Sarah Landrum

If you’re just moving in to your first ever apartment or home of your own, you’re probably pretty psyched right now. All of that newfound independence to do what you want when you want it: what could be better than that? If you’re used to your parents picking up the groceries and other house necessities, or if your old college roommates always reminded you when you were getting low on toilet paper, being on your own might come as a bit of a shock.

There’s a lot you’re going to need to take care of on your own, so get organized. Keep one of those notepads on your fridge so you can scribble down when you’re out of eggs. Nobody likes getting back from the store only to realize they’ve forgotten something. And keep a calendar. Seriously. This will keep you on track and remind you to do all of the things on time.

Aside from the obvious items like bread and milk, there’s a ton of other things you’re going to rely on to survive this next chapter of your life in your new place.

Kitchen

1. Because there are so many appliances and tools needed in the kitchen, it’s easy to forget some of the most important extras, like ice-cube trays. It’s likely that your first fridge won’t have a built in ice-cube maker, so you’re going to need to buy a few cheap trays to chill in your fridge. When you have your first housewarming party, you’ll be thanking us for this reminder.

2. Picture yourself making your very first home cooked meal on your own. It’s basically a success until you realize that you can’t take what you made out of the oven, because you forgot oven-mitts. Any other alternative will probably leave you a little burned, so make sure you invest in a few of these so that your cooking doesn’t go to waste.

3. People will convince you that you need a lot of fancy tools that you just don’t. Whisks and choppers can be easily avoided, but don’t try to go without a set of measuring cups and spoons. If you want any of your cooking to come out edible, the first step is to not eyeball the measurements.

Bathroom

1. It’s possible that you don’t want to waste money decorating your bathroom, because, after all, it’s just a bathroom. But there is one thing that you can buy that will transform the whole experience: bathmats. When you get out of the shower, you don’t want to step onto the cold tile flooring, and your guests will definitely appreciate the welcoming touch.

2. You’re probably quick enough to know that towels should absolutely be on your necessity list. Not just one towel that you’re going to crumple in a ball on the floor and pick up soaking wet the next day; you’re going to need a grownup supply of towels. That means hand towels for the bathroom and kitchen, as well as a spare towel for the gym. Coming unprepared with towels is a sure way to set yourself up for disaster.

3. One of those things that you never realize you need until you need it is a plunger. This may not be the most glamorous item to shop for, but please just throw one in your shopping cart. You don’t want to have to call your landlord or knock on those cute guys’ door down the hall every time your toilet clogs. If you’re moving into an old space, it may not have the best plumbing or the fastest toilets, so come prepared.

Bedroom

1. When you’re moving in to a new place, you might not know what the air is going to be like there. You risk waking up with nosebleeds because it’s so dry, or your hair could be volumizing with all of the humidity. Either way, you want to get that situation under control. Investing in a humidity control product is a good way to let you live more comfortably by maintaining the humidity levels in your home.

2. Living on your own can be a little scary, especially if the power goes out in a big storm. Keep a reliable flashlight in your nightstand or close to your bed so that it is easily accessible. You don’t want to be caught in a blackout rummaging for old matches.

3. Similar to humidity control, you’re going to want to control the temperature without having to go crazy on the electricity bill (you know, that thing you have to pay now). Get a solid fan that you can place by your bed to keep you cool. It also doubles as a noisemaker for when your neighbors decide to have a fight at 3 a.m.

You’ll remember most of what you need, but checking these items off your list will guarantee you’ve thought of everything.

Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer and the founder of Punched Clocks, a site dedicated to helping young professionals realize happiness and success in their careers and live life to the fullest. Follow her for more great tips @SarahLandrum