I’m sharing the secret stores that have the best prices for your first apartment.
Hey y’all! It’s your sis, Sophia.
I am no longer gatekeeping this information. This post is about the most affordable stores to shop for your first apartment.
So you saved up enough money for your security deposit and first month’s rent. But now you’re staring at an empty apartment cringing at the thought of how much you’ll spend on buying stuff to fill it.
I’ve spent a year learning which stores have the best priced items for my first apartment. After I graduated college, I didn’t have that much money. Sis, I was lowkey broke after that security deposit 🙁
So, I spent the better half of the year scouring and comparing stores for the best value on first apartment items.
I saved hundreds by shopping smartly and efficiently.
Here’s what I found:
BIG LOTS
Shoe rack
I found that Big Lots was the most valuable and cost efficient place for a simple shoe rack. It fit perfectly into my coat closet.
Mop
Swiffers and basic mops are actually really affordable at Big Lots compared to other places.
Shelf Liners
In terms of square feet, I found that shelf liners are the best bang for your buck at Big Lots.
Gallon Storage Bins
Large storage bins are generally pricey. But Big Lots has a large isle full of different sizes at the most reasonable prices.
BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY ( my favorite!)
This is my favorite place for apartment buys! I truly believe Burlington Coat Factory is an underrated store. They sell way more than coats people!
There are so many affordable items for my apartment that I always walk out with more than I planned. Their home section is a GOLDMINE.
Here are some of my favorite items that I’ve personally bought at Burlington Coat Factory:
- Bedsheets
- Hand towels
- Bath mats
- Hanging shower racks
- Wall art
- Blanket
- Home accents
- Bath accessories
- Storage drawers
- Kitchenware
- Clear trays/bins
- Throw pillows
- Pet accessories
- Holiday themed soap dispensers
- Shower curtains
DOLLAR TREE
Small Bins
Organizing a small space is an absolute must. Having my smaller items (like soaps and lotions) organized into baskets helped with space and appearance.
Dollar Tree is the best place to get smaller bins on a budget. They also have contact paper and cute labels in the art section to spice it up. Check out my post on DIY Dollar Store Decor.
Mugs and Glasses
For starters, Dollar Tree has an impressive assortment of mugs and glasses.
During the holidays and summer months, they have cute themed mugs for the season (the cat tea infuser is from Aldi).
Kitchen Sink Strainer
For a dollar, you can’t beat it.
They have rubber strainers that are flexible and easy to clean. There’s also no worrying about rusting or frayed wires like the metal ones.
Ziploc Bags
Sandwich and snack bags are simple but useful items to get at the Dollar Tree.
Carpet Cleaners and Cleaning Products
I personally like the Arm & Hammer powdered carpet cleaner, but Dollar Tree also has other reliable brands.
But the Arms & Hammer carpet cleaner isn’t always found at Dollar Tree. Those days I can’t find it there, I just get it from Walmart for a dollar more.
Hangers
Ever since Dollar Tree has upped their prices to $1.25, their hangers are just OK. If you need a few more to supplement what you already have, then dollar tree is a decent place for it.
DIY First Aid Kit
When they said healthcare was expensive everywhere, they included the grocery store’s first aid isle.
A pre-made first aid kit can be so expensive. But you can build one yourself from Dollar Tree and save a lot of money.
Dollar Tree has band-aids, gauze, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tape, and petroleum jelly. I bought a small container there and made the easiest DIY First Aid Kit.
Flashlight
I got my flashlight from Dollar Tree three years ago and the battery is still going strong. Nuff said 🙂
Starter Toolbox Kit
If you’ve read my post on Small Gadgets You Need For Your Apartment, then you’ll see how a small toolbox from Dollar Tree is useful for an apartment.
You can also create a DIY Toolbox to start your new living adventure. Dollar Tree has small toolboxes, pliers, screwdrivers, furniture pads, levelers, sandpaper, rope, nails, flashlights, tape measures, and more.
Pet Food Mat
You can use Dollar Tree’s placemats for your pet’s food mat. They fit easily under a pet’s food bowl.
HOME GOODS/MARSHALLS
Kitchenware
I really like the bamboo cooking utensils from Home Goods and Marshalls. Both stores have similar prices for their kitchenware. Other kitchenware that are well priced are:
- Can opener
- Measuring cups
- Frying pans
- Knife set
- Kitchen shears
- Peeler
- Measuring cup
- Whisks
- Grater
- Potato masher
- Utensils tray
- Outdoor mat
Decor
Marshalls has some really nice wall decor for a reasonable price. Their canvas paintings are some of my favorites. I got a small one for my bathroom for only ten bucks!
COSTCO
When first moving into an apartment, there are some things you should just get in bulk. It saves you money in the long run.
The best bulk items to get when moving into your first apartment are:
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
- Paper towels
FIVE BELOW/MICHAELS
Honestly, I always walk into five below looking for two things and walk out with five! It’s just one of those stores where you should be prepared to spend a little more than you thought.
They have some cheap decor that make a noticeable difference in your apartment.
Fake Plants
Five below has some cute fake plants that are only five bucks. This is especially nice if you’re like me and can’t keep a real plant alive!
Floating Shelves
For only five bucks, you can add accent shelves to your place. Like, how is this place real life?!
OCEAN STATE JOB LOT
This store just generally has a lot of stuff. It’s not a bad thing, but there are some hidden gems in there. Some really useful items I’ve found are:
- Shoe mats
- Large storage bins
- Pet supplies
ALDI
Okay y’all, I know Aldi is one of those small town grocery stores you often drive by without giving it much thought. But did you know they have household items imported on a weekly basis?
Yes sis, that means they have a variety of cool household, pet, and car products that get updated every week.
I remember getting my first portable blender there for only fourteen dollars! It was super useful in college. Eight years later, mister blender and I are still going strong!
Don’t underestimate this little neighborhood store because you’re sure to find something that suits you. Some randoms I’ve gotten from there are:
- Sliding utensils organizer
- Drawer trays
- Drawer organizer
- Car organizer
- Frying pan
- Ceramic baking pans
- Tea infuser
- Surge protector wall mount
- Remote control LED lights
- Foil and plastic wrap organizer
- Mugs
- Candles
- Cat scratchouse
- Pet bed
- Collapsible baskets
- Shoe rack
BEST BUY
I suggest looking at Best Buy’s “Deal of the Day” page . I got my first air fryer and pressure cooker there. Their page updates daily, but some items do make a comeback, Even if it’s a short daily list, you’ll probably find an affordable item for your first apartment.