# Must Haves for a first apartment? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 27, 2001, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294 "2001-06-27T07:28:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pammipoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/87869e/32.png) [@Pammipoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pammipoo)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/1 "2001-06-27T07:28:16Z")
I’m moving out into the real world in a few weeks, and I need to know-what are some of the things I absolutely won’t be able to survive without that I’ve probably taken for granted living at home? I have some of the basics. A bed, dresser, desk, phone, I bought a table at a yard sale for dirt cheap, a tv, stereo, that kind of stuff. But what are some of the little things I probably won’t think to pick up until I’m in my new place and trying to get situated? 🙂 Please, put your experience to good use, and help a Pammi out! ---
**Author:** ![evilbeth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/evilbeth/32/2268_2.png) [@evilbeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilbeth)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/2 "2001-06-27T07:36:04Z")
Fire extinguisher Plunger Strainer Sharp knives Bottle opener ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/3 "2001-06-27T07:39:56Z")
Cleaning utensils and supplies. Broom, dustpan, dishwashing soap, that sort of thing. Also make sure that you get into the habit of buying toilet paper. Watch for sales NOW, because you can pick up this stuff and just store it. Check thrift shops, too. ---
**Author:** ![Sublight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/4 "2001-06-27T07:42:29Z")
Some means of boiling water (for tea, coffee, soup, whatever). Something to hold the water in when you’re boiling it. Some form of lighting. Hmm… I can’t really remember any other immediate necessities that came up with my first apartment, but those were three big ones. –sublight. ---
**Author:** ![Ferggie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@Ferggie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferggie)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/5 "2001-06-27T08:16:42Z")
If you don’t have a roommate, something alive. Cat, fish, catfish, plants, something. Even if you do have a roommate, this is a good idea. But speaking for myself, if I hadn’t had something living around, I’d have gone crazier. ---
**Author:** ![BooBoo316](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@BooBoo316](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BooBoo316)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/6 "2001-06-27T09:13:24Z")
A flashlight and candles or a hurricane lamp for power outages. Lots of towels. Big PITA to get out of the shower and not have a clean towel. Phone on a land line or a cell phone. A cordless is useless without power. Extra sheets. Just in case. Laundry hamper. Looks better than a big pile in the corner. Paper plates. Less clean up time. Congrats on the new place. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/7 "2001-06-27T09:50:30Z")
An Iron (ironing board can be improvised with floor and a clean towel). Real plates and cutlery (shame on you **BooBoo** ). Along with at least one pot, a frying pan. Spices! A cheese grater Corkscrew! (This will make everything better 😃 ) But the most important is having a grocery store and a home items store within walking distance. ---
**Author:** ![BooBoo316](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@BooBoo316](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BooBoo316)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/8 "2001-06-27T10:07:53Z")
I find it funny that someone named **Barbarian** is questioning my table settings. 😃 However you do have a point. Real dishes for normal dinners. Paper for that leftover pizza. That cool with you, **Barb**? ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/9 "2001-06-27T10:24:40Z")
Vacuum cleaner bags. Plug-in room deodorizer. At least one file cabinet. Wastebasket + bags. First aid kit. ---
**Author:** ![screech-owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@screech-owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/screech-owl)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/10 "2001-06-27T10:25:04Z")
From my experience [li] Laundry basket - great for transporting stuff to the new place, and a place to put your sweaty clothes after unpacking.[/li] [li] A can opener - I had moved into my new place and could not find the damned thing (hadn’t had a chance to go shopping for fresh food but had some canned food since I knew I’d be exhausted after moving. Dolt me didn’t realize I didn’t OWN one and had to trudge out anyway (and pizza was the only take-out/delivery in the area).[/li] [li] Broom (for wood/tile floors) or a vacuum (for rugs) [or a neighbor you can borrow a vacuum from][/li] [li] Big ditto on the fire extinguisher\*\*! Nothing like nearly burning yourself out of your first place :([/li] [li] Paper products - paper towels, toilet paper[/li] [li] Clocks! - Alarm clock/radio for the bedroom, clock for the kitchen (for timing cooking), clock for the living room[/li] [li] Trash receptacles - kitchen and bathroom[/li] [li] Garbage bags[/li] [li] Bug spray[/li] [li] Bathroom spray[/li]\*\* Check the stove before cooking anything. Make sure all of the burners, the exhaust hood, the oven and the broiler are clean. Mine was a broiler fire (the grease and dust caught while I was heating the oven for a pizza). Very scary. ---
**Author:** ![straykat23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c4cdca/32.png) [@straykat23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/straykat23)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/11 "2001-06-27T10:33:56Z")
Renter’s insurance. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/12 "2001-06-27T13:15:29Z")
[Jeff Foxworthy] Budweiser mirror on the wall. Plant with no leaves on it. Bike with no chain on it. Stolen road sign on the wall. $9,000 stereo. (We’re going hungry but we’ve got toons!) And a bean bag with duct tape on it to keep the shit from falling out of it. [/Jeff Foxworthy] ---
**Author:** ![GrizzRich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ba0ec/32.png) [@GrizzRich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrizzRich)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/13 "2001-06-27T14:16:56Z")
A visit to IKEA is in order! Hope you have one near you! Houseplants. Doormat. (WIPE YOUR FEET!) Bar towels Knife sharpener of some sort A personal ceramic bowl. (Keep it in the fridge and use it for ice cream or cereal w/milk) Nightlights ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/14 "2001-06-27T14:34:47Z")
Seconds on: [ul]Fire extinguisher Plunger Extra sheets. Just in case. First aid kit. Renter’s insurance.[/ul] You asked for items, not advice, but here’s some anyway: Before you move one stick of furniture into your first place, go in with a still and/or video camera and record absolutely _everything_ in detail. Note in writing the condition of every wall and the floor and ceiling of every room. Deliver _copies_ of your written and photo/video move-in report to your landlord via certified mail w/ return receipt. This will save you later if they try to claim you are responsible for damages. ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/15 "2001-06-27T14:34:51Z")
When I got my first apartment, my mom bought me two things: one, a clock that wasn’t a clock radio, to have in the living room or kitchen. two, a stepstool. She said the stepstool wasn’t a glamorous gift but I’d appreciate it and it would probably keep me from breaking my neck sometime. I still have it, 12 years and five apartments (and one condo) later! ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/16 "2001-06-27T15:01:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BooBoo316 \* > \*\*I find it funny that someone named **Barbarian** is questioning my table settings. 😃 > > However you do have a point. Real dishes for normal dinners. Paper for that leftover pizza.\*\* I like the satisfying crash when you hurl the dishes at the wall 😉 and paper for pizza? Nah, just rip the top into 4 ragged squares… ---
**Author:** ![DJScherr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce73a5/32.png) [@DJScherr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DJScherr)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/17 "2001-06-27T15:01:49Z")
Two things I didn’t see mentioned, shelves and trunks. You may not have a ton of stuff when you move in, but after a short while you will need places to put things… I recommend those big trunks you get at department stores, and they should also have those metal utility shelves (which don’t look bad if you spray paint them nice colors that match your area). Oh yeah, and don’t forget clothes hangers and fans. ---
**Author:** ![Grok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/96bed5/32.png) [@Grok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grok)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/18 "2001-06-27T16:20:26Z")
It’s your very first apartment? Condoms. Lots of condoms. ---
**Author:** ![Grok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/96bed5/32.png) [@Grok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grok)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/19 "2001-06-27T16:21:46Z")
It’s your very first apartment? **CONDOMS** Lots of 'em. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2001, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294/20 "2001-06-27T16:28:58Z")
Refrigerator magnets. If you go to the craft section of Wal-mart (or craft store) you can buy a whole bunch of plan magnets cheap. Furthormore, the first thing you should do when you get to a new place is put a piece of paper under that fridge magnent and start listing things that you realize you don’t have as they come up (because you will forget things). That way, you can take the list next time you go to the store and buy them. Otherwise, you may go two years only remembering that you don’t have a can opener when you need it, never while you are at the store. One thing I did was divide my list into 2 columns, need and want. I am sure your budget is strained, and actually thinking out in advance what you need and what you want will keep you from spending money erratically. One last thing: make sure you get some lightbulbs first thing. The ones already in there are probably about 40w and are about to burn out anyway. And you need a flashlight and smoke dectectors. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-haves-for-a-first-apartment/70294.md?page=2)