{"id":9658,"date":"2025-08-11T11:55:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T18:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=9658"},"modified":"2025-08-11T11:50:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T18:50:34","slug":"first-apartment-must-haves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/first-apartment-must-haves\/","title":{"rendered":"Budget-Conscious Must-Haves for Your First Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Must-Haves<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Buying the must-haves for your first apartment can quickly get out of hand for your wallet. When you’re furnishing your first place, be sure to eliminate the non-essentials and look into budget-conscious ways to get all the essentials. This list can help you evaluate which purchases to make and what items can wait for the future.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Getting your first apartment is an experience like no other, but as everyone knows, the search can be quite a process. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After searching for your dream apartment<\/a> and prioritizing your needs, and finally signing your lease, it can be tempting to let your excitement get the best of you when shopping for furniture and decor. However, between the cost of moving and deposits<\/a>, you have likely already spent a hefty chunk of change. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since this is your first time on your own, there are likely some necessities that you will not have, so be certain to budget appropriately for these items and save the big-ticket luxuries for the future. How do you decide what items are must-haves and what purchases can be saved for later? This can serve as an easy reference point for what your first purchases should be for your new apartment. Here are the must-have purchases for your first apartment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bed Option:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleeping is vital for functioning well, and you spend 7-9 hours in bed. While this big-ticket item is necessary<\/span>, there are still ways to save. Opt for a full-sized bed and upgrade when you have the extra funds, or keep your eye on department store sales to find a queen bed for the price of a twin or full. That way, you have room to grow for the next few years until you have enough extra funds to spring for that King-sized Tempurpedic you\u2019ve had your eyes on. Be aware, however, that saving money is great\u2026 until it costs you long-term. Avoid purchasing a used mattress from Craigslist or another resale site, these may come with free bedbugs included, and you certainly don\u2019t want to deal with pests in your apartment<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comforter & Sheets:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This may be obvious, but your new mattress needs a proper set of sheets. Avoid sleeping directly on your mattress to protect it from your skin oils and excess wear. If you\u2019ve invested a lot in your mattress, it\u2019s also wise to purchase a mattress protector to mitigate allergens and keep your mattress safe from any ramen noodle accidents you may have in the future. Don\u2019t be fooled into blowing your budget on fancy sheets with a high thread count or the most expensive down comforter. Those are luxuries you can save for down-the-road. For now, look for inexpensive bed-in-a-bag options online or in discount home goods stores. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seating Options:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Couches are expensive, especially if you are purchasing them new. If you can buy a used couch from a relative or friend, this is a definite must-have. However, be careful once again of spreading bed bugs into your home if you buy from an unknown seller. If a new couch seems a little out of reach and you don\u2019t have the ability to buy a nice used option, opt instead for an inexpensive futon for a serviceable seating solution for yourself and future guests. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

End, Side, and Dinner Tables:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having a table in some form is a must. You will need a flat surface from which to eat, work and set down your stuff. However, having all of the varieties of tables may not be realistic to your budget and your apartment size. It also may just be excessive for your current lifestyle. Instead of springing for a fancy dining set, truly think about when you will sit at the table and why. A space-saving bistro set may be a more affordable and desirable option for your first apartment. End tables are often considered a need in a more traditional setting, but your first apartment may benefit from a more <\/span>non-traditional end table replacement<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathroom Accessories:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only you know what kinds of toiletries and personal care products you can\u2019t live without, but as a general rule, your bathroom absolutely needs only a few items. The first is toilet paper (and this can be so easy to forget admits all the furniture and decor purchases) the 2nd is a shower curtain and liner.  Nothing will make you feel less at home than showering the for the first time in your apartment and spraying water everywhere because you forgot to buy a shower curtain, and trust me, you will want to shower after doing all the heavy lifting involved with moving and unpacking. Bathroom rugs are definitely nice to have and do serve a purpose, so look for an inexpensive set that includes a curtain to save some extra funds. Finally, you will definitely want to purchase a trash can and plunger. You may not use these every day, but when you need them, you definitely need them!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Necessities:<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike most items on this list, what you will or won\u2019t need for your kitchen is rather subjective. It truly depends on your personal needs and expected lifestyle. Since there are hundreds of kitchen items you could buy, it can easily become a budget buster if you are not selective. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For your basic kitchen you likely will only need:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n