Moving into First "Real" Apartment -- What all do I need?

[Soccer Princess]

I will be moving out of my on-campus apartment (which is furinished) and into my first real apartment soon. I was trying to come up with a list of things I will need so I can start purchasing them one at a time, to prevent a major dent in my wallet at one time Furiniture aside, what other things do I need to remember to get? Also, if you can think of any places to get these things cheap feel free to mention it. Thanks!
So far I have on my list:
iron
ironing board
dishes
silverware
shower curtain
bathroom accessories
toaster

 

[C.Ann]

coffeemaker
tea kettle
can opener
colander (for straining pasta)
assorted pots and pans
several sharp carving knives
potato peeler
electric mixer
microwave
measuring cups
measuring spoons
mixing bowls
baking pans
assorted glassware
containers for leftovers (the Glad ones are great!)
dish drainer
sponges/dish cloths
dish towels

---------
mop
pail
broom
dust pan
vacuume
feather duster
cleaning supplies
-------
wall clock(s)
alarm clock
radio
wastepaper baskets
cordless telephones
-----------
hamper
extra sheets, pillowcases & blankets
assorted lamps for the various rooms
-------------

That's all I can think of on only a half-cup of coffee.. LOL

 

[laurie31]

Here's some things you won't think about until you need them -

plunger (for the toilet)
fire extinguisher - get one for the kitchen and one for for your laundry area if you have one
flashlight
batteries (not just for the flashlight, but also for your TV remote and whatever else battery-powered that you have)
candles
matches


scotch tape
sissors
stapler

hammer
screwdriver
(I ruined a shoe hanging pics in my first apartment because I didn't have a hammer...and using a butter knife for a screwdriver is also not a good thing)

Have fun shopping!

Laurie

 

[stinkerbelle]

everything you need for your first apt. (all the above mentioned things) can be found at target.

just be sure, when you buy dishes, you get microwave-safe ones. (friend of mine learned the hardway)

and to lessen the dent in your wallet - do what I did - hit up family members for "hand me downs"...my mom gave me a bunch of her stuff, and bought new stuff for herself. You can get "new, nice stuff" when you get married!

 

[gallaj0]

Check your local www.craigslist.org for free or inexpensive items like these.

Also, if there is no smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector in the apartment, buy some of your own.

 

[BeckyEsq]

TV/VCR/DVD player
Stereo/radio/alarm clock
laundry basket
answering machine


As for kitchen stuff, I think to start out you would need:
one large mixing bowl
mixing spoon
one non-stick frying pan
one pot (for boiling water for pasta etc)
one cookie sheet
one 11X13 pan (for baking cakes, lasagna, casseroles etc)
one spatula/egg turner -- plastic so it doesn't harm the non-stick skillet
one good cutting knife
set of forks/spoons/knives -- I saw these on clearance very cheap at Bed Bath and Beyond recently
one set of plates/cups/bowls -- try Corelle -- you can buy them by the piece at Walmart or Kmart and they last forever and are microwave safe
some drinking glasses and mugs
glass measuring cup (Pyrex)
handheld canopener (you don't really need electric)
bottle opener (for parties )
coffeemaker (if you drink it)
microwave (you can use it to heat water for tea too)

Those are the essentials -- you can add more later or ask for them as gifts.

I'd definitely try Walmart for a lot of this stuff, or Bed Bath and Beyond if you get their 20% off coupons.

 

[ChibiJones]

Renter's Insurance for your belongings.

None of your belongings are covered by your landlord's insurance in the event of a fire.

Also, we have a small fire-proof safe for our important documents (lease, car registration, some cash, passports, copy of driver's license). Just don't lose the key.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

~Sheets, you'll want at least 2 sets...if you spill something on your bed at 10:30 pm you really don't want to deal with not having an extra set esp. if you don't have laundry in your unit.
~Curtains & rods to hang them from
~Storage space...the more the better...look for things like benches and ottomans with hidden compartments that you can store stuff in. Anything you can think of that will make your space more usable. Over the door racks, hooks for bathroom towels, end tables with cabinets in them anything you can find that will give you extra space.
~Magnets for your fridge. I'm not kidding. Being able to just stick a note on the fridge is a good thing.
~Batteries. Flashlights, at least one that does not require batteries.
~bookshelves
~a small fireproof, lockable safe for storing valuables.
~phone
~pens and pencils and other such "desk" items.
~plunger, and while we're on that a supply of your basic household cleaners - tile cleaner, oven cleaner, glass cleaner, carpet/floor cleaner and assorted scrub brushes
~Vaccum and/ or broom/dustban
~a tool kit. It amazes me how many girls move into apartments and don't have a basic tool kit with a hammer, screwdriver set, wrench etc. And a power screwdriver is also a good idea. And nails, picture hangers and screws.
~Some sort of multi-file folder to keep copies of important documents - lease, important phone numbers, instructions for how to set the tv etc. Keeping these things in one place that is handy is something you'll be very greatful for
~Towels, hampers and a bathroom set with floor mats, a toothbrush holder etc. Shower curtain and the hooks for it.
~Look into getting renters insurance. It does not cost a lot.

As for where to get them cheap. Check Wal-Mart, Target and places like that. Also, check the Salvation Army and Goodwill. Most of the stuff in the Salvation Army is clean, and in great condition. You can get a couch there for $50. And it helps a good cause. Last time I was there, they had some really funky furniture from the 60's. Crazy 60's end tables and coffee tables. they were really neat.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Also, never underestimate the power of O'Sullivan and Sauder put together yourself furniture...

They sell these things at Wal Mart, K-Mart, Target, Office Max, Staples and a score of other stores. Shelves, cabinets and such are generally a lot cheaper when you buy it in a box and build it yourself.

In this picture here (sorry it was taken from a weird angle and there is some glare...):

the two very tall bookshelves were $28 each at Target.
The smaller bookshelf we've had for ages so I don't recall...
and the small curio cabinet was $50 a Wal Mart

 

[oogieboogie]

Check out Big Lots and the Dollar Stores - you'll find lots of stuff for your kitchen/bathrom there.

Get one of these and your kitchen's pretty much set:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...239538-1995813?_encoding=UTF8&asin=B0001V4M84

 

[ChibiJones]

And nails, picture hangers and screws.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with this. You could get dinged on your security deposit when you move out for putting holes in the wall. Get the 3M Command hooks instead. They make several sizes/types.

Also, make sure you note any and all damage to the unit when you first move in, before bringing your stuff in. It might be worth snapping a few photos too. Here, there's a standard form that both the tenant and landlord sign. If your community doesn't have one, make one up yourself and make sure both you and your landlord sign it.

Most schools have off-campus housing offices. Stop by there and see if they have information about your landlord's legal obligations. If not, check with your state's attorney general office. I used to live between two universities, and some landlords would take advantage of students being young, inexperienced, and uninformed. One of my friends had to call the No Heat line on one of her landlords. He didn't think she would know about it

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with this. You could get dinged on your security deposit when you move out for putting holes in the wall. Get the 3M Command hooks instead. They make several sizes/types.

I have never lived someplace where my walls were not covered. As long as the landlord doesn't care (and I've lived in 5 different apartments in my life; never had one who did) and you patch it up when you leave, who cares?

I personally would not live in an apartment where I was not allowed to put up pictures on the wall...but that's just me.

When I lived in a dorm, we had to use those hooks. I had several frames break because the hooks can't hold their weight.

 

[ChibiJones]

I have never lived someplace where my walls were not covered. As long as the landlord doesn't care (and I've lived in 5 different apartments in my life; never had one who did) and you patch it up when you leave, who cares?

I personally would not live in an apartment where I was not allowed to put up pictures on the wall...but that's just me.

When I lived in a dorm, we had to use those hooks. I had several frames break because the hooks can't hold their weight.

I've never had that problem with the 3M hooks, the cheap ones don't work though. DH & I own our own condo now, but we still use the 3M hooks for all of our pictures. I think they have a weight limit on the package too, so they wouldn't work with a heavy frame, like for a poster.

Your landlords may not have cared because you patched the holes. If you hadn't, they may have deducted the cost of repair from your security deposit if you left alot of holes in the wall.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I've never had that problem with the 3M hooks, the cheap ones don't work though. DH & I own our own condo now, but we still use the 3M hooks for all of our pictures. I think they have a weight limit on the package too, so they wouldn't work with a heavy frame, like for a poster.

Your landlords may not have cared because you patched the holes. If you hadn't, they may have deducted the cost of repair from your security deposit if you left alot of holes in the wall.

They knew we put nails in prior to us patching the holes. They still didn't care. I'm not trying to be a pain, I'm just really surprised there are landlords who even care about that, as long as the tennants promise to patch it up. I mean, I could understand if you were breaking out huge chunks of the wall, but if you are just putting up a framed poster or a wall shelf here and there, I don't really see a problem.

 

[battricia]

if you live in the north you might want to get a shovel (perfect time to get one while they still have one at k-mart or grocery store). When I moved to philadelphia I didn't have one (we'd always just used the ones my dad had!) but once it snowed it was practically IMPOSSIBLE to find one. I went to like 15 different stores and they were all sold out. So buy one while they're not in demand and just stick it in a closet.

Also not sure if anyone mentioned laundry baskets. If you don't have a washer dryer in the apartment you should try to get one that is portable/coverable like a bag or something that you can lug around to a laundromat.

tricia.

 

[brermomof2]

Pick up a cheap old fashioned plug in the wall phone and keep in a drawer, because when the electricity goes out you can't call the power company (or your mommy) on a cordless phone.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Pick up a cheap old fashioned plug in the wall phone and keep in a drawer, because when the electricity goes out you can't call the power company (or your mommy) on a cordless phone.

I second this.

Also, check your local Dollar Tree store for things like cheap plastic containers and laundry baskets.

 

[disykat]

I would worry about buying the bigger stuff (electronics, furniture, etc.) now and not sweat the little stuff. You'll accumulate that all fast enough. I love the "kitchen in a box" sets!

I moved into my first apartment with my clothes, a clock radio, a box of hand-me-down dishware and some towels, a pillow and a sleeping bag. I rented the apartment and moved in that day -I just nodded when the manager asked me if I really wanted to move in before my furnishings arrived. HA! I didn't bother telling him that my stuff was all in my subcompact car. I lived on the floor for a long time in that first place!

 

[Planogirl]

Check out IKEA if you have one in your area. You can save lots of money there and get some really cute things too.