Your first dorm room or apartment

While starting out in your first dorm room or apartment calls for certain necessities, you don’t have to spend a fortune to outfit your space comfortably. Don’t overlook your local ‘dollar store’, where you can find the essentials you need at prices that free up your money for more important things - like that new outfit or those concert tickets you want.

Small spaces call for innovative, affordable storage solutions. Plastic crates, which offer an easy and inexpensive way to add function to a small apartment or dorm room, are perfect for storing everything from books and DVDS to bath linens. If baskets are more your style, pick the smallest size for organizing desk supplies, the medium size for cleaning supplies or books and the largest size for laundry or DVDS.

When buying dishes for your dorm room or apartment, don’t blow your budget on expensive brands from department stores. Colourful, individual dishes or dish sets in a variety of designs are available at copstcutting bargian stores.

You might be surprised at the wide range of affordable items you can find at the dollar store. Use this handy checklist to make sure you don't forget anything:

Kitchen: pots and pans (including one smaller pot and one larger pot, as well as a frying pan), measuring cups, drinking glasses, knives, a can opener, a toaster and silverware.

Bathroom: Mix and match from a selection of bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths. Also, don't forget the shower caddy, shower curtain, shower liner, bath mat, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion.

Bedroom: a comforter, sheets; pillows and a fleece throw. Sleep well at your new place with the peace of mind that you didn't spend a fortune on your bedding. Dollar General offers inexpensive sets that include a comforter and sham.

Other essentials: laundry detergent, a laundry basket, a trash can, trash bags, cleaning supplies, paper plates, napkins, paper towels and snacks.

And just for fun ...

DVDS, CDS and - once you have the basics covered - add a little detail to your apartment or dorm room with some stylish home accents from the dollar store, such as candles, picture frames, decorative pillows or a small rug.