- A sewing kit. I don't really know how to sew, but I still had to buy a few things in order to put buttons back on, etc. What I've got: some sort of plastic box, some needles, a few spools of thread, a pincushion, and some scissors. Also I keep all the buttons from new clothes in those tiny ziploc bags, but I put a note inside so I know which shirt came with which button. Smart eh?
- Stamps. At home there were just always stamps and I never had to buy any! What I've got: again a plastic box to hold the stamps - and a Shoppers nearby from which to buy stamps.
- Toilet brush. It sounds obvious, I know. What I've got: dollar store quality toilet brush. No one got me the $20 one I registered for!
- Vacuum. We had a central vacuum at home, but this house is too old for one, too bad. Also, did you know that floors don't clean themselves? What a disappointment! What I've got: Eureka vacuum from Costco. It isn't even sold any more. I wanted a Dyson or Miele or even a Kenmore, but couldn't justify the $400-600 price tag. Tip: buy a ton of vacuum bags, some filters, etc, all at once so you don't run the risk of having them discontinued later!
- Candles and a lighter or matches, and a flashlight. You never know when the power is going to go out. What I've got: Well, aside from the zillions of wedding candles we had left over, I also have a few random Ikea candles... and we have two handcrank flashlights. Not the best, but they do the job.
- Mesh laundry bags. You don't want your delicates to be twisted around in the machine! What I've got: a lovely "football" shaped bag from Daiso! $2!
- Dish towels. I use sponges to wash dishes, so only need towels for hand-drying, dish-drying, and wiping up stuff. What I've got: Since my hubby just grabs the first towel he can find to wipe up a spill, I buy the super cheap facecloths from Ikea (12 for $5.99) and bleach them when they aren't very white any more.
- Shelving and storage options. I am constantly in need of places to put things... especially now that the dog is here, and wants to chew on everything! Also (see next item), I always have extras of household stuff. What I've got: Sorely lacking in this regard - I need to get some chew-proof rubbermaids and boxes.
- Costco membership. Ok, this isn't a must-have. But it's awesome! Why wouldn't you want to buy 96 loads worth of laundry detergent? or 250 bounce sheets? or 30 rolls of TP? or 8 tubes of toothpaste? or camping stuff in the middle of February? What I've got: We used to get a membership for free, but now we suck it up and pay for it ourselves. It's more for entertainment than anything else - I could spend a whole day at Costco!
- Tool kit. The one time you'll need tools is when you don't have any at home. What I've got: Actually, I am blissfully unaware of what tools we have beyond a hammer and multi-bit screwdriver but I have been assured that all the tools we have are necessary. I'm sure the hubby could tell you what other tools we have, but I mostly just holler "Help! Please fix _____" and somehow, he gets it done. Maybe it isn't the tool kid we all need, but just someone who will fix things!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Move-out Must-haves
Sometimes it's hard to believe that it has been over 2.5 years since I've lived at home. Time flies. I thought I'd compile a little list of must have items for those who are moving out... things I didn't really realize I'd need, or took completely for granted at home!
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2 comments:
Vacuum tips: Consumer Reports rates vacuums on noise and vacuuming effectiveness. But! They do not seem to consider things like ease of maintenance and emptying. Like, I'm told the lightweight Dyson I passed on (1) does not need filters replaced (only occasionally washed) and it's easy to empty. Neither is true of the el cheapo Eureka I did buy.
I would like to have a tool kid. Does s/he give massages, too?
All kidding aside, I was nearly in the same boat as you. Great advice, Snerk! Dollar stores are my best friends.
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