10 Essential Items for Your First Apartment
Things you probably forgot you needed
Hey y'all.
I hope everyone is doing well today.
Have you ever gotten home from shopping and realized you forgot something?(We all have).
If it's not a necessity, you probably won't be too bothered by it. Just laugh it off and move on.
I cannot tell you how many times I've done this.
As a momma to 3 girls, there are thousands of times I have forgotten something they needed or wanted.
Every day, one of them has a list of things they need.
My two oldest are 23 and 18(senior HS).
I've been talking with my middle daughter that will be graduating in 2022. She is determined to stay on campus. I like to think of myself as a fairly organized person. I keep telling her I want her to be prepared. We all worry about our babies leaving home and not having everything they need.
This has had me thinking and wondering. What things will she need in a dorm, or even for her first apartment?
I wanted to make sure I thought of all the things she would never think of.
All the things we never really have to worry about at home or as a teenager or young adult.
All the items you've always had that were magically, just there!
I tried to think of practical and functional things.
10 Must Haves for your first apartment
1. Spare key
You don't want to be locked out! Locksmiths are crazy expensive!
Also, if you have pets and vacation, someone will need access into the apartment to care for them.
It's always a good idea to give one to a family member, friend, or trusted neighbor.
(please DO NOT place it under the door mat)
2. Key Holder
Use It! I cannot stress this enough!
You don't want to be late because you've searching for your keys for half an hour.
Everyone needs one. Find something cute or to match your decor. We keep one under the end table. Drop random things in it(spare change, pens, extra phone chargers) and go through it occasionally. Or use it for your daily items(phone, wallet, glasses)
4. Rugs/Mats
You'll want several. 1 for a door mat, 2 if you have a patio, 1 for bathroom, 1 or 2 for kitchen. I like area rugs also for bedrooms and living/dining rooms
5. Coat Rack
You'll want this, or extra hangers in your coat closet. Guests won't find it welcoming if you just toss their coat over a chair, on the bed, or leave them awkwardly holding them at the threshold.
6. Multipurpose wipes!
You'll use them on EVERYTHING!
Great for quick cleanups when you're busy or having guests over soon. Wipe down tables, counters, any surfaces that gather dust.
7. Canister Set
Even if you don't cook often, these are just great storage to hide things laying on your counter. Aside from the typical flour, sugar, coffee, you can use them to store snacks, sugar packets, tea bags, singles packets(Crystal Light), receipts if you don't have another place
These are small, convenient, and energy efficient for single people or a couple of people.
Great for bagels, mini pizzas, cinnamon rolls, break and bake cookies. Really any quick bread you'd want in small quantities and quicker than heating up the whole oven.
9. Flashlights!
Candles, lighter, matches.
I suggest multiple. Place them in different rooms for easier access when needed.
You do not want to be stuck in complete darkness for any length of time. Always be prepared!
10. First Aid Kit
I'd suggest a small one in kitchen and bathroom
Have multiple size bandages, gauze, and Neosporan. Wound spray, alcohol pads, cotton balls, Q-tips, extra tweezers for splinters, latex gloves, etc
You never know when you'll need it when living alone.
You can't just yell, "Mom, I need a band-aid!"
I am always going to be adding to the list of what I consider my kids' needs, as I am sure you will.
Hopefully, this list at least will give you a good jump start and guideline to help make the transition 10 things less stressful.
Start your need and wish list now.
My daughter has even considered asking for some of these as graduation gifts, or gift cards to places she can buy up most of these things.
I'd love to hear what you think.
P.S.
I forgot hammer and nails!
Trust us, you'll need it!
We'll just slip #11 in here.
