1. TOILETRIES

Your personal toiletries are probably already in your bag, ready to unload. This would include your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap or body wash, and shampoo. What you may find when you close the door behind the moving company is that you dont have (or cant find):

• Toilet paper
• A toilet brush
• A shower curtain
• Bathmats and towels

Obviously, some of these are more critical than others. However, there are other essentials that you would want to keep within easy reach. For example, contact lens fluid, skin care products, shaving items, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products.

2. KITCHEN NECESSITIES

Cups, plates, cutlery check. As a new homeowner, you may already have a list of things to buy for your kitchen, but youre pretty sure youve got the basics, right?

Perhaps youve already got what you need, but those few items that you need right now are well in one of those boxes over there. Do you have:

• Oven gloves
• Dish towels
• Paper towels or napkins
• Cutting board
• Bottle opener 
• Dishcloth or cleaning sponges
• Washing liquid

We all know that unpacking the boxes marked kitchen stuff can take anywhere from 3 10 business days, so its definitely a plan to consider what you will need right away.

For some, its critical that a mug, coffee, and kettle be available the morning after the move. Families with small children will certainly need to keep bottles or sippy cups aside so they dont get lost in the chaos. 

While were looking at home essentials, you may want to add these to your list of things to buy:

• Toaster
• Microwave
• Serving dishes
• Instant pot
• Strainer
• Hand mixer

Of course, none of these needs to be brand new. If youre on a budget, you can pick up some bargains at your local thrift store or on Facebook Marketplace.

3. CLEANING PRODUCTS

You may be lucky and find that your brand-new Columbus Indiana apartment is spick and span and just needs a quick wipe-down before you start packing away your belongings. On the other hand, you may still have to do a little cleaning up after the previous tenant, in which case youll need quick access to:

• Garbage bags
• Cleaning cloths and paper towels
• Dustpan and broom or a vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Anti-bacterial cleaning spray for bathrooms and kitchen
• Gloves
• Toilet brush and toilet cleaner

If youre in a fix and find that you dont have all the cleaning supplies you need, you can always go the easy, natural route and use some common pantry items. For example, baking soda and water make a great abrasive cleaner, and a vinegar solution will remove odors and sanitize any surface.

4. FOOD

When it comes to moving to a new house, expect the unexpected. Whether youre battling a sudden downpour or the new landlord cant find the right keys, a thousand things can go wrong. The effect is that you may find yourself moving boxes at lunchtime with a cranky toddler. 

Planning your meals for moving day makes sense. We just tend to overlook the logistics of it until its too late. So, what should you have on hand to avoid hangry children or the afternoon slump that follows too little food?

• Bread and butter
• Ready-mix cereal
• Coffee and milk
• Finger snacks such as dried fruit or energy bars
• Fresh fruit

These basics should take care of the immediate needs of a hungry family. However, keeping some ready meals in the freezer for the first couple of days is wise. If youre not a fan of microwave dinners, then your pantry staples should include pasta, cooking oil, canned fish, eggs, canned vegetables, pasta sauces, and other easy-to-prepare meals.

It is also a smart idea to check out the local area beforehand in case you need to dash to the nearest store. (Or, youre simply craving pizza.)

5. FIRST AID

Murphys Law dictates that accidents will almost certainly happen when your life is off balance. So, while youre eyebrow-deep in moving into your new apartment, make sure that youre prepared for the worst. Keep the following items within easy access:

• Bandages
• Bandaids
• Cotton balls
• Tweezers
• Anti-bacterial spray
• Asprin or Ibuprofen

If you or your family suffers from allergies, then be sure to keep allergy medication on hand. Moving tends to throw up dust and irritants that can trigger allergic reactions. Keep asthma pumps and any other daily medication in a safe place.

SETTLING IN COLUMBUS, INDIANA?

Have you been searching for Indiana apartments? Yes, finding and settling into Indiana townhomes such as Williamsburg Bay, with the best amenities and an excellent address, is the dream of some. Thankfully, we have a range of incredible apartments available that are sure to wipe away the stress of moving.

To make the most of your new life in Columbus, and avoid those common things forgotten when moving into an apartment, create your own personalized list. Take a deep breath, plan carefully, and don't forget to ask for help.

For more information on upmarket apartments, amenities, and the local neighborhood, please feel free to get in touch.