When you’re on a budget, you’re always looking for ways to save — whether that means using coupons while grocery shopping or only searching for clothes on the sale rack. But when it comes to outfitting your apartment, there are certain items that are definitely worth the splurge. Paying more for these six things can improve the functionality of your apartment and prevent you from having to replace them later on. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on these six items:
1. A good mattress. You sleep in your bed every night, so why wouldn’t you want to invest in a mattress that’s actually comfortable? It may seem like a lot of money to spend, but you’ll be happy you chose the higher-quality mattress when you’re not tossing and turning at night. Choosing a good mattress means a better night’s sleep, which is necessary for your nervous system to function properly. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a lack of sleep can impede concentration, memory and physical performance. Don’t think of it as paying for a mattress, think of it as paying for a great night’s sleep and peak neurological performance.
2. A couch. You don’t want to have to buy a sofa each time you move into a new apartment. Instead, invest in a comfortable, luxurious couch that you can take with you wherever you move. Expensive, high-quality furniture is built to last you a long time, so you know your money won’t be going to waste. Before you buy a sofa, however, consider the style and color. It may be best to purchase a neutral hue couch that will match a variety of apartment styles. You might love that bright green now, but will you love it as much three years from now?
3. Internet speed. There is nothing more frustrating than staring at a screen waiting for a page to load. A speedy Internet connection is a must, especially if there are several people living in your apartment. Without a solid connection, more than one person using the Internet at the same time can really slow down your Internet speed. A high-speed connection is even more imperative if you work from home or if you plan to cut cable for a video streaming service. Conversely, you don’t want to overspend on your Internet service if your use is minimal. The Federal Communications Commission offers a Household Broadband Guide to determine what Internet speed is right for you.
4. Crockpot. There’s no way around it: Americans are busy. If you want to avoid going out or ordering in, but don’t have the time or energy to cook, you’ll want to splurge on a quality crockpot. When you’re getting ready in the morning, toss the necessary ingredients into the crock pot and turn it on. When you get home, you’ll have a hot home-cooked meal waiting for you. Plus, you can make just about anything with this kitchen appliance. Cook a pot roast, whip up some chili or make oatmeal at night to have it ready when you get up in the morning. You can also bake desserts like chocolate lava cake or cheesecake.
5. Kitchen knives. Have you ever tried to chop vegetables or meat with a cheap, dull kitchen knife? Cheap knives don’t slice well, and it ends up taking you twice as long to prepare dinner when you use them. Not only is using cheap knives extremely frustrating — it’s also dangerous because they generally have move flexible blades, making it easier to slip and cut your fingers. Be willing to spend the money on a great set of kitchen knives and a knife sharpener. High-quality cutlery will last longer, preventing you from having to buy a new set frequently.
6. Vacuum. A dirty carpet is an easy way to lose a portion of your security deposit — especially if you have pets. With a reliable vacuum cleaner, you’ll spend less time cleaning the floors and you’ll spend less money repairing or replacing the machine. If you have allergies, you should also consider investing in a vacuum with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter, which traps more than 99 percent of dust particles.
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6 Big Budget Apartment Items Worth the Splurge originally appeared on usnews.com
