Congratulations!
You’re starting to gather supplies for your new apartment, and those years of living in the dorms have prepared you well.
You know the value of bringing air freshener and slippers to be part of your home, but what about those other odds and ends you haven’t had to think about?
Here’s a quick list of 10 things that you should remember to bring with you to adjust to apartment living!
1. Toilet Paper
Believe us, you will forget it until you realize you need it.
Steal a roll or two from your parents before you head out to live on your own, or stop somewhere on the way into town to pick up a pack!
2. Soap and Cleaning Products
Yes, your apartment likely comes professionally cleaned upon move-in.
But, it doesn’t mean you won’t need to clean in the coming weeks as you start getting acclimated to the place, so bring some cleaning wipes and multipurpose cleaners just in case!
(And of course, some soap for your hands and dishes.)
3. Old Towels
What on Earth do you need these for?
Well, have you ever dropped a gallon of milk on your kitchen floor? Broken a bottle of wine after only one glass?
Don’t worry, you will at some point in your life.
If that happens to be during your college years, it would be nice to not use three rolls of paper towels mopping up the mess.
Towels may also come in handy in the winter for your muddy, snowy boots.
4. Extra Sheets
Having a rotating set of sheets is part of being an adult.
In case you’re sick, spill something, or stain your normal sheets, it’s important to have a spare set in case of emergency.
No one wants to wash out a stain at 10 p.m. Wednesday night, so do yourself a favor and splurge on a second set.
5. Throw Blankets
Living in a new place means adjusting to the climate of your new apartment.
It may store heat like an oven, or it may just slip right through the cracks in your windows.
Either way, when you’re on the couch and want to cozy up for a movie on a Friday night, having some throw blankets lying around would be convenient and make your apartment feel homier.
6. Shower Curtain
We don’t mean the pretty one with flowers and giraffes on it, because we're sure that was the first bathroom item you picked out.
We're talking about the plastic curtain inside the shower.
It's more important, and probably what you’re forgetting.
Grab one of these to save yourself a trip when you’re picking up that toilet paper, and don’t forget the rings to hang it on either!
7. Oven Mitts
It’s time to take your first meal out of the oven when you realize you don’t have a way to get it out!
Remember to grab some oven mitts or potholders before you call your kitchen complete, or else your dinner may be burnt.
8. Colander / Strainer
It usually hits halfway through making pasta that you don’t have a way to drain it, so pick up a strainer or colander when you’re getting those oven mitts!
It’s easy to overlook this item when you’re not used to living in a different place.
9. Rugs
For your bathroom, your bedroom, your living room, wherever you need one!
Rugs make your apartment feel more like a home, and they pick up the dirt that might otherwise get stuck to your floors.
10. Pictures
Last but not least, make it look like you actually live there with some pictures in your room or the common space of the apartment.
You’ll miss those people just like they miss you!
You’ve mastered the basics of essential living items like a toothbrush and hairbrush at this point, but remembering to bring some of these odd items may not happen until it’s too late!
Check to make sure you have these items before you settle down for the night in your new place.
