The First 10 Items You Need For Your First Apartment!
Two weeks ago we gave you the top 10 additional things you should make sure to get for your first apartment. Then, a reader(Hey Jim!) wrote that we never gave you the first 10 important apartment items. Lo siento, Amigos. But, it’s not too late — read on if you are having concerns about what absolutely essential apartment items you need to start a happy and healthy home life.
1) Bed. Seriously, get rid of that air mattress. Oh, it’s comfortable? Yeah, I’m not buying it. NYC has a bed bug problem so I wouldn’t advise Craigslist, but for other cities I def would. I sold my $600 bed in Chicago after 1.5 years for $175. It was a great bed and of course I used a mattress cover, mattress pad, and sheets the entire time I used it to so it was totally clean. Other cheaper options are a futon and/or bed store floor model (that people DO touch, so I’d choose the Craigslist route instead.) Scared about shopping for that bed? Here’s a link to my advice on getting the best deal from the mattress salesman.
2) Smoke Alarm. Fires are Bad. ‘Nuff said. (Your landlord is responsible for providing this, but you are responsible for checking and making sure he/she is living up o their part of the bargain).
3) CO2 Alarm (see #2)
4) Couch. Sitting on the floor or on card table chairs might seem like an okay way to begin apartment life. It’s uncomfortable. And, not homey. Why start your new apt life like that? You can find a cheapish couch at IKEA and you’ll be so happy you did!
5) Plates and silverware. Homes don’t have paper plates and that’s what you’re building or yourself. Plus, it’s bad for the environment.
6) Dishsoap. Caus, you’ll be keeping those plates for awhile!
7) TV. IT’S LOST FINAL SEASON. You COULD watch on your computer but OMG how can you wait that extra day til it’s on Hulu?
8) Lamp(s). It’s pretty amazing how soft light can change a space for the better. Be sure to also get a bedside table lamp so you don’t bang any toes while getting into bed.
9) Cleaning Materials + Paper Towels/TP. When you move into a new apt, it’s likely that whoever was there before you did an “OK” job but you’ll likely want to do your own scrubbing — before all the furniture is in place.
10) Additional necessary furniture. Bedside tables, Dining Room table, Chairs, TV Stand, Kitchen Cart, Bookcase, Desk, Desk Chair, Bathroom Cart.
Of course, there are other items you’ll require (and they are all included in our Checklists) but this list should do you pretty well! Feel free to add other items in comments:)
Hi Jazmyn and thanks for your nice words about the site.
I’d say the two most important things about renting your first apartment are: 1.) don’t pay more rent than you can afford and 2.)read every word of your lease before you sign and ask questions if you don’t understand something. If you need two jobs to afford your place, while studying full time in college, the rent is too high. And before you become roomies with your BF and assume you’ll continue to live together – even if the relationship does not work out – consider how you’d feel when he brings home his new GF. Who will use your shampoo! And eat your yogurt!
Anyway, if you are still more than a year away from the actual rental decision, things may look very different when you are ready to sign the lease. So, just chill and it will all work out.
OK! I accually LOVE reading post from you guys, because I’m at the point where I’m about to go to college, I need to save for a car, and I’m planning on renting my first apartment my second year of college. (I’m sorry if my messege is off topic or if it’s not interesting I just want some outside-the-family advice :))What are the major things I need to know about renting my first apartment? Money wise i will be making 1080 a month for private lessons and if I work part time shift at starbucks that will add about 1140 a month. The place im looking at is 885 a month and my current boyfriend (of 3 years) and I may be attending the same college, and are considering going half/half on rent even if relationship wise we dont work out. It’s a very convenient location to school and its a beautiful place. If I’ve said to much I’m SO SORRY !!! But basically my point is: What should I know about renting my first apartment and am I in over my head??? PLEASE give me some feed back and any adivce and the more advice the better!!! THANK YOU!!!
I think towels/washcloths would be a must, unless u want to drip dry! You can find cheap ones at walmart especially around ‘dorm move-in’ time =)
Don’t forget the soap!
Hi Kati, check out Elyse’s tips on Furnishing with Cheap and Free Finds. http://bit.ly/f9zukE.
I don’t get why people keep reffering to IKEA. I don’t find it affordable at all. There has to be another option.
Pay no attention to the previous poster. This is valuable info for the concerned and prospective tenants! Besides, I saw one spelling error but we all get your point so who cares. Haha. Good one!
Thanks for this post it helped me so much
Yup, we do spell-check all posts before we send them out. Thanks for keeping us on our toes, though:)
you should spell check your posts before you post them.