Top Items to Buy for Your First Apartment

By Kailey Walters on June 24, 2017

pexels.com

So you’re tired of living in the dorms, or perhaps you’ve just graduated and are ready to move out of your parents’ place. For the first time, that means striking out on your own to move into an apartment.

Finally, after all is said and done, the lease is signed, etc. etc., your apartment is ready to move into. But wait. You stand in the center of your empty living room, facing blank walls, your brows furrowed. You seem to be missing something.

What are you going to fill your apartment with to make it both a functional and enjoyable place to live?

If you need suggestions on what to buy for your new apartment, here are some key things you’ll want to have when moving in.

Bedroom Furniture

A bed and mattress, nightstand, and dresser are some simple yet essential features of any bedroom. Make sure you go with a bed and mattress that are both comfortable and suitable for your needs (e.g., whether the bed is all yours or you’ll be sharing with a significant other, or perhaps you have specific mattress preferences).

A nightstand comes in handy for anything you may want to have within easy reach at your bedside — a lamp, a pair of glasses, an alarm clock, or the book you read right before you go to sleep.

A dresser is also important, as you probably won’t be storing all of your clothes in the closet. (On that note, don’t forget to bring hangers for the clothes you do put in the closet!) Choose a dresser that’s appropriate for the number of clothes you own and that won’t take up too much space in your bedroom. The top of the dresser can also serve as a convenient landing place for miscellaneous things, such as jewelry, picture frames, mementos, and what have you.

Tables and Chairs

Furnishing other areas of your apartment is paramount as well. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you should consider buying a table and at least several chairs to go with it. Just imagine yourself sitting at your kitchen table in the mornings, your hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee, soaking up the beginning of the day before you head off to class or to work. Or picture yourself having a few friends over for dinner, all of you seated around the table as you talk, laugh, and eat together. With the right table and set of chairs, your kitchen can become the scene of many memorable moments.

Additionally, a coffee table, at least one comfortable chair, and a sofa are all good options that can help your apartment feel both practical and cozy. When it comes to sofa shopping, you may even consider purchasing something like a futon that can fold out into a bed. That way if you have a guest staying overnight, you won’t have to worry about setting up an extra space.

Having a desk is also a great idea, especially if you’re a student who prefers to study and get work done at home. Set yourself up where you’ll be able to concentrate best, along with a comfortable chair, and you’ll have your very own work station right in your apartment.

Kitchen Appliances and Cookware

A large aspect of living on your own is cooking for yourself. Sure, you’ll occasionally order in or have a night out with friends, but for the most part, you’ll need to prepare your own meals. That involves some key kitchen appliances, such as a refrigerator and microwave.

Also, if you eat rice pretty frequently like I do, you may want to invest in a rice cooker. It’s super convenient, and certain types of rice cookers even function as crockpots and/or keep other kinds of food warm for extended periods of time.

pexels.com

In terms of kitchen supplies, don’t forget the basics such as pots, pans, plates, bowls, forks, spoons, and knives.

Cleaning Supplies

Not everyone likes cleaning, but sometimes it just has to be done. Having a vacuum cleaner on hand is always useful, especially if your apartment has any carpeted floors. Make sure to have a small broom and dustpan as well, as they can help with sweeping up any stray bits of dirt and keeping your floors relatively clean.

Toiletries, Personal Hygiene Products, and Other Bathroom Supplies

It’s a terrible feeling when you’re sitting on the toilet and reach for the toilet paper, only to find there is none. Or when you’re in the shower and find that there’s no more soap or shampoo left. To avoid these dilemmas, keep a well-stocked supply of toiletries — shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. — and other bathroom supplies such as toilet paper, tissue boxes, and paper towels in the bathroom.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

This may not be the first thing that most people think of, but it’s certainly very necessary. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 200 people each year are killed by accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and an additional 5,000 people are injured.

To that end, take the necessary steps to install a carbon monoxide detector in your apartment. You may not always be aware of its presence, but it’s always doing its job to keep you safe in your own home.

For more tips and suggestions on what to buy for your apartment, you can check out this list provided by unpakt.com or this handy checklist from Bed Bath and Beyond.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format