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Q. I am moving into a new apartment and I don't have a lot of money to spend. What do you suggest I purchase for each room (Kitchen, Living Room, Bedroom and Bathroom) of my apartment?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Answer
I have had my own apartment, homes and helped my son stock his. B/c money is an object here you want to go for function and then decorative. Kitchen, you are going to need your basic pot(boil water, can of soup , rice etc so get a really good 2 quart pot, this way you have room to boil noodles for yourself, if you have the money a stock pot with lid is also good esp if cooking for company. Must have 2 good potholders that feel comfortable to you. one mitt, and one square. A microwave is nice for a single person for snacks and/ cooking so plastic wrap is good for that(SAFETY FIRST don't get steamed burned) At least one pkg of reusable storage packs for keeping left overs and produce etc. A simple set of silverware, one large spoon and one large slotted spoon, one spatula.A really good knife, if you just get one, get a good quality one that you can resharpen. A can opener. does not have to be electric, in fact after 30yrs of living "omo" I per fer a hand help opener. . A lot of these one can find at thrift stores,take home and clean well. so don't forget dawn liquid that will clean your dishes and your stove, microwave,and coutertops. Sponges, get them by the pack at a dollar store, oh BTW dollar stores are great places to shop when money is so very tight. Paper towels and a holder, one can spend a dollar up to 40 dollars. Don't forget your seasonings,bread,milk,eggs---a broom,mop and dustpan. A couple of plates,bowls and cups/glasses. I have found complete sets of plates etc for $10 at "dollar general" in the past. Also ck out garage sales,but make a list of what you really need. (a nice basic cookbook like better homes and gardens or bettycrocker would be nice, but you can get a bk at the library and then jot down recipes you would like to make. A kitchen timer and a clock.
Ok I think that is it for the kitchen, use towels( I per fer cloth but paper towels OK too) to dry dishes. Get in habit of washing dishes right away, drying and putting where they belong so everything looks nice and tidy.
Living room, is it a furnished apartment? That is a big question! If it is furnished then all you need is a basket or box to hold remote if you have tv and some inexpensive colorful pillows to add color and I always like a blanket of some sort to throw over me while I watch TV. Don't forget lighting. If unfurnished, start out with a love seat , so a friend can be there with you, an ottoman( or box, a storage box to hold blanket and mags would be great here for dual purpose) an inexpensive TV ,radio and one or 2 houseplants (live or Fax your choice) . Again try your thrift stores and yard sales first.
Bedroom, again if furnished , just the linens and a mattress cover. If not furnished, bed or blow up mattress on a platform made of plywood or pressed board(try free cycle too for all items) and blocks, paint or stain and place mattress of your choice. A side table, I made my first out of cement blocks and bricks and a piece of cardboard , to hold a lamp, a "wake up" clock. Linens to fit bed.
Bathroom-toiletries, maybe a tray to set on counter top with toiletries or a yard sale table or stand for storage , towels , hand towels and wash-clothes. I found some just the other day at a grocery store of all places, soft and very very inexpensive like 3.00 for a bath sheet. shower curtain?, (can use vinegar and water as cleaner) oh yeah , believe me something to set your soap upon, it can be a saucer from that really great set of dishes you are gonna get on the cheap.
Other than really personal items I can't think of anything else. A knife can crush garlic for you, a fork can juice citrus fruit. As things go better and /or freecycle think about a food processor and/or blender. If you bake, your baking pans. You can make your own art pieces by recycling and reuse things you have, just use imagination. Be sure to get one thing you really really want that speaks "you" to you to make your apartment a home. Snapshots held to wall with painterstape until you can get frames etc.
Enjoy your new home. I am sure I have forgotten something-trashcans everywhere you can, get them at dollar store and just give them a wash out;
Again, blessings on you and your new home. I am excited for you.
I have had my own apartment, homes and helped my son stock his. B/c money is an object here you want to go for function and then decorative. Kitchen, you are going to need your basic pot(boil water, can of soup , rice etc so get a really good 2 quart pot, this way you have room to boil noodles for yourself, if you have the money a stock pot with lid is also good esp if cooking for company. Must have 2 good potholders that feel comfortable to you. one mitt, and one square. A microwave is nice for a single person for snacks and/ cooking so plastic wrap is good for that(SAFETY FIRST don't get steamed burned) At least one pkg of reusable storage packs for keeping left overs and produce etc. A simple set of silverware, one large spoon and one large slotted spoon, one spatula.A really good knife, if you just get one, get a good quality one that you can resharpen. A can opener. does not have to be electric, in fact after 30yrs of living "omo" I per fer a hand help opener. . A lot of these one can find at thrift stores,take home and clean well. so don't forget dawn liquid that will clean your dishes and your stove, microwave,and coutertops. Sponges, get them by the pack at a dollar store, oh BTW dollar stores are great places to shop when money is so very tight. Paper towels and a holder, one can spend a dollar up to 40 dollars. Don't forget your seasonings,bread,milk,eggs---a broom,mop and dustpan. A couple of plates,bowls and cups/glasses. I have found complete sets of plates etc for $10 at "dollar general" in the past. Also ck out garage sales,but make a list of what you really need. (a nice basic cookbook like better homes and gardens or bettycrocker would be nice, but you can get a bk at the library and then jot down recipes you would like to make. A kitchen timer and a clock.
Ok I think that is it for the kitchen, use towels( I per fer cloth but paper towels OK too) to dry dishes. Get in habit of washing dishes right away, drying and putting where they belong so everything looks nice and tidy.
Living room, is it a furnished apartment? That is a big question! If it is furnished then all you need is a basket or box to hold remote if you have tv and some inexpensive colorful pillows to add color and I always like a blanket of some sort to throw over me while I watch TV. Don't forget lighting. If unfurnished, start out with a love seat , so a friend can be there with you, an ottoman( or box, a storage box to hold blanket and mags would be great here for dual purpose) an inexpensive TV ,radio and one or 2 houseplants (live or Fax your choice) . Again try your thrift stores and yard sales first.
Bedroom, again if furnished , just the linens and a mattress cover. If not furnished, bed or blow up mattress on a platform made of plywood or pressed board(try free cycle too for all items) and blocks, paint or stain and place mattress of your choice. A side table, I made my first out of cement blocks and bricks and a piece of cardboard , to hold a lamp, a "wake up" clock. Linens to fit bed.
Bathroom-toiletries, maybe a tray to set on counter top with toiletries or a yard sale table or stand for storage , towels , hand towels and wash-clothes. I found some just the other day at a grocery store of all places, soft and very very inexpensive like 3.00 for a bath sheet. shower curtain?, (can use vinegar and water as cleaner) oh yeah , believe me something to set your soap upon, it can be a saucer from that really great set of dishes you are gonna get on the cheap.
Other than really personal items I can't think of anything else. A knife can crush garlic for you, a fork can juice citrus fruit. As things go better and /or freecycle think about a food processor and/or blender. If you bake, your baking pans. You can make your own art pieces by recycling and reuse things you have, just use imagination. Be sure to get one thing you really really want that speaks "you" to you to make your apartment a home. Snapshots held to wall with painterstape until you can get frames etc.
Enjoy your new home. I am sure I have forgotten something-trashcans everywhere you can, get them at dollar store and just give them a wash out;
Again, blessings on you and your new home. I am excited for you.
How do we increase the value of our home?
Bob M
We bought a home 3 years ago and are trying to make changes to add appraisal value to our home. We have a inground pool, 4 acres, Nice house.
When we moved in there wasn't much landscaping that had been done, so we added 30 6 foot trees. At a point right now where we would like to use our money and time wisely. Need to know the best thing to increase the property value. We have 3 baths 4 bedrooms, all new appliances, unfinished basement.
Please help!
Answer
First stop spending- now! Trees are nice but 30? Not a cost effective benefit for so many. And not cheap either.
Pools many times are a liability unless you live in California or Florida. Keep it since you have it. Is there a pool house for the equipment? Do you fill the pool with city water or well water? A well is usable for washing the car, filling the pool and a landscape sprinkler system. You'd need a small well house that can be made of stacked stone veneer for effect. Include a latern light near the door and 2 side windows; it is a pump house and needs to look it. Also need a small heater to prevent freezing or the ability to winterize it easily yourself.
Nice landscaping adds curb appeal, and gets buyers in the door. Red and yellow blooming plants that flower throughout the warm months give color to an all green yard. Tulips, phlox, day lilies, tall grasses strategically placed are good. Monkey grass is good for areas you want to keep low maintenance- use 2 varieties for visual effect. Use pine needles for mulch to keep unwanted grasses out of flowering beds. Never use a pine bark, pine chips or soft woods for mulch; soft wood attrack wood destroying insects. Landscaping lights work too. Presure wash the side walks, gutters, eves, sofits, and siding. A nice area with a gazebo is inviting in the back yard area. No wild animal concrete statues, people, St Peter or Cupid statues are ok. An arbor is a nice touch too.
Master bed rooms: fresh paint- use light to med. tinted earth tones. Master baths need a masculine feel, never feminine. Same for remaining baths. New cabinet hardware, a window over the bath tub to let in natural light is good, tile in bathrooms is good- staggered pattern, wood floors in master bedroom is good. A garden tub is good (whirlpools are not cost effective an seldom used) as is a low rise (short step) shower with handicap bars in the shower and a seat to sit on. Use elongated toilets throughout, again include handicap bars. You open your home to a lot of other people even aging people if you make it friendly up front. And use lever handles door operators.
Basement: Add a playroom and an up-flush half bath. A bar sink would be good but not cost effective. Just be reasonable in what you do, do not make your home the biggest on the block. That drags your value down and the neighbors up. Use floresent lighting where ever possible, even flood lights. This helps keep operating cost down.
Kitchen: you have already updated the appliances. Cabinet hardware is a good choice, minimal or no wall paper, inc the dining area. Red encourages eating, that is why restaurants use red, avoid it unless you are running a restaurant. Tile floors are good, use a varied pattern, not a straight line square but off-set, it gives the eye something to see. Under counter lighting is good. Lots of counter top and cabinet space, Lazy Susan is a so-so, if you have it ok, do not add, but a well planned pantry with wire shelves and spaced efficiently will be a hit. Laundry room off kitchen is good. Counter tops of Avonite or Corian is good, granite is over kill and now dated. Light cherry or honey oak cabinets are good, wood darkens as it ages. Did I say NO BLUE?!?! NO BLUE!!
A 3 car garage is good, an out-building for lawn equipment is great- with electric, and this may well substitute for the 3rd garage area if you have it not already. This can also be a rustic looking structure, board and bat type siding and stacked stone at the front around the doors but not over the doors,use more wood. Hardy plank is good too, if the home is brick or stone paint the garge the same color as the trim if Hardy plank is used. Design it deep enough for a boat, min 24 ft deep. Add a motion sensor exterior light as well. I also am fond of a 30 ft. flag pole with Old Glory waving proudly, be sure to have a flood lamp positioned to illuminate it at night. That may look real good bentered in the front yard. If there is room, in the front yard a circle/horse shoe shaped drive adds usable, functionable parking area. Line both driveway sides with monkey grass. Landscaping flood lamps that shine "up" the wall bewteen windows on the front is ok or shine on a feature like maybe the front door is good. Paint the front door black, or fire engine red. No antique brass, shiney brass is ok brushed aluminum better. Green is a last resort, never purple, or some other color. OK to match shutters with front door, they are paintable too.
These are good cost effective things you can do, add appeal and get a good return, but no return will yield 100% the first year. All will enhance the opportunity to get the best price when you go to sell down the road. Always think of your exit when you go in to buy. What ever issues the last owner had, unless you correct them you too will have to over come them.
I've seen and sold a lot of homes. You'd be amazed at what people do- and are proud of it. Just do not make your inprovements too specific to YOUR tastes. You can go to the Parade of Homes in your area or open house and see the things I've mentioned to get a feel of what to do before you invest. Once you have seen these and made your plan THEN SPEND money, because now you have an clear objective and will more wisely buy.
Best wishes to you in your effort.
First stop spending- now! Trees are nice but 30? Not a cost effective benefit for so many. And not cheap either.
Pools many times are a liability unless you live in California or Florida. Keep it since you have it. Is there a pool house for the equipment? Do you fill the pool with city water or well water? A well is usable for washing the car, filling the pool and a landscape sprinkler system. You'd need a small well house that can be made of stacked stone veneer for effect. Include a latern light near the door and 2 side windows; it is a pump house and needs to look it. Also need a small heater to prevent freezing or the ability to winterize it easily yourself.
Nice landscaping adds curb appeal, and gets buyers in the door. Red and yellow blooming plants that flower throughout the warm months give color to an all green yard. Tulips, phlox, day lilies, tall grasses strategically placed are good. Monkey grass is good for areas you want to keep low maintenance- use 2 varieties for visual effect. Use pine needles for mulch to keep unwanted grasses out of flowering beds. Never use a pine bark, pine chips or soft woods for mulch; soft wood attrack wood destroying insects. Landscaping lights work too. Presure wash the side walks, gutters, eves, sofits, and siding. A nice area with a gazebo is inviting in the back yard area. No wild animal concrete statues, people, St Peter or Cupid statues are ok. An arbor is a nice touch too.
Master bed rooms: fresh paint- use light to med. tinted earth tones. Master baths need a masculine feel, never feminine. Same for remaining baths. New cabinet hardware, a window over the bath tub to let in natural light is good, tile in bathrooms is good- staggered pattern, wood floors in master bedroom is good. A garden tub is good (whirlpools are not cost effective an seldom used) as is a low rise (short step) shower with handicap bars in the shower and a seat to sit on. Use elongated toilets throughout, again include handicap bars. You open your home to a lot of other people even aging people if you make it friendly up front. And use lever handles door operators.
Basement: Add a playroom and an up-flush half bath. A bar sink would be good but not cost effective. Just be reasonable in what you do, do not make your home the biggest on the block. That drags your value down and the neighbors up. Use floresent lighting where ever possible, even flood lights. This helps keep operating cost down.
Kitchen: you have already updated the appliances. Cabinet hardware is a good choice, minimal or no wall paper, inc the dining area. Red encourages eating, that is why restaurants use red, avoid it unless you are running a restaurant. Tile floors are good, use a varied pattern, not a straight line square but off-set, it gives the eye something to see. Under counter lighting is good. Lots of counter top and cabinet space, Lazy Susan is a so-so, if you have it ok, do not add, but a well planned pantry with wire shelves and spaced efficiently will be a hit. Laundry room off kitchen is good. Counter tops of Avonite or Corian is good, granite is over kill and now dated. Light cherry or honey oak cabinets are good, wood darkens as it ages. Did I say NO BLUE?!?! NO BLUE!!
A 3 car garage is good, an out-building for lawn equipment is great- with electric, and this may well substitute for the 3rd garage area if you have it not already. This can also be a rustic looking structure, board and bat type siding and stacked stone at the front around the doors but not over the doors,use more wood. Hardy plank is good too, if the home is brick or stone paint the garge the same color as the trim if Hardy plank is used. Design it deep enough for a boat, min 24 ft deep. Add a motion sensor exterior light as well. I also am fond of a 30 ft. flag pole with Old Glory waving proudly, be sure to have a flood lamp positioned to illuminate it at night. That may look real good bentered in the front yard. If there is room, in the front yard a circle/horse shoe shaped drive adds usable, functionable parking area. Line both driveway sides with monkey grass. Landscaping flood lamps that shine "up" the wall bewteen windows on the front is ok or shine on a feature like maybe the front door is good. Paint the front door black, or fire engine red. No antique brass, shiney brass is ok brushed aluminum better. Green is a last resort, never purple, or some other color. OK to match shutters with front door, they are paintable too.
These are good cost effective things you can do, add appeal and get a good return, but no return will yield 100% the first year. All will enhance the opportunity to get the best price when you go to sell down the road. Always think of your exit when you go in to buy. What ever issues the last owner had, unless you correct them you too will have to over come them.
I've seen and sold a lot of homes. You'd be amazed at what people do- and are proud of it. Just do not make your inprovements too specific to YOUR tastes. You can go to the Parade of Homes in your area or open house and see the things I've mentioned to get a feel of what to do before you invest. Once you have seen these and made your plan THEN SPEND money, because now you have an clear objective and will more wisely buy.
Best wishes to you in your effort.
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Title Post: What are some basic things I need for each room of my apartment?
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