Your First Apartment Essentials Checklist

By Julia Dunn on August 25, 2018

This article is brought to you by CORT Furniture Rental. We take the hassle out of furnishing your new place so you can do more important things like read this article. Learn more about why furniture rental is the best way to get a great looking apartment.

We’re at the start of back to school season, and for thousands of college students, this means moving into new housing. Getting situated in your first apartment can be stressful compared to the ease of on-campus living. You might be coordinating with housemates who have also never lived in their own apartment before, while trying to decide how to divide rent and utilities. All of these tasks are essential to getting moved in, but you also can’t forget your list of first apartment essentials! Here are 4 things you shouldn’t forget during move-in.

Image via Pixabay.com

1. Cleaning Staples

There are some things that you need for your first apartment that you could easily forget about, such as cleaning supplies. They’re not as fun or exciting as decor, and are often things you’ve taken for granted if you’ve never had to purchase them yourself before. However, they are essentials that you will regularly need, so make sure not to forget these items for your first apartment.

Your first apartment should have a vacuum, broom, mop, toilet wand, washcloths, trash cans, trash bags, cleaning spray, sponges, hand soap, dish soap, and paper towels. Stock up on items to avoid having to make trips when you run out. A coffee spill when you are out of paper towels or washcloths is a fiasco you don’t want to deal with.

2. Personal Touches

Getting to decorate your first apartment is likely what you are most looking forward to when moving into a new place. Being able to personalize your apartment to suit your personal taste and style will help make your apartment feel like home and will also make it more inviting for guests. Chances are you may be renting if this is your first apartment, so all of these tips are renter-friendly!

  • Purchased Decor: One of the most obvious ways to fill up wall space is to put up decorations. You can find tons of unique posters, canvas, wood and metal prints, wall tapestries and more at society6. Additionally, you can use items such as small floating bookshelves with Command strips that will cause no damage to your walls. Try combining them in unique ways, such as laying a tapestry over a wall of hanging string lights, so at night, the tapestry can glow. Playing with different types of decorations with unique textures and dimensions, as well as staggering your pieces so they aren’t perfectly aligned, can give your space character. Try to add a few pieces in rooms like your kitchen and bathroom, to bring color and detail to all areas of the apartment.

  • Handmade Decor: When someone compliments one of your decorations, it feels great to say that you made it yourself. Try making designs or stitching your favorite quotes on embroidery hoops, hanging images and art with clothespins, making a garland or creating a collage. Even altering purchased items can be fun. Check out easy DIY home projects on Pinterest for more ideas

3. Kitchen Appliances

Once you’ve finished moving and wake up the next day in your new apartment, you will be disappointed if you realize you’re missing what you need to have your perfect morning. Whether that’s a coffee maker, a teapot, or a toaster for your daily bagel, a morning without your normal routine can throw you off for the whole day. Make sure that you have these items handy.

Some staple appliances that you don’t want to forget are a toaster and/or toaster oven, a hand mixer if you like to bake, a coffee pot and a kettle or teapot. If you’re trying to cut back on your expensive lattes, an investment that might save you money in the long run is an espresso machine. Additionally, if you are busy and trying to start meal prepping to save your time, consider buying large pots and pans as well as stocking up on various Tupperware containers of all sizes. Although pricier than plastic, glass Tupperware is more durable and more resistant to stains and lingering smells.

4. Furniture

Although obvious to have, the areas in which you place your furniture and the function it serves can really impact how your apartment feels. By defining spaces with furniture, you will be more easily able to designate space for guests, studying, eating and rest.

In purchasing a desk that’s designated for schoolwork only, you will have an easier time focusing and separating school from leisure time. Many students like doing homework in bed, but you might find it easier to fall asleep at night if you reserve your bed for just sleeping. Additionally, having a desk where you can do your homework instead of the dining table can help ensure that during meal time, you have to step away from your work for a much-needed break.

If your friends are still in the dorms, chances are they’ll enjoy spending time in your apartment to take advantage of a larger living space. Think about how many people might be over at a time and how much seating space you should have to accommodate them. If your space is small, consider buying a few fold-up chairs that you can stash in a closet when needed to avoid clutter.

The sooner you can begin planning for move-in day, the more prepared you’ll be for your new apartment. Use these tips to help outfit your place with everything you need (and then some)!

Looking for an easy way to furnish your off-campus apartment? Renting furniture from CORT saves you time and money. See how easy it is to get great looking furniture without breaking the bank.

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