Budget Living: 15 Excellent Dollar Store Items for a First Apartment

The first apartment a student moves into is often their first time living alone. With this being the case, few first-time apartment dwellers have the items they will need to furnish their new abode. Because budgets are often constrained for someone fresh out of college, every dollar counts, and the best way to use them is at the dollar store.

There are many dollar stores scattered throughout the US and abroad, and they go by many names. On the west coast, then 'everything's a dollar' stores are called 99c Shops, while on the east coast, the most popular dollar store is the Dollar Tree. There are other stores that are similar, such as the Family Dollar, but they aren't genuine $1 shops.

Below are 15 excellent deals that can be found at dollar stores to help furnish your first apartment.

Bar Soap

Bar soap at the dollar store is the same you buy at high-priced stores. The differences is in the age-the bar soap at a dollar store is harder on the outside due to moisture loss over time. The good news is that this doesn't matter. Think about it-where does the bar of soap go? In water. That drier-than-normal exterior will soften back to its normal condition in very little time.

Broom, Dustpan, and Mop

This is technically three items, but they all serve the same basic function, so I've lumped them together. These three items are all sold separately, but may sometimes be bundled together, which makes for an even better deal.

Shampoo and Conditioner

You're going to need to wash your hair-this isn't exactly something that can be put off. The shampoo at the dollar store is the same you buy at the regular stores, but it may be in Spanish or have a dented case. This hardly matters to your hair.

LED Flashlight

A flashlight is needed for getting that DVD from behind the TV, battery from under the couch, or for not walking into walls during a power-outage. The LED flashlights at the dollar store are more than adequate-I threw them against the wall a few times to make sure-and won't fail on you easily. Just be sure to get the 'LED' flashlight and not the regular-and incandescent bulb will burn hot and fast.

Batteries

OK, this one is only partially true. You sure wouldn't want to use these batteries in something like a digital camera, which will literally last about 90 seconds. You would, however, get the best bang for your buck by getting these cheap batteries for low-power devices such as LED flashlights and TV remotes, which use very, very little power.

Shower Curtain

These things have too short of a life to spend more than a $1.

Dish Soap

Palmolive is Palmolive, whether you get it for $1 or $3.

Bandages

Just be sure to check the count on the box. Some have a lot of bandages, while others have a few. Opt for the high-count boxes.

Dishes

This depends on the store near you. The Dollar Tree near me has quality Rubbermaid storage tubs and water bottles, thick porcelain bowls and mugs, as well as jars, plates, and cups.

Dish Rags

You can get wash rags and drying towels in bundles of three, which is an excellent price. I was worried these would disintegrate quickly, but they have withstood multiple washings and being used extensively.

Peroxide, Vaseline, and Rubbing Alcohol

I checked the prices from the Dollar Tree to three local grocery stores, including Wal-Mart, and the $1 were cheaper than the rest when calculating for amounts.

Toilet Brush

Think about what a toilet brush is used for-do you really think it is worth several dollars? The brushes at the dollar store are just as high of quality as the $5 ones at Wal-Mart.

Plunger

Not only is this cheap at $1, but it is one of the first things you should put in an apartment.

Spices

This depends on your store-some are low quality, others are. I recommend popping open a bottle and giving it a sniff. If it smells strong (and also pure), then you lucked out and your store sells cheap spices. Just make sure the amount you're purchasing is worth the price.

Foil

Foil is awesome for cooking because it eliminates the need to wash the pan when you're done. Most rolls of Reynolds foil is only 12 square feet, which isn't worth the price, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll likely spot one that is 25 square feet, which is worth the price.