It’s a wonderful feeling to find a long-term home, one that you know feels just right. A home that’s the right price in the right neighbourhood facing the right direction with the right neighbours.
Now that you’ve found a long-term apartment, have signed the lease and moved your things in, the next thing to do is make it your own. It can take a couple of months to feel really settled into a new place, but you can speed that up by making sure you have all the basics covered.
If you are settling into a new long-term apartment rental, we thought it would be helpful to come up with a checklist of things you’ll need to make your new home as cozy as possible. Follow this room by room guide and you’ll feel at home in no time.
Entrance
Spending some time and money on the entrance will make you feel great as soon as you walk in the door every single day. Plus, any guests you might have will be impressed. You only get one chance to make a first impression! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mat for outside the door. You can find one that reflects your personality, or keep it plain and simple. But in a place like Estevan, you won’t regret having a mat for people to wipe off their shoes and boots.
- Small area rug. If you ask people to remove their shoes, it’s nice to have something warm and soft to step onto.
- Wall hooks. Nothing beats hooks to keep things organized and tidy, especially if you don’t have a front closet.
- Shoe rack. This will also help keep your shoes in good, clean condition.
- Mirror. A small wall mirror is a nice touch, and helpful in making sure you’re not leaving the house with crusty toothpaste on your face.
Living room
- Furniture. Having something comfortable to sit on is obvious, and if it’s not exactly what you want (yet!), consider a nice blanket or throw pillows to brighten/cover it up.
- Shelves. Keeping things tidy and organized will help a small space appear larger. Either standing or installed shelves do the trick.
- Art. The living room is a great place for your personality to shine through, and a great way to do this is through artwork and wall hangings. They don’t have to be fancy or expensive, and frames go a long way.
- Plants. If you have windows and sunlight, you’ll be amazed at how much life plants bring to a room.
- TV and stand/mounting. Not everyone has a TV these days but if you do, a nice TV stand is a good investment. Or with many models today, wall mounts are the way to go.
Kitchen
You can add things to your kitchen over time but these items are both versatile and necessary.
- Pots and pans. A couple of proper pots and saucepans are great investments.
- Cutlery and glassware. Purchase enough for a party of four (including wine glasses!). You never know when you’ll have your first dinner party!
- Chef knife and cutting board. Every kitchen needs one sharp knife and a proper cutting surface to keep it in good shape.
- Plastic containers. For storing leftovers, reusable is best.
- Ice cube tray. Believe us, you won’t regret it.
- Basic groceries. Stock a few easy to make items to get you through the first few days. And if you’re a coffee drinker, don’t forget to buy some beans.
Bathroom
Again, there are some key items you need for the bathroom right away.
- Shower curtain. You’ll want to have a nice, relaxing shower after a big move.
- Towels.
- Toilet paper.
Bedroom
- Bed with sheets and blanket. Setting up the bed right away is key. Moving is exhausting so you will be forever grateful to have a comfy bed to crash in.
- Curtains. You will be glad to have some privacy.
- Hangers. It’s a great feeling to have your clothes hanging nicely!
Extras
- Cleaning supplies, including a broom and dustpan.
- Extension cords.
- Trash can and garbage bags.
- Basic tools like screwdriver, hammer.
- Picture hanging kit.
- Extra light bulbs.
And that should do it to get you through your first few days in your new home and will help you start to feel settled in. And if you are moving to a new home in a place like Estevan, don’t forget to knock on your neighbours’ door and introduce yourself.
Best of luck with the move!