What you need to know when you move out on your own for the very first time
It's daunting, stressful and scary. Know what's needed to survive.
So you're moving out and have no idea what you're going to need?
This is for those of you who are on a budget and need to get the most for the least
Below is a list of various options for the different rooms you have at your new place, assuming it's an apartment. Included are suggestions on how to cut down on costs but still manage to live comfortably. When you move out for the first time, you're already spending a lot more on rent itself, plus internet, and utilities, you don't have a lot more money to spend on furnishing the place. The key is to obtain just the essentials first and build up.
The Kitchen
What you need in the Kitchen
- Pots and Pans - get a wok, it doubles as both. You could probably pick one up in Chinatown for less than $30. It can fry, boil, steam, very versatile
- Toaster Oven - doubles as a toaster and mini oven, so you can save on your utility bills, as you won't have to heat up the huge oven to bake / toast something that's relatively small.
- Rice cooker - A must have especially if you're Asian as you can also make good congee in it.
- Knives - you can get a small set or just settle for a chef's knife and a steak knife, which will cover most of the cutting that needs to be done in the kitchen. Many knives in a set are not used often or could be substituted.
- Cleaver - A must have especially if you're Asian for smacking garlic (to remove the skin), use the back for opening tight jars and tenderizing meats, to crack open those fresh coconuts for the fresh juice, and to chop and cut to your heart's content.
- Cutting Board - get a wooden one, as it's the best for your knives (glass is horrible) and will prevent bacterial growth more so than plastic ones.
- Kettle and/or Brita Filter - to boil / purify your water consumption: hot water for tea and cold water for hot days.
The Living Room
For a comfy living room you need:
- Couch - It's probably best to not get a used couch, as who knows what has happened on them previously - ew! When looking for a couch, you may consider getting a sofa bed because then you have an extra 'bed' for when your friends or family visit. But keep in mind they are heavy to move!
- Coffee table - can most likely get a used one off Craig's list or ebay. Look for people who are moving and need to get rid of their stuff. Safest bet is to go to Ikea, see what you like and find it used or something similar. Price is usually 3x less!
- Rug - to go under the coffee table to create a more defined room and to bring out some colour in the room. This is probably an item that would be acquired at a later date, as it is just used to make a room cozier.
- Lamp - light makes a huge difference! If it's always dark, it makes you into a tired person because it's always gloomy. Remember, light makes people happier
- Shelving - it allows you to display some lil' trinkets or perhaps put a stereo at the bottom. Just completes a room and creates some storage area.
- Cushions - either just to put on your couch or for people to sit on, on the floor. Makes the room more comfortable for gatherings because then your friends have somewhere to sit if more than 2 people come over - the couch can only fit oh so many.
The Dining Room
- Dinner Table - it's actually optional, as I often just eat on my coffee table. When looking, best to get used if you need to save money, again Craig's list is very good for it. Same tips as for purchasing coffee table. Make sure the size is suitable for your place!
The Bedroom
- A Bed - if space is tight, get a single. If storage area is limited, get a single bed with drawers on the bottom - it'll bring you back to your childhood days :)
- Additional space - Wired boxes work very well, you can put it together it yourself and can be put at the bottom of your closet and can create more storage. www.stacksandstacks.com/image/20753.jpg
The Bathroom
- Shower Curtain - most places won't come with one. If you're really strapped for cash, you can go to your local dollar store and get a really flimsy liner, but that would only be a temporary solution. I would suggest going to a supermarket or Zellers and get a better quality curtain with some colour to brighten up the room (bathroom's generally lack colour) for approx $15
- Dishwashing gloves - I personally don't enjoy washing the bathroom and therefore have specific gloves, which I label with a nice lil' 'w' so it doesn't get mixed up with my actual dishwashing gloves, to clean the place.
- Matches - just have a pack nearby. Light a match to quickly help deodorize when necessary - you know what I'm talking about.
- The Obvious Items - your toiletries, toilet paper, toilet cleaner, hand towel, towels, etc.
- Adjustable pole - What's it for? Or a better question, what is it? It's the pole that your shower curtain is hanging on, and so why would you need another one? It's to be placed inside the tub on the opposite wall of the curtain - to be used to hang either some clothes you've handwashed, your shower 'scrunchie', and anything else that's dripping wet that needs to dry. Get one at Zellers, or a supermarket that sells shower curtains.
Services
Things you'll want to set up BEFORE you actually move out.
- Utilities - call them before hand to let them know what the move in date is - don't want to freeze during the first night at your new place
- Land line - optional, but call ahead to get it set up. or get the Voice Over IP (VOIP) - it's cheaper! approx $10/month
- Internet - get high speed if you're thinking of getting VOIP. Internet companies generally need to come in to your place to set it up and so it requires an appointment. Look at the various deals before hand, usually, if you are still a student, you can get really cheap internet using a student deal.
Everything Else
All the other miscellaneous things that are must haves!
- Shoe rack - a MUST, where else would you put your shoes? Pick a stackable rack, just in case your collection expands in the future :D Your supermarket will probably have some for cheap. Got mine for $16 and I love it!
- Vacuum Cleaner - as storage area is always lacking in apartments, get a stand up one that can easily be tucked away somewhere, behind a couch or in the closet, just make sure it vacuum's carpet, tile, and has additions to vacuum top shelves, blinds, and the other small areas that get dusty.
- Items to inquire about: Laundry, The Garbage and Recycling, parking, hanging items on the wall if renting,
- Toolbox - get a set that includes a screwdriver and a hammer at least and whatever eles you think you'll need. You may be able to get a set for approx $30 - $40 that's pretty complete, which is a better deal than getting a hammer and screwdriver separately (both would probably total $25). Ikea has a very basic set - $10(http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10073680)
Cooking Aids
You can only eat out until you're broke and start gaining an unnecessary amount of weight. After that, you'll want to join the cooking for yourself world, If that's a foreign land to you, here are some good suggestions:
Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine
For something a lil' fancier but still quick and e more...0 points
Quick Fix Meals: 200 Simple, Delicious Recipes to Make Mealtime Easy by Robin Miller
Quick is key.0 points
Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats--A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners (A 30-Minute Meal Cookbook) by Rachael Ray
Talk about variety!0 points
A Twist of the Wrist: Quick Flavorful Meals with Ingredients from Jars, Cans, Bags, and Boxes by Nancy Silverton
Makes it easy to make last minute meals with food more...0 points
New Guestbook
Brittney
Thank you, this was very helpful. Me & my boyfriend are moving out on our own for the first time here in a few months and I was preparing a list of things we needed to get, you website was very helpful in remembering some things we needed. Thanks!
Posted December 14, 2007
Dan
One important thing is a can opener and purchase some food before you move and bring it with you. Sounds like more work but you may be too busy to get groceries.
Posted September 03, 2007
Nycole
Hey this actually really helpful! Thanks I bookmarked it for future reference. Hoping to move out soon just have to find the right place. Have a good day.
Posted September 03, 2007
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Da_fonz
Helpful guide! Welcome to squidoo :) Posted July 18, 2007 |
