You did it… You’ve taken the leap into this new thrilling chapter of your life, and you are now navigating the feelings and emotions that come with it. Camden is a great option to look into for your first apartment, as we pride ourselves on how we make the process as seamless as possible for you.

Moving out of the nest and into your first apartment is such an important milestone, and it’s the first segway into the world of adulthood!

Where do you begin, though? From kitchenware to cleaning supplies, I’ve composed this list of must-haves to help make your first apartment feel like home.

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Important Furniture Items

There’s nothing as exciting as unlocking your front door for the first time. You step one foot in and see a blank canvas that welcomes your creativity and personal touch. This could be a fun and exciting project for some, but for others, it could be a daunting task.

Let’s start with prioritizing furniture pieces that serve both comfort and functionality.

• Bedding: When purchasing a mattress, splurge on one that you know will give you a good night’s rest, and one that can last for quite some time. Whichever size bed frame you want to purchase, a good rule of thumb is to leave at least three feet of space from each end of the bed (aside from the side flush with the wall). Bed frames are also a great way to incorporate functionality by finding frames that offer underbed storage.

• Sofa/Loveseat: It’s always a great idea to measure out your space before buying anything to ensure you have enough floor space to walk, entertain, and to live comfortably. A versatile sofa or loveseat is a great wait to incorporate relaxation with the assumption of hosting guests in the future.

  • Pro-tip: use painter’s tape on the floor to help you picture whether the pieces you’re planning to purchase are a good fit.

• Dining: Whether or not your apartment has room for a dining room table, you can embrace the art of space optimization by adding barstools instead of an actual table! If you do have the space, choose a dining room table that can fold or extend to serve multiple purposes. Just like a pull-out couch, it allows you to expand the table when needed but also to tuck it away when you need more space.

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Kitchenware

You may have noticed a trend with this guide, and you are correct! With all of these must-haves, the execution of it involves a delicate balance of space optimization and what is actually a necessity.

A survey that was conducted by OnePoll showed that the average person spends just over an hour a day in the kitchen. Here is a list of essentials to help you set up your first kitchen space!

• Cookware: A fresh set of reliable pots, pans, baking sheets, and oven-safe dishes will help you with all of your future cooking needs! There are quite a few bundles online that include all of these items, which can also help keep the color and style of your cookware consistent!

• Cutlery: Forks, spoons, and knives, oh my! In addition to your cutlery, tools such as spatulas, tongs, knives, and a cutting board will help you be efficient in preparing your future meals.

• Dinnerware: A variety of stores offer sets of dinner plates, bowls, and glasses so that you do not have to buy each individually. This is normally more cost-effective than a la carte and will also help keep your style consistent throughout.

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Bathroom Essentials

Normally, the first thought that comes to mind when furnishing your space is everything BUT the bathroom. I am here to tell you that I would make this one of your top focuses when furnishing your first space. This is the space for self-care needs and self-reflection, typically where you begin and end your day.

• Linens: I know that I have mentioned this before; however, purchase your towels, washcloths, and bath linens in a bundle or at the same store. This keeps your style consistent without having different color tones and variations of one style.

• Shower Curtain and Liner: This is important because it not only brings your style together but also prevents water from escaping, which can lead to water damage.

• Toilet Needs: Stock up on toilet paper, a plunger, and a toilet brush for all of your basic needs.

• Small Things:

  • Soap Dish/Dispenser

  • Shower Caddy for more storage

  • Trash Can

  • Bathmats

For more tips on ways to organize your Camden apartment bathroom, check out this helpful guide!

Cleaning Supplies

Amidst the excitement of furnishing your space, maintaining the look and cleanliness is key to keeping your space welcoming and homey! Transitioning into the mindset of having your own space can be quite daunting, so if you need an extra hand to spruce up your space, look no further! Most of our Camden communities offer Spruce, an on-demand service that offers housekeeping, chores, and pet care for your Camden apartment!

• Vacuum Cleaner: Start off with a reliable but standard vacuum that will do the trick! In the beginning, you won’t need one of those fancy wireless vacuums to achieve what you will need from one with a chord. Most vacuums on the market achieve the same thing, with slight differences in features and capabilities. You can always upgrade later if needed, but know that a vacuum is essential!

• Spray/Cleaners: You can’t go wrong with an all-purpose cleaner! Find a spray that can be multi-functional and can be used throughout your space! This will save you money in the long run and save you from having to store 4-5 different cleaners. I would also purchase a toilet bowl cleaner and a tub cleaner to cover the full basis of what you will eventually need to clean and maintain.

• Sponges/Mop: An abundance of sponges is handy, as a sponge can get that dirt and grime out of areas you can’t clean with just a rag. Speaking of rags, having a stack of small hand towels that are specifically for your cleaning needs is important! You don’t want to have to use your bathroom towels to clean the grime out of your shower. Yuck! In addition to a vacuum, having a mop will be the added layer to ensure your floors are as clean as can be!

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Other Essentials

The list does not end there! Before you reach that infamous move-in date, do some research to prepare yourself with everything you need to live in your new apartment comfortably. I can guarantee you that once you move in, something that wasn't on there before is always added to the list, and that’s okay! Here is a list of other key essentials you may not have considered.

• First Aid Kit – Bandages, First Aid Cream, Pain Relievers, etc.

• Tools – Hammer, Screwdriver, Leveler, and Tape Measure!

• Flashlight/Batteries – Always be prepared for an outage!

Photo Courtesy of RDNE from Pexels

After gathering your basic essentials and must-haves, check out this guide on ways to decorate your Camden apartment! Remember, this is your space, and you have the creative control to make your first apartment uniquely yours. Welcome home!