This past weekend, I moved into my FIRST APARTMENT! No more roommates, sharing a space that has the square footage of a broom closet, or waiting for a bathroom to open up! With this new freedom, though, are 10 thoughts that never really occurred to me until I unlocked my door for the first time.

1. Why is furniture so expensive?

I have scavenged yard sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace at all hours of the night trying to find a kitchen table that doesn’t leave my bank account in single digits.

2. What classifies a “small nail?"

I have curtain rods to hang, and I’m stressing because my nails are medium-sized?? But I can only use small nails in the walls? Is there no compromise?

3. Where do I put (insert any given household item here)?

Related questions include “Where did I put ____?” and “Do I really need ____?” (PS: The answer to that second question is always yes.)

4. Why is it so hot/cold in here??

There is no balance. You freeze or you burn.

5. Am I willing to meet someone in a Walmart parking lot to buy a used blender/coffee pot combo deal for $20?

Yes. Yes, I am.

6. Dollar Tree is a blessing we do not deserve.

My apartment is slowly becoming a Dollar Tree catalog, and I’m not upset about it.

7. I NEED 500 CANDLES.

Every room needs its own smell, and I will not rest until I find the perfect candle combination.

8. I miss my mom.

The amount of times I’ve called her this week is ridiculous, but who else would know where to keep bread off the top of their head?

9. Kroger bags are a valuable commodity and must be saved at all costs.

Yes, I have a cabinet full of plastic bags. No, I don’t have too many.

10. I can’t believe I did this.

This place is my own, and even though I’m wicked confused and stressed out right now, I’m on my way to having a cozy place to call home (with a perfect candle arrangement).