If you’re struggling with what to add to your Christmas list this year and are moving off campus for the first time next year, it is a great time to start asking for and collecting everything you’re going to need. This may seem very early, but moving from a dorm into your own apartment is a big adjustment, and the earlier you start getting things, the less stressed you will be when it’s time for move-in. So, this list is everything I have found to be the most useful in my first semester of off-campus living, along with some Pinterest inspiration for each to get you started!
- .) Lamps
-
This may seem obvious or boring, but lamps can make the biggest difference in making a space feel comfortable. In my apartment, all the rooms either have very harsh, fluorescent overhead light or no overhead light at all, so lamps have been a lifesaver. They are very easy to forget about when making a list of everything you think you might need for your new space, but I highly recommend starting to collect some this Christmas. You can pick out cute floor lamps, desk lamps, and even some small ones for your nightstand, because you can truly never have too many. The ones in my apartment are from Kohl’s and Ikea, but I have also seen great options at HomeSense and Marshalls.
- .) Candles & a Candle Warmer
-
I got a candle warmer last Christmas, and I think it is a great investment, especially if you’re moving into a new space that you want to make your own. This goes along with the lamp recommendation because candle warmers give off a beautiful, warm light, but I also prefer them to actually lighting candles. I think it is easier and more convenient to just flip on and off instead of worrying about actual flames, and the payoff of the scent is the same. I always see a ton of cute ones at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, but they have become pretty popular, so you can find them almost anywhere. Once you have your candle warmer, you’ll obviously need to build your candle collection, so pick a few favorites to add to your Christmas list as well. I love having seasonal scents for fall and holiday vibes, and my favorite brands are Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle. If you’re looking for something different, Yankee Candle also has a collection of WoodWick candles, which crackle when you light them for extra ambience and the ultimate cozy vibe.
- .) Wall Decor
-
Wall decor is one thing I did not have nearly enough of when I first moved into my apartment. Going from a single dorm wall to multiple rooms is quite the adjustment, so starting to collect decor now will only help you in the long run. I reused almost everything from my dorm rooms, but it was simply not enough to fill the space and make it feel homey. I also encourage you to get a variety of different things, wall decor doesn’t just have to be frames or art. Other great items I have found to fill wall space are shelves, mirrors, clocks, and corkboards. I have also loved having a whiteboard calendar to help me stay organized, and it also takes up visual space. Including a variety of decor in your apartment can go a long way in making it feel personalized and lived in. For finding decor to add to your list, I suggest looking on Amazon for the basics. I have also found a lot of great stuff at Kohl’s and Ikea. If you have no idea what you want, Pinterest is a great place to start to find inspiration, and a lot of the time you can even just click on an image and get direct links to the items in the picture, and plug them right into your list.
- .) Rugs
-
This may seem like a boring thing to put on your Christmas list, but rugs can make the biggest difference in your space. Whether your apartment has cold hardwood or old carpet, you are going to want rugs to brighten and warm up your space. Besides their physical function of adding cushioning and warmth, rugs are a great way to add color and texture to a room, which makes it look more full and visually appealing. While you will probably want large area rugs in your living room and bedroom, I also suggest runners and smaller mats for hallways and entryways to make your apartment more cohesive. To shop for rugs, I recommend Costco, Amazon, and Kohl’s, but I have also seen some really cute area rugs at Five Below.
- .) Gift Cards
-
If you’re anything like me, it may seem way too overwhelming to think this far ahead, so an easy way to still help out your future self is to ask for gift cards. This is an easy gift for extended family members or friends to get you, and when it’s time for move-in, you’ll be grateful you have them. Even with all the things you already have in your dorm, you will need a lot more to fill an apartment, and the costs can add up quickly. If you’re specifically worried about the cost of furniture, I would recommend asking for an Ikea gift card because they have a huge selection and reasonable prices. Otherwise, I would keep it broad like Amazon, Target, or Walmart because you can always find what you need at these places. If you do get Amazon gift cards, I recommend saving them for Prime Day (which usually happens in July) to use the sales to your advantage. I did it, and it helped offset the cost by a lot.
looking out for your future self
These are just a few of the things that have stuck out to me in my first semester living off-campus. You know yourself better than anyone, so tailor this list to what you find most important in your space. One of the biggest perks of getting your own apartment is finally getting to decorate and personalize to your heart’s desire. By starting to plan and even get some of these things as gifts now, you are saving yourself the stress and cost of trying to do everything at once. Searching Pinterest and online shopping to start planning your apartment is a fun, yet productive way to kill time over winter break, which is just a bonus.