Moving into a new apartment or house can be a very exciting adventure. It can also be a very tedious task if you do not plan out exactly what you will need to live in your new home on a daily basis. While many things that people have in their homes add character or personalize the living space, there are bare essentials that you are going to need. If you take it step-by-step everything will be up and running before you know it.

Essential #1 Setting Up Electric & Water Utilities in Your Apartment

One of the first things that you will need to do before you can move into your apartment is to have the electricity and water turned on. Some apartments includes your utilities (electric and/or water), but most do not. So in order to have your electricity turned on, you will need to call your local electric company and arrange the date that you would like your electricity up and running in your new place. The second utility that you will need to have turned on is your water. You will need to contact your local water company to make these arrangements as well.

Essential #2 Installing Telephone & Cable

You will need to call the local telephone company to set up a phone (and possibly Internet) service. You will also need to decide if you would like cable TV or satellite service. If you would like cable TV then you will need to contact the cable service provider that covers the area where your apartment is located. Alternatively, if you choose satellite TV then you will need to call one of the major satellite companies to schedule an appointment for installation.

Essential #3 Furnishing Your New Apartment

You will need to buy, borrow or rent furniture for each room in your house. Basics include a bed, living room furniture and kitchen or dining room table. You will also need a dresser or place to store your clothes. Each room of your house will have essentials that are required to complete the room. Here is a short list of items that you will need categorized by room:

Bathroom:

• Bath Towels
• Wash Clothes
• Shower Curtain
• Shower Curtain Rings 

Bedroom:

• Sheets
• Pillow Cases
• Blanket/Quilt/Duvet
• Pillows 

Kitchen:

• Dishes (Bowls, Plates, Glasses)
• Utensils (Forks, Knives, Spoons)
• Kitchen Towels
• Pots & Pans
• Oven Mitts
• Can Opener 

These are just some of the items that you will need to setup your new apartment. Use this list as a guide to sit down and figure out what you may already own and what you may need to buy in order to get your apartment in tip-top shape for living.