Moving into your first apartment is a thrill and it can be easy to overlook the necessary preparations. Hazelview has a few ideas for your first apartment must haves. In addition to the basics (like food, furniture and kitchen utensils, find a full checklist here) there a few things that you need that are easy to forget about. Let’s get started.
Hallway Organization
The moment you step into your apartment you want to feel at home. If the first thing you see is piles of mail or newspapers, or you have nowhere to put your keys, then things start to feel cluttered and unwelcoming. There are many clever ways to organize the things that tend to pile up in this part of your home. An old fashioned, outdoor metal mailbox can be a stylish new best friend for your space. You can buy one for each roommate and even leave notes for them in their mailbox -- if you are on different schedules. There are usually metal hooks beneath them for keys, coats, umbrellas etc. so it’s a cute organization tool you’ll want to consider. You can find mailboxes at Home Depot (600 Fanshawe Park Rd. E. London) a 10-minute drive from Broughdale Arms Apartments (1267 Richmond Street, London).
Artwork
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to personalize your space. A few old record albums -- the covers or even the actual record in a unique but inexpensive frame is a great way to express yourself and make your first apartment feel like your home. Paramusic is a record store at 68 Dundas Street E. (just a 5 minute bike ride from Garden View Apartments at 321 Sherbourne Street, Toronto).
Emergency Kit
There are some apartment must haves that you hope you never actually use. An emergency kit is one of them. It doesn’t have to be extensive -- a simple kit will do in most situations. Make sure you have a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries etc. Ensure that everyone who lives in the apartment knows where it is located. This video will show you how to make a DIY first aid kit from items found at any drugstore. Shoppers Drug Mart at 465 Yonge Street is a 5 minute walk from The Maitlands (36 & 42 Maitland Street, Toronto).
Cleaning Supplies
Although none of us like to think about cleaning our rooms, cleaning your first apartment can be a daunting task. If you rent with Hazelview, our suites are cleaned before you move in but as a general rule you may want to have some supplies on move in day to clean up after the move! We recommend having 1-5 supplies on hand! Where do I buy cleaning supplies? You can find cleaning supplies at Walmart at 1280 Fanshawe Park Road West, London -- just a 12 minute drive from The Dorchester (1231 Richmond St, London).
Hazelview Properties hopes this helps make your move into your first apartment a smooth one.
For more information on Hazelview rental properties, including Toronto and London, please visit our website, today.