A survival guide to moving out of home

12/07/2017

Moving out of home is a busy and often daunting time. There is just so much to organise.

To assist with the transition into life on your own, we have put together a survival guide to make sure you have everything you need for your new home.

Shopping List

It can be a real shock to the system when you move out of home and find that you have to regularly buy your own groceries. Yes, I’m sorry to say that the milk which used to magically appear in the fridge at home doesn’t self-replenish. Here is a shopping list of things you will need to consider purchasing when you move out.

Pantry

Pasta
Rice
2 minute noodles (it’s a uni student staple, embrace it)
Tuna
Olive oil
Flour
Sugar
Coffee/tea
Crackers/biscuits
Soy sauce
Simmer sauces
Cereal
Baked beans
Bread
Salt & Pepper
Herbs & spices for cooking
Honey/syrup/jams/ spreads
Tomato & BBQ sauce

Fridge

Milk
Eggs
Butter
Yoghurt
Cheese
Fruit & Veg
Mayonnaise

Freezer

Frozen vegetables and fruit
Meat
Frozen meals (for those busy days when you don’t feel like cooking)

Cupboard

Cleaning products
Broom/ dustpan & brush
Vacuum
Dish cloth/ scrubbing brush
Tea towels
Bath towels & bath mats
Sheets/ pillow cases

Meal Planning

When uni starts to really pick up it can be difficult to find time for study, work, social commitments as well as cooking and cleaning. One way to save time is to set a menu planner or prep your meals in advance. This can also be a great way to save money. You can plan your shopping list in advance and check out the weekly specials before you go to the supermarket. Another way to save time is to do your shopping online and have your groceries delivered or opt for click and collect.

First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit in case of an emergency is a great idea. Just make sure you don’t store it in an obscure place. There is no point having a first aid kit if you can’t find it during an emergency. Additionally, keeping Bandaids and other supplies for minor injuries will also come in handy.

Basic Tool Kit

Unfortunately, all that IKEA furniture won’t assemble itself! As you move out of home, it might be time to invest in a basic tool kit. Check out your local hardware store for pre-packed tool kits or get creative and make your own D.I.Y. tool kit. As a suggestion you might like to include:-

Allen key
Screw driver
Spanner
Small Hammer
Nails

Miscellaneous Box

You never know when your TV remote will go flat or the light bulb will blow. To save yourself the frustration of having to go without TV or left sitting in the dark, keep a box of essentials, which will get you out of a bind.

Here is a list of things you may want to include:-

Batteries
Extension cord
Light bulbs (check to see if your bulbs require screw-ins or bayonet before purchase)
Torch
Super glue
Sticky tape

Storage, Storage, Storage!

All these household essentials are going to need to be stored somewhere and often in a share house/unit, storage is limited. Labelled containers are a great way to keep your belongings organised and stacked neatly. Keeping your possessions in labelled storage containers will also make it easier to find things at a later date or relocate your stuff if you have to move house.

Good luck with the move!

Courtney Quast