5 Must-Haves for a First Apartment

It’s exciting to move into your first apartment, but here’s the bad news: It’s not fully furnished. While you might have your living room furniture ready for the big move, there are a lot of little things you might not think about beforehand. Here’s a checklist of things you might need as move into your first apartment.

1. Phones

Getting a phone is important for both safety and convenience. It might be better to purchase a cell phone first, because it can be a big help if you’re making a lot of back-and-forth trips during the move. You’ll want a home phone eventually, but it can take longer to hook up and get working than a cell phone. Some prefer wireless phones that they can carry around the apartment, while others prefer a cheap phone that plugs right into the phone jack. Before you knock the cheap plug-in phones for your first apartment, note that these will save you money on your electric bill.

2. Trash Can

You will have trash from the beginning in your first apartment and any apartment you move into. You’re going to have a lot of packing tape and debris that you’ll need to throw out, so at least one trash can will be needed in the beginning. For convenience, you’ll probably want one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom and one for the bedroom.

3. Bedroom Furnishings

When you move into your first apartment, you will have to get your own bedding and bedroom furniture. Some things you should think about getting for your bedroom include:

• A futon – a bed and couch in one, so it saves a lot of bedroom space
• Pillows
• Blankets and sheets
• Bureau or chest of drawers
• Nightstand
• Computer desk – if you plan to use the bedroom as an office or study room

4. Bathroom Necessities

The bathroom has a list of must-haves of its own. You will need:

• A toothbrush
• Soap, shampoo, beauty or health products
• Toilet tissue
• Bath towels
• A sponge for cleaning the bath tub and sink
• Cleaning supplies (store under the sink)
• Bath mat

Believe it or not, you might have to buy a shower curtain for your first apartment. There might not be one hanging from the shower curtain, or the one that’s there might be so old and used that you’d rather have a new one of your own.

5. Plates, Utensils, Pots and Pans

Unless you plan on eating takeout for every meal – which most people can’t afford in their first apartment – you’re going to need to stock your kitchen with supplies. Some necessary items for the kitchen include:

• Pots and pans
• Potholders
• Plates and bowls
• Eating utensils like forks, knives and spoons
• Glasses and cups
• Coffee pot, blender and other appliances

Moving into your first apartment can be a fun time, but there are a lot of little things you can forget about if you don’t plan accordingly. Use the list above to get you started, and add to it as you think of other things you’ll need for your first apartment.