Moving into a new apartment can be exciting, but it can also be stressful trying to find everything you need. To stay within your budget and make the moving process easier, it’s important to focus on the essentials.
This list will help you prioritize what you need on move-in day. While it may be tempting to try to get everything done at once, it’s important to take your time and not rush.
Ensure You Have Potable Water, Paper Products, Trash Bags, Tools, and Safety Gear
It’s important to have basic supplies like toilet paper, trash bags, bottled water, paper towels, and tissues on hand for the first day in your new apartment. To save money, you may want to research the cheapest grocery store in the area or check out the dollar store for these items.
Keep in mind that the tap water may not be safe to drink, so it’s always a good idea to have bottled water on hand or consider purchasing a water filter like a Brita tap or pitcher filter. In addition to basic supplies, it’s also a good idea to have some safety equipment on hand, such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, batteries, extension cables, and surge-protected power strips.
Make sure to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your new apartment to ensure they have working batteries and are functioning properly. If the landlord hasn’t provided smoke detectors, you’ll need to purchase and install them yourself.
You Will Need a Broom, Cleaning Products, and Gloves
Expect to make some messes while moving into your new apartment, so it’s a good idea to arrive prepared with the following cleaning supplies:
• Broom and dustpan
• Sponges
• Soft rags
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Toilet cleaner
• Toilet brush
• Hand soap
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• Gloves
To save money and minimize clutter, it’s a good idea to purchase a multi-surface cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces rather than buying several different cleaning agents. This will make it easier to keep your new apartment clean and tidy as you unpack and settle in.
(Please) Don’t Disregard Toiletries and Bathroom Necessities
It goes without saying that you’ll need basic personal care items like towels, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand and body soap, shampoo, and conditioner for your new apartment. However, there are some other essential items that you might not think of right away, such as a toilet plunger, trash can and bags, shower curtain, and shower curtain rings.
If you’re a first-time tenant, you might not realize that these items are not always provided by the landlord, so you’ll need to purchase them yourself. You can find affordable options for a shower curtain and rings at a dollar store, and then upgrade to something more expensive once you have more money to spend.
Set Your Bedroom Up for Success
When moving into a new apartment, you’ll need the basics for your bedroom, including a mattress, fitted sheet, sheets, comforter or blankets, pillows and pillowcases. If you have space and budget, you may also want to consider a dresser for your clothes, although if you have a large bedroom closet you may be able to hang your clothes and save space.
Other useful items for your bedroom include a hamper that can also function as a laundry basket, curtains if you prefer to sleep in a darker room, a trash can and liner, a mirror, and a nightstand with a low-light lamp and alarm clock. Keep in mind that an east-facing window will provide natural morning light, which can be helpful for waking up.
You Will Need Kitchen Supplies and Cutlery if You Want to Eat
One of the best ways to save money when furnishing your new apartment is to purchase kitchen items second-hand from thrift stores, relatives or friends, or online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. You can often find items like plates, utensils, bowls, glasses, mugs, knives, pots, pans, cutting boards, and microwaves at a low cost.
While it’s a good idea to purchase cleaning sponges, dish soap, and dish towels new, other kitchen items like chairs and tables can be purchased used. As you get a feel for your kitchen, you can then invest in more appealing furniture. Additionally, you can save money on food storage containers by repurposing plasticware from grocery stores.
Don’t Furnish Your Living Room Too Fast
While it may be tempting to buy everything you need for your new apartment at once, it’s important to consider your budget and take your time to think about the layout and design of your space.
Instead of buying the first pieces you see, give yourself time to brainstorm a few different ideas and make a plan before you start shopping. Consider purchasing a calming lamp and bright light bulbs for a variety of lighting options, and soften hard floors with a large rug to make the space feel cozier.
It’s also a good idea to use a tape measure to write down the dimensions of your door frames and living room, so you don’t end up with furniture that won’t fit through the door or in the space. To save money, you may want to start with small, second-hand furniture that you can leave behind if the price is right or pass on to the next tenant if it’s in good condition.
Are There Any Furnishings or Fixtures That Can Wait?
While it may be tempting to immediately buy all the furniture and decorations you want for your new apartment, it’s important to consider your budget and priorities. You don’t need to have a large, expensive couch to enjoy watching TV, especially with streaming services that allow you to watch shows and movies on your laptop in bed.
Instead of rushing to purchase coffee and end tables, a TV, and other “wants,” it’s a good idea to focus on the essentials and give yourself time to decide on the arrangement of your apartment. Art and decorations are personal expressions that don’t have to be decided and hung up overnight.
To stay on budget, consider purchasing used items and furnishing your apartment slowly. This will help you keep cleaning easier and allow you to bring in pieces that will make your new apartment feel like home over time. Remember, an empty apartment is a clean apartment, so take your time and enjoy the process of making it your own.
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