Furnishing Small Studio Apartment in Boston

Parent Cafe
21

<p>Trip complete … daughter moved into new apartment. Ikea was definitely the place to go for things to complete out furniture for a first time apartment. It was 10 miles south of where we were in Boston and my husband had the good idea to rent a UHaul van for the day which saved us infinite time and also some delivery fees (mattresses). We also made our way over to Target for things we couldn’t get at Ikea (coffee pot, toaster over, etc.). While my husband and I were happy to help D get settled, we realized quickly that we had no say in the layout of the furniture or the decorating, so once those boundaries were made clear, we made quick work of building dressers, beds and shelves. I was a little amazed with all the packaging that we had to immediately bundle up. Daughter loves her new place … it’s not the Taj Mahal to us, but it sure is to her. Thanks again for all the help.</p>

22

<p>Thanks for the update Snowflake!</p>

<p>Just for future reference, do you mind giving us an estimate of what it cost to set up the apartment?</p>

<p>When the time comes, it would help me know what we need to budget.</p>

23

<p>FYI, West Elm is a member of the Williams-Sonoma family, along with Pottery Barn. West Elm sells more moderately-priced, contemporary furnishings than other WS brands.</p>

24

<p>Apartment costs for us totaled about $1000 and included the following:
From Ikea:

  • twin bed frame $29
  • Dresser $149
  • Kitchen table that can double as a desk (it can grow to 3’x3’) $99
  • Wide shelf
  • 2 window shades, $60 (30 each)
  • Step stool
  • Dishes, 18 pc ($29? or $19)
  • Bathroom shelf (fits behind door, tall skinny)
  • Kitchen pantry shelf (stand alone, toaster and microwave can fit on it)
    From Target:
  • small Mr. Coffee (12.99)
  • Blender (17.99)
  • Microwave $69
  • Fruit bowl
  • Kitchen trash can, spare bags, basic cleaning supplies
  • Bathroom tub corner shelf $29 or $39
  • Hair Dryer (for when I come to visit and forget mine)
  • wall hooks (that don’t damage walls)
  • furniture sliders (so she can move furniture after we leave without cratching
    hardwood floors)
    Bed store (Sleep-a-rama had a good sale)
  • Twin mattress, $199 (Ikea one was $149 but was not comfy)</p>

<p>We left my daughter with the expense of the more decorative things like floor pillows, wall coverings, rugs, etc. She is sharing the studio w/ a friend and they will want to do this on their own anyway, and since we covered the above, she has more of her cash to set up the look and feel she wants.</p>