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Things For Your First Apartment

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Moving Into Your First Apartment? Use This Moving Checklist!

When I moved out on my own, I had to figure out the things I needed for my apartment. The experience was an eye-opening one. I had no idea exactly how things were going to turn out until I went through with it.

For example, who knew that toilet paper didn't come from the toilet paper fairy? Okay, I'm kidding with that one, but still: you will find yourself buying things that you never even knew existed before.

Wondering what you'll need before your move? How about afterwards? Here are some of the things I learned from my brand-spanking-new apartment experience.

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Things For the Move Into Your First Apartment

The Moving Into Your First Apartment Checklist

  • Boxes
  • tape
  • patience
  • ...and hopefully some friends who can be bought with free pizza!

Moving Books and Boxes

Some Things For Your First Apartment

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Your Apartment Experiences

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Things For After the Move Into Your Apartment

You Need Stuff

Toilet Paper RollThe first thing you need to remember is this: the world won't come to a screeching halt after you step across your new threshold. Unless you're moving to Antarctica or some remote island in the Pacific, you'll always have a chance to buy more things.

It's better to go slow when stocking up your first apartment, because you won't be sure in the beginning what your new life is going to be like. Maybe there are some ridiculously cheap restaurants nearby, and you won't be cooking a lot. Or maybe the apartment has a washer and dryer that promply breaks the first time you use it. Who knows? You might not even be living here next year. Go with the flow, and you'll find yourself better off than if you had made too many assumptions in the beginning.

Image by bollin on Flickr.

Personal Care Items

The Basics

Two words: toilet paper. You won't know how much you'll miss it until it's gone. Or until it was never there in the first place. While you're at it, pick up some shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap. Remember that just because you're in your first place doesn't mean that you'll need something fancy. Over time, you'll be able to work out the things you like best, but if you're in a rush you'll probably want to get whatever is easily available (and not too expensive).
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Sleeping

The Basics

The very first thing of importance that you will be doing in your new apartment, after running around admiring how awesome it is to have your own place and (probably) going to the bathroom, is sleeping. It's difficult to get a good night's sleep on a cold, hard floor without any blankets, so you should figure out some sort of a sleeping arrangement right off the bat. This can be anything from some pillows, a sleeping bag, and an air mattress, to satin sheets and a California King, but if you're going to buy a mattress, take these words of advice: buy new! A good new mattress costs a lot of money, but the lack of worries about where it's been and the nights free from mysterious creaking sounds are worth it.
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Cooking and Eating

The Basics

In our modern society, it's entirely possible for people to go days, weeks, or even years without eating in their own homes. However, unless you have access to some seriously cheap eats, this can put a big dent in your budget (and delay the purchase of the above-mentioned new mattress). Luckily, if you have a skillet, a saucepan, a spoon and a stove, you can make a wide variety of delicious meals, from scrambled eggs to hot dogs to ramen. Oh, and don't forget the can opener. There is nothing sadder than bringing home your very first can of soup and having no way to get into it.

As far as dishes and utensils go, you can take the easy route with paper and plastic, or pick up something a little sturdier at your local thrift store. If you want to splurge, stop by a big box store to get something nice for your new place. And don't forget that probably everyone you know has a few spare sets of dishes lying around in their basement.
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Cleaning

The Basics

Messes will happen in your first apartment sooner than you think. Paper towels, a squirt bottle of general-purpose cleaning agent (preferably without too many harsh chemicals), dishwashing detergent, and a small broom and dustpan will go a long way to cleaning them up.

Note to first time apartment dwellers: the dishwasher does not use hand-washing dish soap! If you try this, you will get a clean floor, because you'll fill the kitchen with bubbles.

If your budget is tight, you can hold off on getting a vacuum for at least a month, or else make friends with your neighbors and borrow theirs. Garbage bags are another thing you don't want to forget, although in a pinch all of the bags you got from shopping for your apartment will work as well.

FlyLady is also a personal favorite of mine for great cleaning cloths and real feather dusters.
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Miscellaneous

The Basics

Don't forget about lighting. It's no good to spend your first night in your apartment, only to realize that all the lightbulbs in your bathroom are dead. You can never have too much lighting, so consider getting some extra lamps right off the bat.

A basic toolkit is also a good thing to have. Philips and flat-head screwdrivers, pliers, and a hammer are a good start; scissors will always come in handy, and it's difficult to find a substitute (trust me, I've tried).

When you get your first apartment, it's also a good idea to consider emergency supplies. Be prepared for an emergency by having a flashlight, matches and candles, bottled water, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and fire alarms (if your apartment doesn't already have any). Hopefully, you'll never have to use them, but it's good to have them just in case. Oh, and batteries, of course.
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Need Some Decorations?

Consider Guinness Wall Art

Classic and iconic, Guinness posters and signs are a good fit for just about any new apartment.
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Things For Your First Apartment Checklist

Check it Once, Check it Twice!

These are just the basics to get you started.
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body Wash/Soap
  • Hand Soap
  • Pillows
  • Sleeping Bag OR Sheets
  • Air Mattress OR Real Mattress
  • Pots
  • Pans
  • Silverware
  • Plates, Dishes and Cups
  • A Can Opener
  • Ramen
  • Paper Towels
  • General Cleaning Agent
  • Dishwashing Soap
  • Broom and Dustpan
  • Vacuum
  • Trashbags
  • Lamps
  • Lightbulbs
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Fire Alarm
  • First Aid Kit
  • Batteries

Share Your Moving Into Your First Apartment Stories

Here!

How was it?

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Smooth as high quality toilet paper - I had no problems whatsoever.

Tolovaj says:

First move was easy because I got a lot of time, second was a real nightmare because there was just few days available to empty old apartment, got handymen to new one etc. Not an easy task at all:)

Posted September 06, 2011

Gerald_McConway says:

Great Lens! Moving is brutal, nice to see people offering information that can make it just a bit easier. Really nice job on the lens!

Posted May 13, 2011

skiesgreen says:

My first away from home life involved a small rented section of a flat that was divided off into a small apartment, but it was furnished, It made me feel like a queen and the independence was great too, but it was lonely as well.

Posted April 15, 2011

nestboxes says:

Not too bad simply because I did not have a lot to move with. Gets harder each time. Worst is when downsizing, the removal men have gone and you realise not everything is going to fit! Don't forget to leave the kettle, milk and coffee accessible.

Posted March 13, 2011

MistakenforEmilyC says:

I'm choosing smooth because I didn't have anything! Lol. Everything I moved into my first apartment I could fit into my car. It was afterwards, trying to buy all the things I needed without getting overdraft charges that was the hard part!

Posted January 30, 2011

It was pretty much a disaster! You wouldn't believe my stories!

katesmart says:

It was crazy!

Posted September 15, 2011

emmalarkins says:

In response to clueless: when you get an apartment, they'll want to know that you'll be able to pay for it for the duration of the lease. It varies from apartment to apartment, but they might want to see some proof of employment, or they might want to contact your employer/school. If someone like a parent is helping you to pay, that person might have to co-sign for the lease. If you're not sure what you'll need, call the leasing office and ask them about it. Hope that helps!

Posted April 02, 2011

clueless says:

im thinking about getting my own apartment for the first time... what papers do i need to show? do i have to get certificate of enrollment/employment or anything like that? please help....=(

Posted April 02, 2011

GetSillyProductions says:

My first place I didn't even have a bed, just a mattress on the floor with lots of blankets, I was broke after putting the deposit down! But over the years I built up an impressive collection of furniture :)

Posted March 02, 2011

 
view all 10 comments

Songs To Move On, Move Up, And Move Into Your New Apartment or House

These songs will inspire, motivate, and entertain when you're in the midst of packing (or unpacking) your boxes.

Track Artist Album  
Changes David Bowie Best of Bowie
I Will Survive Gloria Gaynor Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive: The Anthology
Fast Car Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman
Our House Madness Total Madness - The Very Best of Madness
Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) Billy Joel The Essential Billy Joel

Share: Things You Found Useful

What things were you glad you had in your first apartment?

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  • Reply
    IrmaRL Dec 30, 2011 @ 9:30 pm | delete
    Useful tips. I remember my first apartment way way back than... sleeping on the floor for a weeks, using plastic forks, spoons and paper cups.
  • Reply
    AnzE02 Dec 28, 2011 @ 4:20 am | delete
    This is really a useful lens, your checklist will give a big help for people who are going to move out for the first time.
  • Reply
    alicia65 Dec 22, 2011 @ 4:19 am | delete
    for me moving for the first time in an apartment makes me fun and exciting! not unless you are not totally prepared with the things that are completely listed on this lens, thanks for sharing.
  • Reply
    jimmyworldstar Dec 8, 2011 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    I find that the first things you should get before you move into an apartment, are lightbulbs, toiletries/bathroom supplies, and some sort of bedding. At the very least, you can find something to eat but you won't be able to make due without light or toilet paper.
  • Reply
    homerepellent Oct 15, 2011 @ 8:49 am | delete
    Great items on the checklist. I believe its got everything covered from the kitchen to the shower room. Thanks for saving me the trouble!

    Cheers,
    Homerepellent
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Share: Important Things You Wish You'd Had

What things do you wish you'd had in your first apartment?

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Gotta love that new apartment smell!

by TIFFANY DAWN NICHOLSON (TDNphoto)
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emmalarkins

Read all about my first apartment experience, and learn some of the things you'll need for your own successful move!

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