It can be hard to come up with all the stuff that you need for your apartment as a minimalist, that is why I have created this minimalist apartment checklist to get you an idea of what you might actually need.
Whether you’re moving to a new apartment or downsizing the belongings in your apartment, there’s one thing that’s for sure: you don’t need a lot of stuff. In fact, transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle can be liberating. Not only will you have less to worry about, but you’ll also save money in the long run.
So, where do you start? Creating a minimalist apartment checklist is a great way to get organized and streamline your belongings. But it can be tough to know what to keep and what to get rid of. After all, everyone’s definition of “essential” differs.
To help you out, I’ve put together a list of must-haves for your minimalist apartment—no matter your budget or style preference.
Remember that you can always add more to it, or take away items, as you see fit.
What is a minimalist apartment?
A minimalist apartment is an intentional space that contains only the essentials—furniture, appliances, and decor that serve a purpose and bring you joy. The goal is to declutter your living space and simplify your life.
By doing so, you’ll be left with a clean, peaceful, and functional home that reflects your personal style. Plus, you’ll save time and money by not having to upkeep a bunch of unnecessary stuff.
Why having a minimalist apartment
There are many benefits to having a minimalist apartment, including:
- more free time
- less cleaning
- more space in your apartment
- less stress and anxiety
- more money in your pocket
- more functional and efficient use of your space
- a higher quality of life.
The minimalist apartment checklist
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to create your minimalist apartment checklist. Below you can see the items that I think are essential for any minimalist apartment, regardless of your budget or style preference.
Keep in mind that in this article I don’t include any perishables, like food, chemicals, dish soaps, or shampoos, as they’re not technically part of your “apartment.”
Let’s divide this checklist into rooms:
Living room
This is the most important space in your house since you probably spend most of your time here. So you don’t want it to be cluttered, or full of things you don’t use or need. You want it to be functional, cozy, and inviting—a place where you can relax and enjoy your time.
Related: Minimalism and Hygge: Getting Cozy Without the Clutter
Here are some suggestions for what to include in your living room:
A comfortable couch or armchair
This is where you’ll relax, read a book, or watch TV. So make sure it’s comfortable and inviting.
I would advise you to look into multipurpose furniture if you can, like a couch bed. So when you have friends or family stay over, they have a place to sleep.
Pillows and a blanket
They come in handy when you want to snuggle up with a good book or movie. You could live without them, of course, but they make your living room cozier, and it matters.
TV and TV board
I know, TV takes up a lot of space. But if you’re like most people, you probably watch it every day. So it makes you happy. So you need it. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be minimal.
If you want a screen but not a TV so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, you can invest in a projector, or just use your laptop.
As for the TV board, make sure it’s something minimal where you can also put other things like a few books that you love.
Coffee table
A coffee table makes the living room so much more inviting and cozy. It’s a great place to put your coffee or a small minimal natural decor (like a vase of flowers).
Lamp
Lighting is important in any room, but especially in the living room where you want to create a cozy atmosphere. There are lamps that take up very little space and still give off a lot of light (if you need it).
I have a lamp that has a remote where you can adjust the lighting in the room. It’s pretty cool that I don’t need more than one lamp.
Carpet
Carpet makes any room feel cozy. It also helps to keep the noise level down (especially if you live in an apartment).
It makes it easier to lay down on the floor (if you have kids or want to do yoga at home) and it just looks nicer than a bare floor.
You might be interested in What is Minimalist Aesthetic and How to Achieve it?
Kitchen
The kitchen is another important room in the house where you spend a lot of time. So you want it to be functional, efficient, and stylish.
Here are some suggestions for what you would need in your kitchen:
Essential kitchen electric appliances
These include:
- fridge
- oven
- stove
- blender (it is very multifunctional, which is a big plus for a minimalist apartment).
You probably use all of these appliances on a daily basis, so they’re essential.
Tableware and silverware
You need plates, bowls, and cups—preferably in a neutral color. I like white because it goes with everything.
As for silverware, you need the basics: forks, knives, and spoons.
Make sure that you have only a few of each so that your kitchen is not full of things you don’t use.
Pots and pans
You need a few essential pots and pans for cooking. Again, make sure that you only have what you need so that your kitchen is not cluttered.
Baking supplies
If you like to bake, then you need a few essential baking supplies. This might include:
- a small baking pan
- a muffin tin
- a cookie sheet
- a cake pan
You might need only one of these, and that’s totally fine.
Dish rack
A dish rack is essential for a minimalist kitchen. It helps to keep your counters clutter-free.
You can find dish racks that are very simple and take up very little space.
Towels
You need a few kitchen towels to dry dishes and clean up spills.
Trash bin
Unless you live in Scandinavia where trash bins are implemented directly in the furniture under the sink, you will need a small trash bin in your kitchen.
IKEA has a wide range of small and discreet trash bins that fit perfectly in any apartment and are also quite cheap.
Table and chairs
If you eat and if you are not an extreme minimalist, you will need a small table and chairs for your kitchen.
Nothing fancy, just something functional that you can use for eating and working.
Cupboards, shelves, and drawers
You need storage space in your kitchen. So if your apartment doesn’t already have cupboards, shelves, and drawers, you will need to buy some.
Try to have just enough storage so that your kitchen is not cluttered.
Bedroom
The bedroom is a very personal space, so you can really make it your own.
Here are some ideas for what to include in your bedroom:
Bed and mattress
The most important piece of furniture in the bedroom is the bed. You want a bed that is comfortable and that fits the style of your bedroom.
Also, make sure that you get a good mattress. A good night’s sleep is essential for anyone, really.
Sheets, pillows, and blankets
You need sheets, pillows, and blankets for your bed. It is best if you find a nice fabric that is soft and comfortable.
I like cotton because it is very breathable.
Bedside table
A bedside table is very useful because it gives you a place to put things like a lamp, your alarm clock, and your book.
Lamp
If reading in bed is your thing, then you need a lamp on your bedside table. Although you might still need a lamp for night wakings.
Closet
A closet is essential for storing your clothes, shoes, and other belongings.
Again, you want to make sure that you have enough storage but not too much. You don’t want your closet to be cluttered.
A capsule wardrobe is something that you might want to consider.
What you Can do When you Have too Many Clothes?
Bathroom
In apartments bathrooms are usually very small, so you want to make sure that you use the space wisely.
Here are some ideas for what you might need to include in your bathroom:
Bath and hand towels
You need a few bath towels and hand towels for showering and bathing. Again, you want to find a nice fabric that is soft and comfortable.
Shower curtain
A shower curtain is essential. You can find shower curtains in a variety of colors and patterns.
Toilet brush and plunger
A toilet brush is essential for keeping your toilet clean.
A plunger is also essential for unclogging toilets.
Trash bin
You will need a small trash bin for your bathroom. This is where you can put things like used hygiene products.
A few drawers
You might want a few small drawers for your bathroom. This is where you can put things like toiletries and towels.
Hallway
The hallway is often overlooked space in apartments. But it is actually a very important space because it is usually the first thing that you see when you enter the apartment.
Here are some ideas for what to include in your hallway:
A place to hang coats and jackets
If you live in a cold climate, you will need a place to hang your coats and jackets.
A place to store shoes
You will also need a place to store your shoes. A small bench or a shelf will do the trick.
A mirror
A mirror is always useful, especially in a small space like a hallway. It can make the space look bigger and it can also be used for checking your appearance before you leave the apartment.
Tips for your minimalist apartment checklist
As I said in the beginning, everyone’s minimalist apartment checklist will look different.
But here are a few general tips to keep in mind:
Multipurpose furniture
When it comes to multipurpose furniture, there are endless possibilities. From couch beds to storage ottomans, investing in pieces that serve more than one purpose will save you space and money in the long run.
Simple decor
Decorating your new place doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—less is definitely more when it comes to minimalist living. Stick to a few key pieces that make a big impact, like large statement art or a vintage rug.
And don’t forget about plants! They add life (literally) to any room and don’t require much maintenance.
Technology must-haves
In today’s world, it’s impossible to live without some form of technology—but that doesn’t mean you need the latest and greatest gadget on the market. A smartphone, laptop, and Wi-Fi access should suffice for most people’s needs. If you work from home or are a student, you may need additional equipment like a printer or external hard drive—but only if they’re absolutely essential.
A good book (or two)
Whether you prefer eBooks or traditional paperbacks, having at least one good book on hand is always nice—especially when you need a break from screens! You might also consider creating a minimalist library if that is your thing.
Curl up with your favorite read on rainy days or lazy weekends and enjoy some uninterrupted me-time.*
*Bonus tip: If you’re an avid reader but short on space, try signing up for an online library like Kindle Unlimited or Scribd. That way, you can borrow books electronically without taking up any physical space.
Be mindful of your perishables
If you’re living in a small space, you probably don’t have room for a large refrigerator or pantry. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of your perishables and only buy what you know you’ll use within a certain period of time.
I’ve been there: when you buy lots of cleaning supplies, a few shampoos just in case, 10 kg of flour, and other things that take a lifetime to finish. So, try to be more mindful and purposeful when stocking your shelves—you’ll save money and reduce food waste in the process.
Final thoughts
No matter what your individual needs are, I hope this minimalist apartment checklist has given you some ideas for how to get started. Remember, the key to successful minimalism is to declutter regularly and only keep the things that you absolutely need.
When in doubt, ask yourself if an item brings you joy or if it’s truly essential to your daily life. If the answer is no to both, then it’s time to let it go!
What’s on your minimalist apartment checklist? Share in the comments below!
Thank you for reading.
Enjoy your day!
Cheers, Diana