Seniors are coming close to the end of their high school careers and close to the beginning of their college careers. With much to look forward to, moving out is a task you’re going to eventually have to face. Many students don’t consider the different categories it takes to truly be independent. Here is a coherent and organized list of items and essentials to consider when moving out.
Cleaning
When cleaning it is important to break it down by sections. The four main sections are laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and general. Make a schedule where you clean one of the places thoroughly each month. For instance, the first week of the month can have a day designated just to doing your laundry and the next week to deep clean your bathroom. Remember that some sections will need to be cleaned routinely, not just once a month. These are a few items you must ensure you have in your new apartment to have a successfully clean home environment:
- Laundry detergent/ softener
- Laundry hamper
- Bleach for clothing
- Bleach for bathroom/ kitchen cleaning
- Gloves to use when cleaning
- A duster or microfiber reusable towels
- Surface cleaners
- Squeegee and glass/ mirror cleaner
- Vacuum
- Dish soap
- Broom and dust pan
- Baking soda
- Sponges and white erasers
My best advice when it comes to cleaning is to use the same products used at home. You don’t have to fix what is not broken. If your parent has always used that brand, it must be because it works. If you don’t like it then don’t be afraid to try new things! Just make sure to go to straight to the reviews before buying something, to make sure that it is actually worth your money.
Kitchen
The kitchen is your new best friend. Food fuels your body and your mind, preparing you for the day. It is important to not fall into the usual college freezer life! Buy yourself pots, pans, an air fryer, a microwave, ice trays, measuring cups, utensils, cooking utensils, a dish drying rack, plates, bowls, spices, and all of your favorite foods. If you like to drink coffee get a nice coffee machine to make sure you can stay awake through all of your classes and study sessions. Make your kitchen part of your home, decorate it with a nice painting or make your kitchen linins cute. If you have trouble getting up and cooking every morning then consider looking into meal prepping, a concept explained thoroughly on social media platforms like YouTube and Tiktok. Don’t be afraid to see your kitchen as a lab to experiment new recipes in!
Living Area and Room
This is my personal favorite part! Although it may be the most expensive if you are moving into an unfurnished apartment, you can still make it work. There is general furniture you must have like a bed, mattress, tv stand, tv, coffee table, sofa, and desk for studying. These can all be shifted into an aesthetic you would like to call home. My best advice is to go on Pinterest and find a home aesthetic that seems the most fitting to you. Find art pieces, wall decor, bookshelf stands, side tables, lamps, and other signature pieces that could elevate the look of your apartment. This is your new home and for many of you, this is the first home you will get to have full control over, make it count! Make it authentic to yourself regardless of any outside opinion.
Going Shopping
Finding any of the items I have listed can be challenging, especially on a college student’s budget. But not to worry there are places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Burlington, Ross, Goodwill, Amazon, WayFair, and TikTok Shop where there are affordable prices. With enough time and the right list, you can find all of your apartment essentials for a good price.
Good luck on your apartment journey! This is the next step into life and becoming an adult. Don’t be intimidated by all it comes with getting your first apartment and have a blast buying things to customize your new home.
