Whether it’s your first or fifth apartment, there are always essentials that you need. After getting the essentials, you may have some money left over to splurge on items you really want. If you just moved and are trying to figure out what things you should really spend on, here are 10 essentials that are worth the extra few bucks.
1. TV: A TV is arguably one of the most important aspects of a home. It can be the focal point of a living room for guests, an item that helps you unwind after a long day, or something that plays your favorite music. There are countless TV brands on the market today, and depending on your budget, you can really splurge on a TV with decent specs. Whether you want a 32-inch for your room or a 55-inch for the living room, a solid smart TV with built-in streamers like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and more is worth the splurge.
2. Mini Fridge: If you’re in an apartment with roommates, you know the struggle of sharing a fridge. Between someone accidentally using your stuff to things getting shoved in the back and going bad, a fridge in a shared apartment can be a bit frustrating. To help alleviate some of this, consider splurging on a mini fridge for your room. Most mini-fridges can hold several water bottles, soda cans, and various types of snack/food items. Save yourself the trouble and just get your own – trust me, it’s worth it!
3. Computer/Laptop: In college and beyond, having a reliable computer is absolutely a necessity. Between completing assignments, studying for tests, applying for jobs, and managing just about every aspect of your life, a computer or laptop is something that you should splurge on. A decent computer or laptop can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, so it just depends on your budget. I will say that before I went to college, my grandmother gifted me a Macbook Pro and I still use that same laptop 10 years later. It hasn’t slowed down or degraded much, minus the battery which can be replaced. A quality laptop can last you years, and in today’s digitized world, it can come in handy!
4. Robot Vacuum: Who wants to vacuum the old-fashioned way by plugging in a cord, frustratingly holding it while you go up and down your carpet, and potentially tripping on it the entire way? It’s 2023, and while normal-style vacuums have their place, when you move into your apartment, it’s time to splurge on a robot vacuum. These types of vacuums have built-in cameras and technology that help route them around a space and recognize obstacles along the way. Guests coming over but you need to tend to other responsibilities? Push the button on a robot vacuum and watch your troubles melt away.
5. Pots/Pans Set: Cooking is essential for living, and when you have an apartment, you might be tempted to get an inexpensive set from the store to get you by. Don’t get me wrong, these sets are fine and will last time a little, but if you really want to splurge, invest in a nice set of pots and pans, one that probably costs a few hundred dollars. Stainless steel pans especially are a great option, as they will typically last you several years. Other types, like non-stick or Teflon pans, can easily degrade and chip, leaving you to have to replace them on a regular basis.
6. Fan and/or Space Heater: In the warm months of the summer, regardless if you have central AC or an air conditioning unit, sometimes it just feels good to have a fan circulating air in your room. Likewise, in the cooler, winter months, a heater just doesn’t get you as warm and toasty as you want to be. Invest in an oscillating tower fan for those sticky, summer months and a space heater for the winter. They can run a few hundred dollars combined, but it is worth being comfortable.
7. Multi-Purpose Cooking Appliance: As stated earlier, cooking is an essential part of life. While you could use a stove and oven to do all of your cooking, why not splurge with a multi-purpose cooking appliance to get the job done? Ninja, for example, has a product called the Ninja Speedi, which functions as an air fryer, slow cooker, roaster, steamer, rice cooker, and more. This one-in-all gadget is a lifesaver for those who like to cook without excess cleanup.
8. Coffee Machine: Whether you’re still in college or are entering the job world, coffee is probably a pivotal part of your morning routine. Sure, you can opt for Starbucks or Dunkin’, but that will burn a hole in your wallet in the long run. Opt for buying a coffee machine with dual capabilities, like one that has the option to brew a pot or a single cup with coffee pods. Your grumpy morning self will thank you later, promise.
If you have the extra money, these essentials will make your life easier and bring joy to your normal routine!
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