Follow This Checklist for Styling Your Columbia, MO Apartment Post-Grad

After years of long semesters and days spent studying, you’re probably relieved to be at the end of all the hard work you’ve accomplished. If you want to signify this life change and start transitioning to adulthood, it’s important to look back at your college furniture and determine what’s next. Will your new apartment in Columbia, MO need some decor or small appliance replacements that represent an evolved you? When it’s time to box all your belongings up and make room for new furniture, you might feel overwhelmed with this unfamiliar responsibility, unsure of what your next rental will entail. 

Some of your current items might be getting old or outdated, or you may need to find ways to contribute to a two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment. Either way, The Lofts of Columbia is here to guide you through the process of going from “college student” to “young professional”. Let us point you in the right direction while you furnish a new apartment, and explore our accommodating complexes before scheduling a tour!

Tips for preparing to move into your new apartment complex in Columbia, MO

As you get ready to live under another lease, there are a few things you can check off your list before even considering the furniture in each room. These steps can help you get acquainted with your landlord and roommates (if you have any), learn essential information, and troubleshoot utilities to provide the best performance. It is common for tenants to take photos or videos of their apartment complex on move-in day, just in case any damages or issues could affect their security deposit. The sooner you address these things with your landlord or property manager, the sooner a problem can be solved.

If you’re living in an apartment with roommates in Columbia, MO, this is also the right time to set expectations about chores, how furniture will be shared, and important dates like your monthly rent payments. Before you plan and organize each room in your future apartment, be sure to pack everything up and take inventory–this will make it feel less intimidating to distinguish what you’re keeping and what you would like to replace. Once the basics are covered, begin imagining your experience in a Columbia, MO apartment with matured, elevated taste.

How to decorate & furnish your Columbia, MO apartment bedroom 

Even if you live in a two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment, you’ll likely be responsible for most of your bedroom’s furniture and decoration. One of your biggest priorities for an apartment bedroom should be finding quality bedding and a comfortable mattress. If your apartment unit in Columbia, MO comes with a simple bed frame and mattress, consider making the space personal to you. If you used a mattress topper in college dorms, it might still be useful as you move into a new apartment complex. Other bedroom furniture includes nightstands, study desks, dressers, and entertainment such as a television or gaming console. This will be the most expressive room in your Columbia, MO apartment, so let loose with your creativity! Your decor may have been restricted by smaller living spaces in the past, but within your landlord’s guidelines, you can find amazing posters, area rugs, photography, lighting, and more to give the bedroom a customized touch.

Kitchen essentials for your first apartment in Columbia, MO after college

Your next step is determining what your apartment kitchen needs, and this will be one of the most important rooms in the unit. Depending on your previous living situation, having a kitchen for cooking all your favorite recipes at home will give you more control over your independence and health than campus dining halls. With this extra space, you and your roommates could benefit from owning more dishware like plates, bowls, food containers, and utensils. A good rule of thumb is to buy at least four of each, so you’re not constantly washing forks and knives. This upgrade to a new apartment could also be the perfect time to replace certain appliances, from coffee machines to premium toaster ovens. If you are sharing an apartment kitchen in Columbia, MO, there are easy ways to divvy up the checklist amongst everybody. 

Bathroom must-haves for a new apartment complex in Columbia, MO

Gone are the days of packing all your bathroom supplies into a caddy and wearing slippers in the shower. Now that you’ll have a clean and personal bathroom, you’ll need to stock up on the basics for a first-time renter. Start with the shower curtain, making sure to find a good liner and hooks to connect to it. Afterwards, shop for a set of towels, washcloths, and a bathroom mat for staying dry. If you don’t already have bathroom cleaning supplies like scrubbing brushes or plungers, now is absolutely the time to have these essentials prepared for cleaning your apartment in Columbia, MO. 

What items & furniture will your Columbia, MO apartment's living room need?

Last but not least, the common living spaces will need to be furnished and decorated after moving in. The quintessential living room setup typically has a couch, a coffee table, and a television set with an entertainment console. With proper furnishing, this will be a wonderful spot for you and your roommates to study, watch movies, play games, or just bond with people in the space. When seeking out living room furniture, it’s wise to explore multiple options and see where quality second-hand items can be found, whether online or in person. Similar to your apartment bedroom, this is also an area where you can search for creative forms of expression through art, lighting, rugs, and more.

At The Lofts of Columbia, College Students Can Comfortably Adjust to Adult Life. Contact Us Today & Learn More About Our Apartment Complexes in Columbia, MO

Whether you would prefer to stay close to the downtown area or gain access to shopping on the Southwest side of Columbia, we have an apartment with your perfect location and all the amenities one could ask for post-graduation! Between our honest communication and modern complexes, you’ll fit right into adulthood with the best starter resources possible. Walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, and so much more await you at any one of The Lofts of Columbia properties. Schedule a tour of one of our apartments and apply!