Moving into a new apartment can be stressful for anyone, but first-time apartment renters may be extra prone to being entirely overwhelmed by everything involved in the process. When you start thinking about all of the things you'll need to bring with you to your new home, you may begin to wonder how you are going to afford everything you need?

You can have the correct answers to those questions if you know all of the apartment necessities that you will most likely require. Most property managers in Branson advise first-time renters to look for an apartment that is functional, comfortable and within your budget.

 Now, let's get started on the necessities for your first apartment.

Important Kitchen Equipment

The following list is based on the assumption that you will be cooking and preparing meals at home. As a result, you may require the following kitchen essentials.

●        Bowls and plates

●        Drinking glasses, teacups, and mugs

●        Spoons and forks

●        Knives

●        Cutting boards (for meats and produce)

●        Measuring spoons and cups

●        Cooking utensils

●        Can opener

●        Cookie sheet

●        Rimmed baking sheet

●        Any baking supplies

●        Oven mitts

●        Colander and strainer

●        Food storage

●        Chip clips

●        Large bowl

●        Sponge, dishcloth, or towels

●        Dishwashing detergent

●        Dish rack

●        Trash can and bags

You'll also need small appliances like:

●        Toaster,

●        Coffee maker

●        Blender and mixer

Of course, don't forget the table, chairs, and barstools.

Bedroom Essentials

Bedroom items for your Branson apartment are also among the most essential items to bring to your new home. Most Branson property managers recommend that first-time renters get a:

●        Mattress and bed frame

●        Bedsheets (two sets)

●        Blankets, quilt, duvet and cover

●        Pillows

Depending on how much closet space you have in your new Branson apartment, you may need small cloth drawers, hangers, or plastic drawers to keep your clothes.

You will also need a place to store shoes like a large plastic bin, shoe rack, or an over-the-door shoe holder.

●        A nightstand (it can be a traditional nightstand or a side table, shelf, or even an extra chair)

●        A laundry hamper (you can save money on a super basic pop-up hamper)

●        A lamp that you can turn off from the bed is also a good idea.

Bathroom Essentials

If your apartment has more than one bathroom, make sure each has the following items:

●        A shower curtain, liner, and hooks; in-shower organization

●        A bath mat

●        Hand soap

●        Bath towels

●        Toilet paper

●        A trash can with a lid

●        A plunger and toilet brush

Living Area Essentials

You will want comfortable seating in your living room. This is a must-have for relaxation in the living, while reading, listening to music and streaming shows and watching movies. You also need a bookshelf to store other books, DVDs, games, etc.

Also, make sure that you have throw blankets and pillows (just make sure to buy inserts if the covers are sold separately).

Cleaning and Home Maintenance Essentials

Keeping the area around you clean is good for your health and your mood, so you will want to have the necessary items on hand to clean your home regularly.

These are the essentials for cleaning your new home:

●        Broom and dustpan

●        Sweeper or mop

●        Vacuum

●        Cleaning cloths

●        Toilet brush (ideally, you need to have one for each bathroom)

●        Scrub brushes (an all-purpose one and one for grout lines)

●        Mirror spray

●        Multipurpose spray

●        Toilet bowl cleaner

●        Sink/shower cleaner

●        Laundry detergent

●        Dryer sheets or wool dryer balls

●        Lightbulbs

●        Essential tools (at least a screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape)

●        Nails and wall hooks

●        Scissors

●        Extension cords

●        Tapes (scotch tape, packaging tape, and/or duct tape)

The Total Cost of These Essentials

Buying everything brand new would cost you around $1750 or more! If this figure makes you hesitant to move into your first apartment, consider the following:

You could live without most of these items until your next paycheck if you had to. You can't get a couch right away? Then watch TV from your bed. No clothing storage? You could live in the short term by neatly stacking your clean laundry on a closet shelf. This setup can be comfy until you get the stuff you need.

Check thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for used items that are still in good condition. Buying second hand will often save you over 50%!

Another idea to cut costs back, is to move into your first apartment with a roommate. Having someone else contributing financially towards not only the rent, but also the necessary purchases for everyday living will also potentially cut the cost in half.

Moving into your first apartment is a very exciting opportunity! Through proper planning, saving and wise shopping, you can furnish your new Branson apartment with everything you will need to make your new home a comfortable and functional place to be. 



If you are looking for your first apartment, call Thousand Hills Realty at (417) 337-8081. We are Branson’s premier property management company and we are here to help make your move as smooth as possible.