If you're anything like I am, you're beyond excited to start planning and shopping for your first apartment. It's easy to get wrapped up in the fun stuff for your first apartment, trust me, as a former Bed Bath & Beyond employee I could spend hours wandering through shower curtains and bedding.
Before you get too carried away there are just some essential things that you'll need, but they aren't as much fun to pick out. Don't wait until you need to take something out of the oven to realize that you don't have any oven mitts, because I really don't see that ending well for you (I may or may not know that from personal experience).
1. Oven mitts
Gets those oven mitts because the sleeve of your sweater might seem like it will work, but I'm living proof that it won't, most sweaters have holes.
2. Trash bags
Don't wait until you need to throw something away to realize you don't have them.
3. Hand soap
It's not like a dorm bathroom where the maintenance staff refills a soap dispenser that's drilled into the wall. You're on your own kid.
4. Toilet paper
Again, no staff replacing it for you. Stay on top of it and make sure you always replace an empty roll, especially if you have roommates.
5. Water filter or pitcher
This one depends on whether your water is safe to drink or not, but be prepared. You don't want to move in under the summer sun only to realize you don't have any drinkable water at your snazzy new pad.
6. Tools
Hammers, screwdrivers, all that jazz. If you're moving in some furniture you're probably going to need tools to put it together.
7. Lighting
You don't want to be unpacking and stumbling around a new space in the dark your first night. Know what lighting is built in and where you might need to add some light.
8. Silverware organizer
Ok, so you probably remembered to pack the silverware, but do you really want to throw it all in a pile in a drawer? That's a good way to grab the wrong end of a knife by accident, maybe get some dividers to keep your silverware nice and sorted.
9. Dish towels
Most people think about bath towels, but if you're not used to having a kitchen you might not have thought of dish towels. You're going to need those when you're whipping up your favorite dinner.
10. Measuring cups
I'm a huge advocate for estimating and guessing in the kitchen, but if you're baking anything at all you should probably at least have some measuring utensils as a guide.
11. Bottle opener and corkscrew
You're going to want to crack open a drink and celebrate your first night in the new place. Wouldn't it be a buzzkill if you couldn't even get the drinks open?
12. Sponges
You have to be able to clean the counters and the dishes when you're done being an expert chef!
13. Paper towels
Spills happen, and you don't always want to clean them with your nice towels.
14. Toilet plunger
It's one of those things you never really think about... that is, until you need one.
15. Air freshner
You know, for after you use the toilet plunger.
16. Extension cords
You probably have a larger space than you're used to, sometimes those cords that come with all your new electronics just aren't quite long enough.
17. Utensil container
A little round pot or bucket is the perfect place to put all of your kitchen utensils. Things like spatulas and whisks will take up space in your drawers and create clutter. Plus, keeping them out makes them easier to grab when you're whipping up some food.
18. Batteries
There's nothing worse than getting your new TV all set up and realizing you can't use the remote.
19. Curtains
If you need darkness to sleep, you want to make sure you get those bedroom curtains up and ready to roll.
20. Toilet bowl brush
Sorry, but I'm certainly not reaching in there with my hands.
21. Ice cube trays
To keep you cool as a cucumber during this stressful time.
22. Can opener
Try prying a can open with your hands. I dare you.
23. Stain remover
For when you try to pry the can open with your hands and manage to spray tomato sauce all over yourself.
24. Carbon monoxide/Smoke detectors
25. Collander
We both know you will be making pasta every night, so you're going to need to drain it.
26. Coasters
You definitely don't want to ruin your super fancy new Ikea table.
27. Dry erase board
No need to argue over who should take out the trash, just make sure to write down everyone's chores.
28. Underbed storage
On a college budget there's no way you can expect a walk-in closet, those clothes and shoes will have to go somewhere.
29. Drying rack
For when the dryer in your building inevitably stops working.
30. Step stool
If you're short, like me, you need a little help reaching that top shelf.
Hopefully this list has helped you feel a little more prepared to move into your first apartment. The decorating and planning is so much more enjoyable when you know you have all of your bases covered. I wish you the best of luck with your first major endeavor in the world of adulting!
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