Getting your first apartment is exciting and has a sense of freedom and independence that is simply wonderful. Yet, when purchasing or renting an apartment, it comes at many costs since you need to maintain it and make sure that your bills are paid on time each month. In the spirit of saving and keeping within your budget while getting great-looking decor and must-haves, we’ve come up with this list to help you navigate these new renter waters.
1. First Aid and Dental Essentials
While you are getting all ready to move into your new apartment and purchasing new items and decor pieces, keep in mind that you’ll need some basics that you may have taken for granted while living with your parents. You ought to have a first-aid kit in your bathroom or linen closet that includes ointments, band-aids, and more in the event of an emergency.
You should also have dental essentials on hand. It’s estimated that one in five American adults hasn’t been to the dentist recently, and if you’re included in this number, keeping plaque at bay is especially important. Make sure to keep fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash in your new bathroom, too. Additionally, if you’re among the 50-75% of those who may benefit from orthodontic treatment like braces, dental picks are recommended by those with braces and may be good to keep on hand as well.
2. Kitchen Supplies
Stock up on kitchen supplies like utensils, cutlery, glasses, microwave or air fryer, toaster, and coffee maker if you don’t have them yet. You want to ensure that you can have these necessary items in case you have visitors or host a lunch or dinner. Fortunately, if you are working on a budget, you can usually find items like these for sale at a discount or online on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Just keep in mind what kind of supplies or appliances would fit your new kitchen best. Small electrical appliances need 15-amp circuits, so you don’t want to overdo your electrical systems and blow a circuit.
3. Basic Decor and Furniture
When you move into your first apartment, you may not be able to afford brand-new furniture. However, it’s a good idea to have some basic decor to make your place feel like home. The online photo printing industry has recently grown 1.5% in the last year, and you can usually find affordable photo frames at the Dollar Store. Consider printing photos of friends, family, or scenery that you love to make your space feel special. As for furniture, having places to sit and sleep are the most important. Look for deals or second-hand places to shop for mattresses, bed frames, and chairs or couches. If you can’t fit a couch in your new apartment, a loveseat can work just as well.
4. Cabinet Liners and Dividers
Cabinet liners are your best friend when you’ve moved into a new apartment. Liners are designed to protect your cabinets and drawers, so you don’t have to worry about scratching or staining the wood and losing your deposit. According to The Spruce, vertical dividers can be used in 9 to 12-inch wide cabinets where a drawer isn’t possible, so you can make the most of your space.
5. Cleaning Supplies
While cleaning supplies and toiletries will fall part of regular purchases, when you’re just moving in, you should try and get all the essentials as soon as you can so they’re ready to use as you maintain your home and personal hygiene.
You may not be able to purchase a whole lot of items in one go, especially kitchen appliances, but some items are only the bare minimum to get you started. You may want to purchase some second-hand items as this will also help lower the expenses of buying them all brand new.