Moving out on your own can either be scary or exciting, but it is 100% stressful when it comes to knowing what you’re going to need. I remember when I moved out on my own for the first time, I was 90% excited and 10% “Why am I doing this?” Being 19, I wasn’t sure what I was going to need or what was going to make my life easier. Since I’ve been living on my own for the past decade (omg when did that happen?!), I thought I’d share my list of random things that will make your new life of freedom easier.
Smart Storage
If you know me, you’ll know that I love anything that will help keep me and my things organized.
Expanding File Folder: Ok, now that you’re an adult, you’re going to have a ridiculous amount of paperwork, bills, and files. To keep everything together and organized, I suggest getting one of these bad boys. I cannot tell you how much tidier and organized you’ll be.
Reusable Bowl Covers: The first reason you need this is because plastic wrap is a pain in the ass. How many times have you gone to rip off a piece and it starts folding in on itself? Not with bowl covers! You literally just stretch them over the bowl, and you’re done! The best part? They’re reusable! Be kind to the environment ok?
Mirror Storage unit: I have one, and I LOVE IT. Jewelry is one of the most annoying things to store in my opinion. Necklaces get tangled, earrings get lost, and they collectively take up too much space. With this mirror storage unit, not only is it a two for one, but you can easily hook this onto the back of your door, and it’s out of your way! Have a sneaky roommate that borrows your stuff? These come with a lock and key!
Junk Drawer Organizer: I mean this one is pretty self-explanatory. Everyone has a junk drawer, at least let it be organized enough to find things!
Thin Storage Unit: This one can be used for anything. My two favourite ways to use this would be for laundry or snacks. It’s thin, so it will fit into small spaces and has wheels. WIN!
Vacuum Storage Bags: I mentioned these in my Declutter Your Wardrobe post, and I’m still just as obsessed with them now. If storage is an issue for you, you’re going to LOVE these. You can use them to store seasonal clothing, extra towels, sheets, blankets, or even pillows. The ones I’ve linked down below are vacuum free, just roll the air out!
Hair Tool Caddy: I have one of these, and I LOVE it! There’s a spot for your hair dryer, straightener, and curling iron. It’s heat resistant and can be stored pretty much anywhere!
Smart Cart: This is something that saved my butt countless times. It’s perfect for those of you who don’t have a car. Use it to carry groceries, take your laundry to a laundromat, or lug around all of your school stuff! Once you’re done with it, it can be folded up and easily stored away for the next time.
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Electronics
I’ll keep this list nice and short because this stuff can get pretty expensive.
Apple TV: If you’re just moving out, chances are that paying for cable is not in the budget, nor should it be! You also might not be cool with watching everything on your laptop. Just plug it into a tv, and you’re good to go, provided you have an internet connection. With the Apple TV, you can watch all of your favourite shows on Netflix, or whatever streaming app you use, download a bunch of different games, watch your movies downloaded from Itunes, and listen to your favourite music.
Amazon Firestick: This is basically the same thing except you don’t have a box sitting around!
External Hard Drive: This is a must for those of you who moved out to go to school! You’ll be working really hard, back up your assignments!
Power Bar: I have at least one of these in every room of my apartment! These days everything is electronic, and everything needs to be charged, but there are never enough outlets! These allow you to plug in more than one device at once.
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Kitchen
Kitchen gadgets are one of my favourite things to shop for, oh my god I AM my mother! There are so many things we don’t think we need until we need it and then it’s too late!
Metal Stacking Bowls/Bowl set (13 pieces): Ok, I know this is a little random, but you’re going to need more than one mixing bowl and these bowls stack together, so you save space. You could also opt for the second bowl option I’ve provided. You get two bowls, a colander, sifter, measuring cups, and spoons!
Mandolin: Also random, but I’m telling you it makes slicing so much easier. You can also slice things differently with separate blades.
Garlic Press: Listen, you’re an adult now, and it’s time that you cook for yourself. Personally, I love anything with garlic in it. Lots and lots of garlic! The problem is that most recipes call for minced garlic, and ain’t nobody got time for that! My knife skills are underwhelming, and I end up with garlic fingers, so this garlic press is a total lifesaver.
Instant Pot: This is a life saver for everyone, but mostly those of you who are busy. Don’t waste valuable time slaving away in the kitchen when you can just throw ingredients into a pot and have it cook for you and in less time than normal!
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So there you have it! I hope you’ll find that these things help you in some way or another. What are some things you use that make your life easier? Leave a comment down below!
xoxo Little J
Photo: Natalie Mireault
