Moving into your first flat is a shock on several levels. The joys and challenges of living independently, sharing space with a roommate or moving with your”significant other” are the alterations that you anticipate. Everything you won’t believe is how many”things” you need to purchase to run your own house. From a laundry basket to silverware, toaster into vacuum cleaner, the list just goes on. It’s worth your time to work out a budget and select the basics you’ll have to purchase. To keep it simple, split your list to life’s basics: sleeping, eating, cleaning and recreation, and include the things that you will need as your budget allows.
Sleeping
Purchasing second-hand just makes sense, if you are on a budget. One exception, however, is your mattress. You spend a third of your lifetime, occasionally more, in your mattress, so buy the best mattress you can spend. Buy at least two cushions, pillowcases, blankets and sheets so that you’ll have something to offer traffic and also to utilize while the initial set is in the wash. Do not forget dividers, wardrobe (when there are no cabinets ), clothes hangers, night table and alarm clock. Maximize your bedroom area and prevent clutter using a sizable under-the-bed box.
Eating
The”biggies” in this section are somewhat expensive: a refrigerator, a stove, a kitchen table or surface area, a dinner table and seats. The good news is that these items often include the apartment. The listing of smaller appliances that you need will depend on your preferences, vices and eating customs: coffee maker, teakettle, blender, toaster, food processor, hand mixer and microwave are the ones that are obvious. Buy silverware for eight (at least), dishes for four (longer if you’re able to afford it), a multipiece drink set, spatulas, large spoons, mixing bowls, 8-inch chef knife, paring knife and cutting board. You will also need food containers, a minimum of two strands and three baskets (small, medium and big ), colander, potato peeler and fire extinguisher. And you’ll hate yourself if you forget to obtain a nice corkscrew.
Cleaning
Let your budget decide whether you purchase a washer-dryer or utilize a laundromat. Do not forget laundry detergent, iron, ironing board, laundry basket, broom, dustpan, garbage can, garbage bags (large and medium), dusters, kitchen towels, rags, vacuum (if you’ve carpets), bucket and mop.
Recreation
Your budget is most likely on its last legs by now, so do everything you could. Just remember it’s your first flat, which means you’ll have time to your 52-inch TV and pool table in the future. Look at buying a bookcase (it will make you look smart), futon (better than a couch since it doubles as a mattress ), lamp, TV and DVD player.
