What Do I Need For My First Apartment

Tuesday, June 22 2010 16:55

First time apartment hunters often ask themselves, “what do I need for my first apartment?”

When moving into your first apartment, you may feel overwhelmed by all the things you think you need. In Phoenix, apartment living couldn’t be simpler. A bike, a bed, and some kitchenware can cover 90% of your basic needs. The convenience of the light rail and public transportation makes the need for a car minimal. But what do you really need?

Most important is that your utilities may not be covered by your lease. Be sure to find out what utilities are covered by the management, and who you need to contact to make sure you have everything switched on and ready for your move in. Figure out what services you need (gas, electric, water) and what you can live without (maybe cable television or high speed internet service) so you don’t become overwhelmed by your bills. When you have options, don’t hesitate to shop around.

Furniture, even in the most spartan of apartments, is going to be a necessity. Many of the large chain stores can provide for your needs with minimal expense. Flat pack furniture dealers can make decorating an entire apartment as easy as saying, “A, B, or C” with their package deals, giving you all the comforts of home for a fractional cost.

Cookware and other kitchenware will help you save money, allowing you to prepare your meals in and avoid spending money out. Even better is to find if friends or relatives have hand-me-downs that can help ease this expense. Of course, this means learning to cook and learning to shop, which really only takes a little effort.

Always remember that there are some essentials for your first apartment that you can’t neglect: laundry supplies, dish soap, toilet paper, and trash bags are a must for any apartment. Since these are items you’ll always need and don’t perish, stocking up at big buy and discount stores can net you big discounts.

A final recommendation is to get yourself a few little decorator items -- unessential knick-knacks to give your new home some life. If you’re coming from a house, adjusting to a much smaller space can be hard, and giving yourself a few little luxuries can make you feel more at home: little rugs, potted plants, even a few pictures really make your first apartment feel much more comfortable.