We all dream about finally moving out on our own. It’s hard not to get a bit starry-eyed thinking about a cute little studio apartment we can decorate however we want. But here’s the thing: the first few months of living on your own look less like a plucky coming-of-age rom-com and more like using scissors to cut your frozen pizza because you forgot to buy a pizza cutter or kitchen knives.
And that’s ok! The struggle is part of the adventure. But to make the transition a little easier, here are some apartment essentials for moving out for the first time for those getting ready to take their first steps into the great wide world.
Cooking Tools
Full disclosure: your first few months on your own will probably involve a lot of take-out. On the other hand, if you want to preserve your rent funds, it’s a good idea to subscribe to a cooking channel on YouTube and invest in a few cooking supplies l. To start out, make sure you have:
- A full pot
- A saucepan
- A frying pan
- Mixing bowls and spoons
- Spatulas
- Kitchen knives
- Pizza cutter
- Cookie Sheets
- Hand mixer
You don’t need top-of-the-line equipment to make a decent meal. And as your cooking skills improve, you can feel free to branch out and go fancier with a wok or blender. Just don’t forget flatware, plates, and bowls!
Bedding
Bedding is one of those things most people don’t think about until they move out. Then, when you go to buy sheets, comforters, and pillows, you realize there is a lot more jargon to it than you’d think. Try not to drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what thread count means or how to choose between a duvet and a quilt. There isn’t really a “wrong” answer. Just keep these ideas in mind as you choose.
- Make sure you are picking the right sheet size for your mattress.
- The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet. But sheets with a thread count over 500 aren’t necessarily better.
- The type of fabric is often more important than the thread count for comfort.
- The more you use sheets, the quicker they wear out. So, buy at least two sets to switch between.
- A firmer pillow is better for people who sleep on their sides, and a softer pillow is better for those who sleep on their stomachs.
Bathroom Stuff
A lot more goes into a bathroom than soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Along with toilet paper and tissues, here are a few things you need in order to have a bathroom you can actually use:
- A shower curtain, curtain rod, and curtain rod hoops.
- A bathmat
- Towels
- A plunger
Buying bathroom stuff is the perfect opportunity to purchase cleaning supplies. No one wants to think about cleaning toilets in their first place, but a broom, toilet bowl cleaner, mop, and sponges are essentials for your first apartment. Believe us—your nose will thank you later.
Additional resources:
- When you’re ready for a starter home, get in touch with The Home Loan Expert
- Major adulting skills you’ll need when you’re living on your own
- Reasons why being alone is a good thing