Packing for College: Everything You Need to Move into Your Apartment

Rebecca Freeman, ForRent.com — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:00:44 +0000

Attention college students! You’re probably enjoying the very end of your summer break. And while I'm not here to tell you to put down your lemonade, school is right around the corner, and you need to be prepared! If this is your first time living on your own, you’re probably excited, nervous and maybe even a little overwhelmed. You have so much to do. And buy. But, where to start? The truth is furnishing a college apartment will be the easiest decorating you’ll probably ever do. Start with the things you know you’ll need. Grab a notepad and take a stroll around your home. Make a list of all the items you use on a daily basis. (You can also check out ForRent.com’s “Move In” Pinterest board for inspiration.)

Score inexpensive furniture for your apartment

Of course, being on a budget can be frustrating—especially when buying furniture. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family if they have castoffs that you can use. Places like yard sales and thrift stores are also good sources for inexpensive chairs, tables, sofas, and pretty much anything else you may need. If the appearance of the furniture is not to your liking, get creative and fix it up: Cover sofa cushions with fabric, for instance, or paint chairs a different color. Another option: Have a going away party. If your family and friends ask if you need anything, offer a not-so-subtle hint that you need items to furnish your new apartment. And don’t forget to stock up on cleaning supplies. Dollar stores have loads of cleaning supplies for, you guessed it, just $1.

Make a room-by-room packing list

If you’re still nervous about forgetting to pack something, we have a list of “must have" items for you to bring to your college apartment. Going room to room, use this packing list to make sure you have the essentials for your new apartment:

Bedroom:

Bedding
Drapes
Tissues
Rugs
Clock/Alarm
Fan
Mirrors
Storage
Night stands
Desk hutch
Dresser
Desk
Desk lamp
TV

Bathroom:

Towels
Wash cloths
Shower curtain
Curtain liner
Shower caddy
Soap dispenser
Bathrobe
Bath mat
Shower curtain rings
Trash can
Toilet paper
Toilet cleaner
Plunger
Medicines/toiletries

Kitchen:

Dishes
Utensils
Cookware
Sugar set
Salt and pepper set
Coffee mugs
Coffee pot
Dish towels
Dish soap
Potholders
Tablecloths
Placemats
Paper towels
Bar stools
Microwave
Trash can

Cleaning/Laundry:

Vacuum
Duster
Broom
Dust pan (metal ones are best)
Mop
Garbage can
Garbage bags
Iron
Ironing board
Laundry basket
Laundry detergent

Closet:

Hangers
Storage bins
Hooks

If you have a roommate, it might be helpful to coordinate on some of these items. There's no need for you to spend all your hard-earned money for nothing. And, it bears saying, look into renters insurance to protect your belongings against theft, fire or some other loss. Think of what it would cost to replace all your stuff (used or not)!

Are there essentials we’ve overlooked in this college packing list? What do you make sure to bring with you?

Guest blogger Rebecca Freeman writes on behalf of ForRent.com, the Nation's Leading Apartment Resource.

Disaster Preparedness Tips For Renters

Rebecca Freeman, ForRent.com — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:00:47 +0000

The West has earthquakes, the East has hurricanes and right smack in the middle is the infamous Tornado Alley. So what can you do about disaster preparedness when you’re living in a 700-square-foot apartment? Obviously, preparation for each natural disaster is a little different, but one thing is certain: emergency preparedness is not just a concern for homeowners—renters are equally at risk. Here are some apartment-specific tips to get you started.

Create an Emergency Kit

Having a disaster supplies kit is a must. Here are some ideas on what to include in an emergency kit:

Portable radio;
Flashlight with extra batteries;
First aid kit;
Spare set of keys;
Drinking water;
Battery tester (I found one for $3 online, so this won’t break the bank); and
Personal identification, credit card, cash and anything else of value to you.

If you're on a budget, you can pick up many of these at your local dollar store.

Find storage spots for your supplies

Apartments are notorious for their space limitations. But you can find lots of storage opportunities if you get a little creative. Try storing your disaster supplies under the bed, in a closet, or even on top of the refrigerator. If you're feeling crafty, install a fun curtain in front of a bookcase and store your supplies there (or stash everything under a table and drape it with a tablecloth).

Meet the neighbors

Don't wait until it's too late to meet your neighbors! If you know your neighbors, you can team up and check on each other's welfare. Be sure to work out an emergency meeting place in advance; if it's too dangerous to meet outside the apartment building, designate the coffee house within walking distance as the rendezvous point.

Have an apartment evacuation plan

Navigating a high-rise apartment can be tricky. Be familiar with your building’s evacuation plan (it’s usually posted in the common areas), and map your options for getting out. If you have to evacuate, leave your apartment quickly but calmly. Never take the elevator—always use the stairs (and know which doors lead to the street). Plan for a variety of escape routes in case some are blocked in an emergency. Also: Mandatory means mandatory. If the authorities ask you to evacuate, don't risk staying behind. Say it with me... better safe than sorry!

Take an inventory of your stuff

Do you have a list of everything you own? Or, know how much it would take to replace it if a disaster wiped out all your stuff? Using a home inventory checklist and documenting your personal belongings can pay big dividends should you ever need to make an insurance claim.

Survive a natural disaster

If all else fails ... you need to know what to do if a natural disaster does hit:

Surviving a tornado: Get low! If you can't get low (as in a basement), get in the middle of the apartment. Protect yourself from falling objects with a blanket, mattress, etc. If you're outside, get low and flat. Look around for a ditch or other low-lying area. And shield your head with your hands and arms.
Surviving a hurricane or flood: Sandbags are a good idea, especially if you’re in a first-floor apartment (is this something building management can store?). Do not go outside during what appears to be the calm of the storm; winds change quickly and can cause injury.
Surviving an earthquake: Just remember D-C-H: Duck, take Cover under a sturdy object (or move to an interior wall and protect your head), and Hold your position until the shaking stops.

Prepping for natural disasters isn’t on the top of most renters’ to-do lists. It may take some extra time and a bit of money, but the effort can make all the difference in the long run.

Guest blogger Rebecca Freeman writes on behalf of ForRent.com, the Nation's Leading Apartment Resource.

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