Moving out

Diana_Prince

Morning all!

I am planning on moving out of my parents house (fingers crossed next summer) but am starting to think about planning things already! (Not sure if this is too soon but would like to be organised)!

As I have lived with my parents all my life I don't have anything to take with me so thought maybe I should start picking up bits and bobs when I see them as when I leave I wont be able to afford much!! But let me know if you think I'm worrying over nothing!

I'd love to live OS and wondered if you would be kind enough to give me some tips on some essentials to stock up on so I don't end up moving into a new place with nothing!!!

quintwins

when i moved out of home i had nothing and i managed fine and was perfectly happy, i do mean nothing btw for a few months i had 1 plate and one glass lol my mum bought me saucepans for xmas, what i would say is try save now to buy decent stuff, decent saucepans, towels and bedding are a god send, i never really had decent stuff til i got married and people bought us gifts

TryingHardToSave_2

I agree with previous poster, if you can afford to start buying things now. Maybe get something like once a week.

When i moved in with hubby we rented for 6 months so didnt really need all that much as it was all there. When we moved into our own home we were rather lucky as both sets of parents brought us the bigger stuff like fridge, washing machine and freezer.

Keep your eye out for deals that maybe on, use this the site some of the bargins ive got are thanks to here.

Tesco do a good value range packs of 4 glasses, mugs, dinner sets, cutlery, saucepans etc.

Dont be afraid to ask around friends or family if they are getting rid of things.

If you can afford to buy the better quality stuff then do it although 8 years on, im only just starting to buy the nicer stuff and to be fair the value stuff got us threw just fine.

Good luck and enjoy your new home when you get there

Gettingtherequickly

Definitely re-iterate the need for good quality saucepans, they are worth their weight in gold.

If you have an Ikea near you, they have very good starter packs so you can pick up reasonably priced, I think they contain 6 each of dinner, side plates etc. Their glasses are dirt cheap also.

If you wander into second hand shops, you may be able to pick up good quality kitchen utensils. I bought my potato masher in one about 20 years ago and it looks perfect still and I would not part with it for love nor money!

As you are being organised, it may be worth deciding that when you get paid that you buy something, even if it is only teatowels that you can afford to buy at the time, it will still be one less thing to tick off the list. In fact, go round the house tonight and list everything that you will need, not what you want and that will give you a guide. It will be immensely satisfying to see things crossed off.

Furniture is obviously going to be the most expensive purchase, but if you are sensible, you will be able to get the best you can. If you pop over to the DFW board, they will highly recommend using a spending diary, it may prove to be invaluable for the next few months for you.

Best of luck

Butterfly_Brain

My DD is thinking of moving in to a flat with her BF and I have been buying bits and bobs for months because surprisingly the small things really do add up cost wise.
The best way to start is by making a list of everything that you think that you will need and do it on a room by room basis.
We have started on kitchen things because there are so many things that you need in a kitchen and some are quite pricey.
Hope this helps in some small way x

MaggieBaking

I'd start planning a "wish list" for the next couple of months rather than searching out to buy anything. And keep your eyes on what you find and don't buy anything but look at the prices - if you see something that's a bargain, hold off because quite often if something is that cheap you're bound to find something that cheap, or cheaper within the next year. Start to become friendly with your local freegle/freecycle - giving some of your things away, seeing what's available so in Spring next year you can start to collect some things that might be going free.

You have a long time to live yet, try not to get too cluttered or you will be unhappy.

For the wish list - get a notepad and start writing things you will need. Think "I wake up in the morning and brush my teeth and wash my face..." = alarm clock, cup for toothbrush, wash cloth, toothpaste, soap, towels, toilet roll & holder (but next place might have the holder). I go downstairs and make coffee, and breakfast (coffee cup, tea/coffee sugar jars perhaps? Toaster, plate etc...)

Keep adding to your list every now and then and in a few months I'm sure you'll end up crossing things off the list - if you know you've not used something at your parents in 3 months you're unlikely to want your own version - this will be the best way to stop yourself getting over excited and getting things that you don't actually use.

lostinrates

The trunk I started gathering stuff in is ATM also our ''coffee table'' and extra storage now. It was an excellent decision for me IMO.

A nother reason to buy things ahead of time is that you have the sales now and then january sales coming up. Somethings I'd rather have good quality of...bedlinen for example, but it can be really expensive. I'd buy flat sheets (to use as top and/or bottom sheets) and pillow slips and duvet covers and a big duvet now. Even if you get a small bed a big duvet is a good buy, as it can be doubled if its just you in the winter and if its not just you a double gives you some chance of keeping some of it in the night and not having a draught. I also would consider a spare duvet for friends (even if its on a sofa in a first home) and the very coldest winter days.

Small electricals can add up: toaster, kettle, radio. Another thing to consider is asking for gift vouchers with good long dates for your future home for next chrsitmas and birthday.

Aarons_mummy

Definately start putting money away. I don't agree that good quality stuff is always best, I've had some value things for a good while and have used them as much as more expensive and have found that sometimes the value stuff works out better than more expensive.

Because you have started planning so early it is more than possible that you can buy everything you need in a sale or at a bargain price. After writing your list keep a look out on here and also hotdeals for offers that may be on. I wouldn't advise buying too much because you don't know the size of house you'll be moving too.

Storage is a big one. Buy in some plastic boxes, these are cheap enough and will be great for moving and once you've moved as well. Keep an eye out in charity shops and boot sales for kitchen accesories. The argos clearance is another place to keep an eye out for cheap kitchen stuff. I got a utensils set for £3 it had all the usual suspects and the masher I bought for £2 from Asda, a whole set in a nice container for £5 isn't bad at all.

Freecycle is brilliant, I managed to get a 4 slice Russel Hobbs toaster, saucepans, frying pan, glass sets and another couple of bits and pieces. I agree ask for long life vouchers for birthdays and christmas. Keep an eye out in the Next sales, I managed to get a pillow set for £10 and they have stayed lovely and fluffy. A nice duvet in the size bigger than your bed will be great in the winter and if you can pick one up half price in the sales it really is a brilliant buy. In the january sales look out for winter items, I bought bed warmers, elctric blankets and electric heaters for £20 when it should have cost over £60.

Sales sales sales and keep your eyes peeled is the best advice I can give

eilidh_s

I was living with my parents whilst I was building my house and I had the spare room filled with a sofa, a cooker, kitchen stuff, furniture that family had donated and all sorts of things before I even had the foundations down! If you see something you need on sale and you can afford then you should just go for it if you have somewhere that you can store it.

dibuzz

I started collecting things from about age 14, tea towels and other small things as it was still the done thing for girls to have a "bottom drawer"
We were given quite a lot of 2nd hand stuff when we got our first house and some of it is still going strong but my son's GF insisted on everything new when they got their flat and it had to be exactly what she asked for, she's a proper spoilt brat The first weekend they were there with their posh table, plates and cutlery they couldn't afford food to put in their all singing and dancing fridge!
I don't think it's too soon to start buying things or putting money aside for something you can't buy yet and I'm glad to see some young people are sensible.

GreyQueen

There's lots of excellent advice up here already and can I commend the OP for her huge common sense in thinking ahead of her move. This used to be common, having a "bottom drawer" or a "hope chest" and making or purchasing things ahead for your new home.

You'll definately need money put aside for something to cook on and something to keep things cool in, and it may or may not be feasible to store large items of furniture or appliances, depending on what facilities you have for safe, weatherproof storage at your parents' place.

I'd look for a kettle and, after killing many an electric one in our hard water area, I favour a stovetop model which should last. Re pots and pans, and general kitchen equipment, bootsales and charity shops are a rich hunting ground and relatives may have unused items which they would be only too pleased to offer you. You really need t ochoose your pans according to the kind of cook you plan to be; keen or lackadasical. No point in having state-of-the-art if you're going to live out of the microwave.;)

A set of stainless steel cutlery, a few good knives, some bowls and something to cook a chicken or similar in the oven, a wok if you stirfry regularly, some plates and mugs and bowls. Some of the discount stores do highly acceptable crocks at under £10 a set. A set of utensils and some wooden spoons. Tinopener and bottle opener.

In the linens, I'd suggest two changes of bedlinen, a mattess protector, quilt and a pillow (or two), half a dozen teatowels, 3-4 bathtowels and hand towels. An ovenglove/ pot holder.

You don't need an awful lot of stuff but if you had to go and buy it all at once you'd wince.

I'd take it gently, keeping your eyes open for the bargains, both new and secondhand, and let people know what you're after as they may be struggling to know what to get you for Xmas/ birthday and be only too pleased to have a pointer to a useful gift.