So, you have found a new place, you signed the lease, you wrote the check. You have now successfully moved out and got yourself your first apartment. It’s thrilling and exciting, but then you remembered you need to get stuff for your apartment. More than a bed, a couch and a microwave oven, there are a lot of trivial things you might forget but could turn out to be some of your bare necessities.
This article would list everything you need to live comfortably on your own. Well, you don’t have to buy them all at once, but there might come a time when you would need these. Just a friendly tip: there are a lot of items that can be bought second-hand so you can save, or even picked up for free (ask your older friends who are upgrading).
1. Bedroom
Since this will be your comfort zone, let’s talk about it first. The major things you need are a bed frame, mattress, and a dresser. Get yourself a decent mattress so you can sleep well in your apartment because after all, you can only enjoy your own place if you are getting a good rest.
Mattress
Bed frame
Dresser
Pillows
Sets of blankets
Sets of beddings (sheets, pillowcases, comforters)
Shoe rack
Closet storage
Closet organizers
Jewelry box/knick knack baskets/organizers
Hangers
Full-length mirror
Under-the-bed boxes or storage containers
Nightlight
2. Living room
In your living room, the most important thing that comes to mind is the sofa. For starters, you don’t need to splurge on a couch. As long as it’s still comfortable, durable and beautiful, you can use the second-hand sofa your family or friend had.
Couch
Chairs
TV
DVD player
Small TV cabinet with storage
Coffee table
Throw pillows
Beanbags and other seating alternatives for guests
3. Kitchen
First apartment kitchens are usually lacking in tools and gadgets because usually, the owners are busy young professionals who have little or no time to cook. But of course, since you don’t want to live forever eating cereals, take-outs, canned food, and microwavable meals, you would need kitchen tools to follow a recipe and cook. Those people who are more health-conscious are those who are most likely to have busy kitchens.
First aid kit (bandages, iodine solution, cotton, isopropyl alcohol, gauze, medical tape, etc.)
Nail grooming kit (nail cutter, nail file, nipper, etc.)
Pen and paper
Desk and a comfortable chair (if you are working from home)
What to buy later
There is stuff in your old home that you may have grown to be used to, but you may not need yet in your first apartment.
1. Rugs
Rugs are comfortable and decorative and can make a huge difference in creating a look for your space. But most of the good ones are pricey, and come to think of it – they are not really that important. You may save up first before buying a rug so you can match it with the rest of the items in a room.
2. Art
Obviously, artworks are only accessories. You may not need to splurge for these pieces yet, unless you really, really, really want to or if you think your living space is totally incomplete without them.
3. Dining table and chairs
Have you noticed that “dining room” is not on the list above? It’s because, for a first-time renter, a dining table is not yet necessary, unless you like throwing dinner parties. First apartments typically serve as a home for one or two people, so dining can be done on the sofa and coffee table, on a kitchen island or even on the floor. Also, first apartments don’t usually have enough space to accommodate these stuff.
4. Serving dishes
Platters, huge forks, and all those kitchen items meant for serving may be unnecessary when you first move in, especially if you are mostly alone or with a roommate most of the times. Save it when you have a home for your own family.
5. Side tables
Side tables are nice – that’s where you place your alarm clock, phone, and eyeglasses (if you wear one) before going to bed. They also serve as a place where telephones and lamps go. But having these can wait. Always invest for the more important stuff first, like a sturdy bed frame, a comfortable mattress, a nice couch and a dresser of the perfect size.
