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Home & Garden

11 old things I didn't realize needed to be replaced until I moved

Out with the old and in with the new

Looking to spruce up your new apartment? Credit: Getty Images

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This summer I'll be moving out of the only apartment I've had since moving to Boston nearly three years ago. Luckily, I quickly turned a daunting and stressful task into something that I'd actually enjoy doing. My secret? Retail therapy.

In the process of packing up my junk I realized there were things I was better off replacing. Finally, I can get rid of those pots and pans my roommates scratched up. Away with the pillows that have lost their fluff. So long to the brown and tan neutral tone motif I thought was a good idea three years ago.

But you don't need to move in order to spruce things up a bit, sometimes all you need are new linens. Take a look below at my shopping list for my new apartment and see if there's anything you like.

My skillet

A cast iron skillet is a must-have for anyone who enjoys cooking.
Credit: Getty Images

If you've had a nonstick skillet for a few years, it's probably time for a replacement and cast iron is the way to go. There's just something extra special about cooking everything in one pan on the stovetop then sticking the whole thing in the oven for a nice crispy finish. Don't believe me? We asked a professional chef to tell us all about why she loves cast iron pans.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10.25-inch - $15.92 on Amazon

My pillows full of bugs

Time to spruce up that bed with brand new fluffed up pillows.
Credit: Getty Images

We've already talked about how to clean your pillows that are full of dead bugs—yeah, seriously—but sometimes it pays just to buy new ones altogether. Despite regularly washing mine, I already have my eyes set on a few brand new, extra fluffed up pillows.

Smart Home Bedding Queen/Standard Pillows, 2 Pack - $26.99 on Amazon

My non-existent couch pillows

No couch is complete with a nice decorative throw pillow
Credit: Getty Images

I'm skeptical about the need for what I will lovingly refer to as couch pillows, but after hearing nothing but "you have to get this" from my friends I feel obliged. After all, having something to rest my head against as I binge on Netflix shows is something I can get behind. My editor swears this pillow from Target's Dwell collection is way nicer in person than the pictures indicate, and I trust him.

Gray/Blue Pillow, Modern by Dwell Magazine - $29.99 at Target

My no-longer-fluffy towels

New towels are a luxury that shouldn't be forgotten.
Credit: Getty Images

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the towels I own. They dry me off after a hot shower and they're there in case of a big spill. But it's hard to deny how lovely it'd be to own brand new towels to go with my new apartment.

Pinzon Blended Egyptian Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set - $21.99 on Amazon

My lidless armada of storage containers

These are the best food storage containers on Amazon
Credit: Reviewed.com / Christopher Snow

I don't know who or what made off with all the lids to my Tupperware, but I'm in serious need of a new set so I can stop eating out at lunch. Luckily, my coworkers already found the best food storage containers on Amazon so I know exactly which set to get.

Glasslock Assorted Container Set - $34.99 on Amazon

My melted spatulas

New kitchen utensils go a long way to making your life more enjoyable.
Credit: Getty Images

It's time to get rid of the partially melted spatula and get some brand new kitchen utensils. I spent too long justifying my irregular pancakes when I should've just admitted my tools had long since been destroyed.

Farberware Classic 17-Piece Tool and Gadget Set - $14.77

My drab old shower curtain

Secretly the grossest thing in your apartment is probably your shower curtain.
Credit: Getty Images

Have you ever been taking a shower in the morning and had an epiphany? Maybe you solved the crossword puzzle riddle you had been agonizing over the day before or you figured out the perfect comeback to that thing your friend said a week ago. My latest shower thought? How desperately I wanted a new shower curtain to replace the drab one I've had forever. Turns out, it goes a long way to giving your bathroom a brand new look.

InterDesgin Shower Curtain - $11.99

My nasty, beat-up cutting board

This is the best cutting board you'll ever use.
Credit: Epicurean

For the longest time, I swore by my plastic cutting boards. I knew they were slowly getting scratched and gouged, but they were so easy to clean and I got like five in a single pack. Well, thanks to my colleague's love letter to the Epicurean cutting board I finally have a replacement I feel confident using. I'll echo his thoughts here, it really is the best cutting board.

Epicurean Cutting Board, 11.5 x 9 inches - $16.84 on Amazon

My trash can

Help the environment by starting to compost.
Credit: Getty Images

If you just need a straight-up trash can, Simplehuman is your best bet. But really, it's about time we all start doing our part to be a bit more environmentally friendly. A simple way to get started is by composting all of your kitchen waste to make nutrient-rich soil perfect for gardening. Heck, maybe you can even start growing your own vegetables. And if you don't know where to start, we have the beginner's guide to composting ready and waiting!

Exaco ECO-2000 2.4 Gallon Compost Bin - $10.07 on Amazon

My decorative, inedible plants

Nothing quite like growing your own basil to use in your cooking.
Credit: Getty Images

My old roommates loved to fill our house with all kinds of plants (both plastic and real) in an attempt to add some color and life to the rooms. Now that I'm headed to my own place, I decided to do away with the decorative plants that look good and instead focus on the plants I can eat and use in my cooking. There's some kind of inherent joy in plucking a basil leaf straight from your windowsill and dropping it right into a pot of soup.

Cole & Mason Self-Watering Indoor Herb Garden Planter - $19.99 on Amazon

My wine glasses

Relax after a long day of moving with a glass of red wine
Credit: Getty Images

It doesn't matter if you just finished moving or only did a bit of redecorating. Either way, you deserve to sit on the couch and take a load off. And what better way to do that than with a nice glass of wine.

Royal 4-piece Stemless Wine Glass Set - $12.95 on Amazon

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