Your first apartment or college dorm survival guide

Article provided by Martha Stewart.

You've done it! Congratulations on getting your own place! Here's a checklist for everything you'll need to make your new space feel like home.

Kitchen Essentials:
Whether you're a novice cook or the host of every party, make sure your kitchen has everything you need. You'll want to start with basics: a good set of pots and pans, knives, and turners and spoons. With these tools, you can create most of the meals you want to make on a weekly basis. To save time and money, try preparing meals that you can freeze and save for later, or large-batch meals so you'll have leftovers the next day. Whatever you decide to make, you'll need these:

• Solid Spoon
• Slotted Spoon
• Silicone Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowls/Prep Bowls
• Oven Mitt 
• Basic Knife Set
• Cutting Board
• Can Opener
• Slotted Turner
• Ice Cube Tray
• Coffee Maker
• Essential Cookware:
• Half Baking Sheet
• 9x13 Lasagna Pan 
• Fry Pan 
• Stockpot 
• Saucepan
• Micellaneous:
• Plates and Bowls
• Glassware
• Flatware
• Kitchen towels
• Drawer organizers
• Food Storage 
• Acrylic Pitcher

Bathroom/Laundry:
You'll need more than just a shower caddy for your new bathroom! It's easy to overlook some of these basic items -- like a second set of towels so you can have something on-hand while you're doing the wash, or if you have guests over. It's always better to be prepared! We've done the thinking for you.

• Shower curtain
• Bath Rug
• Bath, Hand, Wash Towels
• Toothbrush holder
• Soap dish
• Hamper
• Laundry hamper
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Drying rack
• Towel rack
• Cleaning supplies and solutions
• Clothing hangers
• Waste bin

Bedroom:
Sleep with comfort and confidence with an outfitted bedroom. A good rule of thumb is to have three sets of bedding sheets: a set on the bed, a set in wash, and a set in your linen closet. One of our favorites on this list is the message center –- it's a great way to keep track of your schedule, chores, or to keep up with your roommates, if you have them.

• Desk Lamp
• Alarm Clock
• Twin XL Comforter Set
• Twin XL Quilt
• Twin XL Sheet Set 
• Twin XL Mattress topper 
• Pillows 
• Picture Frames
• Fleece Blanket 
• Message/Bulletin board
• Calendar

Miscellaneous/General items:
A few last things to remember! These are the items you're bound to think, "I'll just get those later." But trust us -- go ahead and get them now. You never know when a light bulb will blow, the batteries in your TV remote die, or when you'll need a first aid kit at-the-ready!

• Light Bulbs
• Batteries
• Surge Protector
• Extension cords
• First aid kit
• Storage bins and caddies
• Broom, mop, and bucket
• Cleaning supplies
• Basic office supplies -- everybody needs a pen every once in a while

Download our printable checklist to take shopping with you!