”Oh S#%t!”: 8 Essential Items Every First-Time Renter Should Own BEFORE They Need It

Moving out for the first time is both exciting and stressful. There’s the thrill of freedom, and then there’s that hit to your bank account. There are also a million details that must be attended to: outfitting your new place, finding moving boxes, packing, finding helpers for & coordinating moving day, signing up for utilities, and changing your address everywhere. The list goes on.

While you’re lost in all of these details, there are other things that aren’t even going to be on your radar—until they suddenly are, and then it’s too late. Don’t worry! Jen has you covered. I am a mom after all, and moms exist to offer Guidance and Wisdom, right?

There are so many things you will need to outfit your new home: furniture, cookware & utensils, cleaning supplies, spices… It just goes on and on, doesn’t it? Luckily there are helpful checklists spread far & wide across the internet. They are a great resource and can help you get off to a great start.

However, what I don’t often see on these checklists are some of the most important items you can own. So today I’m going to provide you with my checklist of absolute essentials that every household should possess from Day One.

As a first time renter, you will quickly learn to make do with what you have. After all, once you’ve paid that security deposit and first month’s rent, you’re going to be tapped out for a while. You will learn to be resourceful and creative, and everything will be hunky-dory…until it suddenly isn’t. You can make do with the flimsy futon, and you can make do without a vegetable peeler. However, life has a way of throwing a wrench into our plans from time to time, and we are presented with situations in which we can’t “make do” unless we’ve planned ahead.

The following list will help you plan ahead for some of these surprises you may encounter along the way. By adding these eight items to your shopping list, you will be ready when s#%t inevitably hits that fan.

Toilet Paper

First thing’s first. Don’t get caught with your pants down! The very first time you visit your new place, take toilet paper! In all the excitement of moving, toilet paper is going to be the last thing on your mind…until you use the bathroom and uh-oh.

Oh, yeah, and maybe get some hand soap too.

Renters Insurance

Some landlords & property management companies require it these days, but even if they don’t, buy a policy anyway! Renters insurance is inexpensive and could prove to be invaluable.

My two biggest pieces of advice:

While renters insurance is inexpensive, do not necessarily go with the cheapest policy just to save a few bucks; do your research!

Scoring the cheapest renters insurance policy might feel like a win, but remember, price shouldn’t be the only factor. Think of it like buying a phone: the most affordable option might get you basic calls and texts, but it won’t have the latest features or hold up well if dropped. Similarly, a rock-bottom renters insurance policy might only offer the bare minimums. This could leave you financially exposed in case of a major event, like a fire or theft.

Instead, consider factors like coverage details, deductibles, and, importantly, the insurance company’s financial strength. You want to be confident they have the resources to pay out your claims if needed.

Don’t be afraid to compare quotes and delve deeper into the details. Checking online reviews from previous customers can also be insightful. They can offer valuable perspectives on the company’s claims process and overall customer service.

By taking the time to research and compare options, you can find a renters insurance policy that’s both affordable and provides the comprehensive protection you deserve.

Also, I strongly urge you to pay extra for a policy with replacement cost value as opposed to actual cash value!

Picking a renters insurance policy can feel overwhelming, but choosing between actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost value (RCV) is an important decision. While ACV reimburses you for the depreciated value of your belongings, like a well-loved couch that’s seen better days, RCV provides the funds to replace your possessions with brand new ones.

So, if a fire engulfs your electronics, RCV ensures you get the cash to get back on your feet with the latest tech, not yesterday’s models. While it might cost a bit more upfront, RCV offers the peace of mind of knowing you can rebuild your life without the burden of replacing everything at a discounted price.

For further reading, check out How To Buy Renters Insurance from US News & World Reports

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Owning a carbon monoxide (CO) detector is crucial for your safety because CO is a silent killer. This odorless and colorless gas can leak from various sources in your home, like faulty furnaces, water heaters, or even blocked chimneys. Since you can’t detect it on your own, a CO detector is an absolute must-have. It will sound an alarm the moment it senses dangerous levels of CO, giving you precious time to evacuate and seek help. It’s a small investment that can potentially save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Also, you will need a CO monitor for each level of your home.

Reasons I like the Kidde KN-COPP-B-LPM:

  • It’s battery operated rather than hardwired, which is perfect for renters.
  • It’s inexpensive.
  • It features a digital display where you can see how many PPM the unit is detecting at any given moment.

TIP: For an easy way to mount this unit without damaging your walls, use some Command Velcro strips. Fair warning: these cannot be used on wallpaper, textured walls, brick, or other rough surfaces. If your walls are not suitable for the Command strips, and you’re concerned about damaging your wall with screws, you can always purchase a plug-in monitor.

All Purpose Tool Kit

Chances are you won’t need a tool kit in the event of emergency, but you will be thankful to have it when a need does arise. Sure, you can run out to buy a screwdriver to fix that loose toilet seat or a hex wrench to fix a jammed garbage disposal. However, if you’re anything like me, that approach won’t cut it. When I want to fix something, I want to fix it now.

Besides, having a tool kit available upon moving in just makes sense since you will probably need it for hanging pictures and curtains, as well as assembling furniture.

The tool kit I linked to is a “cheapie” from Harbor Freight. I chose it because it is inexpensive, has a decent variety of tools, and comes with a lifetime warranty. These are not top-of-the-line tools, but they’re perfectly serviceable for occasional household tasks.

If, however, if you are willing to spend more, you may want to check out this Craftsman tool kit.

Bandages

While you eventually should invest in a first aid kit, you’ll definitely at least want bandages on hand from Day One.

Accidents happen, and having bandages readily available allows for immediate first aid in case of the inevitable minor cuts or scrapes, blisters, and burns inflicted during daily activities, furniture assembly, unpacking, or even exploring a new environment.

Fire Extinguisher

Owning a fire extinguisher is a crucial safety measure for any home. They can be your first line of defense against small fires, potentially preventing them from growing and causing significant damage. However, it’s important to remember that fire extinguishers are most effective when used on small, contained fires.

In case of a larger fire, it’s always recommended to evacuate the building immediately and call emergency services.

For optimal fire safety, it’s wise to invest in a fire extinguisher and familiarize yourself with its proper use, but remember that they are not a replacement for a safe evacuation plan and calling the fire department in emergencies.

Toilet Plunger

Toilet paper. Check.

Hand soap. Check.

You flush, and just when you think it went down, the water stops swirling and begins filling the bowl. Panic sets in as the water rapidly approaches the top of the bowl. Oh no.

Luckily it stops just in time.

You need to fix this fast because guests will be arriving for your housewarming party in less than 30 minutes!

Then it hits you.

You don’t own a plunger.

Friends, don’t let this happen to you.

Get yourself a flange plunger. This is the most versatile and user-friendly type of plunger for toilets. It has a wide, flat rubber cup with an extension around the edge that creates a tight seal in the toilet bowl. This design allows the plunger to work effectively on most types of clogs.

…and don’t forget to buy something to store it in when not in use!

Flashlight

Why do power outages usually seem to happen when it’s dark out?

While power outages create all sorts of problems, don’t let darkness be one of them. Get yourself a good flashlight, keep it in working condition, and store it where it’s easily accessible. Because you’re going to need to use the bathroom when the power goes out.

There are other uses too.

Also, I’m all about learning how to mitigate all of the ”oh s#%t!” moments in life as best as I can. None of us can do it perfectly, but a little knowledge and preparation will go a long way in unexpected and emergency situations. That’s why, when the dust settles and you’re feeling more confident in your role as master or mistress of the home, I recommend learning more about emergency preparedness in general.

So there you have it, renters! With these eight essentials in your arsenal, you’ll be equipped to handle some of the unexpected bumps and spills of living on your own. Remember, a little planning goes a long way, and having these items on hand can help keep your stress levels down, protect your health and safety, provide peace of mind…and maybe even save you a little embarrassment. Now get out there and enjoy the freedom and fun of your new place!

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