OMG congrats! That’s amazing. Seriously, so happy for you.
Okay, first – take a breath. Don’t panic. I know that empty apartment feeling where you’re like “holy crap, I need to fill this whole place.” You don’t. Really. Let me tell you about my first apartment. I bought a fancy juicer before I owned a single plate. I had nowhere to eat, but I could make carrot juice. Genius.
The real list of what you need RIGHT NOW
Kitchen:
- One good knife. Just one. Don’t get a whole set. Go to like TJ Maxx and find one that feels solid in your hand.
- A cutting board. I used a textbook for weeks and cut right through to the counter. Not smart.
- One frying pan, one pot with a lid. That’s it. You can make 90% of meals with just these.
- Spatula, big spoon, tongs (you’ll use tongs way more than you think)
- CAN OPENER. I’m serious. I once cried trying to open a can of soup with a butter knife.
- 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 cups. Enough for you and maybe a friend or two.
Bathroom:
- Shower curtain AND the plastic liner. They’re different. I didn’t know this. Flooded my bathroom first shower.
- Two towels. Always have a spare.
- PLUNGER. Buy it today. Not tomorrow. The day you need a plunger is the worst day to not have one.
Bedroom:
- Actual bed frame. Even a cheap one. Mattress on the floor gets depressing.
- Sheets that fit your mattress (check if it’s full/queen).
- Something for clothes – even just a clothing rack from Target.
Living room:
- Something to sit on that isn’t your bed.
- Some kind of table.
- A lamp – overhead lights are the worst.
What you DON’T need:
- Any kitchen gadget that only does one thing (avocado slicer, I’m looking at you).
- Matching everything.
- A ton of decor right away.
Here’s the real secret nobody tells you:
In a few months, you’re going to end up with stuff that doesn’t fit. Your parents give you furniture, you find an amazing deal, and you have seasonal stuff. This is where getting a small storage unit saved my life. Instead of saying no to good stuff or living in clutter, I had somewhere to put winter clothes, camping gear, and furniture I knew I’d want later. It’s like having an extra closet for your future self.
Start with the basics. Don’t stress about making it perfect. Buy the plunger. Then order pizza and enjoy having your own space.
You got this. Text me if you need help building furniture – I’m weirdly good at it.
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