So, the time has come for you to move out. The chances of you getting a house as your first place to live are slim to none. Unless you have somehow saved enough money from that pizza delivery job or newspaper route, you are likely going to be renting an apartment. I, Mark Roemer, have done several articles on how to locate your first apartment as well as questions to ask your prospective landlord. What I have failed to note are things that you are not going to need in your first apartment.

As you prepare to move in, you no doubt have a laundry list of things you are going to need for your apartment. Surely, you have noted there are so many things on your list that it is borderline overwhelming. Each purchase does more than take precious money out of your wallet. Each time you buy something for your apartment, you are occupying space in your residence. As this is likely a minimal space, you cannot afford to spend the money or sacrifice space. Therefore, I am going to share with you a few things that I think you will not need when renting your first apartment. Maybe in time, you can afford the money or space for these items but now is not that time. Let’s take a look at that list and cross some of those unnecessary items off before you even consider making a purchase.

Single-Task Kitchen Devices

Certain things do not apply here. You will need pots and pans. Since you will be living on a shoestring budget, you are going to need to cook for yourself. When you do purchase your pots and pans, make sure you are just purchasing what you can afford. There is no reason to buy the most expensive brand. While there is something that can be said about the quality of those brand name items, you simply do not have the budget for them. A starter set will get you far enough along to make that upgraded purchase in a few years.

I am trying to avoid things that you do need to buy, but I just felt that pots and pans could be viewed as a single-task item. They can be multi-purpose, but considering the quality, you will be forced to buy, they will also be single-taskers.

The true single-task items to consider are things like an egg slicer or a tofu press. You can use a knife to cut your eggs. Sure, they may not be the nice even slices like an egg slicer, but the job will be done. The same thing can be said about a tofu press. To be honest, I don’t even have one now. When I get my tofu and need to take some of the moisture out, I simply put a heavy pan on top of it. You can put one of your pots on top (which might not weigh a lot) and then put some heavy stuff inside of it. The point is to make sure the entire area of the tofu is covered, and there is enough weight to press the moisture out. Anything else is just vanity.

Multiple Kitchen Tools

There are some things you are going to need. These appliances can double as other things. Meaning, if you have a large food processor, do you really need to have a small one as well? Even if you saved money on the purchase as a two for the price of one or they came together, it is not worth the extra space it will take up. The same thing can be said about an Instant Pot and a slow cooker. There is really no reason for both. They mainly do the same job. If I had to choose between them, I would go with the Instant Pot. It can do more jobs than the slow cooker in a fraction of the time.

Additionally, if you have a blender, there really is no need for those food processors we were talking about earlier. You could simply use the lowest setting on your mixer and accomplish the same thing. While it may be easier to remove the food from the food processor, it is redundant.

You will need to account for these more substantial purchases. Since your goal will be to save space and money, it needs to be considered. While you may spend more money on that Instant Pot, you will be saving space from having several appliances that do the things it can do. It is a delicate balance, and you need to find the sweet spot.

Tableware

The chances of you having a large gathering of people that need to sit down and eat are relatively low. Not because you are unpopular or a lousy cook, but because you will lack the space. I know when I was living in my first apartment, I wanted people to come over for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, but I had to be honest with myself – I didn’t have the room.

Now, I am not saying that you should only have disposable tableware. That is much more costly and harmful to the environment. All I am saying is to look for a small tableware set. You shouldn’t need any more than a few plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and silverware. Four of each should be sufficient. Yes, you will have to clean up more, but it will be good for you.

Conclusion

I, Mark Roemer, remember when I got my first apartment. I had so many things in there that I didn’t need. I guess that is why I chose to share my mistake with you and make suggestions so you would make the same mistake. Having your first apartment can be fun. If you can just learn to decide what you need and what you don’t need, chances are you will be much happier. I wish you the best of luck in your new home and hope you have many happy years to come.