What You Need When Moving Out for the First Time
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What do you need when you move out on your own?
Whether you're 18, 26, or 52, we all have to move out of our parent's house eventually. When I was 18 I loaded up my mom's soccer van with a butterfly chair, an electric kettle, some bedding and every item of clothing I owned to cram into a small two person dorm in San Diego.
After four years on campus, I moved in with two other girls who had all the furniture, and was pretty set, but then our landlord took some crazy pills and after a very cold winter and a lot of mold I ended up moving somewhere else with a friend. This time, though, I realized how little I had in terms of household items. I didn't even have a glass to drink out of let alone a couch to sit on or a dining table to eat at! Once we had our new place it seemed I was forever forgetting something else (oh yeah, lamps would be nice I guess...) and it took a few months until I felt like I could cook a meal without realizing I had to go buy a can opener or a spatula.
Recently a colleague of mine moved out of her father's house for the first time at 25 years old, and asked me what I thought she needed to get. I started listing off some of the main things I had forgotten, and then began to make her a list. I'll start with the basics:
A bed (and please, don't have a mattress on the floor. My husband made the mistake when we were engaged of tipping his memory foam mattress up when the carpet was cleaned and putting it down again before it was completely dry. Months later when we finally did get a box spring and frame and lifted the mattress up again, the bottom was covered with mold...so please...don't put your mattress on the floor, let it breathe).
A nightstand--you don't want to have to get out of bed to turn off the light do you? Get one big enough to hold what you need-books, a drink, alarm clock, a lamp, even a laptop if you're a workaholic or Facebook addict. Or you could just drop stuff on the floor and trip over it in the morning. Your choice.
Someplace to put your clothes--whether it be in the closet, hanging shelves, a dresser, an 18th century cherry wood armoire, or in bins, you need someplace to keep them tidy.
A laundry basket (yes, men, you do need one, if only for transportation purposes).
A mirror--to make sure you're just as pretty as you think you are. And warning, those over-the-door mirrors sometimes can distort to make you look larger than you really are...talk about depressing.
Something to sit on--a couch, a sofa, a beanbag, an inflatable chair, just something comfortable. Remember, you can always get a slipcover to give an ugly couch a cute face.
A coffee table and/or side tables--as refined as most of us claim to be we usually do a lot of our eating in our living rooms in front of the TV, so it's helpful to have something to put your beer and cheese puffs--I mean Chardonnay and brie cheese--on. Consider something with drawers for remote control and magazine storage. We had two Ikea Lack side tables pushed together as a coffee table for well over a year...a cheap and easy fix for $14!
Something to put your TV on--be it a custom built entertainment center, a $15 Ikea TV stand, or an old desk, put your TV on something. It's helpful to have some media storage as well so you don't have stacks of Seinfeld DVDs lying around.
Lighting--floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling lights, assess what your place needs and make sure it's well lit. You can find fun lanterns for as little as a couple bucks. A dingy place looks dirty and uninviting. A well lit home looks warm and welcoming. Plus it scares away the cockroaches.
Dining table and chairs--these too can be found second hand, and don't worry if the chairs don't match...just call it "eclectic."
A desk and chair--this is optional but useful to keep a computer or laptop on, your mail organized, and for writing those long letters to Aunt Gracie that we all do.
Some other optional furniture pieces are bookshelves, an entry table/entry hooks or coat rack for keys and jackets, shelves to hang for either books, media, knickknacks or whatever you wish to display, rugs to cozy up a room and bring color, artwork or interesting accessories to decorate, curtains to keep out nosy neighbors, keep your place warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and cover those hideous vertical blinds, and in the kitchen if you need more counter top and storage space, a microwave cart or buffet is always useful.
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HIDE A BED SOFA WITH MATTRESS LOCAL PICK-UP ONLY - USED
Current Bid: $100.00
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Ekornes Stressless Leather Sofa Couch Loveseat Table Set Danish Modern Paloma
Current Bid: $3999.00
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Norwalk custom made sofa- Must see- Very comfortable
Current Bid: $179.99
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Now for the nitpicky stuff. I'm not going to list every kitchen and bathroom item you should have, instead, I'm going to suggest searching for "wedding registry checklist" and you'll find a lot of ideas... Bed, Bath and Beyond or weddingdetails.com will have more than you'll ever think of. While you may not need 12 fine china place settings, it's a good reminder list to maybe print and check off when you go shopping for basics like toothbrush holders and cutting boards.
Finally, here's a list of some things that might get overlooked:
Trash cans (kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom)
Cleaning supplies (vacuum, broom, dust pan, mop, bucket, Windex, paper towels, anti-bacterial cleaner, scrub brush or sponge, toilet bowl cleaner and brush, duster,
Towels (kitchen, bath, hand, washcloths, cleaning cloths, etc.)
Shower Curtain (if you need it, and go with something PVC free. I use a cloth one and it's a snap to clean by just throwing it in the washer and dryer)
Toilet bowl scrubber & plunger (get the plunger before you really need it)
Iron & Ironing board (if you care about your appearance)
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors (so your mother can sleep soundly)
Fire extinguisher (to aid in your Top Chef attempts)
Tool Box (you can buy a basic set just about anywhere. Make sure you have essentials like a hammer, flathead and philips screwdriver, measuring tape, level, nails and screws, and don't forget some duct tape!)
For some of the most essential kitchen things, here's what I use most in my kitchen:
Coffeemaker (but then again, I'm a severe addict...)
A good sized skillet with a lid that you can make just about everything in
A 1.5 qt. and/or 3 qt saucepan with lid
A stockpot with a lid
Mixing bowls
For utensils: wooden spoon(s), spatula, slotted spoon, slotted turner, ladle, can opener, bottle opener, and tongs.
Oven mitts
Glass or ceramic baking dishes-I mostly use an 8x8 inch or a 9x13 inch.
Cookie sheets
Cutting boards
Knives-a large chef's knife, a serrated knife, and a small utility knife for everything else
Kitchen shears
Measuring cups & spoons
That should be enough to help you survive your first week without ordering out every night.
Don't forget toilet paper, either. That one could be an awful realization after you've eaten that Havana omelette.
Or your pets. It's sad to think that actually happens.
Remember, it may be a bit expensive right at the get-go but you can always plead to family and friends for old furniture and dishes, go bargain hunting, and once you have your basic setup continue to add décor (make sure you have dishes before you get that amazing hand painted urn) as time and money allow.
If you're planning on moving with a baby in tow, read Moving With A Baby for some tips on making the transition smoother.
Good luck and here's to independence and living on your own!
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Wow, this is a great, comprehensive list! Sometimes it seems to take some troubleshooting to figure out what you need when you get your first place, but this hub will definitely eliminate some of those nights without trash cans or attempting to cook pasta without a wooden spoon!
Very useful hub. I'll have to remember this when I finish college.
This needs to handed out to every High School AND College Senior along with their diploma!!
Maybe even posted in the locker rooms at the gyms for the guys ...
Ha, yeah, I just wish I had made this list BEFORE I had to move!
Terrific list. Very practical advice.
awesome...now i'm ready to move !
Fantastic--glad I could help!
Yeah this helped, im 17, i'll be 18 in january, and im a huge planner of everything, so this helped, i always felt like i was forgetting something, you know what the best thing is to do? Check around your mothers house, she's got everything! =]
Super awesome job here. Serious list! Sometimes it seems to take some work to determine what you need when you get your place. I think this hub will definitely help avoid some of those nights without essentials or attempting to cook or clean the bathroom without the right stuff!
thanks! great help :)
Wow Thank you soooo much you covered everything all in one spot!!!
You did a terrific job with this list! This will be a gem for anyone moving out for the first time.
i move out in two years but im very serious about having the things i need and not go crazy the last minute. So, im saving now and getting things and shoving them in my closet. But, im worried about getting the lights on and how that is and every thing else some one please help. please. My email is Toe_sniffer@yahoo.com it is odd but oh well... any help please.
Great site. I was stressing about forgetting things and wanted to be totally perepared. This really helped!
Great suggestions! I've also found that some moving box companies provide moving kits which include moving boxes and packing supplies. These kits are based on how many rooms you're moving so you don't underestimate or overestimate the amount of moving supplies you need and waste money and time!
Like the Rod Stewart song says, "I wish I knew what I know now, when I was younger." This list would have helped me plan better, save up a little longer, and be more financially prepared for being on my own.
Shower curtains!!!!!
You're right--I forgot that one! Opt for a natural material you can throw in the wash rather than a PVC-releasing plastic one!
A tool box including hammer, two screwdrivers (Phillipshead and regular), measuring tape, level, glue, picture hanging kit, assortment of screws,nuts, bolts, nails and tacks, pliers or wrench. Oh yeah- Duct tape!
Duct tape is indespensible! That and WD-40! You can get a nice small tool kit at Target for as low as $10-15!
Great list! Dont forget lightbulbs and laundry stuff! :)
I found this alluring reading, by the way. You've covered pretty much what anyone needs. I was expecting, in a way, for a recommendation to move into a house you either rent or own. I'm into property auctions, by the way.
this was helpful, it didn't have as much as mmy list, but you did list a couple of things i had forgoten
Great list thank you! We are in the midst of our daughter moving out. Just a few additions that came to mind, oven mitts, toaster, kettle, brita water jug, dishes, cutlery and cups & glasses.
Thank you so much! I'm not moving out for awhile, perhaps 6 months to 2 years! But I was just sitting here writting down my own little list, and knew it could use a lot more items, and this list, wow, thanks a lot!!
this helps a ton!!!!
glad it helps!
OH MY GOD!!! i didnt realize how much their is to make an empty space a home! thank god i found this list b4 i moved. it helped in simple small ways. i like cooking, and it didnt even occur to me to get measuring cups, oven mitts, and about 1/3 of the things on this list! i recomend this list to anyone thinking of moving out on their own (or with someone)!
thanks Amanda B.! Hopefully you won't do what I did and bake some brownies before buying oven mitts...but towels can work in a pinch too!
I just taught this to my senior money management class. Education
Haha - i forgot the oven mits and tea towels my first time so i had to serve food whilst it sat in the oven/micowave still. got a few burns. Don't forget the toaster and kettel too =]
i knew i would need a lot of stuff to move out but i didn't realize how much, i am planing on moving out in may, i think i'll start know on gathering everyone up so it doesn't all get pilled on me when i move.
this was really helpful.
practical enough..good job
This is also very useful if you split with your partner and everything belongs to them :) I searched for this list after I put food in the oven and realized I had no oven mit.
Thanks for putting this up!
I think fingernail clippers and other stuff like that should be added. And scissors! But overall, a very good list
Wow. I thought I had thought of everything -- my list only covers about a third of this one. Thanks for this!
Shoot! I am 18 and i think its time for me to move out of my parent's home.........its scary:(
This is a GREAT list. My boyfriend and I just decided to get an apartment at the end of this semester, and I was stressing cause I don't want to forget to buy anything important. This DEFINITELY helps though! :)
first aid kit
strainer for noodles
laundry bag
wow. I'm only 16, 17 this summer, and two of my friends and I are moving out in like 4 years together. this list helped a LOT. thank you so much. very informative. though duct tape should definitely be on here - all Alaskans use it.
thanks so much im 19 and moving out in 2 weeks im hitten every 1up and by far your list has been the most helpfull damn a bin that and a broom never even crossed my mind :-) thank you so much :-]
Here's a great tip: When finding the apartments of your dreams, the floors or carpeting may not be in the best condition, so buy "runners", basically various sized rugs. Go to Bed, Bath and Beyond, places like that.
Great list
Ohhhh! it's really nice. Absolutely, great tips. I think moving a house isn't very easy task to do, and it need a longer time and checklist's or planning actually to relocate your house and pretty thinks like, sofa, cooking utensils are funny things you know!, but the things you shouldn't carry that you have specified in your post is really magnificently describe and everybody should get a help from it.I have also a well reputed moving service company statewiderelocation.com providing similar services.
Thanks Solorya....very nice list....just the right and very essential things you need to get started...thanks
Next time when i am on move i preferred with your this post, because i like practical experience, rather than theoretical. Thanks for this Post.
How about a brita or pure water filter! :)
thanks so much! nothing else out there is this helpful!
Great list! Did you go to SDSU or USD?
I've been at SDSU this past year living at home and finally getting to move right next to campus! Thanks for the tips!!
What a great checklist and advice for young adults moving out on their own. Since most end up with hand-me-down furniture or thrift store finds, it's great advice to spruce them up with slipcovers in fashionable fabrics that match their style-whether contemporary or shabby chic.
I'm moving out by Next January or February. I'm in grade 11 now but I hope to graduate early!! (:
Then I can move out; and I'm thinking of moving to Cambridge, Ont. My best friend lives there so I'll have him when I move there atleast.
I'll be 5 hours away from home though. But I'm sure with researching things about moving out now I'm sure I'll be more then ready for the big move (:
and I'll only be 17 but hey I can make it on my own (:
Great list! Perfectly practical and fun. :D
Thanks!
Very Very helpful!
Thank you!!
thanks soo much im moving out soon and i was writting my own list.!
What a relief! Thanks for your help :P I've done most of the shopping for our apartment, between my husband and I. Really looking forward to the move in two weeks. By the way, you are an amazing writer I really enjoyed reading and learning because of it. Thanks again :D
Linds
Thanks for the compliment Lindsay!
Wow thanks so much. Im 17 and Im getting an apt with my boyfriend and well, this is a lot of help. I didn't even think of half the stuff there even though I use these things on a daily basis. I dont want to have to get up and go to the store every 5 minutes because I keep forgeting things! Thanks again, so much
There's a great book called "Life After School Explained" by Cap & Compass that has a lot of excellent advice about what to do when you move out, and not just for college graduates. It helped me a lot - especially its section about budgeting and financial planning. I needed a lot of help with that when I got out on my own!
This is a great list! Another helpful thing would be a small sewing kit (at least some thread and a needle lol) in case a button falls off or whatever. I'm planning on moving out in about a year, and I've been buying lots of smaller items like dishes, utensils, and cups, and I also found towels on a good sale recently. I also got some storage boxes to store the things in until I move, and they'll also be handy in my new place. :) Plus I won't be as stressed because I'm spreading out the money spending and I'll already have a lot of the essentials. :)
Just after building a house with my fiance & while we were so busy with the major obvious things with the house we needed a reminder of the small things we would require...this is a great list which was very helpful
big help me and my husband and are little girl are getting our own home for the first time and it really helped to make sure we have everything
This helped me a lot. ty for putting this up. just about to move out in less than a month & i didn't know what to get at all :P. ty again big help
Thank you so much, me and my boyfriend will be getting an apartment when I turn 18 next year. We've still got a year, but I like to plan ahead and have been making lists, this helped tremendously! Thanks again. Anyone else who may have advice on moving out feek free to email me at joeydawn13@yahoo.com. Thanks again :)
Awesome List - I was just browsing because my boyfriend and I are planning on moving out and I just couldn't figure out where to start - Lo and behold, this popped up! thank you so much for putting this up.
Best,
Ann P
My boyfriend and I are moving out of our parents house and getting a place together for the FIRST TIME!!! Its not far from his family's home, but its like an hour away from mine. my biggest fear is missing my family. And i have no idea what to do for like cable and all that other crap. LOL im only 20, and hes only 21. Kinda scared
omg, I'am moving out soon and totally forgot about the plunger and most importanly the dectecors and vacuum. damn now I have to buy it :)
Im so glad i found this list!
My cousin, sister, and I are planning on moving in together in a year in an apartment.
This list actually made me realize how much money I need to start saving up.
Thanks
Where's the fridge or washing machine?
There are laudromats... but they do tend to get expensive after awhile.
I noticed that alot of it is kitchen stuff. My boyfriend and I are planning on moving after I've been in a new for a month or so. I was making a list so I knew when I had to start searching Craigslist and I knew I was missing a TON of stuff. This has been such an epic help
im moving across the USA. from colorado to pennsylvaina. im almost 18. im terrified. not of the move or anything. more of the plane and if my dumbass gets lost. i think im more upset about leaving my three pets than anything. i dont know what to do. my mom will be in CO. and i will be in Penn with my best friend. its gonna be hard. i know. this list helped remind me of things ive forgotten. and it made me laugh. thanks.
Cool ideas and things but what do i do if my pet(dog)What if she dont like the place.
this helped alot! im only 17 i have another year before i move out so thanks so much! this really helped me know what to take. great job:)
Awesome list. My daughter and her boyfriend just moved into their 1st place on Nov. 30.
Here are other essential items :
microwave - microwave safe dishes(anything with gold trim will cause sparks in microwave) microwave safe plastic containers to thaw food in, not heat up, microwave food cover to prevent "horrible messes."
toaster oven, cutlery tray, pizza cutter & pizza pan or pizza stone (the best), potato peeler, potato masher, cheese grater, icecream scoop, icecube trays, wire whisk, juice container, glass measuring(2)cup for liquids,glad re-usable plastic containers for fridge leftovers - best not to heat in. Can freeze food & thaw in though, handmixer, kitchen timer, meat thermometer, saran wrap, foil, serviettes, scrubbies for washing pots, kitchen table cloth.
bathmat for bottom of tub, vim cleaner(awesome stuff).
wall clocks, alarm clock, clothes hangers, pillows, blankets, comforter.
Hope this list helps as I just helped move my daughter less than two weeks ago this stuff is still fresh in my mind.
Happy Moving !!!!
Oh and,
flashlights & candles & candle holders & matches
(in case power goes off) - I hate when I can't find matches - and I hate fumbling in the dark.
TIP: After learning the hard way I now leave my matches in cutlery drawer.
Have fun enjoying your new place.
if heaven exists, english people will be the first to open the doors, for their contribution to human kind.
i read your article. i think it is great. i like it very much.
this list is making me second guess my move! I'm soo not ready :/
"Something to put your TV on" So you just assume everybody owns a TV?
wish i could move out. i need to, but i'm so not ready.
This is so very helpful. I also found another site of a couple that are blogging about their process of moving out, and giving tips/ I think is pretty cool. If you wanna check it out is missionupandout.wordpress.com
Very useful. i have everything on this list so i feel confident.
Thanks so much! its really helpful especially for someone young like myself. I've done this twice before, but the roommates that I'll be living with next are new to this. I was trying to make a list to help them the way I was not helped - and you finished that list for me!!
All thats missing is that first shopping list, all the little things you take for granted like salt and rice
This list has helped sooo much! i cant wait to come home with a truck full of stuff for my boyfriend to unload!
washing machin!!!!!! or some thing to keep your clothes clean would also help :)
Very helpful! Except if people are moving to a house, they need appliances, that can run 10 grand easily =-(
my fiancee and i are moving out in this july. we are so excited.
Thank you so much for this! I am only 16 and only moving out when I get married, but any who, I am making a list of what I will need, this helped a lot!
I always have had about 5-6 different lists of the same thing listed by room (i have ocd like mad), currently i have located a few, so i decided to use MS excel to make a check list to keep in my purse, since i already have a lot of things, i need to make sure i don't get duplicates. i always feel like i'm leaving things out, this definitely helped me when i was going over my list.
All thats missing is that first shopping list, all the little things you take for granted like salt and rice
this seems awesome! is that all though?
This was absolutely amazing! Thanks so much!
Great Article :)
This really helped, thanks!
Check Craigslist for free stuff and yardsales to buy cheap
i'm moving out of my mom's house in 6 months and this really helped!
Wow, very helpful. Have been planing to move for a while and finally doing it. I started my own list n thought i had a Lot till I realized a kitchen table n a sofa. My co worker told me when he moved out he went to throw stuff out n realized he had no trash can.. Thanks for everything!
Best thing to do before moving out, is 6 to 12 months before moving out, it's good to buy things little by little. Trying to buy everything at once is very expensive.
Thanks for the list! I'm only not even 18, but I'm making a binder for when I get older. ;D
Moving out, 8 hours away from home, this spring. Already starting to buy everything! Buying a bed will probably be the most expensive. Thanks so much for the list! Definitely adding bean bag chairs and black lights to mine though. ;D
Don't forget the cheese grater. I really needed a cheese grater when I moved out of home
Great list! But you forgot the recycling bins. Those are essential. ;)
Oh gosh, I almost forgot the toilet paper.
Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks so much! I was getting really nervous bout what i need to pack and now i know im set. I got my stuff and all i need is to rent a truck! AGAIN, thank u.
Thank you.! In roughly three years, I'll be successfully living on my own....meanwhile, I'm gunna go look for some spoons.
This list is fantastic. I've seen plenty of articles about the main things you need as far as furniture goes, but those little things-utensils and appliances-I knew I would forget. Thank you!
Thank you so much, I've looked around and this has to be the most comprehensive list I have seen yet. I am 17(Turning 18 in March) and am on the verge of getting my own place with my girlfriend of three years. I am a bit worried about expenses and want to be prepared for any added cost I might encounter. This list is sure to be a godsend in the up and coming months. Thank you again for taking your time out to write this. God bless.
I'm 18 and moved into my boyfriends two weeks ago and tonight we are moving to a rental by ourselves. It's deff scary, but as long as you don't let yourself get overwhelmed its not too bad. The only thing that really sucks is the price of everything. I work part-time, so we have to think of whats necessary at the moment...
Man, moving out with my boyfriend all the way to Seattle washington from around sanfransisco California, making a list and checking it numerous times!!! Were not the average teens, I'm 19 he's 18, we don't watch much tv, I read he is a computer guy, we both love art. He's going to school I'm working, trying so hard to find planning pages so that our family believes we're ready for this step. And to assure ourselves. I came across this wonderful page! Yay!!! Much help to my notebook of planning! Which I still need much help with. :/ if anyone can help shoot me an email? Bsahippiechick@sbcglobal.net or pandybear.miyamoto@gmail.com, any help would be much appreciated!!!!
Nadine 3 years ago
This list is very helpful! Thank you!