Move-In Ready

Moving into a new home takes planning, especially when you are balancing rent, deposits, utility costs, and everyday household needs. Start by focusing on the basics: a place to sleep, kitchen supplies, toiletries, cleaning products, and essential safety items. Planning ahead and setting a realistic budget can help you prioritize what you need immediately, spread out less urgent purchases, and settle into your new home with less stress.

Move-In Essentials Checklist

It is easy to overlook important items when you are preparing for a move. Use our Move-In Essentials Checklist to organize what you already have, identify what you still need, and decide which purchases should come first. The checklist covers everyday necessities for your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, cleaning, safety, and other areas of your home. Click the link below to view the checklist and get ready for move-in day.

​Shop Smart and Save on Housing Essentials

Picture
Setting up a new home can get expensive quickly, but you do not need to buy everything at once or the most expensive option. Begin with the items you will use every day, compare prices, and look for affordable choices at discount stores, dollar stores, thrift stores, and community organizations. Generic and store-brand products can also provide similar quality at a lower cost. Knowing what you need now and what can wait will help you stretch your budget while creating a comfortable and functional home.

Savvy Shopping- Thrift! 

Picture
Furnishing your new home doesn’t have to break the bank! Thrift stores offer a budget-friendly way to find quality furniture, household items, and décor at a fraction of the price. In Richland County, SC, there are several local thrift stores and resale shops where you can find gently used sofas, dining sets, kitchen essentials, and more. Shopping second-hand not only saves money but also helps reduce waste by giving items a second life.

To get the best deals:
  • Visit multiple stores to compare prices.
  • Keep an eye out for sales days or discounts for veterans.
  • Don’t be afraid to negotiate on larger items like furniture.
Check out local favorites like Habitat for Humanity ReStores, Salvation Army, and Goodwill, or explore smaller independent shops. With a little patience, you can find everything you need to make your new place feel like home!

Home Safety and Maintenance Tips

Picture
Moving into a new home is an exciting step, but it’s also important to make sure your living space is safe, secure, and well-maintained. Whether you’re new to apartment living or a seasoned renter, there are some basic home safety and upkeep practices that can help ensure peace of mind. Have an emergency plan in place, and stay on top of routine maintenance to prevent bigger problems down the road.
Below are some essential home safety and maintenance tips to guide you as you settle into your new apartment. These practical steps will help create a comfortable, well-functioning living environment for you and your family.
As you settle into your new apartment, it’s important to prioritize safety and maintenance to ensure a comfortable living environment. Here are a few key tips to help you get started:
  1. Fire Prevention: Make sure your apartment has working smoke detectors in all key areas, such as bedrooms and the kitchen. Test them monthly and replace the batteries as needed. Be mindful of using candles, space heaters, and electrical appliances—never leave them unattended. Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it.
  2. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers (fire department, police, and local health services) easily accessible. Consider posting it on your refrigerator or saving the numbers in your phone. Also, familiarize yourself with the building’s fire escape plan and locate the nearest exits.
  3. General Maintenance Checklist:
    • Inspect appliances: Regularly check your appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, and HVAC systems, for signs of wear or malfunction. Report any issues to your landlord promptly.
    • Plumbing: Check for leaks under sinks or in the bathroom. A small leak can lead to bigger problems if not addressed early.
    • Pest Control: Keep your apartment clean and properly store food to prevent attracting pests. If you notice signs of pests, report it immediately.
    • Security: Ensure all doors and windows have functioning locks. If your apartment has an intercom system, only buzz in people you know.
Taking these simple steps can help you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Always report maintenance concerns to your landlord as soon as possible to prevent small issues from becoming major problems.