Moving into an apartment for the very first time is an exciting experience. Just imagine finally having a place of your own and slowly creating that home you have long dreamed of. However, getting there can be a long journey.
As a first-time renter, it’s important that you focus on the essentials. For instance, it’s not really practical to buy plants, paintings, and other decorations when you don’t yet have a bed to sleep in. To help you with this, here’s a review of the different apartment essentials that you need as you move for the very first time.
Important Documents & Administrative Essentials
Even before you move in, you have to prepare some documents and paperwork that you need to finalize your lease. It is essential that you have all requirements ready for submission to make your move-in process smooth and easy.
First, you need an executed lease form, which serves as the official contract between you and your landlord. Make sure to save a copy for yourself so you can review the rent guidelines and regulations. As a property manager in Austin, we highly suggest that you get renters’ insurance for added protection and security.
Basic Furniture
Congratulations, you’ve gotten an apartment of your own! However, it’s a bare unit, so you need to furnish it yourself. So, what are the most basic but essential furniture that you’re going to need?
Generally, you need furniture to eat, sleep, and store your things. So, the bare minimum is to have a mattress and some pillows to sleep on. You can also invest in a bed frame for a more comfortable and sound sleep. For your living space, having a simple sofa or even a futon to lounge on can go a long way in making your place cozy.
Depending on how big your apartment is, you can get a full dining set that can seat multiple people, or a compact one with one to two chairs. A table is helpful in so many ways – you can eat, work on your laptop, study, and more.
Lastly, you need to think about storage. If you want to keep a neat and organized apartment, you’re going to need a number of storage options. Get a dresser for your clothes, drawers for your personal items, and plastic storage bins to store supplies, tools, and other materials.
Kitchen Essentials
So far, you got comfort down. The next thing that you need to prepare for is your kitchen. Moving out of your childhood home means that you will be primarily responsible for the food you eat.
While it’s possible to order takeout throughout your stay, it’s not the most cost-effective or healthiest option. So, it is essential that you set up your kitchen well enough to prepare your meals. So, what do you need?
It depends on what your apartment already has provided. The majority of landlords include basic kitchen appliances in their rentals, such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove. Otherwise, these are the priority appliances that you need for your kitchen to be functional. Aside from that, you will also need an array of pots, pans, skillets, knives, plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils for you to cook and eat with.
Bathroom Essentials
When it comes to first-time renters, bathrooms are often overlooked. However, these actually need extra attention. Given that bathrooms are generally small spaces, it requires more careful consideration as to how you’re going to keep everything stocked up and organized.
Let’s start with the essentials you need to have a proper bathroom. Generally, you need a shower curtain with hooks, mats, a small bin, a plunger, a toilet brush, bath and hand towels, and clothes and towel racks. Essential toiletries include bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Cleaning Supplies
As a first-time renter, you also have to think of the supplies that you need to keep your apartment clean and organized. On a daily basis, you’re going to need tools to tidy up dust, dander, and other debris.
To keep it simple, you can have a broom, a dustpan, a mop, and a rag to sweep the floor and wipe down surfaces. For more convenience, get a vacuum cleaner, ideally a cordless one, so you don’t have to deal with tangled lines. Aside from these, cleaning supplies also include scrub brushes, buckets, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaners, and stain removers.
Safety & Maintenance Items
One thing that you should never neglect when you first move into your apartment is your safety. It’s never a bad idea to take extra measures to ensure your security in your own home. Consider adding door bolts, window and door alarms, and even security cameras (if your landlord permits it). Other than that, make sure to have a first-aid kit ready and basic medicine prepared in case of an incident.
In addition to safety and security measures, you also need to consider property maintenance. If you need to do some minor tweaks and repairs, having basic tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, hammer, drill, and a flashlight can really help.
Comfort & Personal Touches
While not entirely essential, adding some bits of design can elevate how your apartment looks and feels. In fact, studies show that the way your room is designed affects your mood, productivity, and stress. So, what should you include to make your space feel like home?
Since it’s your first time renting, even some small touches can go a long way. Start with some personal items, such as pictures and mementos that you can put on display. Add a touch of green with some indoor plants, but make sure to get those that suit the conditions of your apartment unit.
For the last one, think about lighting. Mood lights and lamps can easily change the ambiance of your room. Consider changing the lights from cool to warm to make the space more homey and cozy.
Find Your Next Home With Us
Moving into your first apartment symbolizes a lot of things. It’s a sign of maturity, responsibility, and independence. However, it can still feel a bit overwhelming. Knowing the essential things that you need to prepare for is key to avoiding stress and mishaps. Focusing on what you need to have a comfortable and functional place can also make your transition easier.
Looking for the perfect apartment? Look no further. We at Stone Oak Property Management have a vast portfolio of properties for rent in Austin and nearby areas. Whether you’re looking for a studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or more, we’ve got you covered. Check out our latest property listing on our website!
