Hey! You got a date.
And they’re coming over.
Good for you!
But before you let someone new into your bachelor apartment, take a good, honest look around and ask yourself, “Am I going to make a good impression? Or are they going to run screaming?”
No worries.
Getting your apartment spruced up and more mature is a piece of cake. So here are some common-sense reminders for getting your apartment whipped into shape before date night arrives.
Tackle the Odors
Like it or not, the first thing your date is going to notice—even before the general appearance—is how your place smells.
Odors can be stubborn things, so don’t wait until the last minute to tackle this issue. Get a few days’ headstart if possible. Start with the obvious offenders such as the trash, recycling, and dirty laundry. Get them out or cleaned up and put away. The same goes for your bedsheets.
Open some windows and get your place aired out. You may want to put a neutral-smelling air freshener to work as well but be careful not to overdo it. Avoid trying to mask odors with body sprays.
If possible, have a friend come by to give you an honest, objective sniff test. It’s very easy to get used to your own smells. Also, having another party give their input will make sure your date doesn’t turn around before she’s even gotten through the door.
Hit the Bathroom
Be the guy whose cleanliness and sense of hygiene are reflected by their bathroom. Scrub the rings out of the toilet and bathtub. Neaten up the sink area. Make sure there is soap available and some clean towels hanging nearby.
Empty the little trash can. Then, give the floor a quick once-over and, if you can, wipe down the shower curtain.
Finally, make sure you have toilet paper in stock and that the current roll is actually on the toilet roll holder (overhand-style, please). If you keep reading material in the bathroom, make sure they’re somewhat tasteful.
Little things can mean a lot.
Getting Your Bedroom In Order
Do you know who has a messy bedroom?
An adolescent.
As an adult trying to make a good impression on another adult, you want your bedroom to reflect a bit of maturity.
Tackle all the obvious chores like making the bed and putting away the clothes. If clothes or sheets need laundering, take care of them right away or, at least, put them where they won’t be seen or smelled. Get any trash out.
Finally, if you’re still living like you’re in college with a mattress and box spring on the floor, it’s past time to upgrade. Simple bed frames aren’t that expensive or difficult to put together. A headboard would be lovely, as would a footboard if you can manage it. You can often find used frames online or in thrift stores.
Assess Your Kitchen
This should be pretty easy.
Have the essentials stocked: Eggs, milk, coffee, or tea—that sort of thing. Make sure there’s more in your fridge than beer and pickle juice. Have more in the cupboards than old saltines. Even if you don’t cook much at home, present the idea that you could. Junk food is not a sustainable lifestyle choice.
Aside from the obvious advice about general cleaning, it’s also a good idea to have a set of matching cups and plates that aren’t plastic. Your local home goods store will sell you a complete set for four at a pretty reasonable price. The same goes for cutlery. Lose the plastic and spend a few bucks on a four-set.
Some Final Notes
Making a good impression with your bachelor’s apartment doesn’t have to be a big deal. Most of the suggestions above are pretty basic and easy to maintain once established.
Here are a few other things to consider:
- It’s easy to forget floors. Sweep and vacuum every few days.
- Make sure dishes aren’t piled up in the sink.
- Have a place for all your stuff, and put them there.
- Upgrade your decor. Sailing ships, landscapes, and meaningful photos are a yes. However, motivational posters and high school sports trophies are best kept in the closet.
- She might snoop. Maybe. Some people get overly curious. So just put that in the back of your mind if you have something in your apartment you’d rather she not see.
- If you have a pet, make sure she’s not allergic or otherwise sensitive to fur or dander.
A Lot Comes Down To Common Sense
I’d be surprised if this is the first time you’ve seen any of these suggestions. They’re considered common sense for a reason.
Making a good impression on your date is a great strategy, but it can also have other benefits. You’ll feel more adult. You’ll be living a more healthy lifestyle. And you’ll impress others—and not just your mother.
Getting your bachelor apartment ready for guests doesn’t have to take much effort, but the benefits can last a long time.
This article was sponsored by Link Apartments® Brookstown, an urban living community featuring one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent in an unbeatable downtown Winston-Salem location.