What should you buy when renting your first apartment?
As a young adult, renting your first apartment is a whirlwind of excitement. Whether you’ve committed to renting the entire unit yourself or will be sharing the space with friends, the challenge of moving into your first rental doesn’t stop after you’ve been approved to rent. Most first-time renters struggle with when moving in is furnishing their first apartment.
Take a look at the list of must-have’s below:
Dishes and Cooking Utensils:
One of the things that is used most often in an apartment is dishes and cooking utensils. Because cooking at home helps to lower a household’s cost of living, investing in dishes and cookware can be an excellent way to save money long-term.
We recommend buying the following items right away:
- Plates
- Cups
- Cooking pans
- Cooking pots
- Kitchen utensils, such as spatulas and serving spoons
Depending on your personal taste, entire kitchen sets can be purchased online or at Walmart for under $100.
Blankets and Bedding:
Another easy-to-forget essential for furnishing your first apartment is bedding. Particularly during the cold winter months in Maryland, having enough warm bedding is essential for keeping the utility costs low in any Charles County apartment.
We recommend buying the following items before you move-in:
- Bed covers
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Pillow cases
Cleaning Supplies
Of all the things you buy for your apartment, cleaning supplies will be one of the most commonly used items.
Because you’ll be financially responsible for above-average wear and tear, keeping your apartment clean and in good shape will not only improve your quality of life, it will also increase the chances of getting your security deposit back.
Most leasing professionals would agree that the following are essential to keeping your Charles County apartment clean:
- Carpet cleaner
- Stain removers
- Dish soap
- Bleach (or other whitening agent)
- Scrub brushes
- Steel wool
- Glass cleaner
- A vacuum
- A mop
- A broom
Storage Helpers
When you’re living in a small space, organization is key.
Unfortunately, one of the most common struggles for new renters is finding ways to store their personal and household belongings.
By investing in a few “storage helpers,” you can dramatically improve the organization of your new home and avoid unnecessary clutter.
To improve your apartment’s storage space without breaking the bank, try purchasing the following affordable storage helpers from Ikea, Walmart, or Amazon Online.
- Clothing hangers
- Drawer organizers
- Shelving
- Hollow ottomans
Aside from the obvious needs of furniture, food, and clothing, the list above covers the absolute basics that you’ll need on the first day that you move into your apartment. We recommend taking the time to purchase these items before your move-in date to make your first official day in your new home go much smoother.
