A dresser is about $250.
Dining sets are expensive. I imagine you'll want a 4-seat table? That'll be about $300-$800 at Ikea.
Night stands aren't bad. About $80-$150 each.
You can get a really nice pots and pans set for $50.
Silverware for about $40. (EDIT: I think some people forget that nice silverware is expensive. I have bought the cheaper sets.. they don't hold up and break after a few uses. You'd be better off buying the $40 silverware set you can actually use more than twice than the $15 set that will just make you have to spend more money on new flatware in the future ;))
You'll need cooking utensils as well, which are usually sold as separates. Probably about $50 to get wooden/slotted spoons, spatulas, whisks, ladles, etc. Best bet is Amazon.
Potholders are about $10- don't forget those! You don't want a pan in the oven and you realize you have no way to get it out.
You can get a plate set at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for like $40.
Glasses are about $20 for 4.
If you want actual cleaning supplies, you'll need Windex, a bathroom cleaner, and counter wipes/spray. Those will be about $5 each. I use vinegar, personally. A giant bottle of vinegar does all my counters, bathrooms, and windows. Vinegar is like $2 and dilute it with water. It all depends on your preference and if you're spendthrift.
You'll need carpet cleaner, dish detergent, laundry detergent, a mop, and a broom. That'll be about $45. $75 if you get a Swiffer.
A shower curtain and liner will be about $45.
Bath mat about $15.
You'll need towels. They're $10-$40 each depending on quality. You'll need matching washcloths and hand towels as well (I usually do two of each for every 4 towels). Wash cloths are about $5-$10, hand towels $8-$18. So for 4 towels, two wash cloths, and two hand towels you'll be at $70-$220. Aim for low to mid-tier and you'll spend about $150.
$50 for bed sheets.
$10 for a few wash rags for dishes.
EXTRAS:
Do you need a TV/TV stand? A small flat screen is about $500. You can get a TV stand for $100.
A coffee table (for a cheap new one) is like $60. I'd go consignment. You can get a really nice real wood one for like $150.
You'll probably need a couple of lamps. One for living room and one for bedroom.$30 each for a cheap one.
Grant total: $1,370 - $2,425
Grand total + extras: $2,090 - $3,145
Again, most of this is based on preference. You can get something cheap and functional or you can get something that you like. Aim for between the two. Figure out that you can settle for.
Definitely utilize the dollar tree for most of your stuff. As you know, you can get:
-cooking utensils
-glasses
-wine glasses
-juice glasses
-mugs
-dishware (these ones are super nice looking http://www.dollartree.com/household/kitc...
-silverware ($40 for silverware? Wow that seems insane to me)
-measure spoons
-measuring cups
-cooking utensils (spatulas, spoons, slotted spoons, whisks, etc,)
-tongs
-chip clips
-colander
-grater
-sink strainer
-sink mats
-oven mits, hot pads, and kitchen towels
-betty crocker tupperware for leftovers
-LA's Totally Awesome line of cleaners (works AMAZING, super cheap, smells great, and not tested on animals!)
and that's just the tip of the iceberg. I'd personally only buy used furniture if you are on a budget, as it's crazy how much things cost brand new. Through craigslist, I've gotten a very nice oversized loveseat for $200 ($700 brand new, awesome bamboo accent chair for $25 (he paid $300), a side table with light built in for $10 (he paid $75), among other things. Just for those three things alone, I would of paid $1075 brand new, versus the $235 I spent. Just something to consider :)
Don't forget about a microwave, toaster, blender/food processor as well :)
If there are Big Lots stores where you live, check them out. They have great house ware stuff that's very cheap but a step above most dollar tree items. They also have furniture, including stools, chairs, tables, microwave carts, sofas, etc.... at good prices. $1500.00 should get you allot- you can upgrade as you go. I would not buy used upholstered furniture because of potential bedbug problems, but that's just me.
I would look online for used furniture.. livingroom furniture is very expensive brand new. if you want to buy brand new expect to spend over $500 on the couches alone. I would search craigslist or maybe thrift stores for nice used furniture. It would be a LOT cheaper that way.. I have lived in my apartment for 3 years and I still find myself slowly chipping away at buying things for my apartment.
Make a list of what you think you need and then find prices for it. It's impossible to say exactly how much it will cost, because we don't know exactly what you think you will need. You could spend as little as $1000, and you could spend $25,000 if you have it.
For top quality stuff budget $5,000 or more
For Ikea quality stuff budget $2500
For second hand Goodwill store type stuff budget $1000
I'm moving out with my boyfriend in August. I don't really have anything for a apartment (other than my bed). We would need furniture (dining set, couch, night stands etc.), kitchen supplies (pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups), cleaning supplies, bath mat, etc. etc.
How much should I expect to spend on everything just so I have an idea?
I know I can get a lot of stuff at the dollar store, and more inexpensive stuff at ikea.
