Contributed by Info Guru Aurora LaJambre

There’s nothing like moving into your first apartment.

It’s exhausting and thrilling at the same time, but it’s also a big reality check. Whether you’re moving out of a dorm or your parent’s home, there are a number of staples you’re going to have to purchase to do the fun things that go along with living on your own, like cleaning and cooking.

No need to keep all of these things in your head. This first apartment checklist will get you started.

Bathroom

The bare necessities

Bathroom sizes vary widely in apartments. Keep this in mind before purchasing any bathroom organizers. Over-the-door hooks are handy for hanging towels and clothing, and some home stores sell free-standing shelving designed to go over the toilet so you don’t have to install wall shelves. A few of the bathroom essentials you’ll only need to buy once include: a tension pole for the shower curtain, plunger, floor mat, tooth brush holder, bath towels. Earthsake carries fast drying and light weight organic woven shower curtains, towel warmers and bamboo bath mats for natural comfort and style.

Bedroom

Comfort and rest

No first apartment checklist is complete without a few bedroom essentials. Unless your apartment comes furnished, you’re going to need a bed. And on this bed you’ll need sheets, pillows and a comforter. The Country Store has easy care blankets and quilts designed to keep you toasty on the coolest nights. In addition to a place to lay your head, a bureau, closet organizer, hangers and full length mirror will ensure you don’t leave your new home looking like a rumpled mess.

Living room

Make it homey

If you’re on a tight budget, most living room items can wait a few weeks. Just keep in mind that a comfortable living room can be what turns a new space into a home. The living room is also the most fun to decorate, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First you need a place to sit, a couch or multiple chairs so guests don’t have to sit on the floor. If the floors are hard wood, you’ll need quality area rugs like any of the options at Bellacor to protect them and muffle sound for the neighbors below. If you have a television, look for a sturdy table to set it on.

Storage

Stay organized

Your first apartment might be a little bit short on closets and other built in storage. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be organized. This is your first home, so skip the college-student style board-and-cinder block shelves, and go for something with style. Pick attractive storage pieces that can hold a variety of sizes of books, collections or other things you need to stash, like this cubby-style cabinet from the American Country Home Store.

Every room

The easy-to-forget basics

Trash cans, extension cords, and lighting are a few things you’ll want to have in every room. Brylane Home has gorgeous curtain panels and curtain rods in every color you could want. Choose an easy-access spot for a first aid kit and flash light in case you ever lose power. Also keep a tool box with a hammer, nails, screws, screw driver, level, duct tape and a drill for installing shelves, hanging pictures and doing basic handy work. Your landlord should already have fire alarms and CO2 detectors installed, but check to make sure.

Cleaning

Your apartment won’t clean itself

From day one, you’ll need to have basic cleaning supplies on hand like sponges, dish soap, hand soap and towels or a cleaning cloth. For keeping the floors clean, Hoover vacuum cleaners from Blair Home are among the most reliable you can buy. Add a broom, dust pan and mop to your collection, as well as cleaning agents for the stove, sink, shower, windows and wood surfaces. You’re all set!