Moving into an unfurnished property can be intimidating at first, especially if its your first move. It can be easy to overlook or forget which things you’re going to need in order to make a property comfortable and homely. Before you move in, it can be helpful to go over what essentials you’ll need to bring with you or purchase in order to make your initial few months stress free and create a desirable living environment.

Chairs and Sofas

Having a nice sofa or couple of chairs to relax in after a hard day is essential, especially after moving all your stuff in. If you aren’t bringing a sofa with you, you can often find some great bargains on the internet, on sites such as gum tree, eBay and even free cycle, which can all be great cash saving alternatives to buying an expensive new sofa, especially if the property is rented and you don’t plan on staying permanently.

Cutlery and kitchen goods

Most unfurnished flats will have cookers and ovens, but you’ll need to bring your own cutlery, pots and pans. Again, these kind of things can often be picked up cheaply from the internet, but a decent set of cutlery will not set you back too much from home ware shops. It’s a good idea to get a couple of mugs and glasses, these usually come in sets of 4, and a set of plates and bowls, for when you have friends over.

Bed and wardrobe

These are the basics for any bedroom. You can always get hold of more storage options at a later date, but for your initial move you’ll want to make sure you have somewhere to sleep and store your clothes. Bed frames may sometimes be provided, in which case you’ll only need a mattress and other bedding basic bedding items.

TV, phone and internet

Bringing a phone and TV with you is a must, but if you don’t own these items, once again they can be found very cheaply online at the sites mentioned earlier, although landline phones are available quite cheaply from most retailers these days, as well as basic televisions. Be sure to check what connections are available at the property prior to moving in. Some flats have satellite receivers and phone lines in built and ready to go, which means you simply need to get them connected under your name. This can be worth doing the month before you move, so everything is up and running when you arrive. Most internet providers also supply routers, so generally you can save money here by not having to buy one yourself.

Vacuum cleaner, and cleaning items

This can be really useful to have from the get go, as you will most likely want to have a quick clean up after unpacking, and cleaning items are unlikely to be in the flat. For a flat, a small portable hoover should be more than adequate. It’s also a good idea to bring along some cleaning sponges, basic cleaning products, and washing up liquid to get you started. It can also be handy to bring along some basic DIY tools, such as screwdrivers and light bulbs

Fridge Freezer

Some properties may come with these built in, but if not, you’ll need to get one ASAP, as eating out for the first few weeks after a move will get very expensive. Small fridges are a good option if space is a concern, otherwise check local retailers for deals, or pick one up second hand.