You did it! Finally, after months of searching and planning and filling out acres of paperwork, you finally have your own place. Now comes the fun part – figuring out what you need. Don’t wait until you’re in your apartment to realize you don’t own a spatula (or a frying pan, for that matter).
Here are six must-haves for your new place:
A bed. If you’ve ever played the Sims or Minecraft, you know step one is setting up your bed. This goes beyond having a mattress, box spring, and frame, though. You’ll need a fitted sheet, a top sheet, pillowcases, blankets, and a comforter. You’ll also have to put the bed together, which brings us to item number two.
Item number two: A toolkit. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy, you’ll need a toolkit with:
- at least two screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead, and a hex key might come in handy as well)
- a hammer
- nails
- wall hooks
- a tape measure
- pliers
- an adjustable wrench
- a utility knife
- a level
- a ruler
Third Item: Kitchen supplies! You need:
- plates (you can purchase a table setting for four, which usually includes coffee cups and even bowls)
- Glasses (water glasses, wine glasses, maybe some plastic cups)
- Silverware
- a can opener
- a sauce pan
- a frying pan
- knives
- a cutting board
- a spatula
- measuring spoons and cups
- dish towels
- toaster
- a coffee pot (if you drink tea, a kettle)
- scissors
- a vegetable peeler
- if you cook a lot, thermometers (meat, candy)
- garbage bags
- paper towels
- dish soap (and dishwasher soap if your rental has a dishwasher)
- spices (at the minimum, salt and pepper)
- pantry basics (bread, milk, sugar, eggs)
Number four: Bathroom supplies: soap, toilet paper, towels, a shower curtain, bath mats or rugs, a toilet brush and cleaner, and a toilet plunger (don’t wait until you need one to get one)
Five: A sofa and chairs for the living room
And finally, number six: A television (unless you are fine watching everything on your phone or iPad)