7 Key Categories of Essentials for Living Alone

By Elise Nelson on July 27, 2017

Dorm life, apartment life, one roommate, multiple roommates: it feels like you’ve done it all. But there’s one housing challenge you have yet to conquer. It’s the biggest housing challenge there is, and it can be scary: living alone. When you graduate from college and you’re feeling ready, it might be time to take this ultimate adulting plunge.

Keep in mind that you won’t have roommates anymore to split up what you all bring, so your list will likely feel a bit long and overwhelming. When you’re shopping at Target or Amazon it’s easy to get caught up, and you leave with 10 throw pillows and no plates. To help you keep your focus, here are seven categories to look for with some essential items to bring home.

Image via Pixabay.com

1. Kitchen

Now that you’re out of college, you should eat like an adult. You don’t have to live off ramen and Pop-Tarts anymore! There’s no more dining hall to do the cooking for you (really, that might be a good thing). You also don’t want to eat at fast-food restaurants too often because it will get expensive.

The best option is to learn how to cook, but you’re going to need the right supplies to do so. Check Pinterest or search the web for some of the easiest beginner recipes.

Essential items: utensils; cookware; water filter; small appliances (toaster, blender, coffee maker)

2. Bedroom

Your bedroom is the best place for you to express yourself, but don’t go crazy with decorations just yet. First, you’ll want to think about the bed itself. If the apartment is furnished, you’ll have to work with the bed provided. If you’re bringing your own place to sleep, what size will fit your needs? Will you be comfortable in a twin, or do you prefer a full-size to sprawl out in?

Make sure that you buy the right sheets. Likewise, you might need to bring a dresser for additional clothing storage, so find one that will be able to hold your wardrobe without taking up too much floor space.

Essential items: dresser; hangers; small table; bedding; lighting; mirror; pillows

Image via Pixabay.com

3. Bathroom

Saving money by bringing used items with you to your new apartment is great. But, if there’s one place you start fresh, make it your bathroom. Leave the faded, mismatched bath towels at home and invest in some new, fluffy towel sets. Don’t forget a new shower curtain, either!

These small purchases will make a big difference in how clean the bathroom feels when you move in. Consider a soft rug as well to help you avoid an embarrassing “I slipped in the bathroom” story.

Essential items: towels; shower curtain; bath mat; rug; toiletries

4. Furniture and décor

New furniture can be expensive, but this part does not have to break your bank. Look for thrift shops and garage sales to find the best deals. You can also rent your furniture. Make sure that chairs and a few tables are first on your list. You should get at least one couch in case you have a guest with nowhere to sleep!

Curtains are also important — you don’t want people looking in your apartment windows. Don’t worry if your furniture doesn’t match at first. Monica and Rachel’s furniture didn’t, and their apartment was the place to hang out.

Essential items: couch; dining table; chairs; picture frames; curtains; rugs

Image via Pixabay.com

5. Technology

In today’s world, you really can’t seem to live without technology. Consider buying a television if you’re going to live on your own because you’ll want some noise in the apartment if you’re lonely. It doesn’t have to be a fancy flat-screen TV — stick to something on the cheaper side so you can put your money towards food or other essentials.

Your apartment will probably have less electrical outlets than you have electronics, which means you’ll have to bring some extension cords. You’ll also want to protect your tech in case of a power surge, so you should invest in some surge protectors.

Essential items: television; alarm clock; printer; surge protectors; extension cords

6. Housekeeping

You and your former roommates probably split up chores, so you never cleaned the entire place by yourself. In that case, it’s easy to forget about some key cleaning supplies. Keep in mind that every room in the apartment needs different artillery — you won’t scrub the toilet with dish soap.

Since you’re the only one living there, you won’t make a big mess, so a small vacuum will go a long way and save you some money.

Image via Pixabay.com

Learning how to sew can also cut your costs. You’ll end up with some homemade small decorations, and you can stitch up a rip in your favorite shirt. You should also have some basic tools stashed in your apartment, such as a hammer and a screwdriver, so you can try to fix things yourself before paying someone else to do it.

Essential items: iron; ironing board; vacuum; sewing kit; mop; air fresheners; tool kit; trash can

7. Safety

Your own well-being should be a top priority when you live alone. Basic safety features are usually installed by your landlord before you move in, but double-check that you have a working smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide detector. Consider buying a safe, if you can — your valuables can be locked away when you leave the building.

Above all, you should have a decent emergency kit. It should include things like water, non-perishable food, extra clothing, cash, and a first aid kit with as many treatments as you can get. You can never be too prepared!

Essential items: safe; emergency kit; fire extinguisher; smoke detector; carbon monoxide alarm; flashlights

Image via Pixabay.com

Before you run out to the nearest IKEA, shop around in your parents’ basement first. You can save a lot of money by taking some hand-me-downs to your new place. Plus, you never know what treasures you’ll find that they’ve been saving for you! For more essentials, here is a master checklist of everything you need for your first apartment.

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