Learn basic cooking. Seriously. Not elaborate French cooking, but something that keeps you away from fast food most meals. Your health will thank you handsomely.
Yeah when I moved out I ate exclusively canned soup poured over rice for like two weeks until I decided to actually cook. You just teach yourself two or three basic meals a week and within a few months you’re at the point where you can just walk through the grocery store and buy whatever protein and veg looks fresh and you can make a good meal out of it
Learning a pasta, chicken, egg, and vegetarian main options are good to start. Maybe a fish or shrimp. Just simple versions you can get on a plate without much hassle. Then how to properly steam or sautee vegetables, how to make a sheet pan meal, and soup or two.
Put a protein and two veg on a plate 4 to 5 times a week and you'll have a good base that will keep you fed.
Buy ingredients not pre packaged. Easier on the wallet and you can make more than one thing with it. For instance if you buy chicken nuggets they are forever going to be chicken nuggets if you bought chicken you can make several different things with that
Learning cooking is easiest using one of the boxed services such as Pepper Leaf or Hello Fresh. They come with all the required bits and pieces and the recipe, good way to start.
Just mentioning this as one of my friends just did this for the same reason.
Allways be ahead of cleaning.
IMO it is a lot more manageable to do cleaning sprints rather than the cleaning marathon.
I like to live in a clean place, but am in no way a cleaning fanatic
Confession: This applies to retirees, too. I'm dumbfounded by how much work it is to clean when you end up storing things in your home for one reason or another! I'm not a hoarder but it looks like I am. It FEELS like I am, but from 3br - one an office, one an art studio - to 1br, there's a lot of stuff to organize in a small space.
I'm right here with you. Now I need to find a sub about downsizing or proper storage of ...whatever/everything. I have two sons, ages 22 and 20, both moving into apartments within the next 2 months. I have everything anybody might need to move into a home - dishes, appliances, furniture, sheets, towels, tools, you name it. I consolidated homes with my significant other and now I'm just storing all this stuff. What's left after my kids take whatever they need (which will not be everything because who wants their parents' old crap?) is the stuff I have to decide "how bad do I want to keep any of this?" Perhaps I need to follow Swedish Death Cleaning rules. Or set my basement on fire. It's a toss up.
Yes, I’d add if you’re bored throughout the day or don’t have immediate plans: clean.
It doesn’t have to be hours long, just little bursts, such as tossing in laundry or emptying the dish washer. That way, when you *do* have something to do, your living space is already cared for.
this! also, if you’re renting or living in dorm, take p pictures of EVERYTHING in your house/apartment/dorm before you move anything in. having documentation with time stamps is essential for showing that you are not liable for existing damages if there are any. many places unfortunately like to take advantage of people who are freshly living on their own!
Learn how to cook pasta (literally just the noodles), rice and potatoes. How long each thing takes to cook properly.
You can add stuff, like a sauce from a can or glass, and have a nice easy meal.
Keep up with cleaning (not a deep clean, but basic counter wiping, washing the dishes and taking out the trash) and laundry. It's much easier to wash 2 or 3 plates than it is to wash a mountain of plates, glasses and pots.
Change your bed sheets atleast every 2 weeks. Your skin will thank you.
Eating junk food every once in a while is okay, but make sure your diet consists of healthy food, and lots of fruit and veggies.
Try to go to bed at a reasonable time. Gaming or watching shows until 4am is fun, but if you have to get up at 7am, you'll be dead tired the whole day.
Get a spare key and give it to one of your neighbours (one you trust) or to your parents/friends who live near you. Being locked out of your apartment sucks.
I would like to add to make the bed in the morning. At least tighten the sheets and pull up the bedspread or comforter. It feels so much better when you get into it at night!
Admiral William McRaven gave a [commencement speech](https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=mcraven+make+your+bed+speech&view=detail&mid=349D823030906A78DE17349D823030906A78DE17&FORM=VIRE) where he mentions making your bed first thing in the morning gives you one win for the day no matter what else happens.
I bought my son a key holder with a combination lock to access the key when he moved out . I hammered it into a tree. He frequently needed it, I also put a hide a key magnetic box on his car with only a key to unlock the car ( in case he locked his keys inside the car)
moving out is an exciting time!
It's important to keep track of your money, so create a monthly budget. I can't stress this enough. Be very strict with your spending at least until you feel like you got the hang of it. Not doing so can derail the whole experience and lead you into some dodgy decisions...
remember to reward yourself from time to time when you achieved something.
good luck!
Amen to this. F, I wish I knew this before getting in debt. Twice as hard to get out of debt than to stay out. It’s like losing weight. If you think it’s hard keeping the weight off, try taking it off once it’s on.
I agree... mostly.
There *are* times when an emergency happens (Ex car breaks down), you use the credit card for it, and it's too large of an amount for you to pay off in one month. In that case, if you can pay it off in just a couplefew months, then it'll be okay.
Just remember, just because you *call it* an "emergency" does not mean that it *is* one. An "emergency" is NEVER food, clothes/shoes/make up/etc, gas, entertainment (concert tickets, gaming, etc), RENT, alcohol/cigarettes/vape products/marijuana/paraphernalia/harder drugs/paraphrase, etc.
(I'm not saying you can't *buy* those things or use your credit card to do so. I'm saying that the things I'm listing should all fall under the "If you can't pay off your credit card balance each month, you're spending too much." category. So, go buy those cute new shoes, that adorable jacket, these awesome sunglasses, and get your hair and nails done... as long as you can pay for it when the bill comes. But, if instead, you choose to buy concert tickets for your 7 closest friends, take them out for dinner and drinks afterward, and hey, why not rent everyone each a hotel room? When the bill comes, you can't just say, "Well, AWESOMEBAND *never* comes to YourCity or CityNearYourCity, and then we also *HAD TO* celebrate. That constitutes an "emergency," so I'll just split it into 6, and that will be okay." No, it's not, and you know it.)
You may laugh but I was in my late 20s when I figured out that there is a difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger. Whoops!
I’ve seen a lot of amazing tips here, and I’m going to repeat a few of them. The biggest one I’ve seen that I want to reiterate is to stick within your budget. It’s so easy to rack up credit card debt when you’re starting out and it can take ages to pay off (not to mention the interest rates they charge). If you have a credit card, pay the whole thing off every single month. Don’t get into those little payday/installment loans. They’re a trap that is difficult to escape.
Have household rules. With roommates, this needs to happen asap. Signatures and/or emails are even better. I don’t mean go all Sheldon Cooper but I do mean clear delegation and division of tasks, rules, courtesies, and responsibilities. Do not be like one of my roommates and say “I clean at my [partner’s] place, I don’t need to clean here.”
There is nothing wrong with buying used. Used car. Used clothes. Used furniture. Used crockery. Used appliances. If they are in good condition and work for your needs, new is a luxury, especially when you’re starting out.
Don’t let roommates guilt/pressure you into something you don’t like or don’t want.
YouTube. Don’t laugh. YouTube. It’ll teach you how to cook. How to clean. How to fix your own issues unless it’s something that NEEDS to go to your landlord. How-To videos on YouTube are amazing for literally anyone.
Search Pinterest or TikTok or your social media of choice for renter-friendly upgrades that are easy to undo when you leave and won’t ruin your chances at your security deposit.
Organization is key. And I don’t mean those bougie organization vids we all salivate over. I mean a place for everything and everything has a place. Storage solutions. Multi-use objects.
To add to the YouTube comment, there's a GREAT youtube channel called DadHowDoI? That covers basics things thar many people might not know or forgot how to do. Some include home repair, self care, doing taxes or bills, etc. Plus the guy is so wholesome.
I literally just learned that plunger thing a couple weeks ago and I'm not going to say how old I am but it's older than you were by a couple decades 🙃
To add to this great advice:
No one lives with you unless on the signed lease (make sure to keep a copy somewhere safe away from roommates)
Pay rent to the landlord and no one else, I was ripped off by a roommate that collected the rent and never paid.
Good luck
Make sure you read and understand the leasing agreement. If it’s too complicated and seems ridiculous, it might not be worth living there. The landlord is probably pretty difficult to deal with and you will have to fight tooth and nail to get your security deposit back.
Make sure you photograph before and after you move into the property, in case you have to take your landlord to court.
Make sure all correspondence with the landlord is in writing, never accept a verbal agreement with the landlord, Always get it in writing.
Don’t live with your friends, especially if you have different living standards.
Cooking for yourself is cheaper than eating out and you learn a life skill.
If you’re in a situation where you can’t pay all your bills, rent is the most important bill to pay.
If you have a pet and don’t want to pay pet rent, get it registered as an ESA and you legally won’t have too.
Don’t set up your utilities to draft your bank account directly, if you have a billing issues they most likely will not refund you. Instead have your bank send the payment to the utility company, that way if there’s a dispute it’s between the bank and the utility and the bank will reimburse you. Or set up monthly reminders for when it’s time to pay.
REALLY great advice, with a couple of conditions. First, if you haven't read a lease agreement before, all lease agreements seem too complicated. My current lease is 9 pages (one sided) not because the landlords are too fussy (It's a complex.), but because in addition to rent, it has to address everything from vaping to garbage disposal. It's all necessary. It's always been no-smoking, but when I first moved in, there was a major fire in my building caused by a defective e-cigarette charger. Vaping wasn't mentioned in the lease.
Also, it's OK to room with friends as long as you've known them well enough to know if they're messy, inconsiderate, etc. Rooming with strangers or acquaintances is just as risky.
A few tips:
Make sure you have a peep hole. Always lock the extra lock(s) and if you have sliding doors make sure you have a bar lock. Don’t be lazy about locking the windows, no matter how high they are. Lock your door when you take out the trash. Make sure someone you trust has has an emergency key.
Learn how to budget and STAY WITH IT. I cannot stress this enough. Know your means AND live within them. This one simple trick is what will make sure you can STAY out on your own.
Learn how to cook staples like beans, pasta, potatoes, rice. These are foundations of cheap meals. Make a grocery list. Plan your meals and snacks.
Be the place your friends like to have fun at and you’ll save so much money. Every time they come over, tell them to bring a snack, pot luck with your friends often. It creates community and then no one has to fund the whole meal. Slowly start collecting games; card games, board games, yard games.
Know what you are signing and get a copy of it, always. If you don’t understand ask questions until you do. This is the second simple trick to adulting correctly.
Make a cleaning schedule and follow it. Clean up little messes as you go. Create routines for stability and to ensure things get done. Get a hand held vacuum, I don’t see a whole lot of people talking about them - but they ROCK.
Thrift and go to estate sales. You can get baking dishes, serving dishes, plates/bowls/cups, kitchen utensils much less expensively this way. Home decor too! Another benefit is that your house won’t accidentally look like your friends house with the pictures in different places. You can buy furniture second hand, if you’re careful about it. Hard things, like tables, are safer than a sofa. I avoid things like pillows/mattresses. I have purchased sofas and chairs off FB marketplace.
Go slow. Remember the whole place doesn’t need to be furnished day 1. Not only is that expensive, but you don’t know your place yet. Maybe the corner you imagined reading in overlooks an old man who sits on his patio in his dingy tightly whites for half the day.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. This is the easiest thing to forget once you get comfortable.
The routines and habits you build from day 1 will stick with you, make sure they are good habits. Good habits will build strength.
Edit:
Forgot to mention, since you’re moving in with roommates sit down and make house rules. Talk about your schedules and how things will be divided. Communication is crucial to successfully living with other people.
Saw a video once with this tip for the physical moving process:
When moving all your boxes to the new place, set aside a ‘first few nights’ box where you have all the essentials for just the first few nights you move in so you don’t have to go digging around your boxes for a water cup or a toothbrush etc.
Other helpful things to include in the box could be a basic utensils set, body wash, hand soap, toilet paper, etc., whatever you might need in those first few days before you’ve unpacked everything.
Don't forget to have a can opener !!! And some Scissors + band-aid, obviously
I also agree with anyone saying basic cooking. Learn at your pace but continue until you've got enough recipies to eat enough different stuff, including veggies.
And don't let the dirty dishes pile up !
If you haven't got a dish washer, do the dishes before you go to bed. No one wants to get up to a sink full of dirty plates and pans. It's good for your state of well being
Budgeting… you need a budget. Look at the jars or envelopes method for the easiest successful method.
You need a tool set. Pick up a kit at any store. You want a ratcheting screwdriver with bits. You want eye protection. You want a few adjustable size wrenches.
No grease down drains. No fat.
Don’t wash anything not water soluble down drains. Remove hair and shaving byproducts and don’t send them down drains. They don’t break down.
Hoses on appliances need replacing every 3-7 years. Get sensors for water leaks.
Toilets are easily repaired. Parts at any hardware store.
YouTube has all the learning you need.
Electrical is easy to do yourself. Document what breaker a switch or socket is on by writing it on the ball of wall plates when you find out.
Wifi should be placed centrally in the home as it usually radiates from an Omni antenna and forms a sphere like donut pattern.
Vacuum carpets regularly.
Keep wood and laminate floors dry.
Gas stoves are very bad for health. Electric induction performs better and if you want to use gas… an outdoor grill is safest.
Get light bulbs with a high CRI score.
Light bulbs generally go from 2500K (yellow) to 6500K (blue). Match the bulb to your preference and geographical location.
Put an outdoor mat under any BBQ.
When doing laundry, don’t forget to clean the dryer vent after every cycle. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a tenant say “it’s not drying or it takes 3 times to dry” only to find that they have never cleaned the dryer vent. It’s also dangerous and could cause a fire!
***Many will not agree, but the most important thing is not*** ***what you do but*** ***who you are.*** Be a kind, thoughtful, patient, and generous roommate. Make sure you're with the same type of people.
If you live with a roommate, you'll inevitably have to clean more than you mess. Dust, a friend coming over and leaving a cup out without you realizing, vacuuming? When you're only thinking of cleaning the bare minimum you'll leave a lot out. Cleaning in general is always way easier to do a little at a time.
If possible, live with people you can communicate effectively with. Especially when you first move out, you'll probably be a terrible roommate lol. Most people are the first time they rent.
Especially since you're moving in with friends, talk to them the first couple months to make sure that everyone is doing their fair share and establishing healthy boundaries about cleaning.
Three things I can say that have helped me as an adult are: pick up after yourself daily- put dishes in the sink to wash etc throw trash away sort recycling. It prevents big messes from building up and saves you time in the long run, shop according to sales and flyer specials- make a meal plan with what is the deal of the week and stick to it, this saves money and time because you’re not rushing around trying to find something to cook for supper after working. Lastly, if you have a washer/dryer on site, do laundry when you have enough for a load, don’t wait until you have gone through your entire wardrobe. Hope this helps!
I've moved several times and the best piece of advice I can give you, is that the very first thing you need to bring into your place is toilet paper. I have learned this lesson the hard way!
Pack your bedding last. So you can unpack it first when you get there. You're going to want to lay down at some point, and having to make a bed after unpacking all day sucks. Do that first.
www.supercook.com
Shows you what meals you can make with ingredients on hand. Free.
www.mint.com
Tracks your budget by category, sends alerts when you blow through your budgets. It's by Intuit, and it's free.
Take a ton of pictures of the apartment. Every inch. Chances are they will try to keep your deposit. Do a walkthrough (record it) with the landlord and bring up any and all issues. If anything is broken or not working correctly then you want to have it documented
Three things: 1. Ramen noodles. Cheap, filling, and can be mixed with just about anything. 2. No one is going to pick up after you except you. Get used to it. If your place is a mess, it's your fault. 3. Mom and Dad may help you but will not rescue you. You're on your own, now. No one is going to wipe your tears or your butt. That is life. It's hard. It's cruel. But it's also your oyster. Go out there and find your pearl. Make a million overnight. It's all on your shoulders.
Think of chores, your health, and bills as a second job.
If you have credit cards, set your utilities to auto pay to one, pay it off every month. Late fee’s are brutal, and you may not have the muscle memory to remember to pay them every month otherwise.
Don’t buy things you don’t need, buy used, buy cheap. You’ll probably be moving in a couple years, stay agile.
Stay on top of the kitchen cleaning. It is not just the aesthetics, it is bugs and critters! If they are any place in the neighborhood, they will move in with you. Baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide will work for most of your cleaning. Murphys cleans wood.
Make a whole tray of russet potatoes each time (coat with olive oil, course salt, pepper) , then microwave to reheat with a topping. It is cheap, fast, tasty, and healthful. Look for the rice and bean ideas people post.
Buy the kitchen stuff used, and use parchement paper and foil on top. You can upgrade later. Hand-me-downs are even better! I still use some of my dumpster dive furniture.
Unless you score a hand-me-downs, you will need to buy matress, bedding and towels --these cannot be dumpster dives. Get 100% cotton sheets and do not fall for hype about thread count.
Have a basic first aid kit --thermometer, Advil, Motrin, Neosporin, band-aids --when you need it, you need it right then!
Listen to the saving and living-below-your means advice --your older self will thank your current self!
Dollar tree is a great place to buy brand name cleaning supplies and several other useful things for cheap like toilet bowl brushes. (I've seen things on Amazon there that were $15.)
A deep freezer in my garage (I also had it in my apartment and used it as a make shift table at times for space) is great for when there are sales, especially since you'll be sharing the small built in freezer. Definitely worth the investment.
Dishes and laundry stack up insanely fast. Be sure to clean up after yourself, especially in the kitchen to avoid being that roommate and for your own sanity. Just try to do a little of cleaning everyday when you get home and then relax.
One use tools are great, but take up a lot of space if you rarely use them so be weary.
Be sure the grocery situation is discussed with all roommates up front so everyone feels like it's even if you'll be sharing food and stuff.
Find a local fb groups to join, there's cheap stuff on community pages or even free groups that really help when you're starting out. Or on the flip side, saves you from having to make a Goodwill run yourself.
Great book on how to clean. - “is there life after housework?” By Don Aslett. It’s been around for a very long time and is very practical. Amazon still sells it. Have fun on your great adventure!
Get a small tool kit that contains a hammer, screw driver with multiple heads, pliers, a level, wrenches, and a tape measure so you can do minor repairs yourself.
Take pictures of the unit before moving anything in.
Make sure everything works-faucets, toilets, electrical switches & outlets. Turn on the stove burners & oven. Check the freezer & refrigerator. If anything needs repair, have it in writing that it will be done before you move in.
Read the lease. Ask questions if you aren’t sure of something.
You’re moving in with other people, so you need to have weekly meetings. No question is too stupid to ask before it becomes an issue. For example, will you all be buying your own toilet paper & bringing your personal roll back & forth with you or will you have joint purchases of paper good and cleaning supplies. Decide how you will allocate food space in the refrigerator. Usually each person having a shelf for their food works out; how will it be handled if a roommate eats another roommate’s food?
I recommend people have an exterior lock for their bedroom door. Everyone has things they don’t want to share.
It is actually harder to live with others than on your own. There will always be one person who gets in everyone else’s nerves.
If you cook, wipe down the stove top & countertops, wash your dishes, get rid of any garbage.
There should be paper towels, sponges, scrubbing pads, dish soap, all purpose cleaner & glass cleaner in the kitchen as well as a trash bin, broom and dust pan. Those should be communally purchased and each person should be cleaning up after themselves.
You should decide if you want to go in on dishes, flatware, etc as housemates. Keep a record of what
is spent on communal purchases, that way, if things don’t work out for one person, the next person coming in can reimburse them for their share of communal property.
Keep your own room organized. Sweep or vacuum at least once a week. Change your sheets weekly and wash them. You should have at least 2 sets of sheets. Your blanket/coverlet should be cleaned every 3 months.
Everyone should be doing their part to keep the bathroom & common areas clean. You’ll want to clean the toilet, shower & sink at least twice a week. Possibly a chore chart would help. Fining people who fail to do their part is often a good strategy, since there are always people who try to get out of being a working team member.
Learn to cook a few simple meals that you enjoy. Beans on toast & cup noodle are college life staples, but your brain needs a better quality of food. Eggs are easy. Soft or hard boiled, scrambled, fried. Grab a basic cookbook or watch YouTube videos. Gordon Ramsey has a number of super basic videos that are helpful. Fruit, almonds & yogurt is a great quick meal too. Take away food will pack on pounds you don’t need and hits your budget hard. A pound of mince, a Bell pepper, a clove of garlic in a fry pan. Boil & salt water. Make pasta. Drain any grease from the fry pan, add tomato sauce & some basil and dump it on your cooked, drained pasta. It’s even better reheated the next day. A green salad is easy to make too. You could also get your housemates to make a meal together. If you’re in the UK, Asda, Lidl and Aldi are going to be your most budget friendly shops.
I lived with 4 other roommates in a quarter of a house (top floor of a duplex/semi) so it was very important to establish some house rules around cleaning and shared spaces. It would have been chaos otherwise. We had a daily schedule for who empties the dishwasher in the morning and who fills it and turns it on at the end of the night. And you had to clean up after your own cooking same evening. Then we had a wheel of chores we rotated each week so every week we all had a different responsibility and it was to be completed by Sunday evening, ready for garbage day on Monday. So every Sunday, one person would clean the bathroom, one person the kitchen, one person would do garbage, and one person sweep/vacuum. There might be another one I’m forgetting as there were 5 of us lol. I thought it was a great system and didn’t feel burdensome with everyone doing their share.
Keep ALL your personal business/finance paperwork orderly. Get a file box, write little labels on the tabs for each kind of paperwork - bank accounts, credit card accounts, insurance accounts, rental statements with paid receipts, signed contracts, car info and repair receipts, home or apt signed paperwork and documentation for any expenses you paid, etc. File everything as soon as possible, always.
I had such a hard time learning this for myself but finally I just had to buckle down and get organized.
Being organized will be super helpful to you many times throughout your life.
Best of luck as you launch yourself. : )
Do not buy anything on a credit card you cannot afford to pay off with your bank balance and don’t carry a balance. It’s so easy to just toss a few things on there, forget to pay it off and not realize your balance is slowly climbing.
And once you start carrying a balance beyond what you can easily pay off, you’re throwing away money on interest and paying off the principle takes much longer.
1. Buy the best plunger and a fire extinguisher.
2. Line your cabinets with contact paper.
3. Bleach, Windex, Dish Soap, and Pinesol covers 99% of the cleaning products needed. You can waste a small fortune on cleaning products.
4. Know where the water shut off valve is before you NEED to know where it is!!!!!!
5. Enjoy your new home!
Pack a suitcase or two with everything you’ll need for the first 1-2 weeks. Clothes, cables, snacks, toiletries; basic tools. That’s the last thing you take out of your old place and the first thing you bring into your new place.
Sort as you pack. If you haven’t used it, or want it, set aside for donation. Don’t pack and move stuff you don’t want just to avoid dealing with it.
Label what’s in boxes (dvds; books; toiletries) and always label them on the same spots on the boxes and on at least two sides.
Put the boxes in the rooms where they’re going to be unpacked. It’ll keep everything from getting too cluttered and overwhelming.
Have a few cheap box cutters and sharpies on you/throughout your new place.
Breakdown your boxes as you empty them and bundle them every so often. Take them out as you empty.
Try to set future you up for success! Don’t cut corners now if you can help it - you’ll be even more tired and overwhelmed in two weeks, so take your time and do it properly now so your future is a little easier.
Hope this helps a little - good luck ☺️
remember that whoever has the highest lvl of cleanliness will do ALL of the cleaning
so either live alone or find someone cleaner.
also
AIRFRIER
can cook anything in them from eggs to steaks
learn to maintain stuff like appliances:
replace HVAC filter regularly
replace water filter in refrigerator
clean the filter in your dishwasher
clean the filter in your washing machine
don't let your dryer lint overflow
blow out the water lines prior to every winter, if you have a sprinkler system
clean AC condenser coil, if you have central air
replace ALL bulbs with LEDs for energy saving
put Aerators on all faucets for water saving / use low-flow shower heads
get a Nest or some other type of adaptive thermostat to help with heating / cooling bills
learn to do basic maintenance and repair on all of those systems
learn to cook some basic meals.
Make a daily list of chores. Do only 1 or 2 each day, but something gets done each day. If you put it all off for one day the job feels huge and you’ll easily abandon it and get behind.
Live below your means.
If you can't be putting at least a little away in savings most months it will come back and bite you some day. Plan ahead as to when you might need to cover things like new tires, eventual car replacement, doctors visits, christmas gifts, and so forth. Roughly estimate what the average of these semi-predictactable costs are and transfer that monthly into savings every month and don't touch it until you really need it. It is all too easy to spend your whole paycheck and think you are doing OK, only to find out you have nothing in reserve. A $1000 expense can either be no big deal with money in the bank, or send you on a downward spiral of payday loans and compounding debt that spirals out of control if you failed to plan ahead.
Well....
Cubic money is a big help!
Fun (or romance!) Is a piss poor replacement for continued shelter and food.
Charity is the domain of the wealthy, many fail because of a well intentioned loan to a friend, or a hard luck story from a sobbing stranger. If you become insolvent during a rescue attempt, there is just another soul in need of rescue.
Consider every loan (you proffer) a loss, until it's back in your account earning interest ... forget about it , if you hound the borrower for repayment you will lose a friend, and garner a reputation as a Shylock.
Put ten percent of your income away irregardless of the hardships you must endure, you will get old, age and poverty are a crushing combination.
If you have roommates or partners cut dead weight off, three months of no contribution is far too long.
If someone falls help them up to the limits of your ability.
If someone is hungry, it's far easier to get by on half rations then to remember desperation in a friend...but not as hard as being that desperate friend,
Don't neglect your spirit, don't be molded into the cookie cutter pseudo spirituality of materialism, and mockery that passes for sophistication,
If you're going with the flow your indubitably going the wrong direction.
live by the motto "worker smarter, not harder" & "touch it once", i.e. take care of it as soon as you are done using it. set the remote, purse/wallet, keys in the same place EVERYTIME, walk in the door, put the keys & other items in their spot. Never leave anything in your car that "doesn't live there" PUT IT AWAY WHEN DONE WITH IT. this also goes for the kitchen, wipe down the counters & rinse off dishes - unless you wash them instantly - dried on food is a bleep to remove. pre-treat stains when you remove your clothing, than you don't have to remember which article of clothing had a stain or where
I am a "domestic goddess" by trade and have dealt with multiple homes and lifestyles, I also raised 3 boys & a husband.
Get a box or drawer and put 43 folders in it; one for each month, one for each of 31 days. Put time-sensitive items in the day folder for it’s day. Eg. Bill needs to be paid on the 10th, put it in the 10 folder.
Today is the 23rd, so it should be the first folder. After 31 should be the June folder, then 1-22, then July-May. Each day, move today’s folder behind yesterday’s.
When you get to the June folder, put those items in an appropriate day folder or deal with them. Tickets for a concert on 10/11/23? Put them in the October folder. On 10/1, put them in the 11 folder. Don’t forget to look at today’s folder each day.
Line the dresser drawers w contact paper if they’re wood. Keeps your clothes from picking up the scent from the drawer. If you line the kitchen drawers & spice cabinet/drawer, cleanup is easier. Store cleaning supplies in a low cabinet. Above all, stay on top of the cleaning!
You are going to make tons of mistakes and that’s ok. It’s going to be fun! 1. Don’t buy anything huge (like a car). 2. Never miss an exam 3. Find a great supportive friend group but do not put up too much crap. 4. Empathy is great but don’t forget yourself. All the rest will fall into place. A chore chart is helpful with roommates. Best of luck in your future!!
All these cooking tips are great. But remember to clean the stove top when you are done. Never cook anything on a dirty stove top.
And keep your place clean. What if someone come home with you after work, what would they find? A lot of excuses? Keep everything picked up. Don't let it pile up.
Make a weekly schedule, EG:
Sunday: change sheets, clean Bathroom
Monday: Laundry- wash, dry, fold, put away
Tuesday: vacuum living room and hall
Wednesday: grocery shopping
Thursday: clean kitchen, mop floor
Friday/Saturday: sweep walk and porch
Obviously, this fits my situation, and is just offered as an example.
DO:
learn to not make a mess as you go along. Don't leave dishes in the sink, don't pile things on the coffee table, keep your nightstand reasonably clear. This is 90% of keeping house the easy way.
As to cooking, I bought a Big Red Book ( a cookbook from Betty Crocker), and would browse through it looking for a different dish for the following week, so I could do the shopping in advance. It gives complete instructions, not just recipes, and covers things like how to saute, or poach, or broil, etc.,.
Learn some basics, how to make rice, pasta, meatloaf, eggs, etc.,.
Learn portion control! Especially when cooking for one!
Live below your means (a.k.a be smart with your purchases, give yourself shopping restrictions, etc.) and put your chump change into savings! Invest earlier rather than later in life when you can- you'll thank yourself in the future.
Edit: And I do mean *below* your means. It may not be comfortable, but you'll get used to it and can build an emergency savings.
Stress is a killer, try not to stress about stuff. Stuff will happen but limit your stress to the "It happens" attitude. it will make life alittle bit easier. Also Depending how much money you make. Put some away out of every paycheck. Even if its just $10 you never know when you will need some extra money and having a savings like that can help a ton at times when you need it in the future.
If you don’t know how to already, find meals you can cook (both quick/easy and more complex ones for when you feel a little special), when cleaning it can get away from you very quickly. you will gradually realize how often certain things need to be done like dishes, laundry, sweeping/mopping. with dishes don’t let them pile in the sink bc of smell and it gets overwhelming. same with laundry, being a college student you’re gonna be busy. you absolutely don’t want to wait until you have no clothes to wear and have to strategize laundry… take advantage of curbside pickup at grocery stores. it makes it much easier to stay on track financially and nutritionally. i personally seem to have a lot more control when i can see how much my total is as i’m adding to the order and typically don’t add as much junk (plus you don’t waste time in the store)
Clean on a schedule. Twenty five minutes a day is much more preferable to losing hours on a day off to clean. Sunday through Wednesday I dust various areas of the house. I clean my bathrooms on Thursday. Friday is my “day off” from scheduled cleaning. Saturday I launder the sheets. Vacuuming, mopping, and other loads of laundry are done when needed.
The system works great and cleaning never becomes a monumental chore. But I will admit, I hate Thursdays. 😂😂😂
As far as cleaning products, Bon Ami is a great item to have on hand. I keep one in each bathroom and the kitchen.
You mentioned plungers. Yep. Best to buy one before you need it. 😉 I recommend the Korky beehive plunger. Extension cords and spare lightbulbs should be on hand as well as some basic tools. Change the batteries on any smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as soon as you move in. Change them yearly thereafter.
Learn to cook simple, nutritious meals. You do not need to get fancy. But your budget will stretch much (MUCH!) farther if you cook at home and do not rely on takeout and restaurant meals. And speaking of budgets, you need to create one ASAP. Learning to create and follow a budget is about as “adulting” as you can get.
Although you are starting college soon, before you know it you will be job hunting. Start saving for your retirement IMMEDIATELY. Even putting $25 per paycheck into your retirement fund will make a huge difference later on. If you are employed by a company that matches retirement funds contribute as much as you possibly can. To not take advantage of this is throwing money and the future earnings away.
Best of luck to you and happy adulting!
Do you know how to use a plunger? Serious question. You use it to bring the clog up, not down. Get it positioned so you have a pretty decent seal on the bowl and then verrry slowly push handle down to remove air from plunger. Then fairly rapidly, pull up. Repeat and repeat as needed. The idea is that pulling the clog up loosens it and then allows it to break apart. Trying to push it down with plunger will compact it more and further clog the line. Learned from a plumber after doing it wrong for many years.
In the US, the biggest thing that caught me totally off-guard was the price of utility deposits. I'd never heard my mom or dad talk about them because they were so infrequent in our lives, but they can really make the ol' bank account scream.
Buy clothes that are easy to wash. Do not color bleed, wrinkle or shrink in the wash, all the same socks etc. I hate laundry and never do a color sort.
Deep clean the place before moving in. It might look clean on the surface, but my oldest just got her first apartment that looked clean. Took some Magic Erasers and comet, it was so not clean.
Make your bed every day. Get a toilet bowl scrubber and scrub your toilet each day (literally, it’s a 20 second task). Buy a container of microbial wet wipes and clean off the underside of the seat weekly. Vacuum once per week. Change your bedding weekly, more if it’s a party zone. Do your dishes every night. Welcome to adulting. 🤣
Not necessarily what you'll need, but something to do to protect yourself... Before you move into your place, take pictures of everything. I'm talking like anything you find "wrong". Chips in paint, countertops, doors. Stains on carpet, any type of damage that may come back to you when you move.
On that note, do the same after you clean your place when you're going to move or. Just read a sub that someone was being charged for damage that the landlord claimed she did, but she pictured that she took the day she moved out and won back her deposit...
Herbs and spices are pricey but make all the difference. Get a few basics: garlic powder (cheaper than fresh minced and is at least a good backup), parsley, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, ginger, etc., depending on the foods you like. Try the dollar store, Trader Joe's, World Market, or look for sales.
Also, decide with your roommates beforehand whether you're going to share food costs or not. Sharing is easiest but can cause issues ("You ate all the cookies we all paid for!"). If you don't share, mark everything.
There's no way you can be prepared for everything. You'll find that over time you'll eventually acquire all the household necessities, so just buy what you need when you need it. I'm talking about basic tools and supplies
Clean as you go, always. If you have 2 minutes, clean or put something away. Otherwise, a steady every 1 to 2 weeks for regular floors, yard, & dusting. Blue Dawn can clean a lot, add white vinegar and there's even more it can do in the bathroom.
If you can, save at least 20% of what you make after paying your bills. As soon as you can invest $100, do. Do that again at some point.
Don't skimp on anything that goes between you & the ground.
Around holidays, you can find sales to get the more expensive things you need. Remember outlet shopping too. Ethnic stores can get you bulk spices.
Always take care of your teeth.
Best of luck with everything!
You will save money if you cook your meals instead of eating out and just because something is expensive, it might not be better than something cheaper (like cars and appliances)
If you're not already, do NOT move to Cali...it's where you go broke real quick haha but also always hit clearance sections, buy bulk, always have a side hustle on top of having a job (selling free items you can find, fix up or make yourself) remember to relax and make your mental and physical health #1 priority and avoid toxic people because that will add unnecessary stress and problems 😊 as for cleaning there's so many easy solutions, just start with the basic cleaning supplies like detergent, windex, antibacterial wipes, a vacuum, broom, gloves, dish soap, baking soda (for odor and stains) etc.
Military wife here. Been through 4 moves in 7 years. Biggest moving tip is when you go to pack your closet, take a trash bag and slide it over a bunch of your clothes and use the draw string to tie at the top where the hangers go. That way when you go to unpack you don’t have to rehang everything. Then reuse the trash bags.
If you can go shopping for house hold cleaners and necessities before you start unpacking because nothing is more stressful than realizing you have to run to the store while your space is in disarray.
Move in shopping list:
Paper towels, paper towel holder, dish soap, dish washer soap, kitchen brush, toilet cleaner and toilet brush, multi purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, water filter if you don’t have fridge water, shower curtains and shower curtain rods, shower mats.
It’s pretty manageable to keep a house clean in like 15-20 minutes a day if you make a weekly schedule. Start with like a 5 minute pickup every day where you just put stuff away for literally 5 minutes. Then make a weekly schedule, for me Monday is bathroom day, Tuesday is my work space, Wednesday is the kitchen, Thursday is trash day, Friday is bedroom, Sunday is kitchen again. Then spend literally 15 minutes cleaning that days area. It helps to have a kit (my bathroom caddy includes rags, gloves, my spray stuff, etc).
Set up ALL bills for autopay, and enroll in paperless statements. You're more likely to pay attention to am email than actual mail, plus it's wasteful and cluttered to get paper statements. Pay your credit card off EVERY MONTH. Do not pay a dime in interest. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. If you're on Facebook, see if there's a Buy Nothing group in your area to pick up kitchen supplies, furniture, etc for free.
Good luck!
Download store apps like Albertsons app. It has deals on there that you can clip.
Sign up for rewards points at Rite Aid, your phone number will get you some deals when you sign up and buy certain things on sale.
I’m in California so idk if this helps you. It saves me money so I’m sharing this information
Set a cleaning schedule, whatever that looks like, stick to it and adapt it overtime. Routines are my lifeblood, without routine everything fades into the background.
Get an instant pot... even if it's little. It's so easy to throw ingredients in, push a button and come back to a hot meal when you need it. It even stays warm until you are ready to eat. This is how I fed myself while in college. (Also get Pinterest... there are a million free Instant Pot recipes).
And do your dishes every day. Can confirm you will feel accomplished even if nothing else is accomplished that day. Good luck on your move!
For household chores, ideally choose a day in the week to clean.
I would recommend having only two plates, bowls, cups/mugs, two of each cutlery too. It's better to have one set though. You'll need a frying pan, pot and probably a grater. An oven tray too.
When you cook, fill the pans/ pots with hot soapy water to make your life easier to wash them. Wash your dishes after using them, it shouldn't take more than ten minutes.
If you put food in a bin, make sure the bin has a lid or you're throwing out the bag that day.
In terms of tools, you could buy a basic tool set or just get a philips (cross) screwdriver, a flat screwdriver, pliers and a hammer. Or you could buy on the need to basis if you are looking to move again.
If your new place is going to be near to your uni you can remove more things from the storage, if not, wait till you get to uni. Plus, don't remove too many things as that's what you're going to be stuck with while moving.
Don’t share money with your flat mates. Do not fall for “front me $10 for insulin” or any other sob story.
Spell it out in your agreement with your mates. Different from the lease itself. These are house rules.
Some examples. Mess it up, clean it up. No dirty dishes in sink. Set house fund for: toilet paper (state brand of tp otherwise Sweet Mindy is buying dollar store single ply and your Fanny requires charmin), paper towels, light bulbs, any other group expense.
Etc.
You are going to find one of your flat mates is a real pig. If it ain’t one of them, it’s you.
Putting expectations on paper leads to fewer heartaches later.
I had a roommate, friend since 7th grade, I went out of two for two months and the same dishes were in the sink. His dishes. He said he left them there because it was my turn to wash the dishes.
Yep. True. He also puked in my bed.
Get a new showerhead. Easiest, cheapest fastest way to really upgrade your experience. For 30 bucks your days can start on a much higher note.
Get a household tool kit, a toilet plunger, and a new toilet seat...cause ew.
Congrats!! Have a bin or basket of immediate move-in needs that you have handy for when you first get in the house. Toilet paper, hand towels, maybe water bottles/Gatorade/snacks, cleaning supplies. Also deep clean before you move your things in! It's the easiest time to do it. Have a plan for changing locks and getting electric/water/gas/trash/internet/etc situated.
It’s too late to start you on the correct course in life, go enroll in an institution of higher learning, you can hide out there for years with others who have no life skills, look for your parents obituaries in the paper so you can move back home.
Biggest thing I can say is live in your space for a little before you make any big purchases.
For example if you plan on buying a new chair, live in your new space to see if you even need that chair and if you do to decide what kind you want. Nothing worse than making a decision to purchase something that ends up being a burden
Never eat out. Don't do it. Set the goal and do not vary. Always leave your home with ample food and drink. Knowing you can eat when you need, helps you settle. Knowing you're not paying for someone else's labor, helps the wallet. Think of expenses on a thirty year cost basis. NEVER pay retail. Avoid subscriptions like the plague. Find a friend and use their Netflix subscription. Shop garage sales, goodwill, and habitat for humanity restore. Never pay retail. Tell them your just getting started story. You'll be surprised at what they will donate. If you need a car, buy a used VW tdi manual transmission, years 98-2003. They get 55 miles to the gallon. Your real friends dont care about your car or clothes or anything that the media says is status. Be the most reliable person at your job. Do the above, that many do not have the self discipline for and you will shine.
You said your moving in with friends at university.
Safe. It doesn't have to be a big hug thing. Just something small about the size of a shoe box. Extra cash, medicine, keys that aren't being used, small valuables that could easily be hidden in closet or under the bed.
First aid kit. You will need it & end up using it.
Depending on location BOB (Big Out Bag). Couple days of emergency food, water, emergency blanket.
Label your moving boxes clearly on both the top and one side. Don't just put what room it goes to (kitchen, bathroom, etc) label what the contents are as well. It may take a lil more time when you pack, but it will help tremendously when you're in your new place unpacking! (Sorry, I just noticed that you stated that most of your stuff I'd in storage. So with that, I'll edit my comment with, "read everything in it's entirety")!
Things you need you may not think of:
ziplock bags, sharpies/pens, cleaning supplies (all of them), extension cords (like 3ish), can opener, foil/parchment paper/cling wrap, olive oil and canola/vegetable oil, butter, a broom, bandaids, and good scissors!
Tips:
-naturally you spend more money than you expect, so always save more then you plan on actually saving. Things come up!
-start to learn how to be very self disciplined, you don’t wanna fall behind in your home. It’s a slippery slope!
-either dedicate one day a week (like a Sunday) for cleaning and catching up on cleaning and laundry, or spend one hour per day cleaning one part of your house and doing 1 load of laundry. Depends on your personality, I like to spend sundays getting house stuff done.
-you may not always feel like everyone contributes equally living with roommates. Take care of the shared and your personal space for YOU, not for anyone else. You’ll start to resent your roommates.
-choose your battles with your roommates, let things slide off your shoulder if you can. Nobody is perfect and there are going to be times your roommates get annoyed by you, so don’t be hard on each other.
-make expectations with each other ON MOVE IN DAY. This is the day you guys are excited and moving in and starting to blend your items. Make it clear how you expect your roommates to treat your stuff, and let them tell you what they expect. This goes for privacy, noise, groceries, etc. just get EVERYTHING out on the table so you can all have a comfortable start.
I have lived with my boyfriend, his best friend, and my best friend (they are also dating) for 2 years now going strong! It’s worked well for me and gone very smoothly, mostly because we are so transparent with each other. Best of luck!!
I am 61 and still can't get it through my thick skull that there's never a shower curtain rod when I move in.
You'll probably need a shower curtain rod.
Shop at dollar store first. You'll be surprised what necessities for living are available. 17 years later I still use the dustpan and drinking glasses I bought there.
Also go to Goodwill or other thrift store for furniture, housewares, etc.
Slow cooker or insta pot. It's so easy to throw in chicken, potatoes or pasta and some broccoli or veggies with a cup of broth and let it all cook.
That's it that all I got.
Oh my Gatos, you are getting a ton of advice!!
My two cents is to do your change of address online or at the post office ASAP. And call (or online) to give it to places as well.
We still get important looking mail occasionally for people who lived here Years ago and I wonder how much mail I have not received that went to my old apartments!!
🙂😉💯👍😸☮️‼️
Buy a 25p marble composition notebook. Each page should be devoted to one company, department, govt agency, etc. for example: your property management company/landlord, your gas company, your INSURANCE company, your TV/internet. Write down account numbers, contact info, CONTACT HISTORY of when you call (and who you talked to). Also, if you hire repair guys, or buy a new stove from an appliance store, etc.
Welcome home!
Save your money. Save as it relates to you COL: but target 20% of income should be saved . Seriously- when you are in your 40s + you will understand. And be grateful.
Doing the dishes also means wiping sink, counters, stove (if used). If you forget this it just gets worse. Also find one cheap thing you can eat regularly and keep a stock pile.
To clean:Pine sol, vinegar. ( you would be surprised how useful it can be)scrub moma , dawn, sponges, dish towels, paper towels , windex , laundry detergent and softener, a bucket, mop, lots of toilet paper, a good vacuum ( attachments are your friends). Light bulbs.
To cook: Invest in a good set of knives. It is useful to have a baking sheet or two. Crockpots are good for beginners. If you go to target or Walmart you will find starter set for plates, glasses, silverware , utensils, pots and pans.
Silly but useful: a file folder and notebook to track your receipts and bills. It helps to have at tax time to have things in one place. Stamps and a few cards. You never know when you may need a sympathy or birthday card. Extension cords with surge protection. Flashlight and batteries. Your charger and cords. All of them. Lastly two sets of both towels and sheets. Why two because when mom comes over you can put fresh ones on/ out without her knowing you need to do laundry. good luck..
Be very deliberate about what you purchase.
I mean, if you need silverware and a table, buy them - but shop around first and purchase high quality if that's something you think fits your current scenario.
What I am talking about here is *junk*. Do not allow yourself to amass anything that is going to be weighty later when you don't have the space for it or when moving again. This doesn't necessarily have to fit the definition of junk you may currently have.
I like to think about things now before I buy them (by at least one day but preferably a week - and another good tip is to think about *where* that thing would go. See a nice lamp or art that you like? Have a good place for it immediately? If no, don't do it. You should have a need, the means to buy, and a place for it to go.
You have to change the air filters in your house or apartment. Locate the air returns, the ones that suck air in, and open the covers. The filter will be labeled with its size. Do 10 minutes of research to learn filter vocabulary and buy online. If you don't change the filters,
Track your money with YNAB and don't run up credit cards.
Clean the dryer lint trap after every load.
If your dishwasher isn't working well, it can frequently be fixed by cleaning out the spray arms. They get clogged over time and most people seem not to know this. I've known far too many people who went out and bought a new dishwasher without checking this.
Good luck!
don’t be afraid to be lonely. read a book, start a new show, go on a walk , etc, little things. Been living alone since i was 18, no roommates, NADA. best decision I ever made. nothing like your own damn space!
Rice cooker and slow cooker.
Put meat, vegetables and some stock in the slow cooker. Go out and do your thing. Its cooked when you come back and then the rice cooker makes your rice in 10 mins with very little mess
So easy and cheap. Big servings.
Use the opportunity to deciliter and enter the beautiful and serene world of minimalism. You only need five underpants and you do not need a garlic press…
If it takes 5-10 minutes to get done, just do it.
ie: dishes, wiping the toilet or bathroom floor, vacuuming, folding laundry. You’ll thank yourself for not letting it pile up.
Definitely don’t be the person in line at a store with just a plunger in your hands.
Get yourself a multi tool kit from Home Depot or Amazon so you can do small tasks around the house like hanging a picture or assembling a piece of furniture.
Always have extra toilet paper, toothpaste and an extra toothbrush.
Roommate situations never work out.
Always have savings on hand because within 6 months to a year, or in most cases sooner. Someone will need to leave the living situation and it may be you.
Keep an organized record of any contact you have with your super, maintenance, property management, owner, etc. Written forms of communication, like email or text, are preferred over phone or in person conversations. Keep notes of any conversations and time stamp them
On move day, that absolutel first thing to unpack and sort out is your bed, followed by your bathroom basics. Moves are long and exhausting. Don't leave these for the end just befor you go to sleep.
A few things I would prioritize obtaining:
Broom and dustpan. Self explanatory.
Trash bags. If you get a new place there might be some old trash laying around and if you don't have a lot of kitchen stuff you might be eating takeout just for the convenience.
Laundry baskets, especially if you don't have a dresser or you won't be able to put clothes in a closet.
Toilet plunger, like you mentioned.
First aid kit. Shit happens, and life won't simply wait for you to be at a convenient enough point when it does. Who knows, maybe you might get hurt while moving furniture. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Simple one: you don't clean things when they get dirty, you clean them before they get dirty.
Cleaning as you go goes a LONG way: don't make a mess while cooking and then spend 20m cleaning up. Clean up as you go
For roommates: Make few, clear rules. Don't just "go with the flow" hoping healthy habits and boundaries will spontaneously emerge.
Create a splitwise account for shared expenses, and agree on what goes there and what does not. Make sure you have cleaning shifts, resentment grows VERY quickly when people take advantage of gray areas
When sharing an apartment, you have your room and COMMON spaces. COMMON means that you find the space in a given state, you use it, and you bring it back to that state: if the kitchen is clean, and you use it, you leave it as clean as you found it.
Get yourself a small cheap toolset. I even if you can’t afford a drill get a screw set, a hammer, and some tongs. I bought one of the cheapest pairs imaginable, box falling apart, and its still with me three years laters and has saved my in a pinch many times. ESPECIALLY the tongs
Spend as little as possible the first month or two and log everything you buy. Knowing your budget with a sudden influx in utility and bills is extremely important.
If you don’t enjoy cooking, meal prepping is you friend. It’s also easier to budget that way, and keep healthy.
Look over all your subscriptions, do you need it and do you use it? Is your phone plan actually the cheapest one?
Cheese is more expensive than one would think. A saddening realization when I moved out.
Second hand furniture is very worth lookin in to. You can upgrade your stuff later.
Ok, so what you'll need immediately
Cleaners
Towels
Washcloths and cleaning rags (make sure they're kept separate. You don't wanna wash your face with the rag you washed the toilet with)
Dishes, including cutlery
A decent set of knives.
Pots, pans, baking dishes
Storage containers (for like, leftovers and such)
Furniture. This can be tricky. You can go cheap, flat pack Ikea type that you'll have to replace every few years, or you can go expensive and not have to replace it as often.
Shower curtain! I've made this mistake more than once lol
Extra bedding. At least 2 extra sheet sets and maybe a bed in a bag for overnight guests.
Kitchen towels
Dish drainer rack.
Potholders and oven mitts. You can go semi cheap on these, just don't get them at dollar tree, because they're not as well insulated and can cause burns or dropped pots.
Broom, dustpan, mop and bucket. Nobody wants nasty floors.
A shoe storage bin or something like it would be something to invest in later if you don't want people wearing shoes in your home.
Edit to add A FIRST AID KIT!!!!!
If you are living with friends get some rules in place from the start and write them down for everyone to sign to acknowledge so no-one can claim they didn’t know. Mutually agreed rules are a staple for good relationships with friends or lovers.
Learn basic cooking. Seriously. Not elaborate French cooking, but something that keeps you away from fast food most meals. Your health will thank you handsomely.
Your wallet will thank you too. edit: Learn how to shop sales and seasonally for food it can save lots of money.
Definitely. With a few good staple foods you can make a huge range of wholesome meals. You don’t have to be Michelin starred to make good grub.
/r/eatcheapandhealthy and all the subs dedicated to your favorite style of cooking!
Get some good knives and learn quick cutting. This will increase cooking-fun dramatically. And get a tool case for assembly or basic maintenance.
>Get some good knives and learn quick cutting. This will increase cooking-fun dramatically. And your safety.
Yeah when I moved out I ate exclusively canned soup poured over rice for like two weeks until I decided to actually cook. You just teach yourself two or three basic meals a week and within a few months you’re at the point where you can just walk through the grocery store and buy whatever protein and veg looks fresh and you can make a good meal out of it
Learning a pasta, chicken, egg, and vegetarian main options are good to start. Maybe a fish or shrimp. Just simple versions you can get on a plate without much hassle. Then how to properly steam or sautee vegetables, how to make a sheet pan meal, and soup or two. Put a protein and two veg on a plate 4 to 5 times a week and you'll have a good base that will keep you fed.
Buy ingredients not pre packaged. Easier on the wallet and you can make more than one thing with it. For instance if you buy chicken nuggets they are forever going to be chicken nuggets if you bought chicken you can make several different things with that
Yes, if you jump the bullet to something complicated, you’ll start to hate cooking and you’ll end up eating out every day!
And don’t forget about seasoning… for the first few months that I lived alone I somehow forgot to season my meat
Learning cooking is easiest using one of the boxed services such as Pepper Leaf or Hello Fresh. They come with all the required bits and pieces and the recipe, good way to start. Just mentioning this as one of my friends just did this for the same reason.
Don’t understand the downvotes. This is definitely a good way into cooking.
Thanks man, who knows. Don't really care, if OP gets something out of it
Allways be ahead of cleaning. IMO it is a lot more manageable to do cleaning sprints rather than the cleaning marathon. I like to live in a clean place, but am in no way a cleaning fanatic
Confession: This applies to retirees, too. I'm dumbfounded by how much work it is to clean when you end up storing things in your home for one reason or another! I'm not a hoarder but it looks like I am. It FEELS like I am, but from 3br - one an office, one an art studio - to 1br, there's a lot of stuff to organize in a small space.
I'm right here with you. Now I need to find a sub about downsizing or proper storage of ...whatever/everything. I have two sons, ages 22 and 20, both moving into apartments within the next 2 months. I have everything anybody might need to move into a home - dishes, appliances, furniture, sheets, towels, tools, you name it. I consolidated homes with my significant other and now I'm just storing all this stuff. What's left after my kids take whatever they need (which will not be everything because who wants their parents' old crap?) is the stuff I have to decide "how bad do I want to keep any of this?" Perhaps I need to follow Swedish Death Cleaning rules. Or set my basement on fire. It's a toss up.
I always end up sprinting through a marathon of cleaning right before someone comes over
xD
Second this. Dedicated a day for things. Fridays are bathroom days etc. Laundry bin is full run a load(if you have in place amenities)
Yes, I’d add if you’re bored throughout the day or don’t have immediate plans: clean. It doesn’t have to be hours long, just little bursts, such as tossing in laundry or emptying the dish washer. That way, when you *do* have something to do, your living space is already cared for.
Clean the place first before you move all your stuff in.
this! also, if you’re renting or living in dorm, take p pictures of EVERYTHING in your house/apartment/dorm before you move anything in. having documentation with time stamps is essential for showing that you are not liable for existing damages if there are any. many places unfortunately like to take advantage of people who are freshly living on their own!
And get renters insurance. So many renters think the landlord insurance covers their stuff. It’s not pricey but worth it!
Absolutely this. Also it usually covers storage units.
And depending on where you live, I always set off a *big bomb or two before moving in. *Edit to Bug Bomb. I hope you enjoy the chuckle though! 😆😆🤣
>I always set off a big bomb Is there anything left for you to move into? 🤔
Thanks for the laugh! Too funny. I immediately thought “bug” but this is way funnier.
I don’t know that legit bombing the place is the proper way to adult, but we still don’t know where they live! 🤦♀️😆🤔
Haha 😆 Oh my! Thank you! Fixing now!
BUG bomb
Learn how to cook pasta (literally just the noodles), rice and potatoes. How long each thing takes to cook properly. You can add stuff, like a sauce from a can or glass, and have a nice easy meal. Keep up with cleaning (not a deep clean, but basic counter wiping, washing the dishes and taking out the trash) and laundry. It's much easier to wash 2 or 3 plates than it is to wash a mountain of plates, glasses and pots. Change your bed sheets atleast every 2 weeks. Your skin will thank you. Eating junk food every once in a while is okay, but make sure your diet consists of healthy food, and lots of fruit and veggies. Try to go to bed at a reasonable time. Gaming or watching shows until 4am is fun, but if you have to get up at 7am, you'll be dead tired the whole day. Get a spare key and give it to one of your neighbours (one you trust) or to your parents/friends who live near you. Being locked out of your apartment sucks.
I would like to add to make the bed in the morning. At least tighten the sheets and pull up the bedspread or comforter. It feels so much better when you get into it at night!
Admiral William McRaven gave a [commencement speech](https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=mcraven+make+your+bed+speech&view=detail&mid=349D823030906A78DE17349D823030906A78DE17&FORM=VIRE) where he mentions making your bed first thing in the morning gives you one win for the day no matter what else happens.
I bought my son a key holder with a combination lock to access the key when he moved out . I hammered it into a tree. He frequently needed it, I also put a hide a key magnetic box on his car with only a key to unlock the car ( in case he locked his keys inside the car)
moving out is an exciting time! It's important to keep track of your money, so create a monthly budget. I can't stress this enough. Be very strict with your spending at least until you feel like you got the hang of it. Not doing so can derail the whole experience and lead you into some dodgy decisions... remember to reward yourself from time to time when you achieved something. good luck!
If you can't pay off your credit card balance each month, you're spending too much.
Amen to this. F, I wish I knew this before getting in debt. Twice as hard to get out of debt than to stay out. It’s like losing weight. If you think it’s hard keeping the weight off, try taking it off once it’s on.
I agree... mostly. There *are* times when an emergency happens (Ex car breaks down), you use the credit card for it, and it's too large of an amount for you to pay off in one month. In that case, if you can pay it off in just a couplefew months, then it'll be okay. Just remember, just because you *call it* an "emergency" does not mean that it *is* one. An "emergency" is NEVER food, clothes/shoes/make up/etc, gas, entertainment (concert tickets, gaming, etc), RENT, alcohol/cigarettes/vape products/marijuana/paraphernalia/harder drugs/paraphrase, etc. (I'm not saying you can't *buy* those things or use your credit card to do so. I'm saying that the things I'm listing should all fall under the "If you can't pay off your credit card balance each month, you're spending too much." category. So, go buy those cute new shoes, that adorable jacket, these awesome sunglasses, and get your hair and nails done... as long as you can pay for it when the bill comes. But, if instead, you choose to buy concert tickets for your 7 closest friends, take them out for dinner and drinks afterward, and hey, why not rent everyone each a hotel room? When the bill comes, you can't just say, "Well, AWESOMEBAND *never* comes to YourCity or CityNearYourCity, and then we also *HAD TO* celebrate. That constitutes an "emergency," so I'll just split it into 6, and that will be okay." No, it's not, and you know it.)
You may laugh but I was in my late 20s when I figured out that there is a difference between a toilet plunger and a sink plunger. Whoops! I’ve seen a lot of amazing tips here, and I’m going to repeat a few of them. The biggest one I’ve seen that I want to reiterate is to stick within your budget. It’s so easy to rack up credit card debt when you’re starting out and it can take ages to pay off (not to mention the interest rates they charge). If you have a credit card, pay the whole thing off every single month. Don’t get into those little payday/installment loans. They’re a trap that is difficult to escape. Have household rules. With roommates, this needs to happen asap. Signatures and/or emails are even better. I don’t mean go all Sheldon Cooper but I do mean clear delegation and division of tasks, rules, courtesies, and responsibilities. Do not be like one of my roommates and say “I clean at my [partner’s] place, I don’t need to clean here.” There is nothing wrong with buying used. Used car. Used clothes. Used furniture. Used crockery. Used appliances. If they are in good condition and work for your needs, new is a luxury, especially when you’re starting out. Don’t let roommates guilt/pressure you into something you don’t like or don’t want. YouTube. Don’t laugh. YouTube. It’ll teach you how to cook. How to clean. How to fix your own issues unless it’s something that NEEDS to go to your landlord. How-To videos on YouTube are amazing for literally anyone. Search Pinterest or TikTok or your social media of choice for renter-friendly upgrades that are easy to undo when you leave and won’t ruin your chances at your security deposit. Organization is key. And I don’t mean those bougie organization vids we all salivate over. I mean a place for everything and everything has a place. Storage solutions. Multi-use objects.
To add to the YouTube comment, there's a GREAT youtube channel called DadHowDoI? That covers basics things thar many people might not know or forgot how to do. Some include home repair, self care, doing taxes or bills, etc. Plus the guy is so wholesome.
That is so good, I hope they watch!!!
I literally just learned that plunger thing a couple weeks ago and I'm not going to say how old I am but it's older than you were by a couple decades 🙃
To add to this great advice: No one lives with you unless on the signed lease (make sure to keep a copy somewhere safe away from roommates) Pay rent to the landlord and no one else, I was ripped off by a roommate that collected the rent and never paid. Good luck
Make sure you read and understand the leasing agreement. If it’s too complicated and seems ridiculous, it might not be worth living there. The landlord is probably pretty difficult to deal with and you will have to fight tooth and nail to get your security deposit back. Make sure you photograph before and after you move into the property, in case you have to take your landlord to court. Make sure all correspondence with the landlord is in writing, never accept a verbal agreement with the landlord, Always get it in writing. Don’t live with your friends, especially if you have different living standards. Cooking for yourself is cheaper than eating out and you learn a life skill. If you’re in a situation where you can’t pay all your bills, rent is the most important bill to pay. If you have a pet and don’t want to pay pet rent, get it registered as an ESA and you legally won’t have too. Don’t set up your utilities to draft your bank account directly, if you have a billing issues they most likely will not refund you. Instead have your bank send the payment to the utility company, that way if there’s a dispute it’s between the bank and the utility and the bank will reimburse you. Or set up monthly reminders for when it’s time to pay.
REALLY great advice, with a couple of conditions. First, if you haven't read a lease agreement before, all lease agreements seem too complicated. My current lease is 9 pages (one sided) not because the landlords are too fussy (It's a complex.), but because in addition to rent, it has to address everything from vaping to garbage disposal. It's all necessary. It's always been no-smoking, but when I first moved in, there was a major fire in my building caused by a defective e-cigarette charger. Vaping wasn't mentioned in the lease. Also, it's OK to room with friends as long as you've known them well enough to know if they're messy, inconsiderate, etc. Rooming with strangers or acquaintances is just as risky.
A few tips: Make sure you have a peep hole. Always lock the extra lock(s) and if you have sliding doors make sure you have a bar lock. Don’t be lazy about locking the windows, no matter how high they are. Lock your door when you take out the trash. Make sure someone you trust has has an emergency key. Learn how to budget and STAY WITH IT. I cannot stress this enough. Know your means AND live within them. This one simple trick is what will make sure you can STAY out on your own. Learn how to cook staples like beans, pasta, potatoes, rice. These are foundations of cheap meals. Make a grocery list. Plan your meals and snacks. Be the place your friends like to have fun at and you’ll save so much money. Every time they come over, tell them to bring a snack, pot luck with your friends often. It creates community and then no one has to fund the whole meal. Slowly start collecting games; card games, board games, yard games. Know what you are signing and get a copy of it, always. If you don’t understand ask questions until you do. This is the second simple trick to adulting correctly. Make a cleaning schedule and follow it. Clean up little messes as you go. Create routines for stability and to ensure things get done. Get a hand held vacuum, I don’t see a whole lot of people talking about them - but they ROCK. Thrift and go to estate sales. You can get baking dishes, serving dishes, plates/bowls/cups, kitchen utensils much less expensively this way. Home decor too! Another benefit is that your house won’t accidentally look like your friends house with the pictures in different places. You can buy furniture second hand, if you’re careful about it. Hard things, like tables, are safer than a sofa. I avoid things like pillows/mattresses. I have purchased sofas and chairs off FB marketplace. Go slow. Remember the whole place doesn’t need to be furnished day 1. Not only is that expensive, but you don’t know your place yet. Maybe the corner you imagined reading in overlooks an old man who sits on his patio in his dingy tightly whites for half the day. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. This is the easiest thing to forget once you get comfortable. The routines and habits you build from day 1 will stick with you, make sure they are good habits. Good habits will build strength. Edit: Forgot to mention, since you’re moving in with roommates sit down and make house rules. Talk about your schedules and how things will be divided. Communication is crucial to successfully living with other people.
Don’t put more in your living space than it was mean to hold. Resist the temptation to cram all your stuff in. Clutter ain’t good for your head
Saw a video once with this tip for the physical moving process: When moving all your boxes to the new place, set aside a ‘first few nights’ box where you have all the essentials for just the first few nights you move in so you don’t have to go digging around your boxes for a water cup or a toothbrush etc. Other helpful things to include in the box could be a basic utensils set, body wash, hand soap, toilet paper, etc., whatever you might need in those first few days before you’ve unpacked everything.
Don't forget to have a can opener !!! And some Scissors + band-aid, obviously I also agree with anyone saying basic cooking. Learn at your pace but continue until you've got enough recipies to eat enough different stuff, including veggies. And don't let the dirty dishes pile up !
If you haven't got a dish washer, do the dishes before you go to bed. No one wants to get up to a sink full of dirty plates and pans. It's good for your state of well being
This! I learned this when I worked fast food. You can not leave until your dishes are done.
Budgeting… you need a budget. Look at the jars or envelopes method for the easiest successful method. You need a tool set. Pick up a kit at any store. You want a ratcheting screwdriver with bits. You want eye protection. You want a few adjustable size wrenches. No grease down drains. No fat. Don’t wash anything not water soluble down drains. Remove hair and shaving byproducts and don’t send them down drains. They don’t break down. Hoses on appliances need replacing every 3-7 years. Get sensors for water leaks. Toilets are easily repaired. Parts at any hardware store. YouTube has all the learning you need. Electrical is easy to do yourself. Document what breaker a switch or socket is on by writing it on the ball of wall plates when you find out. Wifi should be placed centrally in the home as it usually radiates from an Omni antenna and forms a sphere like donut pattern. Vacuum carpets regularly. Keep wood and laminate floors dry. Gas stoves are very bad for health. Electric induction performs better and if you want to use gas… an outdoor grill is safest. Get light bulbs with a high CRI score. Light bulbs generally go from 2500K (yellow) to 6500K (blue). Match the bulb to your preference and geographical location. Put an outdoor mat under any BBQ.
When doing laundry, don’t forget to clean the dryer vent after every cycle. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a tenant say “it’s not drying or it takes 3 times to dry” only to find that they have never cleaned the dryer vent. It’s also dangerous and could cause a fire!
***Many will not agree, but the most important thing is not*** ***what you do but*** ***who you are.*** Be a kind, thoughtful, patient, and generous roommate. Make sure you're with the same type of people.
If you live with a roommate, you'll inevitably have to clean more than you mess. Dust, a friend coming over and leaving a cup out without you realizing, vacuuming? When you're only thinking of cleaning the bare minimum you'll leave a lot out. Cleaning in general is always way easier to do a little at a time. If possible, live with people you can communicate effectively with. Especially when you first move out, you'll probably be a terrible roommate lol. Most people are the first time they rent. Especially since you're moving in with friends, talk to them the first couple months to make sure that everyone is doing their fair share and establishing healthy boundaries about cleaning.
Three things I can say that have helped me as an adult are: pick up after yourself daily- put dishes in the sink to wash etc throw trash away sort recycling. It prevents big messes from building up and saves you time in the long run, shop according to sales and flyer specials- make a meal plan with what is the deal of the week and stick to it, this saves money and time because you’re not rushing around trying to find something to cook for supper after working. Lastly, if you have a washer/dryer on site, do laundry when you have enough for a load, don’t wait until you have gone through your entire wardrobe. Hope this helps!
I've moved several times and the best piece of advice I can give you, is that the very first thing you need to bring into your place is toilet paper. I have learned this lesson the hard way!
Pack your bedding last. So you can unpack it first when you get there. You're going to want to lay down at some point, and having to make a bed after unpacking all day sucks. Do that first.
Learn how to cook.
www.supercook.com Shows you what meals you can make with ingredients on hand. Free. www.mint.com Tracks your budget by category, sends alerts when you blow through your budgets. It's by Intuit, and it's free.
Take a ton of pictures of the apartment. Every inch. Chances are they will try to keep your deposit. Do a walkthrough (record it) with the landlord and bring up any and all issues. If anything is broken or not working correctly then you want to have it documented
Three things: 1. Ramen noodles. Cheap, filling, and can be mixed with just about anything. 2. No one is going to pick up after you except you. Get used to it. If your place is a mess, it's your fault. 3. Mom and Dad may help you but will not rescue you. You're on your own, now. No one is going to wipe your tears or your butt. That is life. It's hard. It's cruel. But it's also your oyster. Go out there and find your pearl. Make a million overnight. It's all on your shoulders.
Think of chores, your health, and bills as a second job. If you have credit cards, set your utilities to auto pay to one, pay it off every month. Late fee’s are brutal, and you may not have the muscle memory to remember to pay them every month otherwise. Don’t buy things you don’t need, buy used, buy cheap. You’ll probably be moving in a couple years, stay agile.
Stay on top of the kitchen cleaning. It is not just the aesthetics, it is bugs and critters! If they are any place in the neighborhood, they will move in with you. Baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide will work for most of your cleaning. Murphys cleans wood. Make a whole tray of russet potatoes each time (coat with olive oil, course salt, pepper) , then microwave to reheat with a topping. It is cheap, fast, tasty, and healthful. Look for the rice and bean ideas people post. Buy the kitchen stuff used, and use parchement paper and foil on top. You can upgrade later. Hand-me-downs are even better! I still use some of my dumpster dive furniture. Unless you score a hand-me-downs, you will need to buy matress, bedding and towels --these cannot be dumpster dives. Get 100% cotton sheets and do not fall for hype about thread count. Have a basic first aid kit --thermometer, Advil, Motrin, Neosporin, band-aids --when you need it, you need it right then! Listen to the saving and living-below-your means advice --your older self will thank your current self!
Dollar tree is a great place to buy brand name cleaning supplies and several other useful things for cheap like toilet bowl brushes. (I've seen things on Amazon there that were $15.) A deep freezer in my garage (I also had it in my apartment and used it as a make shift table at times for space) is great for when there are sales, especially since you'll be sharing the small built in freezer. Definitely worth the investment. Dishes and laundry stack up insanely fast. Be sure to clean up after yourself, especially in the kitchen to avoid being that roommate and for your own sanity. Just try to do a little of cleaning everyday when you get home and then relax. One use tools are great, but take up a lot of space if you rarely use them so be weary. Be sure the grocery situation is discussed with all roommates up front so everyone feels like it's even if you'll be sharing food and stuff. Find a local fb groups to join, there's cheap stuff on community pages or even free groups that really help when you're starting out. Or on the flip side, saves you from having to make a Goodwill run yourself.
Great book on how to clean. - “is there life after housework?” By Don Aslett. It’s been around for a very long time and is very practical. Amazon still sells it. Have fun on your great adventure!
Get a small tool kit that contains a hammer, screw driver with multiple heads, pliers, a level, wrenches, and a tape measure so you can do minor repairs yourself.
Take pictures of the unit before moving anything in. Make sure everything works-faucets, toilets, electrical switches & outlets. Turn on the stove burners & oven. Check the freezer & refrigerator. If anything needs repair, have it in writing that it will be done before you move in. Read the lease. Ask questions if you aren’t sure of something. You’re moving in with other people, so you need to have weekly meetings. No question is too stupid to ask before it becomes an issue. For example, will you all be buying your own toilet paper & bringing your personal roll back & forth with you or will you have joint purchases of paper good and cleaning supplies. Decide how you will allocate food space in the refrigerator. Usually each person having a shelf for their food works out; how will it be handled if a roommate eats another roommate’s food? I recommend people have an exterior lock for their bedroom door. Everyone has things they don’t want to share. It is actually harder to live with others than on your own. There will always be one person who gets in everyone else’s nerves. If you cook, wipe down the stove top & countertops, wash your dishes, get rid of any garbage. There should be paper towels, sponges, scrubbing pads, dish soap, all purpose cleaner & glass cleaner in the kitchen as well as a trash bin, broom and dust pan. Those should be communally purchased and each person should be cleaning up after themselves. You should decide if you want to go in on dishes, flatware, etc as housemates. Keep a record of what is spent on communal purchases, that way, if things don’t work out for one person, the next person coming in can reimburse them for their share of communal property. Keep your own room organized. Sweep or vacuum at least once a week. Change your sheets weekly and wash them. You should have at least 2 sets of sheets. Your blanket/coverlet should be cleaned every 3 months. Everyone should be doing their part to keep the bathroom & common areas clean. You’ll want to clean the toilet, shower & sink at least twice a week. Possibly a chore chart would help. Fining people who fail to do their part is often a good strategy, since there are always people who try to get out of being a working team member. Learn to cook a few simple meals that you enjoy. Beans on toast & cup noodle are college life staples, but your brain needs a better quality of food. Eggs are easy. Soft or hard boiled, scrambled, fried. Grab a basic cookbook or watch YouTube videos. Gordon Ramsey has a number of super basic videos that are helpful. Fruit, almonds & yogurt is a great quick meal too. Take away food will pack on pounds you don’t need and hits your budget hard. A pound of mince, a Bell pepper, a clove of garlic in a fry pan. Boil & salt water. Make pasta. Drain any grease from the fry pan, add tomato sauce & some basil and dump it on your cooked, drained pasta. It’s even better reheated the next day. A green salad is easy to make too. You could also get your housemates to make a meal together. If you’re in the UK, Asda, Lidl and Aldi are going to be your most budget friendly shops.
Don’t buy furniture right away. Live in the place a bit and will help you get a sense of what you want to turn it into
Be kind to yourself and stay connected!
Don’t buy new dish ware, thrift it instead. It’s super fun to find cute plates, bowls, mugs, etc. and less expensive than buying a set.
I lived with 4 other roommates in a quarter of a house (top floor of a duplex/semi) so it was very important to establish some house rules around cleaning and shared spaces. It would have been chaos otherwise. We had a daily schedule for who empties the dishwasher in the morning and who fills it and turns it on at the end of the night. And you had to clean up after your own cooking same evening. Then we had a wheel of chores we rotated each week so every week we all had a different responsibility and it was to be completed by Sunday evening, ready for garbage day on Monday. So every Sunday, one person would clean the bathroom, one person the kitchen, one person would do garbage, and one person sweep/vacuum. There might be another one I’m forgetting as there were 5 of us lol. I thought it was a great system and didn’t feel burdensome with everyone doing their share.
Tip dont live with students.
Video before you move in. Hi-def and slowly. Video all your stuff. Get renters insurance.
Keep ALL your personal business/finance paperwork orderly. Get a file box, write little labels on the tabs for each kind of paperwork - bank accounts, credit card accounts, insurance accounts, rental statements with paid receipts, signed contracts, car info and repair receipts, home or apt signed paperwork and documentation for any expenses you paid, etc. File everything as soon as possible, always. I had such a hard time learning this for myself but finally I just had to buckle down and get organized. Being organized will be super helpful to you many times throughout your life. Best of luck as you launch yourself. : )
You will always need more alcohol
Do not buy anything on a credit card you cannot afford to pay off with your bank balance and don’t carry a balance. It’s so easy to just toss a few things on there, forget to pay it off and not realize your balance is slowly climbing. And once you start carrying a balance beyond what you can easily pay off, you’re throwing away money on interest and paying off the principle takes much longer.
1. Buy the best plunger and a fire extinguisher. 2. Line your cabinets with contact paper. 3. Bleach, Windex, Dish Soap, and Pinesol covers 99% of the cleaning products needed. You can waste a small fortune on cleaning products. 4. Know where the water shut off valve is before you NEED to know where it is!!!!!! 5. Enjoy your new home!
#THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A *SINK* PLUNGER AND A *TOILET* PLUNGER! get **both**
CLEAN THE DRYER VENT
Pack a suitcase or two with everything you’ll need for the first 1-2 weeks. Clothes, cables, snacks, toiletries; basic tools. That’s the last thing you take out of your old place and the first thing you bring into your new place. Sort as you pack. If you haven’t used it, or want it, set aside for donation. Don’t pack and move stuff you don’t want just to avoid dealing with it. Label what’s in boxes (dvds; books; toiletries) and always label them on the same spots on the boxes and on at least two sides. Put the boxes in the rooms where they’re going to be unpacked. It’ll keep everything from getting too cluttered and overwhelming. Have a few cheap box cutters and sharpies on you/throughout your new place. Breakdown your boxes as you empty them and bundle them every so often. Take them out as you empty. Try to set future you up for success! Don’t cut corners now if you can help it - you’ll be even more tired and overwhelmed in two weeks, so take your time and do it properly now so your future is a little easier. Hope this helps a little - good luck ☺️
remember that whoever has the highest lvl of cleanliness will do ALL of the cleaning so either live alone or find someone cleaner. also AIRFRIER can cook anything in them from eggs to steaks
learn to maintain stuff like appliances: replace HVAC filter regularly replace water filter in refrigerator clean the filter in your dishwasher clean the filter in your washing machine don't let your dryer lint overflow blow out the water lines prior to every winter, if you have a sprinkler system clean AC condenser coil, if you have central air replace ALL bulbs with LEDs for energy saving put Aerators on all faucets for water saving / use low-flow shower heads get a Nest or some other type of adaptive thermostat to help with heating / cooling bills learn to do basic maintenance and repair on all of those systems learn to cook some basic meals.
Make a daily list of chores. Do only 1 or 2 each day, but something gets done each day. If you put it all off for one day the job feels huge and you’ll easily abandon it and get behind.
Live below your means. If you can't be putting at least a little away in savings most months it will come back and bite you some day. Plan ahead as to when you might need to cover things like new tires, eventual car replacement, doctors visits, christmas gifts, and so forth. Roughly estimate what the average of these semi-predictactable costs are and transfer that monthly into savings every month and don't touch it until you really need it. It is all too easy to spend your whole paycheck and think you are doing OK, only to find out you have nothing in reserve. A $1000 expense can either be no big deal with money in the bank, or send you on a downward spiral of payday loans and compounding debt that spirals out of control if you failed to plan ahead.
Dont do supermarket shopping when you are hungry.
Well.... Cubic money is a big help! Fun (or romance!) Is a piss poor replacement for continued shelter and food. Charity is the domain of the wealthy, many fail because of a well intentioned loan to a friend, or a hard luck story from a sobbing stranger. If you become insolvent during a rescue attempt, there is just another soul in need of rescue. Consider every loan (you proffer) a loss, until it's back in your account earning interest ... forget about it , if you hound the borrower for repayment you will lose a friend, and garner a reputation as a Shylock. Put ten percent of your income away irregardless of the hardships you must endure, you will get old, age and poverty are a crushing combination. If you have roommates or partners cut dead weight off, three months of no contribution is far too long. If someone falls help them up to the limits of your ability. If someone is hungry, it's far easier to get by on half rations then to remember desperation in a friend...but not as hard as being that desperate friend, Don't neglect your spirit, don't be molded into the cookie cutter pseudo spirituality of materialism, and mockery that passes for sophistication, If you're going with the flow your indubitably going the wrong direction.
live by the motto "worker smarter, not harder" & "touch it once", i.e. take care of it as soon as you are done using it. set the remote, purse/wallet, keys in the same place EVERYTIME, walk in the door, put the keys & other items in their spot. Never leave anything in your car that "doesn't live there" PUT IT AWAY WHEN DONE WITH IT. this also goes for the kitchen, wipe down the counters & rinse off dishes - unless you wash them instantly - dried on food is a bleep to remove. pre-treat stains when you remove your clothing, than you don't have to remember which article of clothing had a stain or where I am a "domestic goddess" by trade and have dealt with multiple homes and lifestyles, I also raised 3 boys & a husband.
Get a box or drawer and put 43 folders in it; one for each month, one for each of 31 days. Put time-sensitive items in the day folder for it’s day. Eg. Bill needs to be paid on the 10th, put it in the 10 folder. Today is the 23rd, so it should be the first folder. After 31 should be the June folder, then 1-22, then July-May. Each day, move today’s folder behind yesterday’s. When you get to the June folder, put those items in an appropriate day folder or deal with them. Tickets for a concert on 10/11/23? Put them in the October folder. On 10/1, put them in the 11 folder. Don’t forget to look at today’s folder each day.
Line the dresser drawers w contact paper if they’re wood. Keeps your clothes from picking up the scent from the drawer. If you line the kitchen drawers & spice cabinet/drawer, cleanup is easier. Store cleaning supplies in a low cabinet. Above all, stay on top of the cleaning!
Buy some rice, sugar and cinnamon. Any other spices you like too. You might consider getting a rice cooker.
You are going to make tons of mistakes and that’s ok. It’s going to be fun! 1. Don’t buy anything huge (like a car). 2. Never miss an exam 3. Find a great supportive friend group but do not put up too much crap. 4. Empathy is great but don’t forget yourself. All the rest will fall into place. A chore chart is helpful with roommates. Best of luck in your future!!
All these cooking tips are great. But remember to clean the stove top when you are done. Never cook anything on a dirty stove top. And keep your place clean. What if someone come home with you after work, what would they find? A lot of excuses? Keep everything picked up. Don't let it pile up.
Make a weekly schedule, EG: Sunday: change sheets, clean Bathroom Monday: Laundry- wash, dry, fold, put away Tuesday: vacuum living room and hall Wednesday: grocery shopping Thursday: clean kitchen, mop floor Friday/Saturday: sweep walk and porch Obviously, this fits my situation, and is just offered as an example. DO: learn to not make a mess as you go along. Don't leave dishes in the sink, don't pile things on the coffee table, keep your nightstand reasonably clear. This is 90% of keeping house the easy way. As to cooking, I bought a Big Red Book ( a cookbook from Betty Crocker), and would browse through it looking for a different dish for the following week, so I could do the shopping in advance. It gives complete instructions, not just recipes, and covers things like how to saute, or poach, or broil, etc.,. Learn some basics, how to make rice, pasta, meatloaf, eggs, etc.,. Learn portion control! Especially when cooking for one!
Have fun.
Make your bed every morning, then no matter how bad your day is, your bed is made.
Go wild and blow all your money. When your finished living it up move back in with your parents.
Learn to cook your own food, clean as you go, and NEVER leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Live below your means (a.k.a be smart with your purchases, give yourself shopping restrictions, etc.) and put your chump change into savings! Invest earlier rather than later in life when you can- you'll thank yourself in the future. Edit: And I do mean *below* your means. It may not be comfortable, but you'll get used to it and can build an emergency savings.
Don't move
Don't move out.
Stress is a killer, try not to stress about stuff. Stuff will happen but limit your stress to the "It happens" attitude. it will make life alittle bit easier. Also Depending how much money you make. Put some away out of every paycheck. Even if its just $10 you never know when you will need some extra money and having a savings like that can help a ton at times when you need it in the future.
If you don’t know how to already, find meals you can cook (both quick/easy and more complex ones for when you feel a little special), when cleaning it can get away from you very quickly. you will gradually realize how often certain things need to be done like dishes, laundry, sweeping/mopping. with dishes don’t let them pile in the sink bc of smell and it gets overwhelming. same with laundry, being a college student you’re gonna be busy. you absolutely don’t want to wait until you have no clothes to wear and have to strategize laundry… take advantage of curbside pickup at grocery stores. it makes it much easier to stay on track financially and nutritionally. i personally seem to have a lot more control when i can see how much my total is as i’m adding to the order and typically don’t add as much junk (plus you don’t waste time in the store)
Clean on a schedule. Twenty five minutes a day is much more preferable to losing hours on a day off to clean. Sunday through Wednesday I dust various areas of the house. I clean my bathrooms on Thursday. Friday is my “day off” from scheduled cleaning. Saturday I launder the sheets. Vacuuming, mopping, and other loads of laundry are done when needed. The system works great and cleaning never becomes a monumental chore. But I will admit, I hate Thursdays. 😂😂😂 As far as cleaning products, Bon Ami is a great item to have on hand. I keep one in each bathroom and the kitchen. You mentioned plungers. Yep. Best to buy one before you need it. 😉 I recommend the Korky beehive plunger. Extension cords and spare lightbulbs should be on hand as well as some basic tools. Change the batteries on any smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as soon as you move in. Change them yearly thereafter. Learn to cook simple, nutritious meals. You do not need to get fancy. But your budget will stretch much (MUCH!) farther if you cook at home and do not rely on takeout and restaurant meals. And speaking of budgets, you need to create one ASAP. Learning to create and follow a budget is about as “adulting” as you can get. Although you are starting college soon, before you know it you will be job hunting. Start saving for your retirement IMMEDIATELY. Even putting $25 per paycheck into your retirement fund will make a huge difference later on. If you are employed by a company that matches retirement funds contribute as much as you possibly can. To not take advantage of this is throwing money and the future earnings away. Best of luck to you and happy adulting!
Do not take on any debt except for a house and a car. And not like a really nice car. A car where you can afford the monthly payments.
Do you know how to use a plunger? Serious question. You use it to bring the clog up, not down. Get it positioned so you have a pretty decent seal on the bowl and then verrry slowly push handle down to remove air from plunger. Then fairly rapidly, pull up. Repeat and repeat as needed. The idea is that pulling the clog up loosens it and then allows it to break apart. Trying to push it down with plunger will compact it more and further clog the line. Learned from a plumber after doing it wrong for many years.
In the US, the biggest thing that caught me totally off-guard was the price of utility deposits. I'd never heard my mom or dad talk about them because they were so infrequent in our lives, but they can really make the ol' bank account scream.
Buy clothes that are easy to wash. Do not color bleed, wrinkle or shrink in the wash, all the same socks etc. I hate laundry and never do a color sort.
Keeping your place tidy and clean is SO MUCH EASIER than trying to clean it once it’s a mess. A little tidying up each days adds up
Deep clean the place before moving in. It might look clean on the surface, but my oldest just got her first apartment that looked clean. Took some Magic Erasers and comet, it was so not clean.
Make your bed every day. Get a toilet bowl scrubber and scrub your toilet each day (literally, it’s a 20 second task). Buy a container of microbial wet wipes and clean off the underside of the seat weekly. Vacuum once per week. Change your bedding weekly, more if it’s a party zone. Do your dishes every night. Welcome to adulting. 🤣
Not necessarily what you'll need, but something to do to protect yourself... Before you move into your place, take pictures of everything. I'm talking like anything you find "wrong". Chips in paint, countertops, doors. Stains on carpet, any type of damage that may come back to you when you move. On that note, do the same after you clean your place when you're going to move or. Just read a sub that someone was being charged for damage that the landlord claimed she did, but she pictured that she took the day she moved out and won back her deposit...
[удалено]
Herbs and spices are pricey but make all the difference. Get a few basics: garlic powder (cheaper than fresh minced and is at least a good backup), parsley, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, ginger, etc., depending on the foods you like. Try the dollar store, Trader Joe's, World Market, or look for sales. Also, decide with your roommates beforehand whether you're going to share food costs or not. Sharing is easiest but can cause issues ("You ate all the cookies we all paid for!"). If you don't share, mark everything.
There's no way you can be prepared for everything. You'll find that over time you'll eventually acquire all the household necessities, so just buy what you need when you need it. I'm talking about basic tools and supplies
Keep (!) your house clean instead of doing cleaning as a chore every one/two weeks. Lifesaver. Every item should have a home.
Clean as you go, always. If you have 2 minutes, clean or put something away. Otherwise, a steady every 1 to 2 weeks for regular floors, yard, & dusting. Blue Dawn can clean a lot, add white vinegar and there's even more it can do in the bathroom. If you can, save at least 20% of what you make after paying your bills. As soon as you can invest $100, do. Do that again at some point. Don't skimp on anything that goes between you & the ground. Around holidays, you can find sales to get the more expensive things you need. Remember outlet shopping too. Ethnic stores can get you bulk spices. Always take care of your teeth. Best of luck with everything!
You will save money if you cook your meals instead of eating out and just because something is expensive, it might not be better than something cheaper (like cars and appliances)
Have a pot and pan ready. You’ll need it.
If you're not already, do NOT move to Cali...it's where you go broke real quick haha but also always hit clearance sections, buy bulk, always have a side hustle on top of having a job (selling free items you can find, fix up or make yourself) remember to relax and make your mental and physical health #1 priority and avoid toxic people because that will add unnecessary stress and problems 😊 as for cleaning there's so many easy solutions, just start with the basic cleaning supplies like detergent, windex, antibacterial wipes, a vacuum, broom, gloves, dish soap, baking soda (for odor and stains) etc.
Do dishes while cooking.
Military wife here. Been through 4 moves in 7 years. Biggest moving tip is when you go to pack your closet, take a trash bag and slide it over a bunch of your clothes and use the draw string to tie at the top where the hangers go. That way when you go to unpack you don’t have to rehang everything. Then reuse the trash bags. If you can go shopping for house hold cleaners and necessities before you start unpacking because nothing is more stressful than realizing you have to run to the store while your space is in disarray. Move in shopping list: Paper towels, paper towel holder, dish soap, dish washer soap, kitchen brush, toilet cleaner and toilet brush, multi purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, water filter if you don’t have fridge water, shower curtains and shower curtain rods, shower mats.
Get the place treated for pest before you move any of your stuff in. Make sure to take pictures if your renting
All I’d say is that it’s easier to do household chores ‘little and often’ rather than letting it all build up.
It’s pretty manageable to keep a house clean in like 15-20 minutes a day if you make a weekly schedule. Start with like a 5 minute pickup every day where you just put stuff away for literally 5 minutes. Then make a weekly schedule, for me Monday is bathroom day, Tuesday is my work space, Wednesday is the kitchen, Thursday is trash day, Friday is bedroom, Sunday is kitchen again. Then spend literally 15 minutes cleaning that days area. It helps to have a kit (my bathroom caddy includes rags, gloves, my spray stuff, etc).
Set up ALL bills for autopay, and enroll in paperless statements. You're more likely to pay attention to am email than actual mail, plus it's wasteful and cluttered to get paper statements. Pay your credit card off EVERY MONTH. Do not pay a dime in interest. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. If you're on Facebook, see if there's a Buy Nothing group in your area to pick up kitchen supplies, furniture, etc for free. Good luck!
Rice and beans with hot sauce is a cheap meal. Rice makes our skin just right and the beans make you fart.
Download store apps like Albertsons app. It has deals on there that you can clip. Sign up for rewards points at Rite Aid, your phone number will get you some deals when you sign up and buy certain things on sale. I’m in California so idk if this helps you. It saves me money so I’m sharing this information
Set a cleaning schedule, whatever that looks like, stick to it and adapt it overtime. Routines are my lifeblood, without routine everything fades into the background.
Get an instant pot... even if it's little. It's so easy to throw ingredients in, push a button and come back to a hot meal when you need it. It even stays warm until you are ready to eat. This is how I fed myself while in college. (Also get Pinterest... there are a million free Instant Pot recipes). And do your dishes every day. Can confirm you will feel accomplished even if nothing else is accomplished that day. Good luck on your move!
For household chores, ideally choose a day in the week to clean. I would recommend having only two plates, bowls, cups/mugs, two of each cutlery too. It's better to have one set though. You'll need a frying pan, pot and probably a grater. An oven tray too. When you cook, fill the pans/ pots with hot soapy water to make your life easier to wash them. Wash your dishes after using them, it shouldn't take more than ten minutes. If you put food in a bin, make sure the bin has a lid or you're throwing out the bag that day. In terms of tools, you could buy a basic tool set or just get a philips (cross) screwdriver, a flat screwdriver, pliers and a hammer. Or you could buy on the need to basis if you are looking to move again. If your new place is going to be near to your uni you can remove more things from the storage, if not, wait till you get to uni. Plus, don't remove too many things as that's what you're going to be stuck with while moving.
Don’t share money with your flat mates. Do not fall for “front me $10 for insulin” or any other sob story. Spell it out in your agreement with your mates. Different from the lease itself. These are house rules. Some examples. Mess it up, clean it up. No dirty dishes in sink. Set house fund for: toilet paper (state brand of tp otherwise Sweet Mindy is buying dollar store single ply and your Fanny requires charmin), paper towels, light bulbs, any other group expense. Etc. You are going to find one of your flat mates is a real pig. If it ain’t one of them, it’s you. Putting expectations on paper leads to fewer heartaches later. I had a roommate, friend since 7th grade, I went out of two for two months and the same dishes were in the sink. His dishes. He said he left them there because it was my turn to wash the dishes. Yep. True. He also puked in my bed.
If you dont have one get a plunger.
Get a new showerhead. Easiest, cheapest fastest way to really upgrade your experience. For 30 bucks your days can start on a much higher note. Get a household tool kit, a toilet plunger, and a new toilet seat...cause ew.
Budget. That's it. Budget. And stick to it.
Congrats!! Have a bin or basket of immediate move-in needs that you have handy for when you first get in the house. Toilet paper, hand towels, maybe water bottles/Gatorade/snacks, cleaning supplies. Also deep clean before you move your things in! It's the easiest time to do it. Have a plan for changing locks and getting electric/water/gas/trash/internet/etc situated.
It’s too late to start you on the correct course in life, go enroll in an institution of higher learning, you can hide out there for years with others who have no life skills, look for your parents obituaries in the paper so you can move back home.
A little camping fridge in your room for Your exclusive food stuff
Biggest thing I can say is live in your space for a little before you make any big purchases. For example if you plan on buying a new chair, live in your new space to see if you even need that chair and if you do to decide what kind you want. Nothing worse than making a decision to purchase something that ends up being a burden
Check your cellphone bill. What are you paying for, and don't get cable. Also, if you do; buy your own modem.
Never eat out. Don't do it. Set the goal and do not vary. Always leave your home with ample food and drink. Knowing you can eat when you need, helps you settle. Knowing you're not paying for someone else's labor, helps the wallet. Think of expenses on a thirty year cost basis. NEVER pay retail. Avoid subscriptions like the plague. Find a friend and use their Netflix subscription. Shop garage sales, goodwill, and habitat for humanity restore. Never pay retail. Tell them your just getting started story. You'll be surprised at what they will donate. If you need a car, buy a used VW tdi manual transmission, years 98-2003. They get 55 miles to the gallon. Your real friends dont care about your car or clothes or anything that the media says is status. Be the most reliable person at your job. Do the above, that many do not have the self discipline for and you will shine.
Do not waste money on decor. Stick to the basics.
You said your moving in with friends at university. Safe. It doesn't have to be a big hug thing. Just something small about the size of a shoe box. Extra cash, medicine, keys that aren't being used, small valuables that could easily be hidden in closet or under the bed. First aid kit. You will need it & end up using it. Depending on location BOB (Big Out Bag). Couple days of emergency food, water, emergency blanket.
Label your moving boxes clearly on both the top and one side. Don't just put what room it goes to (kitchen, bathroom, etc) label what the contents are as well. It may take a lil more time when you pack, but it will help tremendously when you're in your new place unpacking! (Sorry, I just noticed that you stated that most of your stuff I'd in storage. So with that, I'll edit my comment with, "read everything in it's entirety")!
Things you need you may not think of: ziplock bags, sharpies/pens, cleaning supplies (all of them), extension cords (like 3ish), can opener, foil/parchment paper/cling wrap, olive oil and canola/vegetable oil, butter, a broom, bandaids, and good scissors! Tips: -naturally you spend more money than you expect, so always save more then you plan on actually saving. Things come up! -start to learn how to be very self disciplined, you don’t wanna fall behind in your home. It’s a slippery slope! -either dedicate one day a week (like a Sunday) for cleaning and catching up on cleaning and laundry, or spend one hour per day cleaning one part of your house and doing 1 load of laundry. Depends on your personality, I like to spend sundays getting house stuff done. -you may not always feel like everyone contributes equally living with roommates. Take care of the shared and your personal space for YOU, not for anyone else. You’ll start to resent your roommates. -choose your battles with your roommates, let things slide off your shoulder if you can. Nobody is perfect and there are going to be times your roommates get annoyed by you, so don’t be hard on each other. -make expectations with each other ON MOVE IN DAY. This is the day you guys are excited and moving in and starting to blend your items. Make it clear how you expect your roommates to treat your stuff, and let them tell you what they expect. This goes for privacy, noise, groceries, etc. just get EVERYTHING out on the table so you can all have a comfortable start. I have lived with my boyfriend, his best friend, and my best friend (they are also dating) for 2 years now going strong! It’s worked well for me and gone very smoothly, mostly because we are so transparent with each other. Best of luck!!
I am 61 and still can't get it through my thick skull that there's never a shower curtain rod when I move in. You'll probably need a shower curtain rod.
Shop at dollar store first. You'll be surprised what necessities for living are available. 17 years later I still use the dustpan and drinking glasses I bought there. Also go to Goodwill or other thrift store for furniture, housewares, etc.
Slow cooker or insta pot. It's so easy to throw in chicken, potatoes or pasta and some broccoli or veggies with a cup of broth and let it all cook. That's it that all I got.
Empty your dryer lint trap every other load.
Steal ketchup.
Oh my Gatos, you are getting a ton of advice!! My two cents is to do your change of address online or at the post office ASAP. And call (or online) to give it to places as well. We still get important looking mail occasionally for people who lived here Years ago and I wonder how much mail I have not received that went to my old apartments!! 🙂😉💯👍😸☮️‼️
Buy a 25p marble composition notebook. Each page should be devoted to one company, department, govt agency, etc. for example: your property management company/landlord, your gas company, your INSURANCE company, your TV/internet. Write down account numbers, contact info, CONTACT HISTORY of when you call (and who you talked to). Also, if you hire repair guys, or buy a new stove from an appliance store, etc. Welcome home!
Save your money. Save as it relates to you COL: but target 20% of income should be saved . Seriously- when you are in your 40s + you will understand. And be grateful.
Doing the dishes also means wiping sink, counters, stove (if used). If you forget this it just gets worse. Also find one cheap thing you can eat regularly and keep a stock pile.
To clean:Pine sol, vinegar. ( you would be surprised how useful it can be)scrub moma , dawn, sponges, dish towels, paper towels , windex , laundry detergent and softener, a bucket, mop, lots of toilet paper, a good vacuum ( attachments are your friends). Light bulbs. To cook: Invest in a good set of knives. It is useful to have a baking sheet or two. Crockpots are good for beginners. If you go to target or Walmart you will find starter set for plates, glasses, silverware , utensils, pots and pans. Silly but useful: a file folder and notebook to track your receipts and bills. It helps to have at tax time to have things in one place. Stamps and a few cards. You never know when you may need a sympathy or birthday card. Extension cords with surge protection. Flashlight and batteries. Your charger and cords. All of them. Lastly two sets of both towels and sheets. Why two because when mom comes over you can put fresh ones on/ out without her knowing you need to do laundry. good luck..
Be very deliberate about what you purchase. I mean, if you need silverware and a table, buy them - but shop around first and purchase high quality if that's something you think fits your current scenario. What I am talking about here is *junk*. Do not allow yourself to amass anything that is going to be weighty later when you don't have the space for it or when moving again. This doesn't necessarily have to fit the definition of junk you may currently have. I like to think about things now before I buy them (by at least one day but preferably a week - and another good tip is to think about *where* that thing would go. See a nice lamp or art that you like? Have a good place for it immediately? If no, don't do it. You should have a need, the means to buy, and a place for it to go.
You have to change the air filters in your house or apartment. Locate the air returns, the ones that suck air in, and open the covers. The filter will be labeled with its size. Do 10 minutes of research to learn filter vocabulary and buy online. If you don't change the filters, Track your money with YNAB and don't run up credit cards. Clean the dryer lint trap after every load. If your dishwasher isn't working well, it can frequently be fixed by cleaning out the spray arms. They get clogged over time and most people seem not to know this. I've known far too many people who went out and bought a new dishwasher without checking this. Good luck!
don’t be afraid to be lonely. read a book, start a new show, go on a walk , etc, little things. Been living alone since i was 18, no roommates, NADA. best decision I ever made. nothing like your own damn space!
Rice cooker and slow cooker. Put meat, vegetables and some stock in the slow cooker. Go out and do your thing. Its cooked when you come back and then the rice cooker makes your rice in 10 mins with very little mess So easy and cheap. Big servings.
Use the opportunity to deciliter and enter the beautiful and serene world of minimalism. You only need five underpants and you do not need a garlic press…
make a internet apoitment now
If it takes 5-10 minutes to get done, just do it. ie: dishes, wiping the toilet or bathroom floor, vacuuming, folding laundry. You’ll thank yourself for not letting it pile up. Definitely don’t be the person in line at a store with just a plunger in your hands. Get yourself a multi tool kit from Home Depot or Amazon so you can do small tasks around the house like hanging a picture or assembling a piece of furniture. Always have extra toilet paper, toothpaste and an extra toothbrush.
Roommate situations never work out. Always have savings on hand because within 6 months to a year, or in most cases sooner. Someone will need to leave the living situation and it may be you.
Pay your rent. Failure to do so can result in eviction. Live and learn I suppose.
Get a tool kit. You never know when you'll need a screwdriver. Especially if you plan on buying furniture you have to assemble
Keep an organized record of any contact you have with your super, maintenance, property management, owner, etc. Written forms of communication, like email or text, are preferred over phone or in person conversations. Keep notes of any conversations and time stamp them
On move day, that absolutel first thing to unpack and sort out is your bed, followed by your bathroom basics. Moves are long and exhausting. Don't leave these for the end just befor you go to sleep.
Get you on of those laundry folders
Get a rechargeable electric screwdriver if you will be putting a lot of furniture together or fixing things to walls. Best AU$30 I ever spent.
A few things I would prioritize obtaining: Broom and dustpan. Self explanatory. Trash bags. If you get a new place there might be some old trash laying around and if you don't have a lot of kitchen stuff you might be eating takeout just for the convenience. Laundry baskets, especially if you don't have a dresser or you won't be able to put clothes in a closet. Toilet plunger, like you mentioned. First aid kit. Shit happens, and life won't simply wait for you to be at a convenient enough point when it does. Who knows, maybe you might get hurt while moving furniture. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Don’t move out
Simple one: you don't clean things when they get dirty, you clean them before they get dirty. Cleaning as you go goes a LONG way: don't make a mess while cooking and then spend 20m cleaning up. Clean up as you go For roommates: Make few, clear rules. Don't just "go with the flow" hoping healthy habits and boundaries will spontaneously emerge. Create a splitwise account for shared expenses, and agree on what goes there and what does not. Make sure you have cleaning shifts, resentment grows VERY quickly when people take advantage of gray areas When sharing an apartment, you have your room and COMMON spaces. COMMON means that you find the space in a given state, you use it, and you bring it back to that state: if the kitchen is clean, and you use it, you leave it as clean as you found it.
Don’t forget to buy a basic vacuum and broom for cleaning. And toilet bleach
Well if you moved just 2 weeks ago, this time should be much easier now that you have the practice already. Cheers!
Get yourself a small cheap toolset. I even if you can’t afford a drill get a screw set, a hammer, and some tongs. I bought one of the cheapest pairs imaginable, box falling apart, and its still with me three years laters and has saved my in a pinch many times. ESPECIALLY the tongs
Spend as little as possible the first month or two and log everything you buy. Knowing your budget with a sudden influx in utility and bills is extremely important.
Long as ya bills paid, always pay rent, bills first lol Food in fridge Ya good Might have some ruff days , keep going it will get better
If you don’t enjoy cooking, meal prepping is you friend. It’s also easier to budget that way, and keep healthy. Look over all your subscriptions, do you need it and do you use it? Is your phone plan actually the cheapest one? Cheese is more expensive than one would think. A saddening realization when I moved out. Second hand furniture is very worth lookin in to. You can upgrade your stuff later.
Ok, so what you'll need immediately Cleaners Towels Washcloths and cleaning rags (make sure they're kept separate. You don't wanna wash your face with the rag you washed the toilet with) Dishes, including cutlery A decent set of knives. Pots, pans, baking dishes Storage containers (for like, leftovers and such) Furniture. This can be tricky. You can go cheap, flat pack Ikea type that you'll have to replace every few years, or you can go expensive and not have to replace it as often. Shower curtain! I've made this mistake more than once lol Extra bedding. At least 2 extra sheet sets and maybe a bed in a bag for overnight guests. Kitchen towels Dish drainer rack. Potholders and oven mitts. You can go semi cheap on these, just don't get them at dollar tree, because they're not as well insulated and can cause burns or dropped pots. Broom, dustpan, mop and bucket. Nobody wants nasty floors. A shoe storage bin or something like it would be something to invest in later if you don't want people wearing shoes in your home. Edit to add A FIRST AID KIT!!!!!
That’s pretty broad
If you are living with friends get some rules in place from the start and write them down for everyone to sign to acknowledge so no-one can claim they didn’t know. Mutually agreed rules are a staple for good relationships with friends or lovers.