Finding an apartment these days is a no-brainer thanks to the internet. The real struggle comes when you have to move into your first apartment and convert it into a home. If you are fresh out of college or shifting from your parent’s house it is good to be familiar with the essentials you’ll need when moving into your first apartment.
Just imagine having to cook your food without a proper pot or set up a lamp minus an extension cord. It would be frustrating, right? Kitchen stuff is just a scratch on the surface of the things you’ll need to stay comfortable in a new apartment.
If you are aware of what you’ll need before you move, turning your first place into somewhere you love living with be a snap. Here’s a general checklist of seven important things you need when moving into your first apartment.
Kitchenware
Nothing compares to cooking your own food in your first apartment. It offers a sense of independence and self-reliance. So, what are some of the things that should be on your list for kitchenware?
Of course, you need the basics which include pans, pots, and baking ware. A microwave and crock-pot would be great for convenience. In addition to that, you’ll need glasses, silverware, and dishes. Don’t forget things like serving spoons which aren’t always included in a basic silverware set.
To finish up the kitchenware checklist, you should have a way to wash dishes.. If your apartment doesn’t have a dishwasher then dish soap and a dish drying rack would be a good idea. Other crucial items are potholders, and dish towels; as well as a can and bottle opener.
Furniture
Most apartments have several rooms you’ll need furniture for. You should plan for furniture to cater to your needs in the kitchen, bedroom, and living room. You do not have to buy everything at once. If you’re on a budget, start with the basics first.
The living room is the first stop for every visitor so it should be appealing in every way. Still, you need an operational lounging space, so you’ll need living room furniture that looks good and is still comfortable for you to use.
In order to get this right, it’s wise to have prior knowledge of the apartment’s layout. Remembering how your apartment looked when you first viewed it comes in handy in the arrangement of your furniture. A comfortable couch and coffee table are the biggest priorities for a simple and classy living room. You can go big with a dining table, desk, and chairs later.
Bathroom stuff
The bathroom is one of the most visited areas of any house, not only by you but also by friends and other visitors. That’s what makes the bathroom so special and important. It might look small and simple but it demands lots of things that cannot be overlooked.
Because of this, while stocking the bathroom, you should consider other folks that might visit too. While you don’t have to be fully stocked, you should have supplies you might need on hand.
Some of the most vital items for a standard bathroom include:
- Toilet paper
- Shower curtain
- Towels
- Trash bin
- Bath mat
- Bathroom cleaner
- Basic toiletries
- Shower caddy
Laundry supplies and storage bins
You will need a storage bin, hamper, laundry basket, or small storage trunks to help manage your dirty clothes sufficiently. These items will save a great deal of space especially if your apartment is small. Additionally, they will come in handy in the event that you make use of shared laundry facilities.
While you’re thinking about your laundry don’t forget you’ll need fabric softener and laundry detergent. Hangers play a big role in laundry routines too and they’re often something you might forget about until you realize you need them right away.
Other accessories that you can add to your list are a dresser, hanging racks, or even a wardrobe. These last few things depend on how your apartment is set up already. If you have a good amount of closet space already you may not need racks or a wardrobe. This is another time when remembering the layout of your apartment is very helpful.
House cleaning supplies
Your new apartment will require thorough cleaning and tip-top maintenance from time to time. Effective house cleaning requires the right tools. The following items will help with that:
- Paper towel
- Sponges
- Garbage can
- Dustpan
- Broom
- Bucket
- Mop
- Mop bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- Window cleaner
- Feather duster
- Rags
Bedding
The importance of having a super comfy and well-organized bedroom goes without saying. Most people want to make their bedroom as opulent as possible since it is where you will sleep and wake up for a couple of months or years.
When it comes to bedroom provisions, stay away from second-hand products, mattresses, and bed frames in particular. Second-hand bedroom items are prone to bedbugs which might be transferred into your bedroom and are very hard to get rid of.
Nonetheless, you can still run into cheap bedroom item deals if you shop for good deals and budget wisely. You may want to have two or more sets of sheets and extra bedding for visitors. Here is a good checklist of the items you may need in your first bedroom:
- Bed frame
- Bed sheets
- Trashcan
- Pillows
- Mattress
Lighting, extension cords, and other miscellaneous items
Most apartments don’t have overhead lighting in every room. Make sure you bring lamps or other lighting options with you or you could be stuck in the dark until you get them into your new apartment. Aside from that, you will require extension cords for lamps, vacuum cleaners and other electronics.
You have already put your time and effort into locating an apartment, so being ready to make it home should be next on your list. You may also need a toolbox for decorations and fixing furniture. There are a few other small but highly important items that should not be left off your checklist. This includes a first aid kit, power strips extra light bulbs, matches, and scissors.
Conclusion:
There you have it! This list will keep you in the loop about the crucial items you need for your first apartment and help get you ready to move. Remember to bring along some drinks and snacks for energy and hydration as the task at hand (moving in and unpacking) will be a hefty one. Good luck as you move into your new place and make it the apartment you’ll love to live in!
