Moving into your first apartment doesn’t have to be stressful, it can actually be a lot of fun! You probably already have a good idea of what you’re going to need to buy, but have you considered these ten items? They’ll go a long way towards making your first apartment a home, not just a place to stay.
#1. Coffee Maker
Coffee is the best part of waking up in the morning and a French press is a simple and cheap way to get the job done. It’s perfect for anyone on a budget or without a lot of space in their kitchen. Also, you never have to worry about running out of coffee filters. 64% of Americans drink a cup of coffee every day and you probably don’t want to miss out on yours.
While a French press is great, if you’ve got some money to spend and a place to put it, there’s nothing like having an espresso machine. Moving into your first apartment and getting your hustle on can be even more exciting if you can make espressos, cappuccinos and flat whites.
#2. Extension Cords
iPhone charging cables are never quite as long as you’d like them to be. That means contorting yourself into weird angles to use your phone or leaving it on the floor to charge. Neither is a great option, however, all of that is easily remedied with an extension cord.
With an extension cord you always have an outlet exactly where you need it, making it one of the most important things to buy for a new apartment. Also, extension cords are important so that you can use your iPhone while still making sure to charge it the right way.
#3. Coffee Table
A coffee table might not be the first item you’d think of for your new apartment shopping list but it’s a nice piece of furniture to have. A coffee table is more than just decoration, it’s a place to put up your feet, to set your laptop while you’re watching Hulu or an easy spot to keep all of the remotes for the living room. A pro tip, buy a coffee table that by hot mugs and spilled drinks.
#4. Smart TV
If you’re a millennial you’re lucky in that you’ve grown up in the era of ubiquitous and cheap flat-screen televisions. Now that you’re getting your first apartment you can take advantage of this opportunity! Don’t bother with cable or a small TV, spend a bit more and get a proper smart TV. Whatever you pay for a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription, it will be a lot less than a traditional cable package.
#5. Tabletop Lights
Overhead lights can be glaring and they’re too bright at night. To make your new apartment into a home, a place comfortable to live, get some small tabletop lights. These throw off a comfortable atmospheric light. Also, who likes getting out of bed at night to shut off the light? With a tabletop light you don’t have to.
#6. Wall Art
When you move into an apartment and you can’t figure out why it feels barren, one reason might be that you’re accustomed to living in a home with pictures on the wall. A little bit of decoration can go a long way toward creating a homely feeling as there’s something off-putting and cold about four blank walls. Even a $30 framed print from Target can lighten the mood of a room.
#7. Laundry Hamper
As much fun as it is to chuck all your clothes in the corner, it doesn’t look very good. Buying a laundry hamper might make you feel old but it’s worth it. Having all your dirty clothes in one place looks better and if you buy a hamper with a removable canvas bag it’s super simple to take your laundry to cleaners.
#8. Water Filter
Forget about buying water, all those plastic bottles are bad for the environment and carrying 24 packs of water from the car to your apartment is no fun anyways. Get a good water filter, like a Brita, or see if there’s a filter already installed under your sink. Statistics show that as many as 20% of Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water, a water filter can help to keep you healthy.
A water filter is one of those things you need for an apartment which can make your life easier and help to save money. Get a reusable water bottle and never pay for water again.
#9. A Great Internet Router
One of the most frustrating experiences you can have in your home is the internet going out for no reason. Sometimes it’s the fault of the cable company but many times the problem lies with a subpar internet router. Cheaper routers use cheap components and that can lead to .
Pay more to get a good Wifi router and you won’t regret it. Whether you’re doing a project for work or just watching Netflix, continuous internet is a must. Good internet routers also have some resale value so that after you move out you’ll have a better chance of selling it for a fair price.
#10. Storage Solutions
If you don’t put some kind of storage solution on your first apartment list you’ll end up with your things scattered around the house and your clothes on the floor. Storage can be as simple as some totes to slide under your bed or an inexpensive wardrobe that you purchase from Ikea.
Whatever works best for you, it’s important to buy something to keep your stuff in order so that you always know where everything is when you need it.
Conclusion
Once you get these ten home essentials there’s no way your first apartment won’t feel comfortable and inviting. Not only that, but fun to live in! While it might not be exciting to buy plastic totes or a water filter, these things are also important as they’ll simplify your life and save you time as you’re not scrambling to find your headphones or buy water at the store. With a smart TV, good lighting and some simple decorations, you can create a place that you’re happy to call home.
