Apartment necessities

This post was written several years ago. This post is a comprehensive list of odds and ends necessary for an apartment. I would encourage you to look at other posts for tips on decorating on a budget, and stocking your kitchen.

So you've moved your few belongings into your new apartment, and you realize that you don't have much. Depending on your living situation in college, you may have everything you need already. Go through this list to make sure you have everything:

Kitchen- you need to be able to cook, so it is wise to spend your money here first. This is a list of what I use most often.

• Microwave- this is a very fast way to cook, but you have to make sure your apartment doesn't come with one.
  
• Four saucepans- the more you have, the fewer times you have to run the dishwasher. A 1-quart saucepan will cook an entire can of soup, so if you only cook for yourself you don't need huge saucepans.
• Iron skillet- these are cheaper, but more maintannce. It also deposits iron into your food, not enough to harm you, it's like taking an iron vitamin. At the bottom I have included a paragraph about caring for your iron skillet.
• Large kettle
• Ribbed grill- I don't have one, but with this you can grill burgers inside.
• Casserole dishes- casseroles are great for cooking and then freezing for work.
• A few good knives- you don't need a 20 piece set. A simple set of 4 has everything you need.
• Spatulas- at least a metal one
• Spice rack- I have spice containers that are magnetized for the fridge. These are great for small apartments
• Tupperware- make sure it is microwave and dishwasher safe. Ziploc makes great cheap, safe tupperware. Cheap enough that can be thrown away, but they won't fall apart.
• Plates, glasses and flatware- the more you have the less washing you have, and the more you can entertain.
• Papertowel holder
• Measuring Cups
• Cutting board

You may also need:

• Toaster
• Blender
• Food Processor
• Roasting pan
• Rolling pin
• Much more

Caring for your iron skillet:

• When you first get it, after you wash it, you need to spray it down with pam (pam will become your best friend with this thing) and cook it on low heat for about 10 minutes. Then just let it sit out, but keep it greased. If you only use it once in awhile then you only need to do this when you use it for the first time when there's no grease in it. If you make scrambled eggs in it everyday, keep it greased by spraying it down after every use. Do not run it in the dishwasher! After every use simply wipe it out. If necessary you can scrub, or soak it (often necessary after you cook meat), but it is handwash only.

Furniture- you will need a few items of furniture to live. It is possible to get good furniture for less than $100 a piece from Goodwill. You can also check the classifieds and craigslist. But you are often in charge of transportation. If you want new furniture, try Ashley furniture or Rooms-to-go. Ikea is a great store for everything you need at good quality. They are very simple, but geared towards younger people. They also usually require assembly. With the economy doing not so good, many places are having huge sales, or are even going out of business. This would be a good time to stock up. I was able to buy a very good futon on special when I bought my mattress.

• Sofa- a futon can fold flat for guests, or your own bed. Or you can buy a sleeper sofa.
• Dining room set
• Bed
• Dresser
• Entertainment center and TV
• Coffee table
• Side tables and lamps