After a year of sharing a small kitchen in an on-campus college dorm with only one microwave and an oven with over 50 other students living on the same floor, moving into an apartment with a full kitchen can seem like a palace for undergraduates who have only had the experience of cooking instant ramen noodles in the communal microwave. For first-time apartment-renting students who have previously lived either in a dorm or at home with the luxury of their parents’ cooking, it can be overwhelming to finally have a kitchen of their own with the responsibility of buying food and supplies, organizing and decorating the space, and cooking meals. At Gainesville, Florida’s Trimark Properties, we specialize in student housing around the University of Florida campus, and have witnessed the multitude of ways students have chosen to set up and organize their apartment kitchens.
Below are the most useful tips for college students to establish and organize their apartment’s kitchen:
1.) Invest in useful kitchen tools – Upon move-in at your new apartment, be sure that you are stocked up on kitchen gadgets so you will not be in need of one at the last minute. Invest in tools such as a toaster, toaster oven, a sturdy set of plates, cups, and utensils, a can opener, thermometer, and a measuring cup, among other appliances, so you can whip up a master creation without interruptions.
2.) Use mason jars or plastic containers and a label maker to organize food and prevent it from spoiling – Instead of bulky cardboard boxes taking up extra space in your pantry, transfer items such as cereal, sugar, and cookies to Tupperware containers or Mason jars to maximize your available space. Use a label maker or sharpie to write the item and date purchased on the container so you will know when it’s time to toss it out.
3.) Prevent a messy kitchen by stocking up on cleaning supplies – A clean kitchenwill prevent pests from coming into your apartment, promote more efficient study habits, and contribute to overall health and well-being. Be sure to invest in cleaning supplies and disinfectants for every surface in your kitchen, including the counters, floors, and cabinets. Newer kitchens generally feature granite linoleum countertops; however older kitchens at restored apartments, such as Union Street Historic Apartments, have multiple kitchen surfaces which include polished wood cabinets, requiring a different cleaner. Wood can be damaged by traditional cleaners that are used for plastic and metal surfaces, so make sure to pay attention to directions and cleaning care when buying supplies. It is important to have cleaning supplies on hand which cater to every surface’ clean, hygienic space.
4.) Keep an updated grocery list on a dry-erase board for your refrigerator –Whenever you run out of a food item or need more of an ingredient, take the time to write down that item on a notepad or dry-erase board. You can place the board or notepad on a magnet conveniently located on your refrigerator as soon as you realize the item is out to avoid going grocery shopping and forgetting an important item during the visit. This method is especially important for any residents who are avid cookers, since one missing ingredient can lead to a ruined recipe.
5.) Brighten up the space with fresh flowers or plants – One often-overlooked decorative tool are fresh plants, which brighten up the entire kitchen and provide a fresh, healthy atmosphere to cook in. Adding a pop of color with fresh flowers is an affordable and attractive decorative took that will liven up the whole space. Better yet, you’ll want to spend more time cooking so that you can spend more time in your new favorite room.
Do you have any tips on organizing a kitchen for first-time apartment renters?
