37 Items for a First Apartment for Parents Who Want Their Kids to Feel Like Adults

Moving out of home for the first time is a really big deal – no matter whether that is into your first college dorm, to a totally new big city, or even just a few blocks down the road! For those of us who are over a certain age, we can remember how incredible that feeling of newfound freedom was, but, equally, just how unprepared we were for living alone for the first time.

Make this transition a whole lot better for your kids this time around with just a few simple additions that will get them smoothly out the door. From this glass loaf pan that is a lifesaver for leftovers to this deodorizing spray that’s a must-have when sharing a bathroom, there are so many handy items that make this big move so much easier. Plus, you are sure to thank us later as these things will undoubtedly save you the hassle from the kids further down the line!

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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Treat Them to Some Luxury Pillows

  via Amazon  

You won’t have to worry about any sleepless nights when you pick up this set of luxury pillows. These are truly wonderful – not only are they as plush as hotel pillows, but they are super durable too, with their handy stain-resistant covers.

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These Dishcloths Are a Lifesaver

  via Amazon  

One thing that we all definitely forgot about when we first moved out was cleaning materials. That’s why these Swedish dishcloths are a great pick for your kid’s big move. Even better is the fact that these are incredibly multi-functional and can be used everywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom; they’ll even double up as a substitute for paper towels!

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Keep Them Cozy with This Electric Heating Pad

  via Amazon  

For those cold winter nights, this electric heating pad is a total must-have. It makes a great housewarming gift for your kid’s first big move, as not only is it incredibly practical but also wonderfully comforting to use. Plus, with over 85,000 reviewers leaving 5-star ratings for this item, you can be sure it’s worth it!

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Keep Things Clean with This Pumice Stone

  via Amazon  

Keeping your space clean has to be one of the worst adulting tasks ever, but it becomes a whole lot easier to keep on top of when you have this genius pumice stone tool. This thing can fight all sorts of grime, from hard water stains to baked-on food.

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Reviewers Love This White Noise Machine

  via Amazon  

Help your kids make a tranquil home out of their new space with this white noise machine. Reviewers say: “I’ve heard people talk about having background noise to help you sleep and I didn’t realize how much it would work until I bought this! It’s super easy to use, has a sleep timer which is great, and has nice options to choose from regarding sound.”

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Storage Has Never Looked So Good!

  via Amazon  

If this isn’t one of the coolest pieces of furniture you’ve ever seen then I need to quit my day job. Are they chairs or storage boxes? Umm, they’re BOTH! Not only are these storage chairs extremely versatile, but they’re also stylish and lightweight. I had so much fun setting them up in my living room. It’s a great way to store extra chairs in a tasteful and useful way.

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We Love This Battery Organizer

  via Amazon  

If you have spent hours searching for a working battery when the TV remote finally dies, then you will understand that this battery organizer is worth its weight in gold! Not only does it keep a variety of sizes neat and tidy, but it even comes with a tester too.

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You Always Need an Ice Cube Tray

  via Amazon  

There is always a need for ice cubes! That’s why this ice cube tray is a great buy – it means you will always have fresh stock available for keeping beverages cool. The flexible silicone design makes it super simple to pop them out too, so your kids should be able to manage it all by themselves!

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Save Them Time And Money With This Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker

  via Amazon / Patrick Sims  
DAP

My jaw dropped when I saw this nitro cold brew coffee maker. It’s the perfect storage size and comes with everything you need to make a smooth, frothy cold brew in my your home. This 64oz keg is so easy to use and pours a fresh glass every time. Your kids will be the coolest college kids in town. Plus, they’ll be saving so much money on late-night coffee trips so everyone wins!

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Keep the Kitchen Tidy with This Splatter Screen

  via Amazon  

When you are young, it’s understandable that cleaning the kitchen doesn’t come at the top of your to-do list! So, snag this splatter screen instead to ensure worktops stay clean even after deep frying your favorite snacks.

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This Rocker Knife Is a Genius Item

  via Amazon  

Having the right kitchen tools is an easy way to make sure your kid actually bothers to learn to cook after moving out! This rocker knife is a brilliant tool – not only does it come in handy for easy meals such as frozen pizzas and pies, but it also makes food prep tasks like chopping vegetables a total breeze.

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Cook with Confidence Thanks to This Meat Thermometer

  via Amazon  

Getting started with cooking can be an intimidating task, but having one of these meat thermometers handy is an easy way to be sure that what you’re eating is actually safe! Its design includes a handy temperature chart so that you can easily check if your food is perfectly cooked.

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This Paint Pen Is Great for Renting

  via Amazon  

This paint pen does a wonderful job of making touch-ups super simple and hassle-free. Reviewers love it too: “These fillable pens are perfect! I have tested a lot of fillable touch-up pens. I like these because they have a brush tip and a lot of paint or a little paint can come out of the tip. With the cap on snug, I have left for 2 months and nothing has dried out.”

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Cook Pasta in the Microwave with This Item

  via Amazon  

This is a totally genius buy! This simple pasta cooker lets you use the microwave to get perfectly al dente pasta every time, all whilst saving you time cleaning up. It’s no wonder that it’s an Amazon bestseller!

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We Adore This Pot Strainer

  via Amazon  

There is nothing as frustrating as excess pots to wash up after cooking a meal. That’s why this pot strainer is so handy – it neatly clips onto any size pan to let you neatly drain out the water without having to bring out a full-on colander. The built-in spout design is a great addition too, making it simple to save any tasty juices.

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This Deodorizing Spray Is an Essential for Shared Houses

  via Amazon  

If your kid is moving out for the first time, there is a high chance they are moving in with roommates. This deodorizing spray is a total must-have for any bathroom, particularly when it’s shared with strangers!

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Reviewers Love This Hair Towel

  via Amazon  

Check out what shoppers have to say about this hair towel: “This towel really does a good job of absorbing water from the hair. I have long thick hair and after putting on the Nano towel for 5 minutes my hair is truly towel dry, no drips. I bought a second one because I like it so well.”

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Get Perfect Eggs Every Time with These Poaching Pouches

  via Amazon  

Poached eggs are notoriously difficult to master, but they become a whole lot easier with this handy pack of silicone molds. Simply crack your egg into one, pop it into some boiling water, and cover to get the perfect poach in no time.

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These Grocery Bags Are So Heavy Duty

  via Amazon  

Going grocery shopping for yourself is one of the most exciting things about moving out, but it can be a hassle when it comes to getting it all back home! That’s why these huge grocery bags are a brilliant buy for any kids moving out soon – they are super sturdy and will last you forever.

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This Wrapping Paper Organizer Is Genius

  via Amazon  

Wrapping paper is one of the trickiest items to store neatly, which is why this organizer is such a clever life hack. It has space to store up to twenty rolls of the stuff, helping to save you space elsewhere.

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This Solar-Powered Gadget Is Awesome

  via Amazon  

When your kid moves out for the first time, you want to make sure that they have everything they need in case of an emergency. This solar-powered gadget is great for that. Not only does it give you a place to charge your phone, but it also doubles as a lantern, so it’s invaluable in the case of a power outage.

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Minimize Clean-Up Time with This Beard Bib

  via Amazon  

Check out what reviewers have to say about this beard bib: “I never knew little hairs around the sink was one of my pet peeves until I moved in with my boyfriend. He tries his best to clean them up, then I try, but those little buggers go everywhere! I gave this to him as a gift and now the little hairs are gone. Great product.”

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Every Home Needs a Doormat

  via Amazon  

Now, a doormat is one that lots of people forget about when they move out for the first time, but soon realize how essential it is! This one is great – it is rubber-backed, so won’t slip even on hardwood surfaces, and is also super absorbent to keep the dirt out.

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These Silicone Straws Are Reusable

  via Amazon  

Elevate the feel of any drink by adding one of these super cute silicone straws. Coming in a pack of ten pastel colors, this set even comes with a handy carry case and a bottle brush to keep them clean.

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Keep Plants Healthy with This Food

  via Amazon  

Houseplants are a surefire way to make a space feel like home, but they do have the downside of needing to be taken care of! This plant food is a great way to keep them looking their best. Simply shake it into the soil and water as normal to give them that extra boost.

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Save Space with This Shoe Organizer

  via Amazon  

Rather than leaving their shoes in a messy pile by the door, encourage your kids to keep their home tidy with this organizer. This item is wonderful, with 6 sections to fit all sorts of styles. Plus, it is a great way to make use of every inch of space.

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These Laundry Sheets Smell Divine

  via Amazon  

Take a look at what shoppers think about these laundry sheets: “I have a new washing machine and wanted to try something more eco-friendly for washing. Gave these a try based on reviews, and so far I am pleased with their performance. I love the scent, and the sheets appear to dissolve completely.”

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These Spatulas Have So Many Uses

  via Amazon  

Get them started in the kitchen when you gift this set of 4 spatulas to your kid’s first apartment. These are great for all sorts of cooking, from baking cakes to stirring sauces, these will become a staple of their new routine.

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This Sewing Kit Will Always Come in Handy

  via Amazon  

There is nothing worse than getting ready and realizing there’s a hole in your favorite outfit. Make sure that your kid always has the materials to repair their clothes by picking up this sewing kit for them before they move out. For under $10, you can’t go wrong!

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Don’t Forget a Doorstop

  via Amazon  

Though not the most exciting purchase for a new house, a doorstop is definitely a must-have for any kids who have just left home. Whether it’s used to prop open the door to socialize in their dorm, or to keep the back door open to let the breeze inside in summer, you really can’t live without a doorstop handy!

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Get Cheffy with This Loaf Pan

  via Amazon  

Having quality pieces of kitchenware is the key to getting yourself into the habit of cooking often, which is why this glass loaf pan is perfect for their new place. It even comes with a handy airtight lid too, so any leftovers will stay as fresh as possible.

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Reviewers Love These Oven Gloves

  via Amazon  

This set of silicone oven mitts makes a great addition to any home. Reviews say: “These oven mitts are the best I’ve had so far. Good heat resistance, easy to clean with the silicone hand area (just rinse under the faucet) and the lining is material and comfortable as opposed to all silicone gloves. They look nice too if you were to give them as a gift.”

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Transform Your Storage with These Drawer Dividers

  via Amazon  

These drawer dividers are incredible for keeping on top of all of your stuff. Whether they are used to sort out your clothes storage, keep your kitchen tools tidy or get the dreaded junk drawer sorted out, these bamboo dividers are sure to be a firm favorite in no time.

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They Will Love These Under-Bed Storage Bags

  via Amazon  

Being a fully-fledged adult means getting excited about storage solutions, and it doesn’t get much better than this set of 2 under-bed bags. They will help your kid make the most of their new space, and work particularly well as a place to keep your chunky winter blankets.

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Stay Fresh with This Sink Daisy

  via Amazon  

Smelly sinks are a common occurrence amongst kids who have recently left home for the first time, so make sure your kid keeps it fresh thanks to this scented daisy strainer. It also protects the drain from becoming clogged with chunks of food, making blockages less likely.

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These Tiered Hangers Are Genius

  via Amazon  

Take a look at what reviewers have to say about these 5-tier hangers: “Downsizing from 2 walk-in closets full of clothes to one standard size closet, I purchased these hangers for space saving. They did not disappoint! They are sturdy and well made. The clips are fully adjustable and slide easily along the rod.”

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Every Adult Needs Oil and Vinegar Dispensers

  via Amazon  

These oil and vinegar dispenser bottles are a super simple way to add an adult touch to any new home. The filter technology is great for ensuring a high-quality finish to your dishes, as it will filter out any infusions to give you a super smooth drizzle.

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Keep Your Waste Low with These Produce Bags

  via Amazon  

We all know that we need to be working towards a zero waste lifestyle, and these produce bags are a great way to get closer to that goal. They are a great way to transport fresh produce from the store to your home without having to waste any single-use plastic.

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Never Be Without a Pair of Tweezers

  via Amazon  

You should never be far away from a sharp pair of tweezers. Reviewers love these ones: “This awesome tool really knows what it’s doing. I have been plucking blindly at chin hairs for over ten years and have always been frustrated by my other tweezers. Now, with one pluck, those darn chin hairs are gone. I wish I’d known about these a long time ago.”

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