New Apartment: New Life: Things Needed

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New Apartment: New Life: Things Needed

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Contributor: Emma (Girl With Fire) Emma (Girl With Fire)
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
So, I officially am sharing an apartment with my best friend. She's EmberPetals on EF, and we're both psyched.

We're going through a list of things we need, to furnish a bare apartment. I personally have never been in apartment ... more
link

link
02/03/2011
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
We furnished our apartment with FREE STUFF from Craigslist. But the Craigslist community is huge here, so that helped. I still recommend looking into it. Free stuff is awesome if you don't get hung up about something being perfect. We have saved SO much money this way, and if you move, you don't feel as bad if you have to leave something behind if you didn't spend money on it. I bought stuff at garage sales / yard sales before I realized what a goldmine Craigslist was. It takes patience and some luck, but it's been totally worth it for us.

We've gotten sofas, desks, dressers (those are hard to score), nightstands, bookshelves, storage units, curtains, binders/folders, dishware, a George Foreman grill, a boxspring and bedframe, and a wardrobe all free from Craigslist.

We also have used Freecycle for other things, too.

I also like thrift stores for kitchenware and small appliances because you can usually verify if things work in the store before you buy it.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Emma (Girl With Fire) Emma (Girl With Fire)
one of these links i posted is the austin craigskist the other is ebay classifieds. sorry about the lazy typing my tummy still feels all punchy and makes it hard to concentrate.
02/03/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Target has some really inexpensive things on clearance, so do Lowes and Home Depot; a friend picked up two floor lamps at Lowes for my new home for about $18 and they are SUPER cute. Target also occasionally has "dorm supplies" on clearance after traditional move-in season; I picked up a shower curtain, a tablecloth and various supplies (pot holders, spatulas, a boatload of hangers, etc.), for about $25.

I'm sure Walmart would have a comparable clearance section, or Kmart or whatever is nearest you!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by Emma (Girl With Fire)
one of these links i posted is the austin craigskist the other is ebay classifieds. sorry about the lazy typing my tummy still feels all punchy and makes it hard to concentrate.
Aww, no big.

I'll find the Baltimore MD.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
I requested a membership to a Freecycle group in the Baltimore area.
Awesome! Charity groups, hand-me-downs, and thrift stores will be your BEST friend!

As someone who has lived with many personality types and seen it all, never skip on cleaning supplies. You'll find yourself eating in a dirty kitchen, using dirty utensils, sitting on a dirty toilet, breathing in dust, and getting sick. Fancy furniture, decorations, and expensive food can wait.

Otherwise, you need a place to sleep (get some sheets that will last for that air mattress cause you don't want to be replacing them too soon), a shower curtain, toiletries, and lights. I slept in an empty apartment for a few nights waiting for my stuff to arrive before and realized I could get by on very little. But being able to sleep, shower, and see in the dark were the most important parts!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Wow, there's already so much great advice in this thread. Definitely check out the dollar stores. I know it's already been mentioned, but you can get sooooo much stuff for a dollar. If it gets broken, who cares, it was a dollar! lol.

I've gotten random dishes and stuff from the dollar store. They might not be the prettiest ever, but they're pretty functional.

Good luck!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Angel deSanguine Angel deSanguine
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
Wow, there's already so much great advice in this thread. Definitely check out the dollar stores. I know it's already been mentioned, but you can get sooooo much stuff for a dollar. If it gets broken, who cares, it was a dollar! ... more
I totally agree! We also have a chain here called Family Dollar that, while everything isn't a buck, there's a lot of really cheap stuff to set up a place with. Also look for a store called Tuesday Morning. You can get GREAT deals on sheets, pillows and kitchen stuff (glasses and utensils especially) there.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Envy Envy
Be sure to look at swap meets for things! You can haggle prices and get things really cheap!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Angel deSanguine
I totally agree! We also have a chain here called Family Dollar that, while everything isn't a buck, there's a lot of really cheap stuff to set up a place with. Also look for a store called Tuesday Morning. You can get GREAT deals on sheets, ... more
Ooh, Tuesday Morning does have good deals. Big Lots is pretty good too.
02/03/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Think everyone else has it covered! Just wanted to wish you good luck! It can be scary but it's so much fun and you'll learn all kinds of things about yourself and your friend. Keep things open and don't allow resentment to build up. You never really know someone until you live with them.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Update! I have a interview on Monday for a job!

Eeek!
02/03/2011
Contributor: liilii080 liilii080
Hit up Goodwill for lamps, candle sticks, dishes, and other accent pieces. Sometimes they have nice furniture too.

Good luck at your job interview. Pick out an outfit that makes you feel confident, rehearse some possible Q & A's they might ask you, and always smile. You'll do great!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Angel deSanguine Angel deSanguine
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
Update! I have a interview on Monday for a job!

Eeek!
Good luck!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Crystal1 Crystal1
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
Yeah, IKEA we're going for glasses, that are 59 cents and cheap sheets.

But otherwise, it's too expensive indeed.
I always found IKEA too expensive, too. After always hearing how awesome and cheap it was, I was blown away by the prices when I finally went. They do have a nice little end table for $8 that's super easy to put together.

This sounds kind of disgusting, but watch the trash pick-up area of your apartment complex. Where I lived, people would frequently find they didn't have room/desire to take everything with them when they moved, and you would find great condition chairs, tables, etc sitting out by the dumpster. I had to leave behind an almost new barstool that wouldn't fit in my car. I obviously wouldn't dig things out of the trash or anything that can't be seriously sterilized, but sometimes you do see really nice things out there.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by liilii080
Hit up Goodwill for lamps, candle sticks, dishes, and other accent pieces. Sometimes they have nice furniture too.

Good luck at your job interview. Pick out an outfit that makes you feel confident, rehearse some possible Q & A's they ... more
Yeah, they told me to research their company.
Be on-time: Make sure you know how to find our office and plan to arrive 15 minutes early
Look professional: Dress for the interview as you would for the job
Show confidence: Use your communication and interpersonal skills as you would on the job
Show interest: Prepare for the interview—research the company/ industry, prepare a list of questions, and know your skills, talents, and accomplishments.
Practice: Have a friend conduct a mock interview with you. It will help you structure your responses.
Ask questions: Remember, an interview is an opportunity for you to get to know us, as well as for us to get to know you.
Relax and have fun.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
What sort of things should I ask them?
02/03/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Congrats lady!

Everyone has given some great ideas, so I will suggest something you may have not thought of yet. Renters insurance. Your landlord carries insurance on the property but this does not include you belongings. Should something happen to all this wonderful stuff you two are getting it will be lost. It should not be cost you much and will provide you with some piece of mind in case of an emergency.

I hope you two have fun.
02/03/2011
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
Congrats lady!

Everyone has given some great ideas, so I will suggest something you may have not thought of yet. Renters insurance. Your landlord carries insurance on the property but this does not include you belongings. Should something ... more
This. Totally agree with this.

And if you live in a flood/hurricane/tornad o/forest fire/other natural disaster region, make sure that your insurance also covers flood/hurricane/tornad o/forest fire/other natural disaster damage--a LOT of them do not cover "acts of God" and you won't know until you have floods and your insurance says, "Well, sorry about your luck!" so make sure you don't get snookered.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Modern^Spank^Anthem Modern^Spank^Anthem
first thing SET A BUDGET and do not spend over it no matter how much you like or want something you can always get stuff later (try craisglist for free or really cheap things-you can get almost anything if you live in an urban area, dollar stores are great to). Buying stuff adds up really fast even just basics don't spend to much it can get ridiculous before you realize it. Take small things you own from you house that you use daily. before you move walk room to room and think about what you use and really need it will help you budget and remind you of things you need to take with you. things you absolutely need and I suggest you don't buy complete sets get equal numbers for # of people living there, get 2-3 plates, bowls, forks, spoons, lamps, towels, sheets, pillows, blankets, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, shower curtain, scissors, at least 1 multipurpose cleaning product,

microwave, toaster/oven, bed (anything you can use to sleep if you can't afford a bed...sleeping bag or something), large table- at least one place to sit and do work/eat, sofa, a little house plant (really can change the atmosphere of a place)
02/03/2011
Contributor: Lucidity Lucidity
Toilet Paper towels!
Put them in in the front seat of the car and make sure they are the first thing you put in and set up. I swear, my first night in my first real apartment, I was like... "uh-oh..."
Also food!
And congrats
02/03/2011
Contributor: Modern^Spank^Anthem Modern^Spank^Anthem
kmart, walmart, tmax, marshals, drugstores sell lots of stuff and low prices that you wouldn't expect a lot of places are actually cheaper than kmart or walmart. Sometimes churches give away or have yard sales food clothing furniture etc

if you buy used or off of craigslist make sure to check very carefully that these things did not come of the street and do not have bed bugs
02/03/2011
Contributor: KnK KnK
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
Update! I have a interview on Monday for a job!

Eeek!
Congrats and good luck to you lady!!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Jobthingy Jobthingy
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
Yeah, they told me to research their company.
Be on-time: Make sure you know how to find our office and plan to arrive 15 minutes early
Look professional: Dress for the interview as you would for the job
Show confidence: Use your ... more
And smile and make eye contact
02/03/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Illusional
What sort of things should I ask them?
Ask about opportunities for advancement. Employers like applicants who have a desire to work hard in the job for which they are hired so that they might have a chance to move up the ladder.
02/03/2011
Contributor: *HisMrs* *HisMrs*
Good luck on the Interview! Dollar Tree is cheap too for dishes, kitchen utensils and such!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Pandahb Pandahb
Ollies is also a pretty good place to shop at for cleaning supplies and such. You can normally pick stuff up for cents on the dollar.

I would recommend also taking extra napkins from places you eat at. Its shallow, but it beats paying full price for them.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
Quote:
Originally posted by Pandahb
Ollies is also a pretty good place to shop at for cleaning supplies and such. You can normally pick stuff up for cents on the dollar.

I would recommend also taking extra napkins from places you eat at. Its shallow, but it beats paying full ... more
Napkins, plastic silverware, salt & pepper, etc. No shame in giving yourself a little help now and again.
02/03/2011
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
Talk to friends and friends of friends. Have your relatives ask their friends as well. You'll be surprised what people sometimes have in their garages that they know they're not going to use but don't want to get rid of.

Napkins?? Just get a roll of paper towels. Cheaper. Note that this is a guy.

Glasses?? Just drink out of the container. ( not really, but it did really want to go in the post).
02/03/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by ScottA
Talk to friends and friends of friends. Have your relatives ask their friends as well. You'll be surprised what people sometimes have in their garages that they know they're not going to use but don't want to get rid of.

Napkins?? ... more
lol
02/03/2011