What to Bring to Your First Apartment

Furniture

• After a long day of moving or work, you will need furniture so you can relax. A couch or a recliner is ideal for the living room. In order to sleep comfortably at your first place, you need a bed or a futon. Make sure your bed fits the dimensions of your bedroom. If you have a king-size bed in a small room, the bed may block your entrance or closet door, so it is best to make sure it will fit. If you are on a budget, check with a local thrift store or go to a garage sale for cheap used furniture.

Kitchen Utensils

• You need kitchen utensils so you can eat at your first apartment. Especially as you move in, kitchen utensils are one of the first things you will need. Make sure you have knives, forks, and spoons as well as plates, bowls and cups. If you plan on cooking at your apartment, you will also need pots and pans.

Appliances

• Not every apartment will have all of the appliances you may want. If your landlord doesn't supply you with a washer and dryer, you may want to purchase them. Having a washer and dryer versus having to go to the laundromat is a huge luxury. A microwave is also a big perk if you don't want to spend a lot of time cooking.

Lamps

• Depending on the lighting in your apartment, you may need some lamps to help brighten up your first place at night. Most new apartments have a complete lighting setup, but some older apartments have a less-comprehensive lighting setup, necessitating your own lamps.

Electronics

• Don't forget to bring all of your electronics to your first place. If you want to be entertained while you are in your apartment, you should bring your television set or buy one if you don't already own one. A radio is another item you should bring to keep up with news and play music. If you like watching movies, make sure you bring your DVD player as well.

Bathroom Supplies

• Most apartments do not furnish you with a shower curtain, so you will need to bring one yourself. A shower curtain will give you privacy as well as keep your bathroom clean and free of water on the floors. Make sure you also have several bath towels as well as a wash cloth and rag.

Trash Can

• Make sure you bring a trash can to your apartment. You will inevitably have to throw things away where you live. Be sure to get trash bags to put in your trash can to prevent it from stinking.

Clothes Hangers

• Bring clothes hangers to your first apartment. You will need them to store your clothes and keep them wrinkle-free.