Are you thinking of moving out OR in the process of moving out? Look no further; we have compiled a list of items you need to buy (or should consider buying) so that you don’t end up in a panic. Time to get shopping!
Living Space
Whether you plan on having guests over or hanging by yourself, the living room is the perfect space to make it comforting! The purpose is to define an aesthetic while providing optimal storage. When moving out, it is almost impossible to gauge how much storage is necessary and needed. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to opt for a couch or coffee table with built-in storage – the more, the merrier!
- Couch
- Side chairs
- End tables
- Rug
- Television and TV stand
- Lamps
- Coffee table
- Coasters
- Storage solutions
- Blanket(s)
Kitchen and Dining Room
In our opinion, the kitchen and dining room can be the most tedious and time-consuming rooms to buy for. It seems like once you buy one item, you’ve forgotten another. Hopefully, this won’t happen anymore if you use this list!
- Cutlery and knives
- Dishes – mugs, drinking glasses, plates, bowls
- Pots and pans – one large and medium of each
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting knives
- Silverware organizer
- Spatula
- Large spoon
- Whisk
- Colander
- Can opener
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board
- Oven mitts
- Microwave
- Electric mixer
- Coffee maker and/or kettle
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Blender
- Food storage containers
- Sandwich bags
- Kitchen rags and towels
- Paper towel
- Table and chairs, and/or barstools
- Cling wrap and aluminum foil
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher detergent
- Dish drying rack
- Ice tray
Food Items
Now that you have moved out, it’s time to cook. The meals might not be as spectacular as mom’s Sunday roast, but hopefully, they are better than a pack of ramen noodles. Don’t be afraid to pick up these items when you visit the grocery store.
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar
- Flour
- Bread
- Rice
- Eggs
- Milk
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Baking soda and powder
- Honey
- Coffee / Tea
- Peanut butter and jam
- Canned soup
- Chicken broth
- Snacks
- Butter
- Cheese
- Meats – ground beef, chicken, etc.
- A frozen dinner (ex. pizza)
- Garlic or garlic powder
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Chili powder
- Cinnamon
- Condiments – Ketchup, Mustard, etc.
- BBQ sauce
- Soy sauce
- Cooking and salad oils – olive, sesame, coconut, etc.
- Fruits and vegetables
Bedroom
Maybe the first couple nights are spent sleeping on an air mattress on the floor – don’t worry, we’ve all been there. However, let’s prevent those future back problems from occurring and invest in a mattress – you’ll thank yourself (and us!) later.
- Mattress
- Bed frame
- Box spring or foundation
- Duvet, comforter, or quilt
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Pillows
- Bedside lamp
- Dresser
- Nightstand(s)
- Clothes hangers
- Laundry hamper
- Storage solutions
- Alarm clock (if you don’t use your phone)
Bathroom
The bathroom may not need as much consideration as the other rooms, but that does not mean it isn’t vital. Imagine a scenario where you forgot to buy toilet paper – that would be awkward! Don’t worry, though; we’ve just saved you from that situation by making this list of items:
- Shower curtain, liner, and hooks (or rod)
- Toilet paper
- Toilet plunger
- Toilet scrubber
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Hand soap
- Bathmat
- Air freshening spray
- Wall or door hook
- Toiletry items – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. (please don’t forget these!)
Cleaning Supplies
We’re looking out for your future guests here, but please don’t forget to buy cleaning supplies (and actually clean!). In this situation, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and bucket
- Vacuum
- Multi-purpose liquid cleaner
- Paper towel or microfibre rags
- Toilet bowl cleaning solution
- Sponges
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Baking soda and white vinegar
- Rubber gloves
- Glass cleaner
- Stain remover
Home Essentials
Pay attention to this category, as it is often the most overlooked! No more saying to yourself, “Darn, I wish I had…”.
- Trash cans
- Tissues
- Garbage bags
- Ironing board and/or steamer
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Mini tool kit – screwdriver, hammer, nails, wall hooks, measuring tape
- Scissors
- Tape – scotch tape, duct tape, packing tape, etc.
- Coat rack
- Step stool
- Power strips and extension cords
- AA and AAA batteries
- Light bulbs
- Band aids
- Antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory (i.e., Advil)
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Umbrella
- Matches or lighter
- Flashlight
- Pens and paper
- Shoe rack
- Space heater
Conclusion
Wow, moving out is exhausting! If you are planning on moving out in the next year or two, consider stocking up on some of these items early to minimize the large bill later on – or don’t, we can’t really tell you what to do. Take this blog as a reminder that moving out is expensive and time-consuming. As they say in the Hunger Games, “May the odds be ever in your favour.”
Don’t forget to check out our blog on rental friendly decorating upgrades:
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