A FRESH START - Essential items to buy for your first property

Whether you’re saying the life-changing “I do,” buying your first property, or simply ready to become independent and make your own dreams come true in a rented apartment, you’ll certainly need to go shopping. Creating a plan will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary expenses and wasted time wandering through shopping centers not knowing what you’re actually looking for.

Below is a list of essential items for the space you live in. So, let’s get started!

Living Room

When furnishing your living room, start with the basics so you can immediately enjoy the space. This is a room that often evolves over time, so you can gradually add décor and details.

Focus on the essentials first:

A comfortable sofa, a practical coffee table that’s easy to move, a TV stand, a television, a small table or floor lamp, and a radio or speaker if desired.

Bedroom

Definitely one of the most important rooms in your home – a place to recharge, a space of peace and rest after a long day. The most important items to get at the beginning are: a quality bed and mattress, a wardrobe, bedding, pillows, a blanket, a small trash bin, curtains, and clothes hangers.

Bathroom

Your bathroom should be stocked with everything you need for all kinds of situations. Start with the essentials: a washing machine, laundry detergent, toilet paper and brush, a set of bathroom rugs, a laundry basket, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, sets of towels, creams, deodorant, a trash bin, and cleaning supplies for the bathroom.

Kitchen

Forget the “less is more” rule — in the kitchen, the opposite applies. More options, more fun, more flavor. If you plan on hosting — whether it’s for coffee, dinner, or a spontaneous get-together — the kitchen is where it all happens. You might not be able to get everything at once, but after covering the basics for everyday living, start choosing higher-quality items that will stand the test of time and unexpected guests.

In the first few months, focus on: a refrigerator, stove, oven, dining table and chairs, coffee cup sets, water glass sets, a set of six large, small, and deep plates, cutlery, a coffee pot, pots, pans, plastic food storage containers, knives and cutting boards, kitchen towels, cleaning products, and a trash bin.

Pantry / Storage Room

Remember those childhood days and that little room where your mom or grandma would keep compotes, jams, preserves, and homemade cakes? The pantry has always been the ideal place for items that don’t quite fit anywhere else in the home.

Some of these include: a vacuum cleaner, scissors, cleaning cloths, lamps, brooms, ironing board, water bucket, gloves, a first-aid kit, and similar household items.

We hope this guide helped keep you focused and made the process of shopping for your first home a little easier. Of course, be open to new suggestions from your family members, friends, and neighbors - but don’t forget that your space should reflect your style, needs, and desires. Let your home tell your unique story.

Ena-Lemana S. 

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