60 best items for your first apartment

July 13, 2023

Whether you’re ditching dorm life, leaving the nest, or experiencing another type of life change, moving into your first apartment can be an exciting time. We’ll admit it can also be overwhelming to figure out what you actually need, what to take or leave, and what will fit in your new space. In addition to the necessities, you’ll also want some fun items, as well as a few things to make life easier. Whether you’re purchasing these items yourself, or compiling a wish list, these are the best items you’ll want for your first apartment.

All of these products have been hand-selected by Team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.

Cookware

	If you’re a recent grad, pizza was probably a staple in your life. But instead of delivery in those cardboard boxes, this deep-dish pizza pan allows you to make your own pizza at home. It’s a glazed pizza stone with refractory ceramic and includes handles for easy transport. The pizza dish is scratch-resistant, so you can cut pizza directly on the stone. The 12-inch pizza pan comes in burgundy or black. Emile Henry 12” Deep Dish Pizza Pan, $69/Sale $61 at Amazon
	With this bistro grill and griddle, you can cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a single compact appliance. The six-in-one design can be used as a contact griddle, contact grill, Panini press, mixed grill/griddle, open grill, and open griddle. The top and bottom plates heat independently, allowing you to cook different parts of a meal at the same time. The LED temperature display as well as the dishwasher-safe removable grill and griddle plates make the appliance easy to operate. Bistro Grill & Griddle, $269 at GreenPan
	This five-ply beautiful French Skillet is Titanium strengthened to resist corrosion and is also made of stainless steel, aluminum, and steel. The combination ensures the skillet is durable and heats evenly. It’s also chemically inert to avoid metal leaching, and designed to produce a healthy and tasty experience. The skillet can be used on any type of stovetop – and also in the oven, and the ergonomic, stay-cool handle makes the skillet easy to maneuver. Heritage Steel also makes an eight-piece cookware set. Heritage Steel 13.5″ French Skillet With Lid, $249 at Amazon
	Rice lovers will also love this 10-cup rice cooker, which automatically adjusts the temperature and cooking time for perfectly-cooked rice. There’s also an option to make quick rice, delay the cooking process by 24 hours, and even keep rice warm for 24 hours. The large digital display makes the rice cooker even to operate, and in addition to white and brown rice, it can also make oatmeal and grains. Texture options include regular, soft, and hard, and the rice cooker has steam, sauté, and slow cook modes for making other foods as well. Cosori 10-Cup Rice Cooker, $99 at Amazon
	An air fryer can help you eat healthier since it cooks by air circulation and requires little to no oil. This one can also take the place of several appliances, so it saves countertop space. The air fryer has eight presets: French fries, beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, rotisserie, vegetables, and dehydrate. This allows it to also be used as a toaster oven, roaster, pizza oven, dehydrator, and sandwich maker. Both the time and temperature can be manually adjusted, and the glass window makes it easy to view your food while it’s cooking. Hamilton Beach 11.6 Quart Digital Air Fryer, $129 at Amazon
	If you want a cookware set that will last forever, and lets you cook like a pro, this seven-piece set has a tri-ply design that includes an aluminum core and two layers of stainless steel. It consists of a 10-inch fry pan, a three-quart saucepan with a lid, a three-quart sauté pan with a lid, and an eight-quart stockpot with a lid. The cookware can be used on all types of cooktops and is oven/broiler safe to 600 degrees. It heats up quickly, distributes heat evenly, and is easy to clean. All-Clad D3 3-Ply 7 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, $499 at Amazon
	Another cookware option is this starter set with three pans (12 inches, 10 inches, and 8 inches) with matching lids. The hybrid cookware set combines the durability of stainless steel with the ease of nonstick (and an aluminum core that rapidly conducts heat). The laser-etched stainless steel hexagon design combines with a non-toxic Japanese coating that’s infused with diamond dust to make it tough and durable. The set is compatible with all types of cooktops, and the handles are cool to the touch. Hexclad 6 Piece Hybrid Cookware Set, 399 at Amazon
	For baking food in the oven, this ceramic, nonstick set is made of cast aluminum to heat evenly and prevent warping and rust. Whether you’re baking chicken and other meats, roasted vegetables, cookies, cakes, or sheet pan dinners, the cookware avoids creating hotspots. The built-in, chip-resistant handles on each pan make it easy to transfer meals to the table or countertop. The set is oven safe to 600 degrees and is also dishwasher-safe. Premiere 5-Piece Ovenware Ceramic Nonstick Set, $294 at GreenPan

Other kitchen essentials

	Every home needs a can opener, and you may as well get a quality one that’s safe and easy to operate. This one eliminates sharp lids since the can opener cuts the can along the sides. It operates with just a touch of the opening lever. And the can opener’s black and chrome design also looks good in any kitchen. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Automatic Can Opener, $32 at Amazon
	A good, high-quality blender is worth its weight in gold. This one, which includes a 48-ounce container, has three programmed settings: smoothie, hot soup, and frozen dessert. It can blend frozen fruit, heavy powder, greens, and other veggies. It can also grind nuts into nut butters, make ice cream and sorbet, and even make hot soup in under 10 minutes. The blender has variable speed control and a pulse feature for manually blending. The laser-cut stainless steel blades resist bending or becoming dull. Cleaning the blender is easy. Just add a drop of dish soap and warm water into the container, and set it on the highest setting for 60 seconds. Vitamix Propel Series 510 Blender, $479 at Amazon
	A quality coffee maker that looks good, doesn’t take up space, and brews certified gold-standard coffee can make your mornings so much easier. This one uses BetterBrew precision brewing to ensure the water temperature, volume, and brewing time, are all perfect – starting with the rainmaker showerhead that evenly distributes water over coffee grounds. You can brew a pot (eight cups) of coffee in the thermal carafe that keeps it hot for well over an hour, or brew a single cup right into a mug or travel mug. OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker, $199 at Kohl’s
	If you like the flexibility of using both K-pods and ground coffee, this coffee maker does both. It’s designed to make single-serve coffee and can brew coffee grounds in seven different sizes that range from 6 ounces to 24 ounces. With coffee pods, it can brew four different sizes. In addition, there are four brew styles: classic, rich, over-ice, or specialty brew (cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos). The built-in milk frother can be used with hot or cold milk, as well as milk alternatives. And, when not in use, the milk frother can fold out of the way to save space. Ninja Pods & Grounds Specialty Single Serve Coffee Maker, $129 at Amazon
	You can make homemade ice cream in your apartment quickly and easily with this seven-in-one ice cream maker – which has a space-saving design. It’s easy to use: add your ingredients, freeze the container overnight, and then process it through the machine with the touch of a button. The machine can make a variety of treats and has presets for smoothie bowls, ice cream, lite ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and milkshake. Since the ice cream maker can blend ingredients, it’s easy to add fruit like bananas and strawberries, as well as chocolate, candy, and nuts. Ninja CREAMi Breeze 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker $199
	If you’re coming from a dorm room, you may be accustomed to eating off of paper plates. However, these dinnerware plates make it easy to upgrade your dinnerware. The set of six plates is made from tempered glass (which is 2.5 times stronger than ordinary glass). The glasses are also shock resistant to withstand sudden temperature extremes so the dinnerware can be used for both hot and cold foods. The 11-inch plates are also microwave safe and can be put in the dishwasher to clean. Lys 6-Piece Tempered Glass Dinner Plate Set, $90 at Duralex
	This elegant dinnerware set has all of the essentials for one person. The set includes an 11-inch dinner plate, an 8.66-inch salad plate, a 6.26-inch bowl, and a 10.82-ounce mug; it also comes with a 12-piece dinnerware set for four people. Made of premium alumilite porcelain, the white dinnerware set is both dishwasher and microwave oven safe. Bach 4 Piece Dinnerware Set, $159 at Porland
	The right chopping board makes meal prep a lot easier – and this one will also look stunning on your countertop. The handcrafted walnut end-grain cutting board includes several coats of food-safe grade mineral oil, buffed with a beeswax top coat finish to make it moisture resistant. Plus, it won’t dull your knives after continuous chopping and slicing. The cutting board is also reversible and has hand grips carved into the sides to make it easy to lift and transport. Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Cutting Board, $299 at Amazon
	If you need some good kitchen knives, this set, with full-tang construction (including 67 layers of Japanese Damascus Steel honed to a 10-degree angle) has all of the essentials. The six-piece set includes a bread knife, a chef’s knife, a Santoku knife, a utility knife, a paring knife, and also a knife sharpener. Each knife is designed to be balanced, sharp, and durable. Hexclad Essential 6 Piece Japanese Damascus Steel Knife Set, $349 at Amazon
	This stainless-steel trash can has so many features that you’ll appreciate. The 12.4-gallon trash can is battery-operated and uses sensor technology so you never have to touch the lid. There’s also a stay-open feature if you need to keep it open longer. The soft close lid eliminates unnecessary noise, and the bag cinch keeps the trash bag secured to the trash can. There’s also a liner bucket that can be easily gripped by the handles to remove and clean. Rubbermaid Stainless Steel Sensor Trash Can, $159 at Amazon
	Did you know that you can’t store coffee in just any type of container? It’s important to keep coffee beans and ground coffee away from light. This container provides the best of both worlds. It’s clear enough to see through but also has a UV-blocking tint to keep light out. And the stainless-steel pop-top lid ensures an airtight seal. The 1.7-quart container can hold a pound of coffee beans or coffee grounds, and there’s even a coffee scoop included that attaches underneath the lid. OXO Steel POP Coffee Container with Scoop, $22 at Amazon
	Who knew storage could be this attractive? Unlike some plastic storage containers, this set is made of BPA-free, Tritan plastic that looks like glass and is shatterproof, stain-resistant, and odor-resistant. It’s also 100 percent airtight and stackable to help save space. Rubbermaid Set of 3 Brilliance Food Containers, $24 at Amazon
	You’ll feel like you’re dining in a restaurant when pouring water or drinks out of this stylish bottle carafe. The 34-ounce carafe can fit in the refrigerator and also looks good on the dining table. It’s also drip-proof, and the brass lid has a silicone stopper. Bottle Carafe, $70 at Audo Copenhagen
	This set of eight stemless tumblers is made of BPA-free acrylic and has a stylish thread and berries motif. The glasses can effortlessly go from being used indoors to entertaining outside. Each glass is 4 inches high and 3.5 inches wide and can hold 8 ounces of liquid. The glasses are also available in blue. Isabella Acrylic Tumbler Set of 8, $112 at Tuckernuck

Bedroom must-haves

	You’ll sleep well in your new apartment with this unique memory foam mattress, which has four firmness levels, so you can rotate and flip it as desired: on one side, it’s soft on one end but you can rotate it to sleep on the medium-soft end. When you flip it over, the mattress is firm on one end, but you can rotate it if you prefer a medium-firm comfort level. The mattress has five layers: a gel-infused cooling layer, a transition layer to alleviate tension and pressure, a high-density foam layer for support and motion isolation, a firm comfort layer, and a checkered monogram cover. And since it’s a bed in a box, the mattress is easier to move and won’t take up much space until the box is opened and it starts to expand. Prime Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) $1,266/Sale $760 at SweetNight
	If you don’t have room for a headboard – or just don’t want one – this natural wood frame looks gorgeous as is. The wood frame also eliminates the need for a foundation. It’s made of 100 percent Appalachian hardwood bed rails, 100 percent solid Southern Yellow Pine slats, and 100 percent solid Appalachian Maple legs. The frame is available in two color options, natural and white, and in sizes that fit twin to California king mattresses. Natural Wood Frame, $729/Sale $546 (Queen) at Helix
	Create a sophisticated bedroom with this elegant matte finish duvet cover set, reminiscent of hotel luxury. The matte percale fabric is made of hand-picked Egyptian cotton fibers, and OEKO-TEX certified to be free of harmful chemicals. The duvet cover has a sumptuous 350 thread count with a percale weave. The set includes a cover and two shams, both with hidden zippers – and the duvet also has insert ties. It’s available in full/queen and king/California king, and in four colors that match the coordinating ultra percale sheets: slate, white, bone, and carbon. Ultra Percale Duvet Cover Set-Hotel Collection, $225 at Pure Parima
	If you prefer sateen bedding, you’ll sleep like a baby under this Italian-crafted luxurious duvet cover, which also looks crisp and clean, making it ideal for any décor style. The duvet cover is made of 100 percent long-staple cotton with hemstitching. The sateen finish makes it silky soft, and the matching shams (sold separately) can also be monogrammed for a more personalized experience. The duvet cover is available in full/queen and king. Color choices include powder, lunar, poolside, grey, oat, ivory, and white. Fiona Duvet Cover, $480 at SFERRA
	When it’s cold outside, curling up in this chunky knit blanket will be one of your favorite ways to lounge around in your new apartment. A weighted blanket can provide a light amount of pressure that releases serotonin, the chemical in your body that makes you relax. This 10-pound, hand-knitted weighted blanket is made of breathable bamboo fleece, so it won’t weigh you down and won’t trap heat. The blanket is available in four colors: Sapphire blue, deep forest, soft gray, and clay. Chunky Knit Blanket, $250 at Gravity
	You’ll never want to take this down alternative comforter off your bed – and you won’t have to since it has 3D down alternative and sustainable lyocell fill. This allows the comforter to keep you warm in the winter, but the material is breathable and moisture-wicking so you can use it during warmer months. It’s soft and luxurious like down, but the 100 percent hypoallergenic material, which is covered with a cotton shell made of long staple percale cotton, also has corner loops to attach to a duvet cover. However, it’s beautiful enough to use without a duvet cover. All-Year Down Alternative Comforter, $315 (full/queen) at Saatva
	This bed skirt serves dual functions. It can make your bedding look so much neater and tailored, giving the bedroom a chic hotel vibe. However, the bed skirt also helps you store (hide) unsightly items under the bed. The bed skirt has three panels and an inverted mid-panel pleat. It also comes with a set of pins to let you adjust it. The 100 percent long-staple cotton bed skirt is available in sizes ranging from twin to California King, and in two colors: ivory and white. Grand Hotel Bed Skirt, $237 at SFERRA
	If you tend to sleep hot, this bamboo-viscose sheet set is both cooler and softer than cotton. In addition, it’s renewable and sustainable, as well as being odor and allergy-resistant (a bonus for those with sensitive skin). The breathable and moisture-wicking sheets provide cloud-like comfort, and the set is available in Tahitian breeze, beach linen, ivory, sage, and white. Cariloha Classic Bamboo-Viscose Sheet Set, $239/ Sale $224 at Amazon
	The right pillow will help you sleep soundly in your new apartment and this one has cooling memory foam combined with breathable mesh, so it doesn’t trap heat. The pillow is not only supportive but also adjustable. By zipping and unzipping the pillow on the side, you can instantly make it either firmer or softer. Additionally, the antimicrobial shell allows the pillow to stay cleaner for longer. The pillow comes in standard and King sizes. Brooklinen Marlow Pillow, $65 at Amazon

Bathroom essentials

	Shower curtains often develop mold, but this one has a water-repellent, mildew-resistant coating, and a shrink-free polyester liner. Made with over 41 recycled plastic bottles, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to PVC and other types of plastic shower curtains, and the weighted hem ensures it doesn’t billow. The high-density fabric shower curtain (which is 72” x 72” and weighs 5 pounds) can also be machine washed and has removable magnets and hooks; the liner also detaches. Nebia Shower Curtain, $119 at Brondell
	This waffle shower curtain adds subtle style to any bathroom. The textured waffle shower curtain is made from 100 percent organic cotton and has a honeycomb design that instantly updates your shower. It includes 12 stitched button holes, and is 72” x 72.” Color choices for the shower curtain include white, sand, and light gray. Organic Luxe Waffle Shower Curtain, $49 at Quince
	Linen bath towels aren’t just beautiful to look at. They quickly absorb moisture and also dry quickly, which allows them to stay fresher than fluffy cotton towels. Make of 100 percent linen, these towels, which get softer and smoother the more you use them, look fabulous when you hang them in the bathroom. The matching linen hand towels are perfect for your use (since linen exfoliates your skin), but they also make adorable guest towels as well. Color choices are light natural and white. Solino Home Linen Bath Towel (35″ x 70″), $55 at Amazon
	Stay on top of your fitness goals with this sleek and smart WiFi scale. In addition to weight, it measures BMI, body fat, protein, muscle mass, visceral fat, heart rate, subcutaneous fat, bone mass, body water, metabolic age, skeletal muscle, and fat-free body weight. It keeps track of unlimited users, separately storing the data for each person. Using WiFi or Bluetooth, you can also view the data on your smartphone. Etekcity Smart Fitness Scale, $79 at Amazon
	If your hair styling products take up half of your bathroom space, it’s time to upgrade to this flex-style air styling and drying system that’s compact and easy to store (weighing just over 1.5 pounds). By merely twisting the body of the hair blow dryer you can turn it into a styling wand and style your hair. Attachments include autowrap curlers, paddle concentrator, oval brush, and paddle brush. It dries and styles without causing heat damage – and increases smoothness and shine while decreasing frizz and flyaways. Shark FlexStyle Air Styling and Drying System, $299 at Amazon

Furniture and decor

	If you can get your parents to spring for a new sofa, this is the one you want. It’s 84” W x 36” D x 32” H, so it’s larger than those cramped loveseats but not so big that it will overwhelm your space. The low-profile sofa has narrow sloped arms, hardwood laminate frames, and a recycled steel Flexolator suspension system underneath seat cushions. The cushion cores are made from a dense, eco-friendly foam, while the seat cushions have been padded with sterilized down, feather, and poly fiber. Color choices are numerous and range from moondust to ecru to mauve to cement. Branson Sofa $3,999/Sale $2,799 at Arhaus
	Gamers may spend an inordinate amount of time engaged in this activity, so a comfortable, quality chair is essential. This premium gaming chair is available in a choice of premium PVC leather or linen fabric and in a large or extra-large size. It has four-way lumbar support, an ergonomic seat base with a thick cushion, comfort tech backrest, and reclines 90 to 165 degrees (and locks in place), a magnetic head pillow with cooling pads, and magnetic 4D armrests. Color options include carbon black, ash gray, classic maroon, blaze orange, Bentley brown, creamy pink, and Robin egg blue. AndaSeat Kaiser 3 Series Premium Gaming Chair, $499/Sale $419
	If you’d prefer an office chair, this one can help you work comfortably at home. The ergonomic design of the backrest provides lumbar support to keep you seated in the correct position, while the seat cushion and back are both made of a breathable mesh. The chair is height adjustable, swivels 360 degrees, and the backrest can tilt from 90 to 130 degrees. The height and angle of the headrest can also be adjusted, as can the armrest. There’s even a clothes hanger on the back of the chair. Color choices are black and grey. Essential Mesh Office Chair OC3, $219/Sale $169 at Flexispot
	Serving double duty as decoration and lighting, this portable smart LED lamp is a beautiful globe with a built-in 90 lm LED light. It’s wireless, and the built-in rechargeable battery provides over six hours of light. You can use your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Siri, Home Kit, or the onboard buttons to control the millions of color options, and the lamp has a carry and hang handle to make it easy to transport. Since it has an IP65 water resistance rating, the lamp can be used indoors and also outdoors. Eve Flare Lamp, $99 at Amazon
	Liven up your walls with fun artwork. These framed and ready-to-hang art prints, by a variety of designers, can be purchased in over a dozen frame styles – each with a premium shatterproof acrylic cover. Sizes range from 8” x 10” to 20” x 20” to 24” x 36” and the designs are also available as wood wall art, posters, stickers, canvas prints, wall clocks, laptop & iPad skins, iPhone skins, coasters, stationary cards, serving trays, notebooks, throw pillows, floor pillows, tote bags, cutting boards, and even coffee tables and side tables. Framed Art Print (13 x 19), $77/Sale $61 at Society6
	With tall windows, it can often be hard to find stylish curtains that are long enough to pool on the floor but these 100 percent linen curtains go up to 144 inches long. Handcrafted from European flax, they’re light and airy enough to be used in any season. The curtains are all 52 inches wide, and they’re unlined, with a 4-inch bottom hem, and a 3-inch rod pocket. There are several dozen solid and striped color choices, including beige, black, black/natural cabana stripe, chambray indigo, and navy/white Amalfi stripe. Solino Home 100% Linen Curtains (52” x 96”) $89/ Sale $72 at Amazon
	This combination of premium New Zealand wool and geometric pattern creates a modern, plush rug that works well in any bedroom – as well as other parts of your apartment. The 1.4-inch pile feels good underfoot, and the rug’s backing (made of recycled cotton, polyester, and viscose), is eco-friendly. The ivory rug is available in 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’, and 9’ x 12’. Camden Tufted Wool Rug (5′ x 8′), $399 at Quince
	If you’re lucky to have a patio or balcony, this vibrant outdoor rug adds a splash color that’s sure to liven any space. The rectangular area rug is made of 100 percent woven polyester, with a chenille-cut flat pile. It’s available in sizes ranging from 2’ x 3’ to 8’ x 12’. The material is quick drying and the rug has a non-slip backing. Bloom II Outdoor Rug (4′ x 6′), $160/Sale $120 at Society6

Tech

	A new TV for a new apartment? Yes, please! This 55-inch model has 4K Ultra HD Resolution for sharp contrast and exquisite details. The Quantum Dot technology provides more than a billion different rich colors and the high brightness LED is responsible for brilliant intensity. The TV also has Dolby Atmos and Dolby Virtual: X for immersive 3D sound. And when you connect your favorite gaming console or PC to play video games, the Auto Game Mode with AMD FreeSync automatically enables game mode for the best gaming experience. Hands-free voice control and the ability to watch Google TV are two more impressive features. TCL 55” Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV, $499/Sale $448 at Amazon
	If you work from home or have a complex gaming set-up, you may have cords all over the place. However, this docking station provides 11 ports, allowing you to easily connect external monitors, laptops, tablets, phones, and whatever else needs to be powered. The dock is compatible with Windows 10 or later. Anker 568 USB-C 11-in-1 Docking Station, $299 at Amazon
	This small speaker doesn’t take up much space, but don’t let the size fool you. It may be small and lightweight but produces a loud sound that is crystal clear. The Bluetooth speaker is also durable and rugged, and it has an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating. Other features include a detachable carry strap for easy transport, a battery life of at least 20 hours, and a multidirectional control knob that makes it easy to turn it on and off, adjust the volume, and play, pause, or skip tracks. You can also use the speaker as a power bank for your smartphone. Marshall Middleton Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $299 at Amazon
	If you have neighbors, you’ll need a good pair of headphones. These have Active Noise Cancelling to drown out unwanted sounds but since the immersive sensory bass is no joke, it’s good to know your neighbors won’t hear you either. The headphones are great for listening to music and podcasts as well as watching movies. Controls are conveniently located and easy to use, and voice commands can also control the functions. Battery life is 50 hours, and the headphones have multipoint pairing. Another neat feature of these headphones, and the Evo All Love Edition headphones as well, is the ability to take a short hearing test and then create a personalized sound profile, which is used to tune the headphones to your preferences. Crusher ANC 2 Sensry Bass Headphones, $229 at Skullcandy

Cleaning

	This slim cordless stick vacuum doesn’t take up much space and can be mounted on the wall when not in use. It can clean both hard floors and carpets, and the 4-stage dual HEPA filtration ensures that dust and debris won’t be released back into the air. There’s also a light on the front of the roller brush to help you see in the dark. The vacuum can also convert to a handheld vacuum and using the accessories, you can clean your vehicles, as well as window blinds and between sofa cushions. Battery life is 40 minutes before it needs to be recharged. Lěvoit IQ 40 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $229 at Amazon
	If you prefer a cordless stick vacuum that cleans itself, we’ve got you covered. This one, which boasts a 60-minute battery life, has a five-layer filtration system that includes both a pre-motor HEPA filter and a post-motor HEPA filter. In addition, the telescopic pipe can be adjusted for users of different heights, and the roller head has lights to see in dark spaces. The vacuum can be converted to a handheld with two attachments that add more functionality. The clean station allows the vacuum to automatically empty itself. Just place the vacuum on the auto-empty station, which will suck all of the dust and debris out and store it in a dirt bag. In addition, the UV lamps in the dust bag keep the vacuum hygienic and reduce any odors. Ultenic FS1 Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto Empty Bin, $499 and $100 Coupon at Amazon
	To vacuum and wash the floors of your new apartment at the same time, this cordless wet-dry vacuum cleaner and mop is able to clean hard floors in one step. It has a basic cleaning mode, an auto mode, and a suction mode for removing spilled water from the floor. The two water tanks (clean water tank and dirty water tank) ensure you’re never cleaning your floors with dirty water. The vacuum mop has a 35-minute runtime and dual edge cleaning to let you vacuum or mop right up against the wall. When it finishes cleaning your floor, the vacuum cleaner has a self-cleaning function that cleans the pipe and roller brush and then dries the roller brush. Dreametech H12 Pro Wet Dry Vacuum and Mop, $559/Sale $499 at Amazon
	If you prefer an upright vacuum that doesn’t rely on batteries – and therefore doesn’t need to be recharged, this upright vacuum provides multisurface cleaning. It can be used on hard floors, carpets, and rugs. The corded vacuum, which has a 27-inch power cord, uses a swivel head that makes it easy to maneuver around furniture. In addition to the main roller brush, it also has an LED crevice dusting brush combination tool, and a turbo brush pivot pet tool to reach pet hair and other debris from any angle. The lift-off pod also makes it easy to use the extension hose and specialty tools to reach tight and hard-to-reach areas, while leaving the vacuum stationary. Bissell SurfaceSense Allergen Pet Lift-Off Vacuum, $299/Sale $219 at Amazon
	A robot vacuum allows you to spend more time relaxing in your apartment as you watch the device do all the work. And this robot vacuum also has a mop, so it can vacuum your carpets, and both vacuum and mop your hard floors. It has strong suction power and a tangle-free rubber brush. The mop heads automatically lift when transitioning from hard floors to carpets so it can clean both in one pass. Automatic detection allows the robot to avoid bumping into obstacles, and it can be controlled by your smartphone or the YIKO voice assistant. The vacuum also automatically empties the dustbin, washes the mop heads with heated water, and then dries the mop heads. Ecovacs DEEBOT T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1,099 at Amazon
	When you want a really clean apartment this electric steam sanitizer cleans your cleaning tools like sponges, dishcloths, brushes, and scrubbers; as well as kitchen utensils, and even your refundable water bottles. The container has two adjustable racks and four pegs for positioning items. After filling the water reservoir, and pressing start, the sanitizing process begins. The steam sanitizer turns off when the process is complete. Clorox 2-Tier Electric Steam Sanitizer, $49 at Amazon
	Fresh air is important in any home and this five-in-one air purifier has three speeds to help remove smoke pollen, pet dander, and other impurities from the air. The purification system includes True HEPA filtration, as well as a prefilter, carbon filter, ionizer, and UV-C technology. The air purifier cleans the air in a 266-square-foot room every 12.5 minutes. It even includes PetPlus odor filtration to remove pet odors. Homedics 5-in-1 PetPlus Air Purifier, $199/Sale $170 at Amazon

Safety and health

	It can be a hazard to install a doorbell camera in an apartment, but this peephole camera is designed to be inserted in the peephole of the front door, making it easy and convenient to install – and doesn’t require any wires. When connected to your smartphone or tablet, you can remotely view who is at your front door (and talk to them), whether you’re in the apartment or away from home. The peephole camera also works with Alexa. Plus, this combo also includes an indoor camera that can be placed on a table or mounted on the ceiling. Ring Peephole Camera with Indoor Cam, $158 at Amazon
	If you’re an outdoorsy or natural sunlight person, the idea of being in an apartment all of the time might not sound appealing. However, the therapy lamp is designed to mimic natural light making you feel like you’re being exposed to sunlight. It has four brightness levels and three color temperature options with a 360-degree rotating magnetic base. The lamp is also wireless and can provide up to two hours of light therapy before it needs to be recharged. Verilux Happylight Halo Light Therapy Lamp, $89 at Amazon
	You’ll feel safe and secure with this home security system. It’s easy to install (requiring no wires) and requires no contract so you can cancel the 24/7 professional monitoring at any time. The alarm system includes an all-in-one sensor that has eight detection functions, including motion detection, water leak detection, open and closed door/window and open garage detection, temperature detection, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm listening, and ambient light changes. The Keypad Sensor Hub includes one tap emergency response from police, fire, and medical responders, and the built-in siren can be triggered manually or automatically. Arlo Home Security System w/ 5 Sensors, $299/Sale $269 at Amazon
	If you live on the ground level and have a balcony, this 2K spotlight camera lets you see what’s happing outside. It’s wireless and quick and easy to set up outside with the included mount. The camera is durable enough to withstand cold, rain, heat, or sun. It can zoom in 12x for sharp, clear images, and also provides detailed colors at night. The wide 160-degree view includes auto image correction, and the camera can support both 2.4 and 5 Ghz networks. Arlo Pro 5S 2K Wireless Outdoor Security Camera $248/ Sale $200 at Amazon