Moving out

[Medic]

So im finally flying the coop or leaving the nest. Whatever the heck it's called. I got my own place for my son and I.
I was wondering if you ladies have any advice etc for me? Or maybe a list of items to buy that no one thinks of? TIA

[HelloHolaHallo]

Congrats! I bet you are really excited! Hmm the few things I can suggest to purchase are:
*can opener
*plunger
*band aids/disinfectant
*noodle drainer
*back up batteries
*mop/broom
*towels for housework and spills
*bowls
*salt/pepper
Yeah that's all I could think of hope it was helpful!

A few words of advice are to number 1 get into the habit of leaving your keys in the same spot ASAP. When I got my first place I left my keys everywhere it was chaotic looking for them but now I force myself to leave them locked to the door. Another thing is to get into the habit of inspecting the doors and windows before going to bed. I always do before bed and it becomes part of the routine. Oh make a cleaning schedule! Whether it's on your phone or on a piece a paper write down your day to day responsibilities it helps with caring for a larger space. And don't feel disappointed if your place doesn't meet your "decoration" expectations. Like if there isn't much furniture and it doesn't look like a magazine it's your first place and over time you will get it looking better and better.That's really all I could think of congrats again! Have fun in your new place!

[Medic]

Thanks! Im kind of nervous just because it was really last minute but I'm also excited. Im terrified of someone breaking in but thats a good habit to get into of locking the doors and windows.
I can't believe I forgot about a freaking can opener lol! Yeah the place is going to look pretty bare at first but thats because id rather spend the money on actual things i need rather than decorations so until then I'm just going to have a bunch of crafts my son has done all over the place Thanks again

[Medic]

What's everyone's favourite brand for everything? Like cleaning supplies, cookware so like pots and pans etc. And our steam cleaners worth the investment? Someone told me to skip buying a Swiffer wet jet and invest in a steam cleaner.

Also is IKEA furniture good quality? Probably going to get a dining room table and chairs from there.
What about things like towels, curtains, bed sets sheets etc from target? I plan on getting most of my things from there if the quality is good

Sorry I'm really new at this stuff and I don't get out shopping much been to target twice since it came to Canada and never been to ikea.

[spricket]

Co grats on getting your own place!!

For cleaners I just use homemade (normally a variation of baking soda, vinegar and soap depending on what im cleaning) When I do buy cleaners I just go generic. Cookware I couldn't tell you since I don't have a preference.

Get a swiffer. We have a steam mop and although I love it, I wish we had a swiffer for everyday use because the steam mop is just a hassle to get out all the time. I think steam mops are better for deep cleans.

Ikea has pretty good quality furniture. Its good if you're on a budget but I personally like to buy furniture secondhand either off Craigslist or from a thrift store. You can normally get solid wood peice of furniture that will hold up for forever for less that a brand new MDF piece which doesn't always last.

I really don't shop at Target very often so once again, no comments from me.

[FLOSSY77]

Craigslist has some awesome finds. If you can paint you can transform them. Pinterest! We don't have an ikea near us.
Check out Ross or TJmax for bathroom, bedroom and kitchen stuff. They have really cute stuff cheaper than Target.
You might try an online yard sale too. Fb has tons. Type in your city and yardsale. Usually it's other moms selling to each other.
I am old school. I clean with bleach and fabuloso. I love magic erasers. I do like the swiffer for easy everyday stuff.
Excited for you.

[thegooseiscooked]

I love IKEA. The furniture is pretty good quality but you have to pick well. Some pieces are sturdier than others. It's budget friendly, attractive and (relatively) easy to put together. How are you with a screw driver?

You can get pretty good kitchen wares at IKEA too. We buy their crockery and cutlery. I got a roasting tray there once, it is the best one I own. 10 years old and still looks brand new.

Sheets, cushions, towels....you'll be able to get everything you need under one roof.

Good luck!!

[Medic]

Oh Ya I've been on the facebook groups like crazy but nothing for like a house right now it's mostly clothes and antique stuff on there at the moment but I keep checking and friends offered to look around for me to. I've never been to tjmax or Ross but I've heard nothing but good things so I'll add them to my list of stores along with IKEA I had no idea they sold stuff other than furniture.

Im not going to lie I'm scared, mainly of someone breaking in, im debating on getting a girl friend of mine stay over or not. It would calm me down a lot to have someone over but in the long run I think it will be better to just be my son and I if its just us. My minds playing it up to be something more scarier than it is I think.

[Medic]

Also would any of you ladies mind sharing some of your cleaners that you make yourself and what they are for? Ex. Floors, multi surface, bathroom, etc. I'd really appreciate that. And what kind on containers do you store them in, like would basic spray bottles / plastic squeeze bottles from the dollar store work for storing them?
Glad I learnt about the steam mop, everyone I talked to here had me convinced to buy one but then I saw the price and I hesitated lol

Thank you ladies so much for the advice!

[FLOSSY77]

At first you might be scared. It will pass.

[thegooseiscooked]

Magic erasers rock! You can clean your shower, wipe down your walls, polish the kitchen sink.....get a jumbo pack.

I can't help you with home made cleaners. I can't live without my Exit Mould and Ajax. Baking soda and vinegar just don't cut it for me.

You didn't know IKEA sold stuff other than furniture? LOL, hold onto your hat, you're in for a wild ride!

As for feeling scared, I totally sympathise. I check all the doors and windows twice before I go to bed. Make it part of your bedtime routine. You will get used to it but for the first few nights, perhaps leave a lamp on and the tv or radio playing quietly. Burglars don't really want a confrontation and if they think you're still up, they might be less inclined to break in.

What's the lock like on your door? If you can afford it and your landlord lets you, I'd advise you to get another lock installed. The people before you might have kept a copy.

[spricket]

Also would any of you ladies mind sharing some of your cleaners that you make yourself and what they are for? Ex. Floors, multi surface, bathroom, etc. I'd really appreciate that. And what kind on containers do you store them in, like would basic spray bottles / plastic squeeze bottles from the dollar store work for storing them?
Glad I learnt about the steam mop, everyone I talked to here had me convinced to buy one but then I saw the price and I hesitated lol

Thank you ladies so much for the advice!

I just put vinegar in a cheap spray bottle as an all purpose cleaner and when something is especially dirty I'll sprinkle baking soda, scrub then finish with vinegar. Also, if you have a caked on burnt pan and don't want to scrub, fill the pan with water and a very little bit of dish soap (I use two drops of Dawn), bring the water to a boil then slowly add baking soda and let it foam for about a minute (it will foam up fast so be careful!) then rinse it out in the sink. It normally all falls out or if anything is left it's very minimal scrubbing to get it off.

For floors: hot water, drop or two of dish soap, vinegar and if I have any I add a few drops of Lemon essential oil. Works on my linoleum and wood floors without a problem.

Homemade detergent: 1 bar Fels-Naptha, 1 cup Borax, 1 cup Washing Soda (Can find all in the detergent aisle normally). Grate the Fels-Naptha (I like to crumble it by hand after grating to get small pieces) mix it all together and I use 2 tbsp for a large load. My husband is a mechanic so lots of greasy, oily clothes and it gets them nice and clean. Once in a while I'll add some Oxyclean into the wash if something looks to be stained.

[spricket]

Also, make a copy of your house keep and hide it outside somewhere (or give it to someone you trust to hold on to) The first time I lived on my own I locked myself out - twice in the same week!! (I locked the front door and the back door self locked) It was a blessing in disguise though since I found out I could easily get back in with a credit card.

[Medic]

Awesome tips for cleaning thanks! I'll give a few extra keys to my cousins in town I trust because I'd be terrified of a burglar finding it outside. I never would have thought of that. I remember when my sister and I were little we always forgot our keys so our dad recommended wearing them as necklaces like on zoey 101 it was cute then but I think I'm a bit to old for that now haha I got a lanyard (is that what it's called?) and it currently has my keys on it i just try to always leave it in the diaper bag.
Highly recommend meal planning for anyone on a budget btw I've been doing it for awhile now and wow im saving tons and now I'm no longer stressed about what im going to cook and if I have all the ingredients. Soo happy lol I feel so independent.