What are some helpful tips for moving into first apartment?

Question

I am moving into my first apartment by myself in a few weeks. Its a one bedroom, and the guy who rented before is leaving a lot of his things (bed, entertainment center, kitchen table, etc). What is some advice, or things I need to buy in order to have a gorgeous apartment that I will love?
Thanks everyone!!

The guy who had the apartment before me is a family friend-- so its not like its creepy or anything. I am definitly buying a new mattress though. And he couldn't take everything because he moved from florida to arizona with just a small Uhaul.

Answer 1

First of all, let me say--CONGRATULATIONS!!! Renting your first apartment is very rewarding and at the same time challenging. Be sure that the things the other renter left behind are in good condition or at least partial condition because you don't want these things to cause you trouble down the road. Once you move your things in, be sure you do a thorough "clean-thru" before you start placing things where you want them. When I say "clean-thru," I mean go room by room and sweep/mop the floors, vacuum floors ( if carpeted), clean windows, if windows open, air the rooms out for a couple of hours, (don't forget to close if you go out), make sure you do a VERY thorough clean-thru in the bathroom.....VERY important. Clean the shower/tub, sink, and toilet with all purpose cleaner so any/all germs will be killed. Place air fresheners in every room so they will have a clean scent to them at all times. The best ones I've found that do a pretty good job are the Glade scented oils and those air fresheners that release a mist of freshness every few minutes. You can set the timer for however often you want the mist to release into the room. I like the mists, but my favorite is the scented oils. To me it seems they last longer. A few things you can buy for your apartment are listed below:

1. Broom, dust pan, mop, bucket, vacuum(if floors carpeted)

2. Trash can for kitchen, bathroom, bed room

3. Cleaning supplies for bathroom use, kitchen use, and regular houskeeping use

4. Bathroom set (includes--shower curtain, soap dish, toothbrush holder, trashcan, lotion holder, and most importantly.....towel and washcloth set) (hint: shower curtain usually comes with the inside panel; the towel and washcloth set should have two washcloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels--you can pick what color, design, etc. you want--depends on your taste--bathroom set should all coordinate)

5. Make sure you have enough washcloths, towels, etc. not only for yourself, but guests as well

6. PLEASE make sure you have PLENTY of toilet paper....this one is a BIGGIE!!!

7. You also need to get a matching kitchen set which should include dish cloth, dish towel, and if you prefer....matching pot holder and glove

8. Make sure you get yourself a can opener and a hand can opener in case something goes wrong with the regular can opener.

9. Get yourself a nice dishrack, silverware tray, and a few kitchen counter essentials that you can decorate the counter with. (ex. sugar, flour, pasta, and cookie jars)--you can also get those bottles that have dried vegetables/beans in them too--look in houseware/kitchenware aisles

10. You can also get mats to put at front/back doors to keep yourself as well as guests from tracking dirt, mud, etc. into apartment. You can also get area rugs to place in rooms throughout apartment as well.

11. Last but not least--if you would like, place a nice wreath on outside of door to make your home as inviting to guests as it is to you. (another favorite of mine is the ficus trees you find in most people's living rooms. One on either side of couch, loveseat, and what have have you makes your home look gorgeous as well.

12. MOST IMPORTANT--most everything I've listed above can be found at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Pier 1(nice prices), Target, and even at a few other little stores around--Family Dollar, Dollar General

Whatever you decide, make your apartment feel as much as home to you as you possibly can.

Again, congratulations, and may your home say to you....home sweet home.


P.S. Don't forget the dinnerware--plates, cups, bowls--this comes in a set as well--

I know your apartment will be BEAUTIFUL.....congrats!!

Answer 2

Congratulations! I think the best thing is not to fill it too fast, take your time and only bring in the things you really like. Even if you have an empty wall or room, it's better than a big cluttery mess. Watch those TLC shows, they have great ideas. Keeping it simple and uncluttered is key. When I get tired of my house, I just change a few things like towels, coffee cups, curtains etc. I go to a lighter color or shade so I don't have to redo everything. Even throw rugs, placemats or flowers can make the room seem new again.

Have fun!! I wish I could come over and help you set up, I love settling into a new place!!!!!!! LOL

Answer 3

Wasnt so long ago that I moved into my first apartment. Depends on what kind of financial means you have. I would suggest moving in and slowly upgrading, or adding things to your apartment as needed. Dont go buy furniture from places that will loan you money right away... and find yourself in debt quickly. Generally the things you need first, then afterwards the things you want.

Besides that, and most importantly... protect yourself from the apartment managers. They are out to make money and will try anything to steal more of it from you. Any damages already in the place should be in writing (since it sounds like your moving in right after someone else). Make sure you read through your lease 2 or 3 times. They arent there to explain it to you... except when you do something wrong.

Answer 4

Good for you! What luck to start off with some good pieces of furniture. I would say you should focus on window dressings. Window dressings are accents that can really enhance the flavour of a room. Decide on a style, modern, country, contemporary and then adjust your purchases to compliment your decorating style. Also a few well chosen pieces of art, it may be paintings or pictures or even nicely framed mirrors. Have a nice teapot for the stove, a few good pots and pans, cutting knives and a durable setting of dinnerware. I'm sure you'll make the place look great, have a wonderful time in your new place.

Answer 5

Its' a rental, right? First find out from the landlord what you are allowed in regards to painting, window covering and or hanging pictures? If this is limited, I would suggest using accessories that compliment wall and carpet colours. Check out thrift shops in your area. You can find great items for little money. Move in first before you buy. You will get a better idea of what will compliment your leftovers :)

Answer 6

GET RID OF THE BED first.
If he is not yet gone, make him remove what he doesnt want, why should you?
Be organized
label all boxes
put things in the room they belong.
get bedroom done first
than bath, and than kitchen
Pick color schemes, window treatments etc.
IKEA, cant say that enough, especially for a single person.
Pick one item that you LOVE and build the room around that.

Answer 7

Some nice plants, curtains and a few knick knacks that you have collected over the years. If it needs a coat of paint - paint light colors and blend in with your items. Congratulations.

Answer 8

if this is u'r lst w/ everything needed for u'r apt... then invest in dishware... cups,silverware,plates/bowls & sharp knives.. Hand towels, wash rags & same for bath. If u'r clothing needs ironing, then iron & board. If u cook or bake... then stuff along that line.. measuring cups/spoons/bowls & pots & skillets w/ spatulas..

I would also invest in cleaning supplies... broom,vacuum, mop/bucket/cleaning solution, sponges/cleaning solution for sinks/toliets/tub/showers/.... kitchen counters/sinks/dish drainer for little dishes. Invest in a microwave or a toaster oven.

Make sure u have sheets/covers/pillows/towels.. laundry soap & body soap & shampoo/rinse/comb etc..

poss. a bath mat when u get out...if u need a shower curtain for the tub/shower.

Get u'r main things lst then slowly invest in things for to sit on etc. U can find lots of these things at Big Lots, Walmart, thrift stores, garage sales, swap meets, dollar stores, ( containers to put u'r food into..frig or cubboards) ..

Answer 9

The most important key to moving correctly is to be organized. Make sure everything is packed and marked. If the guy left stuff if it's junk, get rid of it . Why did'nt he take it?

Answer 10

Check out his stuff-if it's junk throw it out..... Also, be careful in what you keep-it could have bugs? However, if it's just minor stuff cool....I love to buy stuff for the bathroom, towels,shower curtains etc... Find a cool theme and run with it....