If you prefer takeout, you may only want some basics.

If you like to cook (or want to learn how!) it’s a good idea to stock the new kitchen with essentials.

Bedding (blankets, comforter, mattress pad or protector, pillows and pillowcases/protectors, sheets).

Bed (mattress and box spring or foundation).

Alarm clock (if you don’t plan to use your phone).

To keep it comfortable, consider the following: Learn to love your inbox again- sign up for Domino’s daily email.A bedroom should be a place to recharge and prepare for the next day. Southbeach 1A, Minted, $21-$466 See more articles on all things apartment life:Ĥ Reasons Why Renting Isn’t Throwing Money Away 14 Things to Stop Keeping in Your Apartment After College Everything I Bought at Ikea for My First Apartment “I would have started acquiring art from upcoming artists and flea markets, so I could start growing a meaningful collection,” says Sarah Wittenbraker. I find them to be fantastic for young people to start with, and one of the best feelings is seeing a plant grow with you,” says Susana Simonpietri. “Plants not only add a lot of beauty to spaces, but also keep us company and teach us to be in tune with our spaces in a way that nothing else can. Shop these: Summit Indoor/Outdoor Rug, West Elm, $239-$719 You can build the room and layer from there,” says

“Pick a rug that will create a pretty foundation for the room in the color palette you love. Shop these: Loveseat (customizable), Campaign, $995įorest Green Samara Sofa, World Market, $749.99 “Splurge on a good sofa and coffee table, because these will be the focal point of the main living space,” says Lindye Galloway. Shop these: Squirrel Cage Desk Lamp, Sturlesi, $70Ĭamila Resin Pendant Light, Urban Outfitters, $79 “You can take them with you to the next place and boy will they make a huge impact on elevating the space while you are there,” says We asked some of our favorite designers for their first apartment must-haves to get an expert-approved shopping list started here’s what they had to say. Though you know better than anyone what you actually need for your apartment, there are a few basics everyone should have in their first home. Pottery Barn even has an entire brand dedicated to small spaces shop our favorite picks here. Several of our favorite big box retailers, available nationwide, have a wide variety of products perfect for tiny apartments: Zara Home, Target, CB2, and Bed Bath & Beyond, to name a few. If your first apartment happens to be on the smaller side-we empathize-don’t worry. Opt for functional pieces that don’t sacrifice style, like the Malm Storage Bed ($499), the Norden Gateleg Table ($179), or the Jansö Floor Lamp ($19.99).

One Domino editor pretty much outfitted her entire first apartment at the Swedish retailer. Take a page from the expert and be intentional with your decor. Used as vases, cheap lighting, or posters… basically, things you loved in your dorm room that don’t exactly scream “responsible, mature adult who has their life together and occasionally ingests a vegetable.”eĪccording to interior designer and real estate expert Lauren Makk, “Your space should be a collection of found items that you love, so don’t waste your money on things you don’t love just to say you have it.” When asked about the worst design mistakes people in their 20s make, she cautioned against following trends, keeping too many childhood mementos, and rushing your decorating. The fun part! In other words, time to decorate.įirst thing’s first, purge your belongings to minimize clutter. Go straight to the source, get whatever you can in writing to avoid potential charges in the future, and get every little question you have answered.įor example, what’s the policy on painting the walls or using wallpaper? How do you handle maintenance requests? What happens if you need to break your lease? What’s your late fee policy for rent? All these should be asked before you sign a lease in the first place, so you’re not moving in with any uncertainties hanging over your head. You might feel bad inundating him or her with questions, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. The most important resource? Your landlord. Consult the above checklist to ensure you aren’t leaving anything out if you’re moving in with roommates, divide and conquer so you aren’t stuck doing everything alone. Between figuring out logistics, like cable and internet providers, and taking care of the smaller things, like notifying the post office of your new address so you actually get your Domino magazine delivered (hint, hint), there is a whole slew of mundane tasks to tick off your to-do list.

My first apartment checklist