After years of building your dream space on Pinterest and scouring the best places across the town or city you chose, you’re finally moving out. Whether it’s for school (now that face-to-face classes are beginning) or you’re dipping your toes into the hashtag independent life, moving out does make you feel like a true adult ready to take over the world (one tiny task at a time).

You might already have a list of items from your parents, friends, or relatives, but in case you want to curate your own, here’s a simple guide:

Tool kit

While you spend thousands decorating and building furniture, things are bound to get broken at some point (totally not a hugot). Your friends or parents might not be able to be there ASAP to help you, so this is your Bob the Builder moment. You don’t need the same heavy-duty tool kit your parents keep at home! IKEA has great options for tool kits, like the FIXA series that starts at P500. This includes a claw hammer, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, bumper, bit set, and combination pliers. You might want to familiarize yourself with these tools and their functions as well.

Space-saving storage

If you’re living in a dorm or condo, you might not necessarily have a lot of space, to begin with. The solution? Beat the system and invest in space-saving storage in various areas of your new home: from the kitchen to your bed frame. From multi-functional clothing hangers to storage sofas, there are plenty of affordable and quality space-saving storage items you can easily order online.

Invest in a good bed and mattress

Sure, living alone is all fun and games until you realize there’s no one to clean after you and the mess is piling up in different areas of your new home. Other than your standard Lysol, alcohol, and disinfectants, opt for multi-purpose cleaning solutions like Kurin water. It’s basically water but on steroids, and can be used on different surfaces – you can use it for your food as well! P.S. if you’re hosting a housewarming party, ask your guests to just bring practical gifts instead of the usual booze and food. We’re just trying to be responsible adults here.

Flashlight, extra batteries, and extension cord

Now, there are many other items falling under this category but these are your basics and will help you from power interruptions to when you simply want order in your space. When dealing with multiple gadgets, it’s best to invest in a multi-socket cord – the one that comes with USB ports. This will be a lifesaver especially when you work from home or when you have guests coming over.

For the batteries, make sure to get different sizes for the gadgets you might use them for. You might want to invest in rechargeable ones as well, to lessen the waste you’re going to produce.

First aid kit

Living alone also means there will be times you’re going to be your own doctor. And you don’t want to be left panicking, scrambling for items that will offer an immediate solution. Red Cross has a guide for a well-stocked first aid kit. We also have a list of meds you would want to keep in your kit, from relieving allergies to fevers:

Multi-function cooker

Depending on the place you’re renting and the sky-rocketing market prices we have now, it’s always better to invest in multi-function appliances like this 7-in-1 pressure cooker (many buildings don’t allow gas ranges for obvious safety reasons). Instead of going for the usual induction stove, which will still require you to spend on pots and pans, just go for this Insta Pot! From your basic frying and rice cooking, you can also make hearty stews and even yogurt using this appliance. Who knows, in a few months’ time, you’ll have a handful of recipes up in your sleeve.

In the wise words of Chef Gusteau from Ratatouille, “anyone can cook”.

And you can be smart about it as well!

Pantry and kitchen items

You don’t even need a full-blown organized AF pantry. Just have the basics and you’re good to go: oil, salt and pepper, garlic, onions, soy sauce, and vinegar. You don’t want your food to taste bland! Add your favorite canned goods as well because you deserve a treat from time to time as well!

For the kitchen items, prepare the basic equipment you’ll need for cooking: knives, a chopping board, spatula, scissors – you know the drill. Don’t forget to get a set of plates, cups, and utensils as well. It’s okay to just start small. Remember, you’re still trying to figure it all out!

Do you have experience living alone? Share some useful tips below!

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