What You Need for Your First Apartment

Getting your first apartment is a big step. Whether rented or owned, this new place is yours, so you must take the time to make it feel like home. To do that, you need to fill it with the essentials. Here’s a quick guide to what you need for your first apartment:

Safety

Accidents can happen, and it’s best to be prepared for all scenarios. Prepare a First Aid kit with bandages, dressings, medicines, etc. You’ll also want to take out an insurance policy for extra protection. The importance of renters insurance shouldn’t be overlooked; it can safeguard you during the worst of times, ensuring that you’ll have the financial support to get back up on your feet.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most used part of the house. You’ll be spending a lot of time in it, so you’ll want to stock it up with everything you need to cook up your meals and enjoy them with the people you love. Some must-haves include:

• Pots and pans
• Oven-safe dishes
• Dishes
• Flatware
• Drinking glasses
• Mugs
• Knives
• Cutting boards
• Cooking utensils
• Baking equipment
• Kitchen shears
• Napkins
• Bottle opener and corkscrew
• Food containers
• Oven mitts
• Dish towels and rags
• Garbage can

Bedroom

The good news is that you probably already have some bedroom essentials stocked up from your previous home: sheets, pillows, comforters or duvets, etc., but you need more than just the things on your bed. Other items to include are:

• Mattress
• Bed frame
• Mattress topper
• Dresser (or cloth drawers)
• Hangers
• Shoe rack
• Nightstand
• Lamp
• Laundry hamper

Bathroom

You’ve probably already packed up all your personal bathroom items–but don’t forget the other things that make this room the best private area in your home! Make sure to bring the following:

• Bath, hand, and face towels
• Shower curtain and liner
• Wall hooks
• Toothbrush holders
• Bath mats or rugs
• Toilet brush
• Plunger
• Toilet paper
• Trash can

Living Room

You can decorate your living room as you wish, sticking to a theme and adding details that will make the space completely yours. As for the basics, be sure to have:

• Sofa
• Coffee table
• Small dining room table and chairs
• Lamps
• Desk and chair (especially if you’re working from home)

Tips for Shopping for Your First Apartment

Shopping for your first apartment is an exciting task, and that makes it easy to get lost in it all. It’s best to be prepared by making a list of everything you need and determining an overall budget (with some wiggle room for emergencies!) so that you don’t go overboard and only spend on the necessities.

Don’t feel the need to buy everything in a rush–take the time to get to know your options so that you end up with things you actually like, especially when it comes to big items like beds, sofas, and appliances. Your first apartment won’t likely be your forever home, but it’ll be home for a while–filling it with the essentials is important!