What to buy for your home when living alone for the first time
Something is thrilling about living alone for the first time — no roommates, no compromises and all the freedom to make your space feel like home. However, once the excitement subsides, the practical side takes over. What do you actually need to buy to get started? With the right essentials for living alone, you can build a space that’s not only functional but warm and inviting. Let’s walk through a room-by-room guide tailored especially for the UAE’s rental lifestyle.
Checklist for your apartment when living alone for the first time
Most people prefer renting apartments in the UAE when living alone for the first time. Apartments are convenient and way easier to live in than the much bigger villas and townhouses. But once the keys are in your hand, the real question begins: what do you need?
The answer lies somewhere between comfort and practicality — and that’s exactly what we’ll cover here. Let’s look at all the things to buy when living alone in the UAE.
Things to Buy for the Bedroom
First things first – you need a bed. But a good bed can be expensive, and you don’t want to scrimp on this purchase, as nothing beats a good night’s sleep. If you can’t afford a bed immediately, consider investing in a quality mattress for the time being.
Over time, you’ll realise that it’s not the bed but a good mattress that makes it to the list of essential things to buy for a new home. Make sure you have enough saved up for decorating your new place, as miscalculating is one of the common home-buyer mistakes.
While there are other things you need to buy for a new house, always make sure you set up the bedroom first. This is the place where you retreat after a long day at work, so make it comfortable and functional.
- Bed sheets, pillows, pillow covers and a duvet – 2 sets of each should be enough to get you started.
- Lamps. It’s important to have enough lighting in the room. A couple of lamps or more around the room can save it from looking dull and drab.
- Closet organisers. These include hangers, hooks, drawer partitions, boxes and even shoe racks. See what works best for you. This will help keep your room cleaner and easier to manage.
- Storage boxes. Instead of splurging on a chest of drawers, utilise the space under your bed to store extra blankets, towels, sheets and other things in quick-access boxes.
- A full-size mirror. You will need one to get ready before heading out for work, university or just a casual hangout with friends. Additionally, it is one of the most effective ways to make a small room appear larger.
Thankfully, even the most affordable rental apartments in Dubai usually come with built-in closets. You can save up on that. For other pieces of furniture, such as dressers or side tables, it is best to look for cheaper alternatives at second-hand furniture stores in Dubai. You can always get these things later when you don’t have too many expenses looming over your head.
Things to Buy for the Bathroom
Next on the first time living alone checklist is the bathroom. Living alone definitely has its perks. Imagine not having to share your bathroom with anyone unless you have a roommate or co-tenant. Among the list of things to buy for a new house, the following need to be purchased for the bathroom:
- Towels – 2 sets should be enough for a start.
- A shower curtain. Many new rental apartments in Dubai come with luxury bathtubs, and all you need is a shower curtain to limit the water from splashing around.
- Basic toiletries. Your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap bar, shampoo, deodorant and other items of personal hygiene.
- A toothbrush holder and water cup. Save money on them and use mason jars instead.
- A bathroom rug – if required.
- A toilet scrubber and plunger. You’ve got to take care of cleaning your bathroom now.
- Toilet rolls
Bathrooms, whether big or small, can become cluttered quickly, which is why it’s essential to pay attention to storage. A few useful bathroom storage tips can help make your bathroom appear clutter-free and manageable.
Things to Buy for a New House: The Furniture Essentials
Furniture is usually not a problem for people renting furnished apartments in Dubai. However, those of you living alone for the first time in one of the unfurnished options should add the following to the list of things to buy for a new house:
- A sofa – this is one of the best things to buy for a new house. A sofa is the basic piece of furniture you need to make your living room functional. Everything else can slowly follow.
- A coffee table. Definitely one of the important things to buy for a new apartment. Again, you can get an inexpensive piece to get your space functioning without damaging your bank balance.
- Somewhere to sit and eat. There is no point in getting a traditional dining table when you are living alone. If you prefer eating in front of the TV, invest in a sturdy coffee table. Alternatively, consider placing a couple of bar stools along your kitchen counter to utilise the space efficiently.
Kitchen Essentials for First Home
You need not stock your entire kitchen when buying things for a new house. Just start with the basic stuff. This is perhaps the best part about living alone – you don’t need too many kitchen supplies unless you’re regularly entertaining guests. Here are the must-have kitchen essentials you need:
- A stove/ oven
- Basic pots and pans – you can’t order takeout all the time.
- Dishware, flatware and glasses for 4. You can get them for 8 if you plan to host regular guests
- Knives and cookware utensils
- Baking supplies – if required
- Coffee mugs
- Dishwashing supplies
- Dish towels
Just start with these basics. You’ll have plenty of time to incorporate the latest kitchen design trends as you settle in. And don’t worry about the shortage of supplies when hosting a housewarming party. Just use disposable plates, glasses and flatware to save the hassle.
Essential Appliances and Gadgets You Need to Buy for a New House
This section is more relevant for people renting unfurnished apartments in Dubai. Among other things to buy for a new house, you also need to purchase the following appliances when living alone for the first time:
- A freezer-refrigerator
- A microwave oven
- Gas or Electric stove
- Washer and dryer for clothes
Most serviced rental apartments in Dubai provide these amenities to residents. Additionally, investing in energy-saving smart home gadgets can help reduce bills and simplify your routine:
- Smart plugs – Save energy and remotely control your appliances
- Wi-Fi bulbs – Adjustable brightness and scheduling
- Low-energy kettle or toaster
- An induction cooker is great for compact kitchens.
Budgeting and Decor Tips
Furnishing your first home doesn’t mean draining your savings. Start with the basics and prioritise functionality.
- Split purchases over months. Get the essentials now and décor later.
- Set a monthly limit for home purchases to avoid impulse spending.
- Look for bundle deals online or shop during Dubai Summer Surprises or Dubai Shopping Festival.
For décor, small changes go a long way:
- Use throw pillows, plants and art prints to bring warmth without spending too much. Do a quick search on the latest wall art trends and show some love to those bare walls.
- Stick to neutral furniture and use colourful accents to personalise the space.
- Always have more lighting. The pre-fitted light fixtures are never enough if you want a home that is well-lit and inviting. Add standing lamps, overhead lights, pendant lights and table lamps – whatever works for you.
- Keep spaces organised; it makes your home feel larger and more inviting. You can also use some clever storage ideas for small spaces.
FAQS ABOUT Essentials FOR LIVING ALONE
What should I prioritise buying for my new home?
Essentials for living alone for the first time include a mattress, cookware, basic appliances, cleaning supplies and lighting. Focus on high-use areas first: bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. To plan better, it’s worth exploring the costs of living in Dubai, which outlines typical expenses for rent, food, utilities and entertainment.
Where can I buy affordable furniture and home appliances in Dubai?
IKEA, THE One and Pottery Barn are among the top-rated furniture shops in Dubai. For those seeking value for money, several destinations for budget shopping in Dubai also stock a wide range of affordable ‘living alone’ essentials.
What are the other essential things to buy for a new home?
When creating a list of essentials for living alone, several smaller items come in handy but are often overlooked. These items include:
- Extension cords. The never-ending need for electric sockets is real!
- Cleaning supplies – dust rag, dustpan, broom, microfibre cleaning cloth, vacuum cleaners and cleaning brushes.
- A basic first aid kit with bandages, medicines, antiseptic creams and other things.
- A basic tool kit with a hand drill, screwdrivers, nails, screws and a hammer.
- DEWA filter. Reduces impurities in the tap water, especially useful for long-term renters.
And that’s a wrap on our blog about the checklist for your apartment when living alone in the UAE. Even when you get every item on the list of things to buy for a new house, your job is far from done. Managing and decorating a home when living alone for the first time can be tricky, especially when you’re on a tight budget. But you can always find affordable ways to revamp your home.
Setting up a home office? Here are some easy steps to create the perfect workspace in your Dubai home—even if you’ve only got a corner to spare!
First-time tenant? Here are the most important things to know before renting a property in Dubai to avoid common pitfalls.
For more useful home-related tips and trends, stay tuned to MyBayut – UAE’s top property blog!
