I’m moving out in a few weeks and am trying to think of household items I would need for an apartment. I’ve bought some simple things; plates, bowls, silverware, a trash can, toaster, microwave, vacuum, towels, rags, and glasses. Any more suggestions would be great.
Kitchen knives and cutting boards… quite possibly the most expensive things in my kitchen. If you get a good knife set, get wood cutting boards, otherwise you’re going to dull your blades a lot quicker. With low cost knives, you won’t really knotice they’re overly dull because they’re always overly dull. Wood cutting boards also natrually disinfect themselves, which is nice. A set of pyrex is good to have, some gladware containers for leftovers, the general pots and pans (non stick if you’re new to cooking). Make sure you’ve got a can opener. nothing is more frustrating than you’re first night in a new place, when it’s late and you’re tired, and you can’t open a can of soup. (i guess some brands don’t need can openers anymore.) A scrubby sponge thingy (buy the value pack if you’re new to cooking.) A blender can be nice, although not absolutly needed, if you plan on making any mixed drinks, milk shakes, salsa, etc you’ll want one. Although the higher end blenders are just blenders, most low end ones also come with a food processor attachment thingy, which can be useful if you plan on cooking much, expecially since most apartments don’t have much kitchen space. Freezer bags are important, expecially if you’re living alone since unless you actually do eat like me, a pound of ground beef is too much, and freezer burn is a horrible thing. The paper towel holder is something often overlooked, but if the apartment or house dosen’t have one, get or make one to save counter space and "run away" rolls. A good stainless steel scrub pad is good to have if you plan on cooking, as the stuff that cooks onto the little chrome tray things on your stove is quite possibly more resilliant than tank armor, but a stainless steel scrubby thing and ajax will take it off. Things that not everyone uses that I use a lot are the spice rack, pepper mill, salt mill (great for humid areas), oil bottles, rolling pin, cork screw, bottle opener, pitcher, aluminum foil, parchment paper, waxed paper, and chopsticks.
How exciting! Here are a few items that you might consider (if you haven’t already) that are good to have but are not often thought of at first:
A disposable camera–take pics of the apartment before you move in with a front page of a newspaper showing the date. Document through pictures any damage or wear to the apartment (even if they have already scheduled it to be fixed) before you move in. Have the pics developed and ask the manager to sign the back of each one so that there will be no confusion when the lease is up as to the apt’s condition.
A fire extinguisher (kitchen size) and extra smoke alarm.
Note cards to write thank yous to anyone who helped you move.
A dish drying rack–especially if you are the sole occupant. Dishwashers take alot of filling up for a single person.
picture hangers
an iron and ironing board
potholders
a rug for a cold bathroom or kitchen floor
a small file box and file folders to organize bills and mail
envelopes and stamps
shower curtain?
xtra lightbulbs
a light timer that will turn your lights on just prior to you returning home ( a safety must)
a flashlight for when the lights go out (they always do eventually)
xtra toilet paper–cause you never really know that you use that much until you start buying it on your own!
paper plates for the first few days or week while unpacking
garbage sacks
an air freshener–because people pop in and might use your bathroom and it will keep them unembarrassed.
Make two extra keys. One for yourself and one for a family member in an emergancy.
Hope this helps!