Moving into your first solo space is an exciting time – you’ve set your budget, determined your needs, and have finally found the perfect place. The apartment hunting process is not an easy one, but now it is time for the fun part – decorating! Determining the essentials and filling a new apartment can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. With our helpful checklist and our favorite places to shop to furnish your first apartment, you will be living in style in no time.

We love All Modern for basic furniture needs. They have everything you need, from bedroom and living room furniture to rugs, bedding, and kitchenware. With three different themes to choose from – Minimalist, Mid-Century, and Modern Farmhouse – All Modern has designs that will appeal to anyone. Furniture is a great place to start when working with a blank slate, and All Modern’s pieces will give your apartment a clean and classic look.

Honestly, what can’t you find on Amazon? Furniture, decorative pieces, cleaning supplies, pantry items…the list goes on. Not only do they have everything you could imagine, but it will arrive soon after ordering too! For those of you that are hesitant to make all of these purchases online, not to worry, Amazon makes returning un-wanted items feel virtually effortless.

Buying a new mattress is a huge commitment – they are a major investment, and we spend almost a third of our lives using them. That being said, finding the right mattress for you is important. Buying a Casper mattress guarantees great sleep. Their mattresses are designed with comfort and alignment in mind, and their 100-night free trial allows you to make sure you’ve made the right choice. Free shipping and a 10-year warranty are icing on the cake!

We can’t get enough of CB2, Crate&Barrel’s sister store. Modern and unique pieces are their specialty, and they have everything ranging from furniture and artwork to bedding and bath necessities. Believe me when I say, their latest collaboration with Fred Segal is everything. Stock up on some of the essentials for a very low price – chic and affordable, what could be better?

If you aren’t already shopping on Etsy, your life is about to change. Etsy is a global community where curators and creators can share their goods with others interested in supporting small operations, local artists and global finds. Etsy is the perfect place to find one of a kind pieces that will add a unique feel to your new home. We especially love the wall decor and candle selection.

H&M has moved into the home décor market and we couldn’t be happier about it! Their custom pieces will give your home a personalized touch without breaking the bank and you can do it all without losing your security deposit. Their latest collection features everything linen –sheets, duvet covers, bathrobes, pillowcases, and more. We love the relaxed look of linen and it will be perfect for when the temperatures begin to rise.

What is home decorating without Ikea? Ikea is one of our go-to stores, and for good reason. You can always count on them to have some of the most affordable and customizable furniture and home décor options on the market. Shop here for kitchen basics, throw pillows, organization items and, of course, furniture!

Target is another must-go-to when shopping for your first apartment (or when you are shopping for anything, really). You can find all of your household essentials, home appliances, furniture, décor, and much more. If you prefer to do your shopping online, they categorize all of their home goods into décor styles – this is a huge help for those who struggle when picking out the right pieces. If you are shopping in the store, we recommend bringing a list of what you need, it is way too easy to get carried away in Target!

T.J. Maxx has always been a favorite of ours for affordable and unique fashion finds, and their Home section has recently become one of our favorites as well. Shop everything from bedding to rugs to funky decor, they have it all. If you are shopping online, they break things down by room and style – very helpful for those that are overwhelmed with the thought of decorating an entire apartment from scratch.

Urban Outfitters has everything you need for your apartment if you like to keep things looking trendy. They have all the apartment necessities, but with a bohemian twist to them. Think, tapestries, neon lighting fixtures, shaggy rugs, and floor pillows, and you’ll have the right idea. While a lot of their furniture and larger pieces trend on the more expensive side, plenty of their décor selection is reasonably priced. Their candles, picture frames, and wall art will give your apartment a great aesthetic feel, without breaking the bank.

While it is one of the more expensive options out there, West Elm is one of our guilty pleasures for furnishing and decorating an apartment. Everything about their selection is modern, classy, and unique. If there are certain items you plan to splurge on, we recommend West Elm. Insider tip: they have GREAT sales. Sign up for their mailing list for sale notifications, these are definitely the best times to buy from them.