Making Your Home... Away From Home

          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! 

          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):

                       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                                                     Garlic

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

Strainer                                                Toaster                                                                       Sugar 
*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                   

Coffee Table                                               Tub Drain Strainer/Catch All                         Bedside Table                     

DVD player                                                Hand Soap                                                       Lamps
*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

Beauty/Hygiene                           Miscellaneous

Shampoo & Conditioner                                                     Large Trash Bags  

Dry Shampoo                                                                      Plastic Zip Bags
Hair Products                                                                      Reusable Grocery Bags

Lotion                                                                                   Laundry Basket & Detergent
Body Wash & Cleansers                                                      Fabric Softener
Shaving Products                                                                 Shoe Rack

Pads/Tampons/Liners                                                         Extra Storage Items  
                                                                                              

*We do not take credit for the above photos.