What You Need for Your First Apartment
Moving out on your own is a big step. Do you have everything you need? Your first apartment is going to seem awfully bare until you get some essentials. At the same time, you don't want to waste your valuable money on things you don't need ... although a few little luxuries will make you feel like an adult. Here is what you need for your first apartment, room by room.
Kitchen
Cooking for yourself saves money and can be fun. Keep things simple and basic to start with, and think about the recipes you enjoy. You will definitely need pots and skillets of various sizes - consider a cooking set - as well as a chef's knife, bread knife, paring knife, and tongs. Oh, and a rimmed baking sheet for when you can't resist cookies. Other basics are a silicone (not rubber or metal) spatula, colander, slotted wooden spoon, set of measuring cups and spoons, liquid measuring cup, a toaster, a blender, a mixing bowl, and a cutting board. A waiter's corkscrew will cover all of your bottle opening needs in one device, and while it's a bit of a luxury, an electric can opener is fantastic.
Make sure you have enough plates, bowls, glasses, utensils, and mugs that you aren't washing them every day ... and allow for some entertaining too! If you drink coffee, get a coffee maker because you won't regret it. If tea is your jam, consider an electric kettle - people in Europe have a good idea there. Lastly, get a Tupperware set and a few dish towels. Dish towels work as oven mitts, too, but don't hesitate if you find some cute ones.
Add in supplies, too - kitchen towels, the spices you will need, etc. If your apartment doesn't have a microwave, get one.
Bathroom
You'll already have all of your toiletries, but get a set of towels. A basic shower curtain and liner won't break the bank, but this is one area where you might want to splurge a little as you will be looking at it a lot. A shower organizer is nice, too. You'll probably want a bath mat. Some bath towel sets come with the "towel style" mat you see in hotels. Make sure you have a toilet plunger and brush as well as all of the cleaning supplies you need.
Get a small trash can and liners. Don't forget toilet paper. You laugh, but people do. You can switch out your shower head for one you like better, as long as you make sure to switch it back when you move out.
Now is a great time to experiment a bit with soap fragrances to find one you really like.
Living Room
Your living room is where you can show the most personality. Furniture depends a little bit on your lifestyle. A small dining set will fit well in most apartments - most don't have a separate dining room. Round tables take up less space than square or rectangular.
If you don't already own a smart TV, get one. If you usually watch TV on your computer, you're not getting as good an experience as a decent-sized TV will give you. It's cheaper than a separate streaming device. Another alternative is to get a nice, big monitor that you can use to watch TV through your laptop. You'll want some kind of TV stand, too.
Most people like to have a couch. You could add a chair or two, depending on how much space you have. A desk for your laptop and to work at is a good idea, but most people don't need a huge one.
If your apartment doesn't come with blinds, you might need to get curtains. And then add some touches of personality through rugs, throw pillows, and a couple of blankets to burrito in while watching TV.
If you're a reader, get a bookshelf. And add some wall art, don't be ashamed to bring your old posters, too. Depending on how well-lit your apartment is, you may want to add a floor lamp and a task light for your desk.
If getting a coffee table, consider a glass-topped one because they are easy to clean, and you don't need coasters.
Bedroom
Your biggest ... and most important ... purchase is likely to be your bed. Don't skimp on this any more than you have to. If you're able to bring your old bed with you, do, but consider how old it is; it may be easier to buy a new one. You'll want at least two sets of sheets, plus pillows and your preferred bedding, depending on temperature, etc. Layers of bedding are better than one thick duvet.
You'll want some kind of nightstand or table for your phone charger - consider an alarm clock dock for your phone. Many apartments have a decent mirror in the bathroom, but it's seldom full-length. If you use one, get one. An under-bed organizer can help you make the best use of that storage space. If you don't have a walk-in closet, you'll definitely want a wardrobe. Even with one, a dresser is a good idea. Look into hanging closet organizers as an alternative.
Finally, you'll want a laundry basket and enough hangers. Buy more hangers than you think you're going to need right away. Some people like to keep their bookshelves in the bedroom rather than the living room. A bedside lamp is particularly handy, or one or more nightlights. Don't assume you can find your way through your bedroom in the dark...
Your First Apartment
Lastly, you'll need basic supplies for your entire apartment. You will want a vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan, mop, and bucket, as well as whatever cleaning supplies you want to use. Getting a basic toolkit is a good idea. If there are fixtures you have to change or high shelves in your closet, get a stepladder. Get spare light bulbs for all fixtures - invest in LED bulbs as they use less energy and need to be changed rarely.
You'll want basic office supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, etc. If you rely on your family's printer, it's time to get your own.
Figure out your budget and prioritize essentials. And check out the amazing apartments and floor plans at Park Commons Apartments for your first apartment ... or your second.