There are so many items that you can get for your apartment, especially if it's your first apartment — you might go a little overboard. I'm here to give a little guidance even though I haven't lived in my own apartment yet (but will be very soon) I have thought about what I need to have or what I want to have. This is my happy medium list of your needs and wants.
1. Essential oil diffuser
https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourbestdigs/27330946012
I was very torn deciding between a candle and a diffuser, but with a diffuser, you can put whatever scents in it that you want and with candles, you have to have a few because each scent represents a different mood, so you would essentially become a candle hoarder, and no one needs that. A diffuser is perfect to have in your room on your bedside table to use whenever I find it the most beneficial when you are trying to relax.
2. Coffee pot
https://www.flickr.com/photos/birdies100/158839797
Okay, I know a lot of people are Keurig fans, but hear me out for a sec. We all used our Keurig in the dorms and what not, so why not take the opportunity to make GOOD coffee? My favorite smell in the morning is fresh coffee — it really wakes me up. If you're going to have your own kitchen next semester, take up that counter space and get yourself a coffee pot!
3. Wall art
https://unsplash.com/photos/KuudDjBHIlA
I'm very excited to put things on my wall and decorate my space the way I've always wanted. I feel like pictures, a tapestry, or any type of art can really make your room feel "homey" and personal. When I finally move into my apartment, I plan on buying picture collages to hang on my wall, cute framed paintings/pictures to hang in my bathroom and I have to have the Jersey Shore tapestry — obviously because my name is Sam, duh.
4. Hanging lights
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-watching-photo-collection-with-string-lights-946232/
You all know what lights I'm talking about! You know the pictures with girls standing in front of the strings of lights on their wall? Yeah, these are the lights. They are perfect for smaller walls because then, you give yourself a designated space to take cute pictures in your own apartment. Or, you can hang them behind your bed kind of as a headboard, which is what I plan on doing.
5. Nightstand
https://unsplash.com/photos/jhDof9B6vPY
This is something I can't wait to have again! My nightstand is one of my favorite parts of my bedroom because I put everything on it, and I love having that one spot. Everyone has a junk drawer or area they always put their stuff. They know where to find it — the nightstand is mine. I cannot wait to have my junk drawer back as well as a spot to put an actual lamp.
6. Area rug
This is something that can be so cute for your living room. Yeah, carpet is nice and all, but an area rug can be so much cuter! You can match your couch pillows and throw blankets to your area rug to bring the whole room together, giving those interior designer vibes.
7. Detergent
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/14150638033
This is a funny one. I know most of us have used Tide pods for the last two years. Boy, am I ready for a change! I am so desperate to use detergent at this point — I would do it if I wasn't worried about ruining my clothes in our nasty washing machines. If you don't know, Tide pods are the worst because they have a tendency to explode all over your clothes, ultimately ruining them. It sucks that you can't rewash them because you know it'll just happen again, so you can understand why my 20-year-old self is excited to use detergent.
8. Brita box
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRXFX2M9M8M
I love Brittas! Sadly, I wasn't able to use one this year because we have a mini fridge, and I don't feel like sharing my personal items with my entire house. So I plan on using that Britta box that fits perfectly on the top shelf of your fridge, so if you need water, you don't need to take the box out. Super convenient and worth it!
9. Shower mat
https://unsplash.com/photos/TIbtk21TKks
I may be basic, but I'm definitely not the only one who is excited to have their own bathroom (sorry if you still have to share, I feel your pain). I am literally ecstatic about not sharing a bathroom and getting to decorate it the way I want. I've always wanted a cute bath mat and being a basic gal, I will definitely buy the 'Get Naked' one from Urban Outfitters. Sorry, not sorry.
10. Bathroom cart
This will be super helpful for more storage in the bathroom! I have so many different bathroom items and whatnot that there is absolutely no way everything will fit in my bathroom next year without additional storage.
11. Over-the-door shoe rack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZpkRAwuDDI&t=50s
I have about 9475303745 pairs of shoes, and I need the most storage for them as possible. So, an over-the-door shoe rack is perfect for most of my shoes and making them more accessible rather than leaving them on the floor. I love having them hang over the door because I have more space in my actual closet for my infinite amount of clothing.
12. Desk calendar
https://www.pexels.com/photo/flat-lay-photography-of-calendar-1020323/
This such a must-have item. That huge desk calendar that you put everything on and has your whole life planned on it. I love using my planner and my phone to make sure I don't miss anything. I like studying at a desk (if I have one) or do work there, so it will be even more helpful to have another spot to see where my plans are, keeping me aware always.
13. Standalone mirror
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4pa-rmADmg
This is not a necessity, but a full body mirror definitely is! I haven't been able to use one in forever, which is a huge deal to me because I love to see my whole outfit before I leave to go somewhere. If you don't see it on yourself, are you really in a good outfit?
14. Jewelry organizer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lo_and_behold/7288748384
There are some things you have to give up when you share a room and most of your space with other people and this is one of them. I've always wanted one to hang necklaces and earrings and just to have one place where all my jewelry is. I have all my necklaces and earrings in bags and it sucks because I always forget that I have certain accessories to wear with certain outfits. Ugh, it's a struggle, but I cannot wait to have a place to put it all next year.
There are many things you need to have when you move into an apartment — I am aware of that. BUT, cooking ware, cleaning supplies, etc. are boring. These items I came up with to add to my own apartment (and bedroom) that I can't wait to start putting it all together!
