Essential Supplies Every Shared Apartment Needs

Essential Supplies Every Shared Apartment Needs

Living in a shared apartment can be fun, budget-friendly, and a great way to build friendships—but it also takes teamwork. To make your shared space comfortable and drama-free, here’s a breakdown of the must-have items every shared apartment should have.

1. Kitchen Must-Haves

Cooking together? Doing your own thing? Either way, a stocked kitchen is a game-changer.

• Cookware: Pots, pans, baking trays, spatulas, cutting boards
• Utensils & Dishes: Plates, bowls, forks, knives, spoons, mugs, cups
• Appliances: Microwave, toaster, coffee maker, blender
• Food Storage: Tupperware, ziplock bags, foil, cling wrap
• Pantry Basics: Salt, pepper, oil, sugar, spices (start with a few and build from there)

Pro tip: Label your food if you're not sharing groceries.

2. Cleaning Supplies (Don’t Skip This One)

Nobody loves cleaning, but it’s way easier when you have the right tools:

• Broom + dustpan
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum (especially if you’ve got carpets)
• All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfecting wipes
• Trash bags (stock up—you’ll go through them faster than you think)

Make a basic chore plan so everyone knows what’s expected.

3. Bathroom Essentials

If you’re sharing a bathroom, keep it clean and stocked:

• Shower curtain + bath mat
• Toilet paper (always have backups!)
• Towels (bath + hand towels for each roommate)
• Toiletries (your own shampoo, soap, etc.)
• Storage baskets or caddies to keep things tidy and separate

Don’t forget a plunger and toilet brush. Trust us.

4. Living Room Basics

This is your hangout zone—make it comfy and functional.

• Seating: Couch, chairs, or even floor cushions
• Lighting: Floor lamps or table lamps (overhead lights are harsh)
• Entertainment: TV, speakers, board games, or a shared streaming account
• Decor: A few plants, throw pillows, and some wall art go a long way

Make sure everyone feels welcome in the space.

5. Safety Items

Just in case—better safe than sorry.

• First aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, allergy meds, etc.)
• Fire extinguisher (especially near the kitchen)
• Smoke detector (usually already installed, but double-check)
• Flashlight or emergency light in case of power outages

6. Shared Supplies

Some items are easier (and cheaper) when you all pitch in:

• Toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, cleaning products
• Cooking basics like oil, spices, flour (if you all use them)
• Shared appliances like a blender, rice cooker, or air fryer

Tip: Use a whiteboard or shared app (like Splitwise) to track who buys what.

Final Thoughts

A well-stocked shared apartment makes everything—from cooking to cleaning to hanging out—way easier. The key? Communicate early, agree on what’s shared, and keep things fair. With a little teamwork, your apartment can feel like home in no time.