Congratulations to all the freshmen who have finished their first year of college! For many of you, you’ll now be moving from the dorm to an actual apartment or from living on campus to living on your own. With this transition comes a much different (and hopefully larger) space which needs to be filled. Here are some suggestions if you need some ideas on where to begin:
1. Kitchenware
In a dorm, you usually only have a plate or two and some utensils. In my communal kitchen there were only two pots and two pans. But in an apartment, you’ll have your own kitchen so go ahead and stock up on the kitchen essentials. Buy durable cookware, bakeware, dishware, drinkware, and flatware. Don’t forget the knives! I like shopping at Macy’s or Target for colorful dishes.
2. Cleaning Supplies
Besides your usual laundry soap, you’ll also need to clean the floors, counters, and bathrooms. Invest in a space saving vacuum, especially one that goes from carpet to hardwood flooring so you can use it anywhere! Other options include a broom and dustpan and a mop. Don’t forget cleaning solutions such as dish soap and multipurpose cleaners. You may also want to invest in Clorox wipes—they’re great for virtually everything.
3. Laundry Items
Since you’ll have more room, you can now have a shoe rack, an iron and ironing board, a drying rack as well as a real laundry basket instead of that hamper you have now. For extra storage, you may want to invest in a clothing rack. Amazon has inexpensive versions of these items.
4. Small AppliancesMost apartments will come with a stove, microwave, oven and sometimes a dishwasher. But what if you want to toast some bread? Or you want to brew some coffee? I suggest buying a Keurig (it also makes tea, lemonade, and hot chocolate), as well as a toaster and a good blender. Some other splurges you may consider include a popcorn maker and waffle iron.
5. Rugs and Decorative Pillows
For a fun and easy way to decorate, buy some colorful rugs and decorative pillows. Rugs are also easier to clean than hardwood floors. You can also buy a really soft one to put by your bed for when you wake up. Wayfair and Bed, Bath & Beyond have a great selection of rugs.
The transition from dorm to apartment can be tricky, but we hope that this list helps to make the transition easier. Though the world of cooking and cleaning in your grown-up apartment can seem a bit intimidating, shopping for stuff to fill it with is one of the best parts (aside from the feeling you get when you’re totally moved in and everything is in order). Think of the monotone white walls as your blank canvas. Buy some colorful kitchenware, spunky pillows, and inspirational artwork to spice up your new home and make it your own!