Moving can be a great experience, if you go about it the right way. Maybe you just moved into your first apartment by yourself and the moving company just finished unloading the last boxes. As you start to unpack, you will quickly realize there are some things you need. You should start by creating a list of the things you need for your new apartment. Then, create a budget and start shopping.

Creating your New Apartment Budget

You just spent money to have a professional moving company help you move into your new apartment. The budget may be tight, but you can still get the essentials for your new apartment.

It may be tempting to run up credit cards or even take out a personal loan to get the nicest stuff possible. However, it's better to start with a few essentials and work on the rest later than taking on debt for things you may not need right away.

Take some time to set up a budget based on when you can afford. Look for sales at stores and try to do some bargain hunting. Online garage sale groups, actual garage sales, eBay, Amazon, consignment shops and online classified are great for finding good used items.

Start with the things you need and work on the things you want later. Essentials, such as a bed and plates for your kitchen might be more important than getting a dining room table.

Essentials you Need for your New Apartment

Those moving into their first apartment may need to start with just a few basic items. These will add up in a hurry, so don't try to get everything all at once.

Before you buy any furniture, you should measure the space. This is something you can do before you even move in. Then, if you buy a piece of furniture, you can have the moving company pick it up for you or move it from where you are storing it to your new apartment.

Always start with the things you will use most. You know what you need and what you can do without until you can afford it. Here are some of the items to consider.

• Bedroom - Bed, dresser, nightstand, pillowcases, bedding, mattress protector, sheets, blankets, alarm clock

• Kitchen/dining room - Table & chairs, plates & bowls, flatware, coffee mugs, cups, pots & pans, mixing bowls, serveware, cutting board, colander, corkscrew, ice cream scoop, dish trainer, coffee maker, microwave, paper towel holder, glassware, knife set, salt & pepper shakers, cooking utensils, cupboard liners, trash can, potholders, dish towels, toaster, blender, and more

• Cleaning Supplies - Vacuum, bucket, cleaning solutions, dish soap, drying rack, iron, ironing board, step stool, laundry machines, laundry detergent, mop, broom, dust pan

• Bathroom - Shower curtain, shower curtain liner, shower curtain rinks, toothbrush holder, shower caddy, towels, wash cloths, hair styling tools, toilet brush, toilet plunger, bath rugs

• Living Space - Couch, chairs, end table, coffee table, book shelf, blankets

• Other - Light bulbs, flashlight, batteries, fire extinguisher, radio, TV, DVD player, tool set, extension cords, surge protector

This is just a short list of the items you may need. Your situation may be different from someone else's and you may have other needs to add to the list. Make sure you consider all the things you need to live in your apartment from essentials to luxuries you can purchase later on.