If you are moving or have recently moved into your first apartment, pick up your smartphone and add a calendar event called "Pick up a toolbox".  It does not matter who you are, if you live on your own you should have a toolbox. There are certain things you should always have access to even if you never plan on using them.  If you need to get a toolbox you have plenty of options.  You can pick them up inexpensively at your local dollar store, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, or Lowes. You can usually find a starter kit with most items that I have included below. You can also find them at yard sales or you may have a family member with an overflowing workshop.  Your father, mother, uncle, or grandma might have a few extra items that they can give you.

Photo courtesy of Photo Courtesy energepic.com from Pexels

If you are putting your first toolbox together, here are great suggestions to get you started:

1. A hammer for putting up pictures and turning your blank walls into masterpieces.

2. An all-in-one screwdriver for tightening anything. I like having an all-in-one because you never know when you will need a larger or thinner Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Needle-nosed pliers are heaven-sent when you need them the most.  You can retrieve jewelry dropped into a hard-to-reach place.  You can safely remove items from your garbage disposal.

4. Locking pliers for the times when you are doing something tedious and you need a third hand.

5. A set of allen wrenches are great when putting together IKEA furniture. 

6. A small socket wrench kit (ratchet set) is a lifesaver if you need to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, especially if the nut/bolt is in a difficult spot or if it is really difficult to loosen.

7. Flashlights - multiple flashlights.  You should have one by your bedside, one in your car and one in your toolkit.  You never know when you would need to see behind/under your dresser, (looking for an earring or a dropped part to an electronic?) or when a storm could knock out your power.

8. A small level is a must-have if you ever hang photos, shelves, artwork, etc.  Also good for knowing if surfaces are level.

9. A tape measure is used when trying to center artwork on a wall, when shopping for window coverings, or when shopping for, or placing furniture in any space.  Knowing the measurements of a room, a wall, a window, or the clearance of a door swing is necessary.

10. Duct Tape seems cliché and silly but I'm not kidding when I tell you I have several rolls of this stuff.  I have different colors and designs.  I use it for projects, art, or if you need something held in place.  It's another way to have an extra set of hands. 

Use your toolbox when you want to hang a picture, put together a new piece of office furniture, or hang curtains.  If you need anything else fixed in your Camden apartment, call our office or use MyCamden to enter a service request. Our amazing maintenance team members will make sure everything is fixed right away for you!

Now that you have you handy toolbox ready, you can use them try different decor styles in your apartment to make it truly feel like home!