#but at the same time you don't own a mop or a functioning vacuum cleaner

[i-dont-talk-for-days-on-end]

Anyway, I scrubbed the floor today and now I have to think about Sherlock. XD

[safety-net-did]

I've moved many times, used to be a cleaner, and have compulsively made cleaning scripts many times in my life, so I thought I'd cime in...

A lot of things can wait until you're there and need them, saving you having to move them in. It also lets you put that money elsewhere!

Essential tools:

A set of good cleaning cloths. You want some for dishes (washing and drying), some for gunge, and a microfiber one for glass.

Sponges and scouring pads. The combo ones work, or you can get them separate. All about preference. It's useful to have both steel wool and non-metal scourers, as steel wool can be too abrasive for many things.

Rubber gloves. Some things are gross, and chemicals are harsh. Get two pair, in case you get a hole.

A bucket. If space is tight, they make collapsible ones. Sinks and tubs are fine, but sometimes you just really need to move water somewhere.

Spray bottles. A lot of cleaners come in their own spray bottles, but it's cheaper to buy bulk cleaners. In any case an extra spray bottle is useful in case one breaks.

Broom and dust pan. Hard floors need sweeping!

If you have carpet, a vacuum. It's useful for hard floors and other things, sure, but it's essential if you have carpet.

Mop. Washing floors on your hands and knees is doable, but it suuuuckkkks. Sponge mops are fine; I prefer a flat mop with washable pads.

Toilet brush. Cloths and scrubbers work fine, toilet brushes are much easier.

Plunger. Things get backed up, it sucks. There are different ones for sinks and toilets, but you can get away with just one.

A duster. While you can just use a cloth, a duster is a lot easier.

A scrub brush. Scourers aren't the most effective on bigger surfaces.

If you're not going with all natural options, or Dr. Bronner's All-in-One, you're going to need chemicals:

Dish soap. Any brand, they're functionally the same IMO. As long as the smell doesn't make you sick and it cuts grease, it'll work.

If you have a dishwasher you'll want soap for that as well. I like the pod or tablet style so I don't mis-measure, which can leave a film on the dishes. Vinegar works as a rinse agent.

All purpose cleaner. You can also use diluted vinegar for this. This is your main cleaner for floors, counters, walls, etc.. Fabulouso and Mean Green are good bulk options.

Bathroom cleaner. While you can use an all purpose cleaner, I strongly recommend a dedicated bathroom cleaner. Something with bleach in it. I use scrubbing bubbles because it works really well.

Toilet bowl cleaner. The bathroom cleaner will work here, but the duck-neck cleaners are so much more convenient.

Glass cleaner. Another place you can use diluted vinegar, however don't use all purpose cleaner- it'll leave steaks.

Laundry soap. Any kind works, but you need a lot less than you think. Vinegar shows up here again as a fabric softener.

Bleach. I hate bleach, but it has its uses. Be very careful to dilute it appropriately, not get it on things you don't want bleached, and to never mix it with other things (esp. amonia!)

Non essential, but helpful:

Scraper. Things get stuck to things, knives take them apart.

Screwdriver with multiple heads. I know this is cleaning and not repair, but some things that need cleaning are behind things that are screwed down.

Hand broom. Gets in hard to reach places.

Paper towels. Quick clean ups and greasy messes.

Dish drying rack. If you've the space it's nice to leave things to dry, or do a whole round of dishes without having to put them away as you go.

Dryer sheets are convenient but leave residue on your clothes; wool dryer balls can be harder to find but last a long time and you can put whatever scent extract you want (or none!). Neither are necessary, but reducing static makes clothes feel nicer, IMO.

Dish scrub brush. Some folk find a handle brush easier than a cloth and scourer.

Air freshener. Not exactly a cleaning supply, but places feel cleaner when they smell nice.

Everything else can wait until you notice a need for it (like rust remover) or be safely gone without (like single-purpose tools).

Congrats on the apartment! Even if you move in with only a single cloth and half a bottle of dish soap, you'll be okay. Cleaning is a set of important ongoing tasks, but most can be left alone for a bit if you discover you're missing something to do it

im getting my own apartment soon but right now im just buying supplies for the kitchen and bathroom but i honestly have no way to remember everything people need for just...cleaning them? 😭 you've got toilet cleaner, bleach, disinfectant wipes...rust remover....all-purpose cleaner?? what else am i missing oh god

hahahaahahah this is such a random ask ummm okay you're gunna also need dish soap and dishwasher soap, bleach, window cleaner, all-purpose soap for moping and walls, and idk where you live but here in aus there's these things called Magic Erasers and they look like little white sponges and they can remove like ANYTHING off things like stains etc. if you have carpet, get carpet cleaner too! vinegar is good for cleaning microwaves and stoves <3 oh and a broom make sure you get a broom and tray!