10 Essentials I Wish I Bought When I Moved Into My First Apartment
Ah, the sweet taste of independence! Moving into your first apartment is a rite of passage—the freedom, the excitement, the inevitable "oh no, I forgot that" moments. Trust me, I’ve been there. While I thought I had everything figured out, my first week involved a lot of improvisation (hello, pasta sauce jar as a drinking glass). To save you from my rookie mistakes, here are 10 must-have products I wish I had when I first moved out.
INTERIOR
Sofia
12/23/20243 min read
3. A Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
You’ll be shocked at how quickly dust and crumbs accumulate when you’re the one responsible for cleaning. A lightweight, cordless vacuum makes tidying up easy and, dare I say, almost enjoyable? The one that I use is actually affordable ! and it does the job :)
4. A Shower Caddy
In the rush of moving, I overlooked bathroom organization entirely. A shower caddy keeps your toiletries organized and off the floor, saving you from the dreaded mid-shower bottle avalanche.
1. A Decent Tool Kit
It turns out that assembling furniture with a butter knife isn’t as fun as it sounds. A small tool kit with a hammer, screwdrivers, and a tape measure is a lifesaver. Whether you’re hanging art or building that IKEA bookshelf, you’ll thank yourself later.
2. A Set of Sharp Kitchen Knives
My first cooking attempt involved sawing through a tomato with a dull butter knife. Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well. Invest in a set of sharp kitchen knives. Bonus points if you get a cutting board, too—countertops aren’t as forgiving as they look. I linked you my favorite affordable Knife Set right here.
5. Quality Storage Containers
Unless you want your fridge to become a science experiment, invest in a set of good storage containers. They’re great for meal prepping, saving leftovers, and keeping pantry items fresh.Don't forget, we're talking about cheap essentials, not decorations—they don't have to be cute, and the ones I linked definitely aren't, but they work well. :)
6. A Power Strip with Surge Protection
I didn’t realize how many gadgets I owned until I started unpacking. A power strip (or two) with surge protection keeps everything charged and protects your devices from unexpected electrical surges.
7. A Sturdy Laundry Hamper
I thought I could get by with a flimsy bag for my laundry. Spoiler: I couldn’t. A sturdy laundry hamper makes hauling clothes to the washing machine much easier and keeps your dirty laundry out of sight.
8. Basic First Aid Kit
The first time I burned my hand cooking, I was woefully unprepared. A basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and burn cream is an often-overlooked essential that’ll save you a late-night pharmacy run.
9. A Set of Dish Towels
Paper towels can only take you so far. Dish towels are eco-friendly, versatile, and perfect for drying dishes, wiping counters, or even serving as makeshift oven mitts in a pinch (though I don’t recommend it).
10. A Comfortable Desk Chair
If you’ll be working or studying from home, don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable desk chair. Your back will thank you, and you’ll be more productive in a proper setup than slouching on the couch.
Moving into your first apartment is an adventure, and part of the fun is figuring things out along the way. But trust me, having these essentials from the start will make your new place feel like home in no time.✨
Just a quick heads-up: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them.
