Moving out from your childhood bedroom to your own apartment is one of the most thrilling times of your life. But it's also incredibly scary. What do we really need to make it on our own? Where should we save money? Here's the ultimate first apartment checklist to all the new move outers in need out there.
Overall furniture
If you're young and on a budget, spending absurd amounts of money in basic and quality furniture is not a valid option. So, you need to search for other alternatives such as reused furniture from your friends and family or from garage sales, discount stores and thrift stores. While shopping for your new apartment is easy to get carried away, but stick to the basics such as a bed, a dresser, a dining table, chairs, a desk and a couch. After all, it will be easier to keep everything tidy.
Bedroom
This is your room, so it's ok to lavish a little. Obviously, you'll need a mattress, bedding, blankets, pillows, hangers, curtains, one or two nightstands, a full-length mirror and a lot of storage containers. But since you're living alone for the first time, it's the perfect situation to demonstrate your personal taste and personality through the decoration.
Kitchen
The kitchen is probably the most overlooked room in your first apartment. Eating your dinner from a coffee mug is not acceptable regardless your age. Items such as dish soap, sponges, drying racks, pots, pans, oven mitts, dish towels, food containers, bottle opener, can opener, plates, bowls, serving dishes and spoons, glasses, cups and cutlery are must-haves for a basic kitchen. Dishes and utensils are as important as the appliances and the extras, so don't forget to add plastic wrap, paper towels, garbage bags and trash bins to your shopping list.
Bathroom
The bathroom will most likely be your little sanctuary during the hard days since almost everything can be solved with some bubbles and hot water. But firstly, start by getting small and big towels, a shower curtain, a bath mat, a toothbrush holder or a cup, a trash bin, a toilet plunger and stock on toilet paper (it runs out fast). Afterwards, just move your toiletries and beauty products, and you're good to go.
Living room
You can't do some quality Netflix and chill in your living room without a TV and sitting area. An alternative to the typical sofa are some inexpensive bean bags or cushions, a more affordable and convenient option. In order to complete and fill the space, it's a good idea to add some lamps, a desk, a chair and some bookshelves.
Cleaning supplies
Something you may encounter that will take some time to adjust is that you won't have anyone helping you with the tasks as you had at your parents' house. You'll spend a lot of your time cleaning and tidying everything up so essentials like a vacuum cleaner, a broom, a dustpan, a mop, garbage cans and bags, a laundry basket, detergents for the various rooms, dust spays, sponges, laundry detergents, fabric softener and as many rags as you can get, will make your cleaning routine a lot easier.
While you dream of how to decorate your new home, we're also trying to help you take the nightmare out of moving with our tips and advice, by bringing you this ultimate first apartment checklist.
