So ladies we almost have our security deposit for our apartment and should be moving in within the next couple weeks....So my question for you guys is what are really important things we will need for our apartment??? This is our first time moving out so we will be starting from scratch so any ideas would be very helpful!!!
If you're going to rough it while shopping for supplies then get a microwave, toaster, sleeping bags (or air mattress w/ sheets + blankets), soap, towels, paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils, paper towels and spray cleaner.
The ladies covered the basics to settle in. I'd add rugs to protect carpet from lil kid spills and for decoration too.
And if you are on a budget, second hand stores or garage sales are a great way to get your home going.
It's best to keep it simple. You will need something to sleep on, food to eat and something to cook/eat it with, something to clean with, and something to entertain you while you get settled in (personally I can turn on the radio and be content cleaning and rearranging for hours). I also bring at least one thing that makes me feel at home. And there's nothing like a $1 candle and homemade spaghetti to celebrate! The other things will come. The first few weeks you will think of at least a dozen things you forgot no matter how much you plan. Just get the basics and then a thing or two with each paycheck. Your dollar will go farther at "dollar" stores and second hand shops. You can replace them with what you really want as you get more established. The only other thing I can think of is a budget. Always know how much you have coming in and how much has to go out. Then you know exactly what you can get now and what you need to save up for. The first few months can be hairy, but hang in there and good luck!
Pots, pans and dishes. A couch to sit on and tv to watch. Towels and bathroom rug. Bed and extra sheets for everyone.
A nice picture fame of the family to make it feel like home.
Congrats!
If you are struggling to just make a security deposit, you will struggle with all expenses, there will always be additional expenses, so you need a cushion to fall back on in savings.
Utilities: gas, water, electricity, sewer bills. If the apartment doesn't include them in rent, you will have to put up deposit to get utilities in your name. Telephone, cable TV, internet. These can add up very quickly, ask your parents or friends what their bills are, to see if you can afford.
Besides your kitchen supplies listed in another post, covered most things.
Don't forget cooking oil, baking soda, recipe book, spices. Cooking is cheaper than eating out and healthier. Things like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, garbage bags optional, (grocery/Walmart bags work too if you have a dumpster close by).
(For me) SHELF LINER /drawer liner is a necessity, after I clean the cupboards and drawers BEFORE moving in or unpacking.
Vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning supplies, toliet bowel cleaner, toilet brush, disinfectant. You can save money by using rags instead of paper towels all the time. They will wash and can be reused. Rags for cleaning windows, mirrors, old soft worn out T shirts work great also for dusting, they don't have lint.
Shower curtain
Laundry money if you don't have own washer/dryer. Laundry supplies, detergent, softener, or dryer sheets if you use them.
Don't forget Insurance.........renters insurance (recently in Metro KC fires destroyed many apartments or had damage, and those interviewed on the news did not have insurance to have anything to replace anything they lost). Check around with different companies, could be $100 or so per year for about $10,000 in coverage.
With a child, you should have insurance, on health and life.
For transportation, gas money, oil changes, tire rotation, maintenance, insurance.
If you are going to live on your own for first time, and you shoiuld, there will be unexpected things that come up all the time. With a growing baby, think of child care, dr. visits, pre-school.
Learn how to save, re-use, share. Not everything has to be new.
Estate sales offer whole house-holds to choose from, as well as garage sales, great buys!
I have found food to furniture, tools to clothes at estate sales. Toys, desks, cleaning supplies, pictures, frames, linens, stationery, cards, many surprises.
Best of luck on being on your own!
CONGRATULATIONS on your new place...
The basics are unique to people and their views...for me?
the basics are:
Bedroom:
Bed
sheets
towels
lights and light bulbs
alarm clock
Kitchen:
Pots and pans - a decent set is best - actually quiet impressed with Paula Dean's set from K-Mart.
Hot pads/Ove-glove
glasses
coffee cups
dishes
silverware
(believe it or not - there are some who would rather eat off paper plates and plastic forks)
Coffee Pot (if you drink coffee)
TV or radio
couch
coffee table
Food:
salt/pepper
flour
sugar
oil
eggs
milk
coffee
potatoes
onions
corn starch
syrup
bisquick
veggies
fruit
But this is MY list...I don't know what you like to do...what your life is like...how much time you actually spend in your place...so you need to figure out what will make you comfortable and happy to call the place home...always live within your means...if you can't afford it - see if you can put it on layaway...KMART offers layaway and makes a huge difference being able to pay cash for stuff.
good luck!
Someone mentioned extra expenses with utilities and such...so make sure you have enough for that too, and food. There are many thrift store that have nice furniture and kitchen supplies that you can get for really low prices. Start looking so you will know what you will need to spend. Good luck and God Bless.
Different people need different things. I would recommend to keep your life simple. For me and my family of 4 plus 1 dog. We needed a table and chairs for dinners, dishes to each off of, pots and pans to cook on, utensils to cook with and eat off of, storage containers for leftovers and lunch, towels, sheets, washclothes, mop, broom, dust pan, garbage cans, and curtains. Everything else is extra and you can take your time to get the extras.
Don't feel like you have to go out and get all the things you need right away and all by yourself. You should throw a simple housewarming party and register at your favorite stores. We registered at Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. It was great opening the presents and celebrating with family and friends.
