Although it’s exciting moving into your first home, there’s more to flying the nest and you’ll need more than you probably imagine you do. It’s easy to get wrapped up in calculating the cost of the actual move itself, the mortgage or rent you’ll be paying, gas/electricity and all those kinds of things. However, there’s hidden costs to moving that you won’t necessarily have considered. Even if you’ve got all the essentials sorted like a bed, linen and somewhere to sit, have you got a tin opener? Do you have salt and pepper?
To help you avoid making the same mistakes as others before you, we’ve put together a list. Rather than discussing items like chairs, beds and those bigger items, we’re going to discuss the smaller things that are easily forgotten about.
Bathroom Essentials
The first group of items we’re going to look at is for the bathroom. Hit the ground running with good hygiene from the moment you arrive by ensuring you’ve got these essential items.
- Shower Curtain – This not only prevents water getting everywhere, but also protects your modesty if you’re living with someone else.
- Bath Mat – Baths can get slippery, especially if you’ve got a bath and shower combo.
- Washcloths and Bath Towels – We hope this is self-explanatory
- Toilet Brush and Holder – Yes, because the magic pixie (or mummy or daddy) won’t clean your loo. That’s your responsibility now.
- Toilet Plunger – Failure to prepare means you should prepare to fail. In other words, get a plunger before you need to use one.
- Toothbrush and Toothbrush Holder – We’re kinda hoping you have the former, but the latter is important to keep your brush in good condition
- Toilet Paper – Do we really need to explain this?
- Hand Soap – See above
- Trashcan
Kitchen Essentials
Remember when you used to just go to a cupboard in your parent’s house (yeah, get used to calling it that!)? Well, you now need to fill your first home kitchen with all the important stuff. Here’s what you should consider:
- Cutlery – Unless you want to eat like an animal, you need some forks, knives and spoons. You’ll also need to invest in teaspoons, at least one serving spoon and things like a fish slice etc.
- Knives – Out with the above, it’s good to have a few options for sharp cutting knives, one for cutting meat, one for cutting bread and at least one good one for cutting vegetables should serve you well.
- Oven Mitt – Protect your digits
- Saucepans – At least a small one for cooking beans and a larger one for sauces and pasta etc.
- Crockery – Where are you going to eat your food on and drink your tea? Mugs, glasses, bowls and plates are therefore, essential.
- Oven Trays and Pans
- Drying Rack for placing washed dishes, if you’re not fortunate enough to afford a dishwasher
- Toaster
- Salt and Pepper – You’d be amazed how many people neglect the most important of all seasonings
- Washing-up Liquid and a dish cloth or sponge
Other First Home Essentials
There are other things for the household in general that you need, including:
- Extension cords
- Candles/Flashlights
- Toolbox with all the basics
- Matches
- Lightbulbs
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Step Stool
- Towels
- Cleaning solutions
- Trashcans for every room
- First Aid Kit
Whatever you’re moving with Delivery Quote Compare can save you up to 75% on the cost of your transport, simply list the move here and receive no obligation quotes from real transporters.