So for those of you in University, it's the start of a new school year and that means moving into a residence hall or off-campus housing (assuming you go away to school). I, C, stayed on campus my first year, and that was easy because I was on a meal plan and I could walk over to class- waking up just ten minutes before.
This year I'm living with two of my friends in a house off campus, so I'll have to commute by bus or walk. If you know me then you know, I don't do public transport; Nothing against it- I'm just lazy and used to my parents driving and picking me up from school. I know, the good life eh? So now I'll be away from home and in a new house- cooking and clean for myself. Ugh. For those of you in the same boat- I'll fill you in on the essentials to leading a comfortable life away from home!
This year I'm living with two of my friends in a house off campus, so I'll have to commute by bus or walk. If you know me then you know, I don't do public transport; Nothing against it- I'm just lazy and used to my parents driving and picking me up from school. I know, the good life eh? So now I'll be away from home and in a new house- cooking and clean for myself. Ugh. For those of you in the same boat- I'll fill you in on the essentials to leading a comfortable life away from home!
The first thing to do before you start shopping is look around the house for anything that you can take with you... but be sure to ask your parents before you raid the place haha. Then make a list of all the things you have and if you're moving in with others ask them to do the same; That way you can determine what you still need and avoid spending extra money.
Finding out EXACTLY what your house/apartment/dorm provides is another important step. Some houses and apartments for rent are furnished, and most houses will come with the basic appliances like a fridge and washing machine at least. In a dorm, you'll have basics like a bed, desk and some sort of wardrobe extras vary. But if you need to buy furniture that's going to be pricey so be sure to shop carefully. For starters check garage sales- summer is a great time for a garage sales. Just take a ride around your neighbourhood and look for any posted signs.
If you go to a garage sale but can't find what you need, just ask the seller; Inside the house there might be pieces that were too large or heavy to bring out. I went to a sale in search of a TV stand but only after asking the sellers did I find out they had one inside. It was big, in perfect condition, from Ikea, and only $20. What a steal!
For other odds & ends, asking friends and family for any extras they may have lying around the house is another smart idea. My friend gave me her old desk and some closet organizers and my aunt gave me a TV and a floor lamp. Lastly, of course, your local dollar store is a great stop; You'll be able to pick up lots of cheap and totally useful things! Once you've checked off these steps- then it's time to do the real shopping. Here are some things you may need, divided by categories (anything with an * is optional):
Finding out EXACTLY what your house/apartment/dorm provides is another important step. Some houses and apartments for rent are furnished, and most houses will come with the basic appliances like a fridge and washing machine at least. In a dorm, you'll have basics like a bed, desk and some sort of wardrobe extras vary. But if you need to buy furniture that's going to be pricey so be sure to shop carefully. For starters check garage sales- summer is a great time for a garage sales. Just take a ride around your neighbourhood and look for any posted signs. If you go to a garage sale but can't find what you need, just ask the seller; Inside the house there might be pieces that were too large or heavy to bring out. I went to a sale in search of a TV stand but only after asking the sellers did I find out they had one inside. It was big, in perfect condition, from Ikea, and only $20. What a steal!
For other odds & ends, asking friends and family for any extras they may have lying around the house is another smart idea. My friend gave me her old desk and some closet organizers and my aunt gave me a TV and a floor lamp. Lastly, of course, your local dollar store is a great stop; You'll be able to pick up lots of cheap and totally useful things! Once you've checked off these steps- then it's time to do the real shopping. Here are some things you may need, divided by categories (anything with an * is optional):
Kitchen Pantry Items
Pots/Pans Dish Sponges & Detergent
Snacks
Measuring Cups Compost/Recycling/Garbage Bin Rice
Skillet Hand Soap Tomato Sauce
Bowls/Plates Vegetable Peeler Potatoes
Glasses/Cups/Mugs Rice Cooker Condiments
Table & Chairs Plastic Containers GarlicGlasses/Cups/Mugs Rice Cooker Condiments
Wooden Spoon Knife Set Onions
Cutting Board Cheese Grater Pasta
Cutlery Set w/ Storage Tray Towels Bread
Spatula (for baking & frying) Whisk Flour
Microwave *w/ Stand Colander Olive Oil
Can Opener Mixing Bowl Salt & Pepper
Microwave *w/ Stand Colander Olive Oil
Can Opener Mixing Bowl Salt & Pepper
Strainer Toaster Sugar
*Potato Masher *George Foreman Grill Vinegar
*Potato Masher *George Foreman Grill Vinegar
Living Room Bathroom Bedroom
TV w/ Stand Toilet Paper Bed & Bedding
Couch and Chairs Towels (Body, Hand, Face) Pillows
Couch and Chairs Towels (Body, Hand, Face) Pillows
Coffee Table Tub Drain Strainer/Catch All Bedside Table
DVD player Hand Soap Lamps
*Pillows & Blankets Air Freshener Hamper
*Pillows & Blankets Air Freshener Hamper
*Extra Lighting Shower Caddy (for products) Floor Length Mirror
*Curtains Cleaning Supplies Hangers & Closet Organizers
*Wall Art/Pictures *Extra Storage Items
*Desk
*Curtains Cleaning Supplies Hangers & Closet Organizers
*Wall Art/Pictures *Extra Storage Items
*Desk
Beauty/Hygiene Miscellaneous
Shampoo & Conditioner Large Trash Bags
Dry Shampoo Plastic Zip Bags
Hair Products Reusable Grocery Bags
Hair Products Reusable Grocery Bags
Lotion Laundry Basket & Detergent
Body Wash & Cleansers Fabric Softener
Shaving Products Shoe Rack
Body Wash & Cleansers Fabric Softener
Shaving Products Shoe Rack
Pads/Tampons/Liners Extra Storage Items
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