Whether you’re moving into an uptown house or apartment, making sure you’ve got the essential tools that will make your off-campus rental a home is key to having a great experience living in Athens. Some things seem obvious, but others may not. After all, it’s pretty easy to overlook certain things when you’ve always lived in a home where your parents provide a fully-stocked house.
But one things you’re going to learn real quick as an adult – moving is expensive. So, what does a fully-stocked OU student apartment look like? And how are you supposed to get all this together on a budget? We’ve put together a list of essentials and tips to keep move-in as budget-friendly as possible.
Our Top 10 Cost-Savvy Must-Haves for Move-In Day
1. Toiletries: toilet paper, shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, makeup, a first-aid kit, razors
To some extent, toiletries are one thing where people can get pretty specific about what they want. After all, hygiene and self-care is important. Can you use a $1 box of baking soda for everything from dry shampoo to deodorant to a teeth whitener? Yes. But you do you here – whatever your self-care habits are, we support them. As long as they include bathing regularly … For these items, it’s best to buy in bulk to save more, since you’ll pretty much be using them daily or on the regular.
2. Kitchenware: plates, bowls, cups, silverware, a couple good pots and pans, cookie sheet, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, ziplocs, garbage bags, cutting boards and knives, casserole dish, tupperwares, cookie sheets, spatula
This is the perfect time to go thrifting! Hit up New-To-You and Upcycle to find pretty much all this stuff at, like, 20% of the price you’d pay retail. Plus, the vintage tupperware you’ll find is way higher quality than the stuff they make today.
3. Cleaning supplies: broom, mop, vacuum, cleaning spray, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, paper towels, dishcloths and towels, bleach
Cleaning supplies are for gross things, so they don’t need to be nice. Many of these items you can find at the Dollar Tree. And instead of buying bottles of chemical cleaners over and over, buy one or two spray bottle and some white vinegar. Add water, and you’ve got probably an entire lease's worth of cleaning spray.
4. Bathroom supplies: toilet brush and plunger, shower rod, shower curtain, towels, wash cloths, bathmat, soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, makeup case
If you live with roommates, this is a great opportunity to split costs. Unless you’re going to divide up literally everything down to squares of toilet paper, you’ll all be using most of this stuff together. Split the costs! Take pictures of receipts and list down shared items so you can ask for reimbursements from your housemates.
5. Food staples: condiments, staples like peanut butter, jelly, bread, ramen, rice, meats, veggies
One word: ALDI. The typical college student’s nutrition is quite lacking. Try to throw in a few leafy greens and fruits in there for some much-needed fiber.
Before you head off for dinner outside, maybe check your fridge to see if you could whip up any meals easily. Look up one pot meals and easy recipes, since eating outside every day can get expensive. In your own apartment, you’re able to cook at home, which can be a game-changer for your budget.
6. Kitchen furniture: table and chairs, shelving unit for storage
Since the kitchen is a shared space, this is also a time it’s appropriate to split the costs if you’re sharing your off-campus apartment. Also, ReStore is a great place to find these types of items for way less.
Next are all the bigger-ticket items and, honestly, we can’t say enough good things about the thrifting game around here. Not only are there shops for furniture, clothes, household essentials, and more, but several local Facebook forums and Facebook Marketplace are very active, so always worth stalking. Try to ask around for any graduating seniors’ old furniture or appliances. Maybe you can score a great deal for a used bedside table.
7.Bedroom essentials: bedframe, dresser, nightstand, desk, lamps, clothes hangers, storage bins, laundry hamper
You don’t want your bedroom to look like an absolute mess. With organizers and proper storage, you can keep your space looking neat and put together. Although if you’re the type to just sleep on a bare mattress on the floor, we’re not judging you.
8. Small appliances: microwave, coffee pot, air fryer, toaster/toaster oven
These appliances will add to everyone’s quality of life, need we say more? Microwaves, air fryers, and toasters make putting a meal together so much easier, which will help you save money in the long run.
Try to find these items in secondhand groups. You’re guaranteed to find a few people selling their appliances before they move out and graduate from OU.
9. Living room essentials: couch, chairs, blankets, coffee table, TV and TV stand, pillows
Another quality of life upgrade. All of these furniture and accessories aren’t “essential” per se, but they really make your place feel a lot more like home. If you care about coziness and comfort, add a little seating area to your shared living room and maybe throw on a few pillows.
10. Other miscellaneous musts: small tool kit, extension cords, power strips, scissors, trash bins, recycling bin, extra shelving and bins for storage
These are all practical items that make your life so much easier. You don’t want to be struggling with opening a bag of chips in the middle of the night and find that you don’t have any scissors around.
Now you’ve got the basics down for what to take with you when you move into your uptown OU apartment. And if you’ve forgotten something, don’t worry – your apartment is super close to the amenities on Court Street. So come on, let’s start packing.
With Your Apartment Near Campus, You Get a Taste of Independence
Whether you’re looking for an Athens studio apartment for solo-living or a multi-bedroom place to live with others, Kleinpenny Rentals has a wide range of properties, all located within walking distance of campus and uptown Athens. Check out our available student rentals and find the right place for you to spread your wings.