One of the reasons why moving cross-country is so exciting is the fact that you are starting a new chapter of your life in a different home. This means that you will have to do a lot of furnishing, and there are many things you need for your first apartment. In this article, we will recommend different kinds of household possessions that people don’t usually consider but that could turn out to be incredibly useful.
There are many interesting household objects that can improve your lifestyle
These Appliances Aren’t Kitchen Essentials, But They Are Surprisingly Useful Things to Buy for a New Apartment
When relocating to a different state, most of your kitchen appliances and kitchenware will be transported by long-distance moving services. However, the following objects are definitely worth adding to your “things to buy for a new apartment” shopping list:
- Slow cooker – If you are relocating for a job, then time for cooking will be limited. Slow cookers are appliances that prepare meals at a low temperature. You just have to add all the ingredients, and it will slowly get cooked. The biggest advantage of this appliance is that many healthy recipes can be prepared, and the meal will be piping hot when you come home from work.
- Coffee appliances – If you can’t start the day without a cup of coffee, relocating to a new home might be the perfect time to get an automatic coffee maker, or a grinder, depending on whether you want to brew your own coffee or have a machine do it for you.
- Indoor grill – Unfortunately, one of the downsides of apartments is that you most likely won’t be able to organize an outdoor barbecue (unless your building has a garden, but even then, it is questionable whether you will be permitted). However, if you enjoy grilling, an indoor grill is one of the best things to buy for the first apartment. They are compact, and your barbecue will taste the same as the one you are used to.
- Food processor – Cooking your own meal is always nice, but sometimes, dicing all the ingredients can take a lot of time, especially if you are not that skillful with knives. With a food processor, you can just throw in the ingredients and cut everything in a matter of seconds.
Kitchen Utensils Are Relocating Essentials, but Many Interesting Things Can Make Cooking Easier in Your Apartment
What do you need in your first apartment? Having utensils for the first few days while unpacking after the move is taking place is necessary. The rest will be taken care of by the packing services of professional cross-country movers. But if the relocation budget permits you, definitely consider buying these useful kitchen tools and utensils if they are not part of your household inventory checklist:
- Mincing tool – If you like to add spices to your meals, having a simple mincing tool will make your life easier. Not only can you mince garlic, herbs, and nuts quickly, but also your hands will be kept completely clean.
- Clip-on strainer – If you are relocating to another state alone, remember that you won’t have anyone to call for to hold the strainer when cooking pasta, for example. However, these kinds of strainers can be attached to any type of pot.
- Baking mats – Why waste money on baking paper when you can get a reusable baking mat? They are completely made of non-hazardous materials, and after baking, you just have to clean them with water.
These are just a few of the objects that you should consider while wondering what you need for your first apartment checklist, but make sure to do more research on this topic before you hire a long-distance moving company and start writing a checklist of essentials. You will be surprised by what sort of innovative objects exist out there.
Make Your Bedroom and Living Room More Comfortable With Interesting Things to Buy for Your First Apartment
The bedroom and living room are two rooms where you will spend most of your time. When it comes to furniture, there is no reason to leave behind your bed or sofa when relocating.
It is best to hire long-distance movers such as Cross Country Moving Company and have them pack your furniture pieces. Although it is the main part, there are other objects besides furniture that act as decor in these rooms, and here are some interesting objects to consider:
- Blackout curtains – Many people have problems with too much sunlight in their apartments (especially a problem for a bedroom). Blackout curtains are an ideal solution as their material completely blocks the sunlight. But also, they are good sound insulators, which means a lot if you are relocating to a big city,
- Under-furniture storages – Under-furniture storages are basically sturdy boxes made of different materials that can be placed under your bed or sofa. They are truly creative storage ideas that can save a lot of space, and what is more, you can match them with your bed or sofa as these boxes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors,
- Removable adhesive hooks – The bedroom and living room are probably where most of your bookshelves and paintings will be hung. However, if you are renting the place, the landlord probably won’t appreciate stuff like drilling the walls or attaching tape. Luckily, there are all kinds of removable hooks that won’t even leave any tape residue once they are removed,
- Carpet and upholstery stain cleaner – This gadget can be used with any type of carpet or upholstered furniture. Although there is always the option of buying a cleaning chemical and doing everything manually, this gadget cleans everything more thoroughly. We recommend adding this to your checklist if you are relocating with kids, and want to maintain your new place tidy all the time.
Your Bathroom Will Be Much Better if You Buy These Things After Moving to Your New Place
Again, cross-country moving services will take care of relocating your washing machine, mirror, towels, and laundry basket. Truth be told, your old inventory list will probably be sufficient, but there are various objects that can increase the level of convenience significantly if you add to your checklist:
- Three-shelf organizer – If your bathroom is small, there are three-shelf organizers that can fit over your toilet. They are great for storing objects like towels or toiletries.
- Washer-dryer – Instead of buying a separate clothes dryer, you can buy a washing machine with an inbuilt dryer. By doing so, you will save a lot of space, but also, buying a washer-dryer is usually more cost-effective than buying separate appliances.
- Makeup organizer – What a girl needs for her first apartment? There are all sorts of makeup organizers that don’t necessarily have to be used only for makeup. All other toiletries can be stored as well, and with these organizers, you easily keep everything tidy.
- Bath tray – If you have a tub and like to take long baths, a bath tray could be a pretty useful thing. You can put a glass of wine, a laptop, a book, or anything else that comes to your mind.
What Do I Need for My First Apartment? Clean Your Bathroom Much More Easily With These Tools
Cleaning the bathroom and the kitchen is the hardest, and you have probably experienced this while preparing for the move and performing the relocating-out cleaning. Here are some useful items that will help you maintain a clean bathroom with minimal effort:
- Drillbrush power scrubber – With this tool, you will be able to clean any type of stain in your bathroom. Just apply the right chemical to the scrubber, and even the most persistent mildew won’t stand a chance.
- Anti-bacterial tub mat – First of all, if your tub is too slippery, this mat will completely solve the problem. In addition, it will also suck in bacteria and dirt. They are machine-washable.
- Toilet wand – Toilet wands have the same purpose as brushes. However, instead of a brush, they have a disposable head that contains chemicals that kill bacteria. It is a much more hygienic option than a toilet brush.
Since we have mentioned cleaning, don’t forget to thoroughly clean everything before the relocation. First of all, if you are planning to rent your old place, it will be much harder to do so with a dirty bathroom. Secondly, you won’t get your deposit back if you have rented the place. Finally, know that if you have hired a cross-country moving company, dirty appliances, and objects are items that movers won’t move.
Clean bathroom is a great asset for any home
Consider Smart Home Gadgets As What You Need for Your First Apartment
Although this technology is still rather new, more and more people are adding these gadgets to their checklists. The principle is simple. Smart gadgets are upgraded common home items, and the aim is to increase convenience. Hence, nowadays, you have smart light bulbs, robot vacuum cleaners, security systems that include cameras and different kinds of alarms, smart locks, and such.
On top of that, the system they are using relies on AI technology. That means that you will be able to install a so-called “assistant,” which will act as the main program that receives your commands. So, for example, from the comfort of your bed, you can ask the assistant to search for the nearest cross-country moving companies or order your washer-dryer to start drying your towels.
Whether for Your Bedroom or Living Room, There Are Smart Gadgets for Everything These Days
The best thing is that you will only require a stable internet connection, and these days, the internet is an integral part of every home. Here are some interesting gadgets for you to consider.
USB Lamps
You can now have a USB lamp next to your bed or sofa. Of course, the primary purpose is still the same, but now, you can charge your smartphone or any other device to this lamp instead of having to be next to a socket.
Smart light bulbs
Smart light bulbs are one of the most popular devices that people buy. These light bulbs offer different levels of brightness, and more advanced ones can even change colors if you want to.
Smart vacuum cleaners
These small robots have become quite popular. You just have to set its trajectory using an app on your smartphone, and the little vacuum cleaner will automatically start following it and cleaning along the way.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are a great addition to any household as, with their help, you can more easily regulate the temperature and save energy when there is no reason to use your heating and cooling systems to work.
Smart alarms
Either a burglar or fire alarm, these gadgets will automatically notify the authorities if something happens.
At first, you might think that these smart objects are expensive to buy. However, it is quite the opposite. Although a person can manage just fine without them, definitely check them out when wondering what do I need for my first apartment. Here is a nice video that shows in detail some of the most popular smart gadgets if you want to learn more.
These Aren’t the Essential Things You Need for Your First Apartment, but They Can Help a Lot
There are many reasons to move to a new place, and there are many benefits to doing so. One of them is sorting out your household possessions by discarding the obsolete and adding useful objects. Cross Country Moving Company can help you move stuff from your old place and ensure there’s enough room for all the new stuff.
Of course, the items we have mentioned here could be considered luxuries, and when deciding to hire a cross-country moving service, it is best to start with a question like – “What are the three basic items that every apartment should have?“. Be that as it may, once you have covered the basics, there is nothing wrong with looking to improve your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things You Need for Your First Apartment
What Furniture Is Necessary for a First Apartment?
When setting up your first apartment, some essential pieces include a comfortable bed, a dining table with chairs, a sofa, a desk or workspace, and storage solutions such as bookshelves and dressers.
Depending on the size of your apartment, you may also need a coffee table, side tables, and additional seating. It’s important to focus on quality over quantity, investing in durable and functional pieces that will last for years to come.
What Kitchen Appliances Do I Need for My First Apartment?
When equipping your first apartment kitchen, a few essential appliances can make meal prep and cooking easier. The most necessary ones include a refrigerator, stove or cooktop, oven or microwave, and dishwasher.
Additionally, a coffee maker, toaster, and blender can be useful for making breakfast and snacks. If you enjoy baking, a stand mixer can also come in handy. It’s important to prioritize the appliances you will use most frequently and invest in high-quality options that will last for years.
Do I Need to Buy a Bed for My First Apartment?
Having a comfortable and supportive bed is essential for your physical and mental health, so it’s highly recommended that you purchase one for your first apartment. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose between a traditional bed frame with a box spring and mattress or a platform bed.
You may also consider a futon or a sofa if you have limited space or plan to have guests over frequently. Investing in a quality mattress and pillows is crucial for getting a good night’s sleep, so prioritize those items when shopping for a bed.
What Size TV Should I Get for My First Apartment?
When choosing a TV size, you must consider your available space and how far away you’ll be sitting from the screen. As a general rule, a 40 to 50-inch TV is ideal for a living room or entertainment area, while a 32 to 40-inch TV works well for a bedroom or smaller space.
A larger TV may be more immersive, but it can also be overwhelming in a small room. If you plan to mount it on the wall, make sure to measure the space and choose the right size. You should also consider your viewing habits.
What Cleaning Supplies Should I Have for My First Apartment?
Some necessary cleaning supplies include an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant spray or wipes, sponges, scrub brushes, and microfiber cloths. You will also need a broom and dustpan or a vacuum cleaner for floors, as well as a mop or Swiffer for hard surfaces.
Additionally, you should have a toilet bowl cleaner, a shower or tub cleaner, and a drain cleaner for the bathroom. Consider investing in reusable cleaning tools and eco-friendly cleaning products to save money and reduce your environmental impact.
Should I Buy or Rent a Vacuum Cleaner for My First Apartment?
It depends on your budget, living situation, and cleaning needs. If you plan to stay in your apartment for a while and have a large space to clean, buying a vacuum cleaner is generally more cost-effective. However, if you have limited storage space or a small apartment, renting a vacuum cleaner may be a better option.
Do I Need to Purchase Curtains or Blinds for My First Apartment?
It’s not necessary to purchase curtains or blinds, but they can be beneficial for privacy and light control. If you live on a lower floor or your windows face a busy street, curtains or blinds can help prevent outsiders from peering into your apartment.
Curtains can help block out sunlight and reduce energy costs by keeping your apartment cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. However, if you don’t mind the lack of privacy or prefer natural light, you may choose to forgo curtains or blinds altogether.
What Type of Lighting Fixtures Should I Buy for My First Apartment?
The type of lighting you should buy depends on the size and layout of your space, your personal style, and your budget. Some essential fixtures include overhead lighting, such as ceiling fixtures or track lighting, and task lighting, such as table lamps or floor lamps for reading or working.
Accent lighting, such as string lights or decorative lamps, can add ambiance and style to your apartment. If your apartment has limited natural light, consider investing in light bulbs with higher lumens to brighten up your space. It’s also a good idea to choose energy-efficient lights to save on electricity costs.
What Size Sheets Do I Need for My First Apartment?
If you have a twin bed, you will need twin-size sheets, which typically measure 39 inches by 75 inches. For a full-size bed, you will need full-size sheets, which measure 54 inches by 75 inches. Queen-size sheets are suitable for a queen-size bed, which measures 60 inches by 80 inches, while king-size sheets are designed for a king-size bed, which measures 76 inches by 80 inches.
Check the measurements of your mattress and purchase sheets that fit snugly to prevent bunching or slipping during use. Additionally, consider investing in high-quality sheets made from breathable, durable materials such as cotton or linen for maximum comfort and longevity.
How Many Towels and Washcloths Should I Buy for My First Apartment?
The number of towels and washcloths to buy will depend on your preferences and habits. As a general rule, it’s good to have at least two to three bath towels and washcloths per person in your household. This will allow you to use one set while the other is in the wash.
Additionally, it’s helpful to have a few hand towels and kitchen towels on hand for drying hands and dishes. If you have guests over frequently, consider purchasing a few extra towels and washcloths for them. If possible, invest in high-quality, absorbent towels and washcloths made from durable materials.
Should I Buy a Microwave for My First Apartment?
A microwave can be a convenient and time-saving appliance for heating up leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking frozen meals. If you don’t have an oven in your apartment, a microwave can be a useful alternative for cooking simple meals. However, if you prefer to cook most of your meals from scratch or have limited counter space, a microwave may not be necessary.
What Kind of Cookware Do I Need for My First Apartment?
As a minimum, it’s recommended to have a set of pots and pans in various sizes, a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a cutting board. Additionally, you may want to invest in a good-quality chef’s knife and a set of utensils, including a spatula, slotted spoon, and tongs.
Consider purchasing non-stick cookware for easy cleaning and to prevent food from sticking to the pan. If you plan to cook a lot of stovetop meals, invest in a cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven. If you enjoy baking, consider buying a muffin tin, cake pan, and loaf pan.
Do I Need to Buy a Dining Table and Chairs for My First Apartment?
If you plan to eat most of your meals at home or entertain guests frequently, a dining table and chairs are a worthwhile investment. However, if you prefer to eat at a countertop or a coffee table, or have limited space, a dining table and chairs may not be necessary.
Consider purchasing a small table and two chairs if you have limited space or live alone. If you plan to have guests over frequently, a larger table with four to six chairs may be more suitable.
What Tools Do I Need for Basic Home Repairs in My First Apartment?
Having a few basic tools on hand can help you handle minor home repairs in your first apartment. Some essential tools include a hammer, screwdrivers in various sizes, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a utility knife, a level, and a tape measure. Additionally, a drill with a set of bits can be useful for hanging shelves or curtains.
A stud finder can also be helpful for locating wall studs and preventing damage to walls. Keep a set of nails, screws, and wall anchors on hand as well. Finally, consider purchasing a basic tool kit including all of the above tools in one convenient package. Having these basic tools on hand will allow you to tackle common repairs without having to call a professional.
Should I Invest in a Security System for My First Apartment?
If you live in an area with a high crime rate or have valuable belongings, investing in a security system can provide peace of mind and protect your apartment. However, if you live somewhere safe or have limited funds, a security system may be unnecessary. In that case, consider installing basic safety measures: deadbolts, door and window alarms, and peepholes, which can deter burglars and increase your overall safety.
What Kind of Bathroom Essentials Should I Buy for My First Apartment?
Some bathroom essentials for your first apartment include bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, a shower curtain and liner, a bath mat, a toilet brush, and a plunger.
You may also want to invest in a soap dispenser, a toothbrush holder, and a wastebasket. If you have limited storage space, consider purchasing storage solutions such as a shower caddy or a medicine cabinet to keep your bathroom organized.
Do I Need to Purchase a Shower Curtain and Liner for My First Apartment?
It’s essential to purchase a shower curtain and liner for your first apartment to prevent water from getting on the bathroom floor. Shower curtains and liners come in various sizes, colors, and materials, so choose one that matches your bathroom decor and fits your shower space. Additionally, consider purchasing a shower curtain rod and rings or hooks to hang the curtain and liner securely.
What Kind of Storage Options Should I Consider for My First Apartment?
When considering storage options for your first apartment, think about items that can maximize your space and help keep your apartment organized. Great storage options include bookshelves, floating shelves, storage ottomans, under-bed storage containers, and closet organizers.
Wall hooks and hanging organizers can also be useful for storing jackets, bags, and other items. If you have a small kitchen, invest in space-saving storage solutions such as magnetic knife strips and hanging pot racks. Additionally, furniture with built-in storage works wonders.
Should I Purchase a Washer and Dryer for My First Apartment or Use a Laundromat?
If you have the space and budget, purchasing a washer and dryer can be convenient and cost-effective in the long run. However, if you have a small apartment or a limited budget, using a laundromat may be a more practical option.
Keep in mind that using a laundromat can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially if you have to travel to get there. Some apartment complexes offer communal laundry facilities, which can be a good compromise between the two options.
What Kind of Internet and Cable Service Should I Sign Up for in My First Apartment?
This depends on your budget, speed requirements, and viewing preferences. Consider the size of your apartment and the number of devices that will be connected to the internet when choosing a plan. If you primarily stream video content, consider a high-speed internet plan with unlimited data.
Many cable providers also offer streaming packages that include popular channels and on-demand content. It’s also a good idea to research different providers in your area and compare prices and packages to find the best deal.
