But as I contemplated this move, I began doing many interweb searches on what I would need when moving into my first place. Because there is a lot guys. So many things. And I found some really helpful lists and suggestions that helped me figure things out. For your edification, here is a list of the things I found to be most important or that I hadn't thought about at first that sort of compiles some of the other lists I found along with things I added.
Furniture - this seems obvious, but it warrants a little thinking:
- tv cabinet
- bookshelves
- couches/chairs
- side tables
- dining furniture
- bed
- dresser
- desk
- inflatable mattress (I got one for easy company sleeping)
Kitchen appliances - If there is one thing I'm excited about, it's that I'll have my own kitchen. I like to cook and my apartment has lots of counter and cabinet space. But I'm going to fill that up with
- toaster oven (or toaster if you prefer, but toaster ovens are the bees knees and I can't imagine living without one)
- microwave (if you want those evil rays infiltrating your brain. Or to warm up food fast)
- blender
- bread maker
- crockpot
- mixer (whether stand or hand or both)
- you might also need things like a coffee maker
- rice cooker
- juicer depending on what kinds of things you like to cook
Other Kitchen Stuff
- pots and pans
- baking sheets and pans (loaf, 13x9, cupcake)
- spatulas, spoons, scrapers, etc.
- glass or plastic storage containers to hold all the delicious food you cook
- cooling rack
- measuring cups (liquid and dry) and measuring spoons
- paper towel holder
- dish towels
- dish cloths
- hot pads and/or oven mitts
- mixing bowls
- rolling pin
- whisk
- pizza cutter
- ice cream scoop
- cutting board(s)
- knives
- can opener
- ladle
- tongs
- peeler
- aluminum foil/plastic wrap/wax paper/zipper bags
- toothpicks/matches
Dining Stuff
- plates and bowls
- silverware
- serving bowls
- napkins
- placemats
- tablecloths
- salt & pepper shakers
- cups and glasses
Bathroom Supplies
- bath mat
- shower curtain
- towels
- washcloths
- hand towels
- toilet paper
Cleaning Supplies
- sponges
- toilet brush and plunger
- broom and dustpan
- vacuum
- toilet/glass/bathroom/all purpose cleaner
- trash cans and wastebaskets/garbage bags
- paper towels
- dish detergent
- laundry detergent/dryer sheets/softener/stain removers
Other random things
- first aid supplies
- extension cords
- picture hanging supplies
- hammer/screwdriver/allen wrench
- duct tape/super glue
- step stool
- q-tips
- clothes pins
- batteries
- light bulbs
- recipes
And I also gathered some food stuffs so I wouldn't be tempted to eat out every day during my first couple of weeks:
- spices
- flour
- sugar (powdered, white, and brown)
- salt
- baking soda/baking powder/cornstarch/yeast
- vanilla extract
- yeast
- non-stick cooking spray
- pasta/rice/couscous/potatoes/whatever starchy thing you like
- oatmeal/cereal
- bread/wraps/bagels
- canned and/or frozen veggies
- salad dressing(s)/soy sauce/worcestshire sauce/bbq sauce/ketchup/mayo/mustard
- butter/margarine/Smart Balance
- milk/cheese/eggs
- chicken/tuna/ground meat (turkey, beef, venison, or whatever)
- meals in a box like Hamburger Helper, mac&cheese, or other meal starters just so I have easy things to fix or throw in the crockpot while I'm unpacking and tired from the move stuff
- ice cream (because, let's face it, when you've spent all day at the DMV and come home to an apartment full of boxes you're going to want a little treat)
This is a list I've compiled over the last 6 months or so, but by no means is it exhaustive. Some of the stuff I've listed you might not need and you might absolutely have to have something I never considered. If you think of anything important I've forgotten please feel free to leave it in the comments! And I'll come back and add stuff if I remember anything (or move and wish I'd had it).
