Setting up your first apartment: tips and tricks

Setting up your own first apartment– that’s something very special. But also a little tricky, because young people aren't usually awash with cash. No problem: this allows you to furnish your apartment sensibly and stylishly without spending much.

Basic kit: what do I really need?

Only you can answer this question yourself. Take a look at your everyday life: What do you use in the bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom? Which items are relevant for your hobbies? It’s best to go room by room through your parents’ home and create your own personal list. Checklists from the internet can be used as a supplement. Of course, it also depends on whether you'll be living alone in the future, moving into the first shared apartment  with your partner, or into a shared house.

Our tip is to limit yourself to the bare essentials for the time being (“I will definitely need this”) and deliberately avoid nice-to-haves (“this could come in handy someday”). Because if you want to make provision for everything, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stuff your own first apartment with things you may never use. It’s better to wait and see if you miss certain items at all.

Tips for setting up

• Boldly declutter. Use the move to get rid of ballast and dispose of old stuff from your childhood. However, keep memories that could be of sentimental value to you at a later stage. 
• Be brave enough to leave gaps. Does the seating area in the living room still comprise the guest mattress? So what? A favorite cuddly blanket, a couple of stylish pillows, and it’s very cozy. The fact that you can relax at home is enough for the moment.
• Plenty of air and space. Small apartments quickly become too full. Stay on the minimalist side! You’ll see: later, more furniture will be added all by itself.

Budget: How much does the initial set-up cost?

Very little. Or a lot. Or something in between. The fact is that you can furnish a home wonderfully with little money. And a lot of money is no guarantee of living nicely. Regardless of your financial situation: set a reasonable budget for the initial set-up and stick to it rigidly. Go shopping in a targeted way – with the list to hand. Take someone with you who can advise and assist you (i.e. by encouraging you or telling you to slow down). Don't make hasty decisions, and never be pushed into buying anything. If you're unsure about major purchases, sleep on it for a few nights.

Savings tips

• Used instead of new. There’s plenty of furniture in second-hand shops, online sales platforms and lofts. It's cheaper, more original and more sustainable than the plain furniture everyone has anyway. 
• Be inventive. Clothes don’t need a closet. A chest of drawers and a clothes rack are also OK. Wooden crates, basement shelving, wine boxes, euro-pallets, etc. can be used for many things – you can find countless ideas online.
• Take your time. A couch or dining table are like good friends: if they suit you, they'll faithfully accompany you for many years. If you fall in love with a piece of furniture, then save up for it! The waiting and anticipation increase its subjective value.

Priorities: Where do I start when setting up?

First of all, you should install the lighting. After a strenuous day moving, it’s not nice having to tap your mobile phone flashlight through the pitch-dark apartment. After all, it’s best to focus on your basic needs: sleeping and eating, clothes and personal hygiene. So first set up the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen so that your daily routines work smoothly. 

As soon as you've installed the basics relevant to your everyday life, you can optimize your own little realm in peace. Don’t let yourself be stressed out, but enjoy the process: this is where your very personal oasis of well-being is created.

Atmosphere: How will my home be cozy?

You can achieve a special ambience by skillfully setting accents. You don’t need expensive accessories.

• Show everything in the right light. Use warm and indirect light from multiple light sources, preferably near the wall rather than in the center of the room. Try to use energy-saving lamps.
• Nature does you good. Plants, pictures of nature and natural materials ensure that you have a warm and cozy environment. Don't have green fingers? Cacti are also pretty ... 
• Personal touch. Modern, Scandinavian, industrial, vintage etc. – what do you like? Discover your own style. It doesn’t matter what others think, YOU have to like it.

Insurance: What risks should I insure? 

If you’ve just moved away from home, you want to keep your fixed costs as low as possible. Nevertheless, a small budget can be the argument in favor of insurance, as it makes risks calculable. If you have enough money for emergencies, you are more likely to be able to bear risks yourself. These are the most important types of insurance:

1. Personal liability insurance

Despite taking every precaution, mishaps can always happen. The financial consequences are particularly severe if someone is injured. But property damage, such as damage to your rental apartment, can quickly become expensive too. That’s why personal liability insurance is a must. The annual costs are manageable. Calculate your premium directly online or request different quotations to find the best offer. 

2. Household contents insurance

Your first apartment may be very simply furnished – is household contents insurance even necessary? Your possessions are probably worth more than you think. How much would it cost to replace the essentials if you lost your entire household contents? Don't just think of furniture, household equipment and electronics, but also of clothes and shoes, books and media, leisure and sports equipment, etc.

Tip: AXA household insurance combines personal liability and household contents. Over 85 percent of our customers prefer this all-inclusive solution.