First Apartment Essentials
A First Apartment Survival Guide You'll Want to Bookmark
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Come May, a new crop of graduates will leave their college campuses and enter the real world. It's really not so scary out here, especially when equipped with the right tools. We have some wisdom to share about setting up a first apartment. So whether you're a wide-eyed young person leaving the dorms or a friend looking to buy a gift for a new grad, you should know that these items will make the transition into adulthood a lot less painful.
Photo by Grey Crawford via Elle Decor
A Simple, Good Coffee Maker
College students may know the importance of caffeine more than anyone, but it's a thrill to discover new, easy ways to brew your morning cup. A Chemex or French press are simple to use and brew much better coffee than whatever was served in the college cafeteria.
Photo by Harwell Photography via Style Me Pretty
An Entryway Organizer
It's so much easier to coordinate grocery shopping, bill paying, and trash removal with roommates when a chalkboard or organizer is hanging by the front door.
Photo by Cynthia Chung Photography via Style Me Pretty
Bathroom Caddies
It's pretty standard for new graduates to shack up with roommates, whether they're old friends or complete strangers. Either way, it's nice to know that your toiletries can remain just that — yours. That's why it's prudent to have a caddy for toiletries and makeup that you can leave in the bathroom, take to your room, or pack for a getaway.
Photo by Caroline Lima Photography via Style Me Pretty
An Alarm Clock
It's better to be safe than sorry, which is why it's good to have a backup alarm clock system to an iPhone. A traditional bedside alarm will do the trick, but I have a soft spot for Clocky, the mobile clock that jumps onto the floor and doesn't turn off until you catch it.
A Good Pot or Pan
A good pot or pan is the foundation of any well-stocked kitchen. A cast-iron pan, like the Lodge 12-inch skillet, is an even better bet because taking care of cast iron is easy.
Photo by Jana Carson via Style Me Pretty
Tools
Every person — guy or girl — needs a box full of essential tools. A hammer, screwdrivers, and extension cords may be boring to buy, but they're essential to have when something breaks. And trust us, something will break.
A Ladder or Step Stool
Any graduate moving to a city is likely to have fairly cramped living quarters. A small step stool will make formerly hard-to-reach places a new nook for storage.
Photo by Aliza Rae Photography via Style Me Pretty
A Potted Plant
A potted plant offers a good opportunity to learn how to keep something alive, and they double as beautiful decor.
An Inexpensive Blanket
It's handy to have a throw on hand, but don't spend too much money on one. It will likely get dragged from room to room, and you'll probably spill something like soup all over it.
Collapsible Basket
Baskets are useful for storage and laundry. Collapsible baskets are best because a new grad can store them under the bed or in a closet.
Photo by Tracey Ayton via Style Me Pretty
A Radio
You can stream the radio over a computer, but there's something serene about having an actual radio in your room to listen to the news or public radio. A shower radio is even better, because your daily bath can now double as an opportunity to brush up on current events.
Photo by Bryce Covey Photography via Style Me Pretty
A Versatile Tray
A tray will become your new favorite thing. Say hello to breakfasts in bed or dinners in front of the TV. A tray can work as an organizer — or a serving platter at a very grown-up dinner party.
An Un-Entertainment System
Sometimes, you'll want to unwind when roommates are listening to music or watching television loudly. Invest in a white noise machine or noise-canceling headphones.
Photo by Heidi Geldhauser via Style Me Pretty
Reusable Lunch Containers
Bring your lunch to work to save money. And buy reusable lunch containers and a thermos to be eco-friendly.
Photo by Rebecca Hansen Weddings via Style Me Pretty
A Fire Extinguisher
You never know when you'll need a fire extinguisher. But when you do need a fire extinguisher, you'll be very happy to have one.
Photo by Tec Petaja Wedding Photography via Style Me Pretty
