30 things you need in your apartment by the time you turn 30
A lot of things happen when you turn 30: You go on awesome trips, you get a pair of silk pajamas, and you often find yourself with the kick-ass job you always wanted. And you know what matches an awesome, grownup job? An apartment that reflects what a grownup you are. This doesn’t mean the place has to be huge, guarded by a doorman, and have a fully-stocked wine cellar (although that would be nice), but it does need to show that you’re serious about life and want your home to show that. Here are 30 things you should definitely have in your home by the time you turn 30.
1. A reclining chair
To me, this is the epitome of success. Just picture Rachel lounging in the LazyBoy Delux 3,000 and you’ll run out to get yours ASAP.
2. Framed posters and photos
What you put on the wall is your own choice, but if it’s important to you, then it should be in a frame. They are not expensive and you can get them at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
3. Placemats
When you’re in your 20s, no one expects you care about getting food on the table. But at 30? That all changes…
4. Legit curtains
You may think this looks thrifty to hang up a bed sheet or cool tapestry, but it just looks lazy. Plus, you can’t make clothes for seven children out of a table cloth.
5. A functional desk
Even if you like to keep all your work at the office, you should at least have the option to do work at a clean, organised workspace if you choose. Or maybe you just want to work on your novel or screenplay.
6. A computer
Even if you try to completely go off the grid on weekends, you need to have access to the Internet and work just in case, whether it’s a computer, a tablet, or your phone.
7. Lights that serve a purpose
A twinkle light is great, but it shouldn’t be the only light in the room. Those are 30-year-old eyes. You need a reading light.
8. Alarm clock
Yes, it’s hard to imagine a time when you won’t use your phone for every single thing, but an alarm clock is a right of passage into adulthood.
9. A filing system
You need to keep important documents in your home. Don’t just have them sprawling about. Have an organised filing system.
10. A Crock-Pot
People will think you know how to cook, but really you just threw a bunch of things in a bowl and let them simmer. Victory!
11. Storage space
You’ve been around for 30 years. You’ve got some stuff, but your high school yearbooks don’t always need to be displayed.
12. Books
Even if you aren’t an avid reader, get some of your favourites. Books tell people your story. Plus, everyone needs a copy of Lean In and Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants. And they can double as great coffee table decor.
13. A fully-stocked fridge
Even if you never make it home for a meal, keep something in your house to offer last-minute guests!
14. A drawer for your workout clothes
You’ve got a lot of Lulu, Athleta, Fabletics, and every other store that has an athleisure line. They deserve their own drawer.
15. A fancy wine opener
You’re a grownup. You deserve to easily open a wine bottle on a Friday night.
16. Makeshift wine glasses
And have as many friends as you want over without making one of them use a mug.
17. Wooden hangers
You’re 30. Get some wooden hangers. Your suits deserve it.
18. Visible Wifi password
If you have to go on a scavenger hunt for the tiny piece of paper you wrote down your ridiculously long password on every time someone wants to use your Wifi, there’d be an issue.
19. Plants
By 30, you should be able to keep something alive. It doesn’t have to be a human or an animal, but how about a plant? Or a fish?
20. Eating space
As much as you may like leaning over a counter and eating, it would be nice if you had the option to sit down, even if it is just at a coffee table or your desk.
21. Multiple phone chargers
Have two phone chargers. It will come in handy.
22. Throw pillows
You deserve ’em.
23. Holiday decor
We’re not saying you need to go totally Martha Stewart for any holiday, but maybe one little thing to acknowledge that you know what month it is.
24. A coat rack
You probably have a good coat by now. In fact, you have many of them. Gone are the days of throwing the coat on the coach, your bed, or the floor (or at least eventually you can move it to the rack).
25. A good desk chair
Just like at the office, you need a good desk chair to help support you when you work.
26. Rugs
Even college students have rugs! Just a small area one adds a fun touch to any space and is nice on a cold night.
27. A foyer (or a makeshift one)
You need a place for your keys, your shoes, you bag, and your new coat rack.
28. Valuables
The place doesn’t have to look like a museum with fine art on every wall or furniture so nice you don’t want to sit in it, but you should have at least one thing in there that took a few paychecks for you to buy.
29. A great bed
It’s just unacceptable at this point to have a bad one.
30. A place that feels like home
Most importantly, by the time you turn 30, you know yourself well. You want a home that reflects who you are and is your sanctuary from the busy world.
