortable home where you will enjoy living. This way, you will feel at ease from the beginning. Therefore, we provide you with an overview. These are the points you should consider:

• Furniture: Essential are a comfortable bed in a suitable shape, a sofa or armchair for the living area, a table and chairs. Adequate storage space is provided by furniture such as cabinets or shelves.
• Kitchen equipment: Basic furnishings such as pots, pans, dishes (plates, glasses, bowls, cups), cutlery, a sharp knife set, trash can, a dish brush, cutting boards, and various kitchen utensils make daily cooking easier.
• Household appliances: A refrigerator plus a stove are essential. Smaller appliances such as a kettle, a microwave, a coffee maker, and a toaster complete the kitchen equipment.
• Cleaning utensils and equipment: With a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a bucket, cleaning agents, sponges, and cloths, you keep the apartment clean and hygienic.
• Bedding and towels: A set of high-quality bed linens and several towels are essential in any situation.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting sources such as ceiling lights, floor lamps, and table lamps create a pleasant atmosphere.

This checklist for new acquisitions covers the basic setup so that you can feel comfortable at home with the essential equipment right away. As parents, a bed for the child must of course also be purchased.

What you need for each room as initial apartment equipment

With the right initial equipment for the individual rooms of your new apartment, you create a harmonious and functional home. Below, we provide you with a detailed overview of what you need for the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and other areas. 

With our information, you will know what matters when setting up for the first time.

The Living Room: What Do You Really Need?

The living room with the couch is often the centerpiece of your home. It is a place where relaxation and community are paramount. Accordingly, the demands on the furniture pieces are often particularly high. 

A soft sofa or other comfortable seating invites you to linger, for example.

Meanwhile, a stylish coffee table provides practical space for drinks, the computer, or books. A living room unit with a TV cabinet or lowboard for the television is also essential. 

With a shelf, you add a touch of personality to your living space by displaying favorite books, photos, or collectibles on it. Adding personal items such as family pictures or houseplants transforms the living room into a welcoming space for people. 

For the finishing touch, a rug, decorative pillows, and curtains are essential. As a student or for work, you might also need office furniture such as a desk for your laptop and a printer. A chest of drawers for storing documents is also recommended.

The Bedroom

The bedroom is your private retreat. It is a space of tranquility and relaxation. Therefore, design this area to be especially cozy and personal. The centerpiece is a comfortable bed like a box spring bed. 

Ensure you choose a high-quality mattress and a slatted frame if you are purchasing a traditional bed. A spacious wardrobe for your clothing and a nightstand with lamps for soft lighting while reading before sleep are other essential elements that should not be overlooked. 

With the right bedding and pretty pillows, you create the perfect conditions for a cozy ambiance. For instance, a strikingly colored cover can set accents. By choosing individual decorative elements, you emphasize your personal style. 

For that special touch, add curtains, bedspreads or blinds that filter daylight as needed and provide privacy. Especially in ground floor apartments, this prevents people from looking inside the room.

The Kitchen

In every apartment, the kitchen plays a central role for cooking and dining. This is where you prepare your meals. In a shared household such as a flat share, it is also often a meeting point for spending time together. 

Basic kitchen appliances such as the stove and refrigerator are usually already present. However, additional equipment truly makes your kitchen functional. A set of high-quality pots and pans and a versatile assortment of dishes and cutlery form the foundation. With the right household appliances, you can cook delicious meals and maintaining a healthy diet is no problem.

Embark on culinary journeys and cook delicious dishes after moving out. For kitchen work, various kitchen utensils such as vegetable peelers, cutting knives, whisks, and cooking spoons are essential. 

Try out one or two dishes right from the start with these complementary utensils and transform your kitchen into the heart of the home. Additionally, you will need a table with chairs and a cabinet for organization.

The Bathroom

The bathroom, in any size, plays an essential role in apartments. Make this space functional and inviting with the shower curtain and more. Soft towels, shower curtains, and a toilet brush are a must-have in initial apartment furnishings. 

A small bathroom cabinet with mirror or a shelf for little money provides storage space for your toiletries. A laundry basket is also a practical helper for removing used clothes and towels from sight immediately.

Furthermore, a bathtub clothes drying rack and a mirrored cabinet above the sink could be considered. 

The Hallway

This part of the apartment connects all the rooms in your home. It essentially structures the layout. Therefore, this area deserves special attention in its design. It should be not only inviting but also functional. 

Purchasing a wardrobe or several hooks for home furnishing usually provides the perfect solution for neatly hanging coats and bags within easy reach. A shoe cabinet helps keep the entrance area free from scattered shoes, thus ensuring a tidy first impression. 

A mirror in the hallway is practical for a final check on your outfit before leaving the house. Additionally, it makes the space appear larger and brighter. 

This combination of wardrobe, shoe cabinet, and mirror turns the hallway into an organized and welcoming entrance area that sets the tone for the rest of the home.

The storage room

The storage room is a true treasure in every home. It is an area that serves to maintain order and clarity. It hides all the things that are not used daily. To maximize this space, shelves or boxes for the walls are essential. 

Such options provide structured storage space and easy access to stored items. Shelving systems allow for the neat organization and storage of a wide variety of items, from seasonal decorations and sports equipment to supplies. 

Stackable boxes are excellent for storing smaller items safely and free from dust. Depending on their size, they can also accommodate a broom, an iron, and a board.

Additional items you need for the apartment: washing machine, cleaning equipment

In every household, certain appliances or so-called household goods are indispensable for ensuring cleanliness and order and making daily life more comfortable. These include:

• Washing machineIt is at the forefront of initial equipment, as washing and cleaning clothes and textiles would otherwise be laborious. Who would want to wring out clothes after university or after a long day at work? Its importance can hardly be overstated by individuals. It saves you time and ensures hygiene.
• Vacuum cleanerThis is another indispensable device that ensures the removal of dust and dirt from carpets and hard floors. Modern vacuum cleaners offer various attachments and settings to meet different cleaning needs.
• Mop and bucketFor the wet cleaning of floors, these two utensils are absolutely essential. The reason is simple: they allow not only the removal of dust, but also of more stubborn stains and dirt.
• Cleaning agentsA selection of cleaning agents for various surfaces (such as glass, wood, and tiles) is essential to ensure a clean and hygienic home. Many offer efficient performance and quick dirt removal.

The Tool: Nothing works without these tools

A basic toolset is a must in every household. It prepares you for a variety of everyday tasks and minor projects. With a screwdriver, you can quickly tighten or loosen screws. 

This is particularly useful when assembling furniture or maintaining electronic devices. A hammer makes it easier to drive nails: whether for hanging pictures or smaller woodworking projects. 

Additionally, pliers are indispensable if you want to loosen objects that are stuck tight or if you need to cut and bend wires. A tape measure allows for precise measurements. Used together with a spirit level, you can position furniture or shelves accurately. 

With this basic set of tools, you can tackle DIY challenges in your own home independently and efficiently. This way, you are not dependent on professional help for every little thing.

Groceries: The First Purchase

A well-equipped household includes not only the right equipment and appliances, but also a carefully compiled selection of supplies. These form the basis for a variety of meals for you and (if applicable) your partner. The essentials include:

• Pasta and RiceThese staple foods are versatile, have a long shelf life, and form the basis for numerous dishes. They are a necessity for the modern household.
• SpicesA selection of basic spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, and Herbes de Provence allows you to add flavor and depth to your dishes.
• OilOlive oil or sunflower oil are essential for cooking and frying, as well as a base for dressings and sauces.
• Canned goodsCanned tomatoes, beans, or corn provide a quick and easy way to enrich your meals with essential nutrients and flavors. They save you in various situations – especially when you need to prepare something quickly.
• Fresh ingredientsFor the first few days after moving in, you should also plan for fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, meat, or tofu. This way, you can prepare healthy and tasty meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need everything right away?

No, first focus on the basic things and gradually add what is important to you. This way, within a few months, you will have a selection of appliances and furniture.

How can I save money on furnishing?

Look out for deals, use second-hand platforms, or ask family and friends for discarded pieces. This way, you can save some money on your purchase.

What should I do if I have limited space?

Opt for multifunctional furniture and good storage solutions to make the most of the available space. For example, with a sofa bed, you can transform your living room into a sleeping area.

The initial furnishing of your apartment is the foundation for your new home. With this list, you have a good starting point to create your own cozy retreat. You can buy furniture at affordable prices in Germany from us.

Sometimes there are discounts available to bring a touch of luxury into your home at low prices. By the way, you can find offers throughout the year at our furniture outlet.