Your First Apartment: Stuff You’ll Need That You Might Have Forgotten

By Sarah Borroum

Whether you're living in an on-campus apartment or renting a place 500 miles from the nearest university, you'll need quite a few things. Some of these are easily forgotten. Others you might not even know about - this is, after all, your first time on your own. Here are some of the most important things you can possibly buy.

Bathroom:

Toilet plunger. Your apartment might or might not have one. This is vital even if you're not in the habit of clogging the toilet. Who knows what the plumbing in your new place is like?

Shower curtain. Many apartments don't come with this essential item. Don't forget the hooks. One pack usually suffices.

Toilet bowl brush. Even if you only clean your toilet twice a year, this makes the job easier, not to mention much more pleasant.

Tub stopper. This is vital if you want to take a bath instead of showering every time.

Towel rack. You can buy over-the-door models that don't require screws, which will make your apartment manager a very happy person.

Floor mats. Few things are worse than stepping out of a shower and onto a bare floor.

Kitchen:

Sink stopper. If your unit comes with a garbage disposal, you might already have a stopper. If not, ask the apartment manager for suggestions. The insanely-cheap steel stoppers won't work with disposal-equipped sinks.

Dish rack. This is vital if you don't have a dishwasher, or if you don't want to use the water-consuming appliance. Be sure to buy the drain board that goes beneath the rack so that any runoff water will go back into your sink instead of all over the counter. Also: don't forget dishwashing gear like soap, gloves, scrub pads and sponges.

Cooking and eating supplies. Forks, knives and spoons are vital, but you should also remember kitchen knives, a can opener and cutting boards. Ask your parents to help you make a list of every kitchen item you'll need. You can always buy just the basics and add to the collection with each paycheck.

There are quite a few other things you'll need too. These include:

• Cleaning supplies for windows, sinks, counters, tub, toilet, floors, etc. Don’t forget the broom and dustpan!
• Trash cans for the bedroom/office area, bathroom and kitchen.
• Organizers for everything from dishes to paperwork.
• Throw rugs and mats for your door area.
• Clothes hangers.
• Refrigerator magnets, which are especially helpful if you need a convenient place to stick reminders, bills and other papers.

There are plenty of other things you'll need that are specific to your lifestyle. Make a list and go over it with at least one other person before you shop. Your "proofreader" is invaluable; he or she can help you add other things that you forgot.

And if you do manage to forget something, make a note and stick it to your new refrigerator. You can always make a quick trip to the store for a few things that slipped your mind.

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