Moving into a new apartment is an exciting adventure that marks a fresh chapter in life. Whether it's your first time stepping out on your own or a new change in scenery, the thrill of unpacking boxes and personalizing a space to call your own is hard to match.
It's a time filled with anticipation as you envision how you will decorate, where your furniture will go, and how you'll make the space reflect your personality. Along with excitement, though, there can be challenges.
Creating a comfortable and inviting new living space is the goal, but the process can often feel daunting. With countless design options and home products available, it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of where to start.
ecoHiny is here to equip you with a go-to guide for moving in and getting settled.
We'll provide you with comprehensive lists of items that you'll need in each room and, of course, share some of our eco-friendly favorites!
Moving In? Here's Your Apartment Essentials List
Let's break it down and look closely at the essentials you'll want to include in your next move. It helps to consider those items you'll want immediately at hand.
Essentials to Buy First and What Can Wait
When moving into an apartment, it's important to prioritize your purchases based on immediate needs versus things that can wait.
By focusing on the essentials first, you can create a comfortable living space while gradually adding the finishing touches later!
Five things to spring for first:
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A bed and adequate seating
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A dining table and chairs
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Basic cookware
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Personal hygiene items you can't live without
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Cleaning supplies
Five items you'll want to add but can wait:
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Decor items
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Non-essential kitchen items
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Accent furniture
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Storage options
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Art and accessories
Once you're settled in with these basics, equip each room with all the details that provide comfort and practicality and add aesthetic value.
Kitchen Essentials
When moving into a new apartment, having essential items like basic cookware, dinnerware, and small appliances is crucial for creating a comfortable and functional kitchen.
Pots, pans, and utensils are fundamental for preparing meals. They allow you to cook a variety of dishes, whether you're just reheating leftovers or trying out new recipes. Having the right cookware means you can enjoy homemade meals, which can save money and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Dinnerware enhances the dining experience, making it more inviting, whether you're eating alone or hosting friends. Select a set that will meet the needs of your family and guests.
Selecting small appliances by assessing your space. Measure available counter space and consider appropriate areas for the use of small appliances. Think about storage options if you need to stow appliances away when not in use.
Living Room & Bedroom Must-Haves
Promote comfort and functionality with these essential items for what are likely your most-used spaces.
Living Room Furniture
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In the living room, a comfortable seating option for relaxation and socializing, like a couch or loveseat, can serve as the centerpiece
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Incorporating a coffee table creates a convenient place for placing drinks, snacks, and accessories
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Accent chairs allow additional seating for guests.
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Select a T.V. stand or entertainment center to hold your television and media devices.
Bedroom
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A bed frame and comfortable mattress are must-haves
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Nightstands are a convenient spot to hold bedtime essentials like lamps and books
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A dresser or chest of drawers provides ample clothing storage in addition to a closet
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Sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillows
Decor
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Add an area rug to define the space and add warmth
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Install curtains or blinds for privacy and to control light
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Hang artwork or other wall decor pieces to personalize the space and add character and color
Storage Solutions
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Consider free-standing bookshelves or cabinets to organize books, games, and decorative items.
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Keep plenty of baskets and storage bins on hand for keeping small items tidy
Accessories to Add
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Try adding throw pillows and blankets for extra comfort and pops of color
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Stylish lamps offer added ambiance and functionality when brighter overhead lights aren't
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Plants and flowers bring life and freshness into a room
Miscellaneous Items that Might Help
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Keep a toolkit on hand with screwdrivers, a measuring tape, fasteners, and removable adhesive hooks for convenience with assembling items or hanging decor
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Trash bags, laundry bins, a mop, and a broom may come in handy for keeping the apartment tidy while you set up your spaces
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Having a first aid kit on hand is always a smart safety move
Bathroom Essentials
This space is our specialty! Ensure your bathroom is fully equipped with the most significant essential: toilet paper. Going with a bamboo option is best, and we want you to select ecoHiny.
When you buy ecoHiny bamboo toilet paper, you're getting an environmentally friendly and sustainable product free from plastics, dyes, fragrances, and toxic chemicals. ecoHiny is also completely tree-free!
Showcase your sustainable lifestyle and stock your new bathroom with plenty of ecoHiny!
What type of shower is in your new spot? Do you have shower doors, or will you need to purchase a shower curtain and liner? After a long day of moving, a hot shower may be in order--don't forget the towels!
Other bathroom items to add to your list:
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Bath mat
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Rug
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Toiletry organizers
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Trash can
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Towel hooks
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Hand towels
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Washcloths
Sustainable Swaps for an Eco-Friendly Apartment
A fresh start in a new space is also the perfect opportunity to set your sights on new sustainability goals! Why not make your new apartment a planet-friendly project?
Here are our top ten favorite swaps for sustainable alternatives:
1. Food and Beverage Plastics: Opt for zero waste products like reusable bags, stainless steel straws, and glass or silicone food storage containers instead of plastic wrap and plastic bags.
2. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Swap traditional cleaning supplies for natural alternatives, like vinegar, baking soda, or eco-friendly brands that use sustainable ingredients and packaging.
3. Energy-Efficient Appliances: Opt for energy-efficient appliances when you're buying new ones. Look for Energy Star ratings to help reduce energy consumption.
4. LED Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights. They consume less energy and have a longer lifespan.
5. Bamboo Alternatives: Choose bamboo bathroom accessories and bamboo kitchen utensils; consider bamboo furniture and flooring, and, of course, our favorite, bamboo toilet paper!
6. Compost Bin: Consider setting up a compost bin for food scraps to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil instead of tossing them to be sent to a landfill. There are compact, apartment-friendly options that can be easily set up on countertops or balconies.
7. Shampoo Bars: Typically made from natural ingredients, shampoo bars are concentrated blocks of shampoo that offer a zero-waste alternative to liquid shampoos in single-use plastic bottles.
8. Water-Saving Fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure.
9. Eco-Friendly Candles: If you're relying on candlelight to relax, use soy or beeswax candles. They're natural and non-toxic.
10. Second-Hand Furniture: Look for second-hand or vintage furniture instead of buying new. This can be more sustainable and often adds character to your apartment.
Making these small changes can significantly reduce your ecological footprint while creating a cozy and inviting living space!
Make ecoHiny Part of Your Move
Moving into a new apartment is a significant milestone filled with anticipation and marked by exciting new steps. Take the moving process in stride and enjoy every moment more with a prepared plan of attack.
Start with the basics and then set out on the exciting task of transforming your space into a true reflection of your style and personality.
If protecting the planet is part of your personality, then we encourage you to incorporate our eco-friendly toilet paper as a staple in your new space.
There's no better way to lessen the senseless waste of our hardwood trees than to harness the sustainable power of bamboo in your bathroom.
ecoHiny is the perfect addition to any home, and setting up a subscription ensures your new digs will always be stocked with toilet paper that helps protect the planet!
