The Ultimate Minimalist Apartment Checklist

Whether you’ve moved into your first apartment or you’re shifting to a new space, the fresh start can be exhilarating. Stepping into a new home can mean a new beginning, an opportunity for change and there’s no better time than when you’re moving into a new home, to adopt a minimalist lifestyle.

As you navigate this exciting journey, why not consider a lifestyle that’s been embraced by many across urban neighborhoods and rural areas alike? The minimalist lifestyle.

Minimalism is more than just a buzzword or a fleeting trend—it’s a movement, a philosophy, and for many, it’s a way of life. It’s about breaking free from the clutches of material excess and discovering the beauty in simplicity. It’s about experiencing liberation from clutter, both physical and psychological. Embracing a minimalist approach in your new apartment can offer a breath of fresh air, a sense of calm, and the freedom of having less stuff to worry about.

minimalist apartment checklist room by room

But don’t let the term ‘minimalism’ mislead you. This is not about living with nothing; instead, it’s about living with only what you need, what you value, and what brings joy and functionality to your everyday life.

Moving into a new apartment is a great place to start your journey into minimalism. Not only can this approach save you a great deal of work (imagine having less stuff to pack and unpack!), but it can also transform your living space into a serene, open, and orderly sanctuary. Minimalist decor can give even the smallest apartment the illusion of more space, creating a bright, airy, and inviting living environment.

One common misconception about minimalism is that it will make your apartment look sterile and devoid of personality. That couldn’t be further from the truth! The minimalist approach, instead, offers you the opportunity to showcase your individual style more thoughtfully. A minimalist home can be warm, cozy, and vibrant—it’s all in the careful selection of essential pieces of furniture, color palette, and personal accents.

To support your journey towards minimalist living, we’ve crafted the ultimate minimalist apartment checklist. This guide will serve as your roadmap as you navigate through this new, exciting lifestyle, assisting you in making your new apartment a reflection of the principles of minimalism.

So, if you’re ready to dive in and transform your new apartment into a minimalist haven, keep reading. Here’s to less clutter, more clarity, and the joy of simplicity! The first time may seem daunting, but remember, each small step gets you closer to a life that’s focused more on experiences and less on possessions. Let’s get started!

What is Minimalism?
Why Go Minimalist in Your New Apartment?
The Ultimate Minimalist First Apartment Checklist
Adding Life and Personality to Your Minimalist Home
Maintaining Your Minimalist Lifestyle

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism is the art of living with less. But that’s not to say it’s about deprivation. Rather, it’s about intentionally prioritizing what’s most important in your life and letting go of the rest. It’s about saying no to unnecessary things and unwanted items, and yes to more time, space, and peace.

Why Go Minimalist in Your New Apartment?

The good news is that going minimalist in your new space is an excellent idea for many reasons. First off, living in a minimalist apartment can make your home feel larger, especially if it’s a small apartment. By reducing much clutter and unused items, you open up your living space and create an atmosphere that is clean, serene, and tranquil.

Minimalism can also save you much time and work in terms of maintenance, cleaning, and organizing.

Plus, it can have significant mental health benefits. A minimalist home often leads to a minimalist mind, reducing stress and fostering clarity, peace, and freedom.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into our minimalist apartment checklist!

The Ultimate Minimalist First Apartment Checklist

Here’s a handy room guide for the essential items you may need in each room of your home: The following items are a guide, you may not need all of these, and there may be a few others you want to add. Minimalism is different for everyone, prioritise the important things in your own life that fit into your own lifestyle.

Minimalist essentials are whatever you personally use regularly in your own home, which bring joy and are useful to you, without duplicating the same things leading to too much stuff.

You can also add some storage spaces so that the things not used constantly but still used fairly often (for example weekly instead of daily everyday items) are stashed away out of sight, and allows you to maintain clear surfaces.

Minimalist Living Room

Comfortable Seating: Invest in a high-quality couch that provides comfort without taking up too much space. An essential item in creating a minimalist living room that’s both functional and inviting.
Coffee table: Choose a coffee table that serves multiple purposes. Maybe it has storage for books or it can extend into a dining table if needed.
Side table: Opt for a simple side table that can hold a table lamp and your current read.
Minimal decor: Incorporate a few carefully selected items, such as a plant for a pop of green, a framed photograph, or a single piece of art that you love. Avoid cluttering surfaces with unnecessary items.
Lighting: Natural light is your best friend, but for evenings or cloudy days, make sure you have good-quality, soft lighting. A floor lamp or a table lamp can add both light and character to your room.
Storage Spaces: Hidden storage can help you maintain a clutter-free room. Consider a media console or coffee table with storage underneath to keep items like remote controls, magazines, or extra blankets out of sight.

Minimalist Kitchen

Basic set of utensils: Instead of having a drawer overflowing with utensils, keep only what you use on a regular basis.
Essential kitchen items: Items such as a pot, a pan, a cutting board, and a good chef’s knife are all you really need to prepare most meals.
Small appliances: Stick with a few appliances that you use often, like a coffee maker and a toaster. Avoid appliances that only serve one purpose and aren’t used frequently.
Dining table and chairs: Depending on your space, this could be a traditional table or something that folds away when not in use. If you have a
separate dining room area then you can remove this from the kitchen altogether.
Storage solutions: Use your cupboard space wisely. If possible, keep your countertops as clear as possible to maintain a minimalist look.
Dish towels: A few good quality dish towels are all you need. They can be washed and reused, reducing the need for paper towels.
Remember to equip your new apartment with a fire extinguisher. Safety is always a priority.

Kitchen Design Ideas For Minimalists And Small Spaces

Minimalist Bedroom

Bed frame and mattress: Choose a simple, high-quality bed frame and mattress. Your bed should be a sanctuary, so it’s worth investing in these pieces.
Minimal wardrobe: Clear out any clothing you don’t wear regularly. Keep only pieces that you love and that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.
check our minimalist checklist for your capsule wardrobe
Bedside table: Keep a simple bedside table with a lamp and space for a book. If you can, choose one with a drawer to store items out of sight.
Full-length mirror: A full-length mirror is both functional and can make the room feel bigger by reflecting light.
Storage solutions: Under-bed storage or a chest of drawers can keep your room clutter-free. Opt for built-in wardrobes if possible to maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

Embracing Minimalism in Home Decor: The Magic of Fitted Cupboards

Minimalist Bathroom

Basic toiletries: Keep your toiletries simple and avoid having multiple bottles and tubes of soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc. You can even opt for multipurpose products where possible.
Shower curtain or glass door: A clear glass door or a simple shower curtain can keep the space looking open and clean.
Bath mat: Opt for a simple, easy to clean bath mat.
Storage: Keep your bathroom products out of sight with smart storage solutions.
Towels: A set of good-quality bath and hand towels are all you need. Choose a color that matches your bathroom’s color scheme.

Creating a Relaxing, Zen Bathroom: The Perfect Place for Self-Care

Remember to continuously review your items and get rid of any unnecessary things or unused items. Regular decluttering is key to maintaining your minimalist home. Enjoy the journey!

Adding Life and Personality to Your Minimalist Home

A minimalist lifestyle doesn’t mean your new apartment should lack personality or feel sterile. Here are some great ways to add vibrancy while maintaining your minimalist space:

Play with color: You can maintain a minimalist aesthetic with a limited color palette. Think white walls, solid colors, and a pop of color to brighten the space. Remember, minimal doesn’t mean monochrome; it just means controlled and deliberate, if you love them then you can absolutely have bright colors.
Let there be light: Natural light is a minimalist’s best friend. It can make even the smallest spaces seem open and airy. Draw back those curtains and let the sun in!
Add personal touches: Whether it’s a comfy place to curl up with a good book or a special coffee table that doubles as a dining area, don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect your unique style and personality.
Use multi-purpose items: A great thing about minimalism is finding multiple uses for one item. A coffee table can serve as a dining table in a small apartment.
Bring in nature: A plant or two not only adds a pop of color but also promotes a peaceful ambiance. Plus, they help purify the air! Check which houseplant is most suitable for your Zodiac sign!

Succulent Themed Room Inspiration and Ideas

Maintaining Your Minimalist Lifestyle

Maintaining a minimalist lifestyle goes beyond the initial setup of your minimalist home. It’s an ongoing process that requires continuous commitment and deliberation. But the great news is, it’s a process that will continue to reward you with peace of mind and a more focused lifestyle.

Regular Decluttering

The first steps into minimalism might seem overwhelming. You might feel like there’s too much stuff and too much clutter. It’s good to remember that minimalism is not achieved overnight; it’s a journey.

Regularly set aside time to review what you own and ask yourself if each item is still serving a valuable purpose or bringing joy to your life. If the answer is no, it may be time to part with it.

Conscious Consumerism

Part of maintaining a minimalist lifestyle is being mindful of your purchases. Consider each new item carefully. Do you truly need it, or is it an impulse buy? Is it a good-quality item that will last a long time, or is it likely to break or become obsolete quickly?

These are important things to consider to avoid bringing unwanted or unnecessary items into your home. I prefer not to buy something unless I already know the perfect place to put it in our home, and this really helps.

Celebrate the Empty Spaces

As a minimalist, open spaces in your home are your friends. They provide a breath of fresh air and a sense of calm. Don’t rush to fill empty spaces with more items. Instead, learn to appreciate the simplicity and tranquility they bring to your home.

The Benefits of Minimalism Extend Beyond the Home

One of the greatest things about minimalism is that its benefits go beyond the home. You’ll find that this lifestyle can influence other aspects of your life, from reducing decision fatigue to improving your mental health. It’s a lifestyle that supports a focus on what truly matters.

How Minimalism Can Help Reduce Anxiety Brought On By Clutter

Remember, every person’s journey to minimalism is unique. It’s not about comparing your home or your process with others. Instead, it’s about creating a space that brings you peace, comfort, and joy. With this minimalist apartment checklist, you’re well-equipped to start or continue this journey.

Remember, your new home is not just a space; it’s your sanctuary. Making the move to a minimalist lifestyle should feel empowering and freeing. You’re not just getting rid of unwanted items; you’re making room for the things that truly matter.

Good luck on your minimalist journey, and enjoy your new apartment, your new space, your new life!

With this checklist, you’re well on your way to creating the minimalist apartment of your dreams. Embrace the minimalist movement, and enjoy the benefits of minimalism today! Welcome to the world of less clutter and more freedom!

Anna Marikar

Website | + posts

Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.

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