A Big List of Things to Buy for a New House

It isn't wrong to assume that your bed is the most important purchase - but actually, your mattress is.

Your bed frame can be as high or low quality as you want, but spending extra on a quality mattress from the beginning will help you get some much-needed sleep after a long day.

You'll also need:

• Bed sheets, pillows, pillow covers, and a duvet - 2 sets of each should be enough to begin with
• Lamps - for your side table or dresser for ambiance and lighting
• Wardrobe organisers - like hangers, drawer partitions, boxes and shoe racks
• A full size mirror - so you can check yourself before heading out for the day
• Storage boxes - use the space under your bed to store extra blankets, towels, sheets and even your Christmas tree

Most, if not all, apartments in Dubai come with built-in wardrobes so you'll save a cost here. For other pieces of furniture, like a dresser, explore if you can find a bedroom furniture set that includes your bed frame, bedside tables, and dresser to help you save costs.

When you first move in, there's no need to stock your entire kitchen - just start with the basics.

Not all apartments come with inbuilt white goods, so you might face some larger expenses when it comes to finishing your kitchen. Here's what you'll need:

• A stove/oven - some places come with them inbuilt, but if not, this is a must
• A fridge - again, some have them installed but most don't
• A microwave - you probably could survive without one, but they're super handy to have
• Pots and pans - you'll need to cook one day, eventually
• Dishware, flatware and glasses - start with enough for 4 people, or go up to 8 if you intend to have visitors
• Cutlery - again, enough for 4 but you may choose to go higher
• Knives and utensils - a small and large knife should suffice
• Mugs - for tea and coffee, or hot chocolate?
• Dishwashing supplies - like washing up liquid, or sponges
• Dish clothes - for cleaning pots, or the kitchen itself

Don't forget you'll also need countertop appliances - which may be restricted by the amount of counter space available in your new rental. A kettle is a must, so is a toaster - but you may also want to opt for a coffee machine or blender or slow cooker, for example.

What about your laundry?

Other appliances you'll probably need in an unfurnished apartment are a washing machine and dryer. Better yet, you should probably find a machine that is both a washer and dryer combined.