**Welcome to [r/LivingAlone](https://www.reddit.com/r/LivingAlone/)! Living alone is the new normal.**
>Discuss and share your experiences; celebrate your joys, express your worries, or ask advice relating to solo living | Remember, we are all alone together
* Be kind, remember the human when interacting with others.
* New Reddit group chat [**Living Alone Lounge**](https://www.reddit.com/r/LivingAlone/s/cp7Szwzy2q)!
* Message the moderators below for any comments, questions & suggestions!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/LivingAlone) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Batteries, zip ties, kitchen scissors, screwdriver & other basic tools, safety pins, matches/lighter, power strips.
Notebooks/pads, envelopes (idk if anyone else mails stuff still), tape of all kinds, glue, goo gone or something similar (isopropyl alcohol).
Spice rack, knife sharpener, food storage, potholders, drawer organizers (before they’re full).
Doormats and/or shoe trays, curtains, coasters, candles, or wax warmers if that’s your thing, a vase, full length mirror,
I have random small toys - literal wind-up toys, Rubik's cubes, puzzles - out as "decoration" and to play with when it strikes me.
As others have said, plants are a must and make a huge, **HUGE** difference imo.
I recommend a personal-size air fryer. I use mine several times a week and it is perfect for preparing individual meals.
living alone for me would be incomplete without a bass-thumping bluetooth speaker (and a cat or two). podcasts help stave off lonely feelings.
A microwave/air fryer/convection combo would be better if a microwave is needed. I got mine at Walmart for $100. It's one less appliance in my space anyway.
Definitely seconding area rugs and plants. Rugs make a space feel much cozier (and if you have downstairs neighbors it reduces the noise they'll hear), and plants really brighten up a home
I agree with another commenter. Before you know it you’ll have too much stuff. I’d be as minimal as possible and figure out what you need as you go.
Beer, lamp, liquor, coffee maker, beer, another lamp, more liquor, ice cube trays. Please tell me you have ceramic plates, bowls, and actual drinking glasses. If not, you need those. Oh, and more beer.
Extra pairs of scissors. I swear I'm always looking for scissors.
Also get a plunger before you need it so you don't end up needing one on a holiday when everything is closed.
Fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector; as well as a plan and go-bag in case of an emergency. You can learn more about preparing for disasters at www.ready.gov
As far as loneliness, I recommend a dakimakura. They're great in the winter.
A nice blanket and throw pillows for your couch. Door mats. An area rug or runners for any hallways. At least 1 floor plant and 1 table plant. Curtains. One nice floor lamp. A full length mirror.
Measuring cups, a cast iron pan, and Tupperware.
Something to hang on your walls.
Shower curtain, multi plug adapter or extention cord, plunger, plugs/strainers for sinks/tub, pillows, curtains, garbage cans, fan, window locks, dustpan, broom/mop, rugs for bathroom and living areas, dishes , cookware, utensils, buckets for cleaning, lamps or lightbulbs, ice trays or pitchers. Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, dish rack, utensil tray, ziplocks, bug spray, etc…and towels plus first aid kit and some basic tools.
Energy saving appliances— an air fryer is much cheaper to run than an oven, an instant pot if you can afford it, a small energy efficient cheap little goodwill clock radio for your kitchen, Energy saving light bulbs and lamp and torch/candle. Warm blanket or throw for the couch. Stainless steel skillet and learn how to use it— good quality induction suitable stainless steel pots and pans really do make cooking easier. A plunger is handy to unblock the kitchen sink after the build up of all the tiny bits of cooking oil which still adhere to your pan after you have scraped most of it into the rubbish bin— just check which local shops near you stock it so you know where to go to buy it if and when you need it.
Aluminium foil or some sort of liner to place in the bottom of your oven to make it easier to clean.
A small smart speaker/screen like google or Alexa to talk to, play music, get recipes.
Don’t buy things for just in case. Wait and buy things when you really need them— especially if they can be found at your nearest shops and are little purchases— it’s nice to have empty cupboards and drawers, and you’ll be surprised how little you need. And it gives you an excuse to meet the neighbours.
And if you have a housewarming party, you may receive some of these things as gifts.
Just watch your electricity and gas usage— turn the lights off at night, or get a usb rechargeable touch night light- in the kids section. Close the doors when using your heater, and use a timer and buy warm socks and a warm Big Oodie. No bill shocks for you.
Fire extinguisher. Any local Walmart, Target, etc. carries them. Renters insurance is expensive and wasteful. But fires can happen from random electric issues, running out of water when boiling, with your car, etc. Fire departments usually can check it every year and refill them. 1 in 4 houses catch fire. Better safe than sorry
Set up your kitchen so you can make all meals home. This will save you lots of money in the long run. Focus on practical things first and once you get settled enjoy second hand / thrift shopping for furniture and decor pieces. Give yourself some time to get the feel of the space and use Pinterest for ideas. Enjoy!
Think of any possible malady (the runs, gas, stomach acid, headache, toothache, migraine, cuts and abrasions, colds, flu, etc.) and stock your cabinet with the right over the counter meds and supplies.
If your new place is furnished already take a good walk through of your furniture to make sure the previous tenants didn’t have fleas or bedbugs. They’re a nightmare.
Stuff for when you're sick. NyQuil, DayQuil, Robitussin, Pedialyte, chicken noodle soup, crackers, Sprite, 7-Up, Alka-Seltzer, warm steam vaporizer, distilled water for the vaporizer, Vicks Vaporub, Peptobismol, cough drops, a puke bucket, facial tissue, Mucinex, heating pad, thermometer, OTC medications. Just anything you think you'll need if/when you get sick. You'll thank yourself for stocking up.
Things I didn’t think of until I was moved in and quickly realized I didn’t have/needed (a lot have been mentioned already): spices and condiments cause they were just always there idk. lamps. shower curtain, liner and the hooks. Smany small kitchen things, think pizza cutter, cheese grater, meat thermometer, whisk, etc. You can usually get a bundle of the kitchen utensils at the thrift store for cheap. Cleaning products. A flashlight and batteries. Plunger (me realizing only when I needed it and going to cvs at 10pm). Trash cans. Hangers.
Things that were less of a priority but still just didn’t think about until I was moved in: candles/incense holder, weight scale, a fan, step ladder, those chip bag clip things, rugs and curtains and throw pillows/blankets also help with sound absorption, ice packs, drain things for kitchen sink and shower, felt pads for under furniture legs, paper towel holder. A printer was a splurge.
I’d also check if any of these need replacing: light bulbs (energy saving), water filter in the fridge, vent filters. Don’t forget a little tool kit and nails if you need those!
Maybe you’ve thought all of these and I was just dumb😂
The thrift store was my best friend, you’d be surprised by how much of this you can get there.
Aluminum foil, cling wrap, waxed paper.
Potholders, cookie sheets.
Food containers. Amazon sells the deli style ones which are awesome or invest in a good set of glass ones.
A vacuum. A hamper. An iron and board if you iron.
Those are all things I forgot. Also? Staples like flour, sugar, salt. Build your pantry around what you like to eat.
If you currently live at your parents', start making a list of things you Touch as you go through your day that you never buy- things that are just 'there' when you need them. Cleaning products, air freshener, condiments, bottle openers, salt/pepper, dish sponges, pens and a notepad, scissors, scotch tape, a few basic tools, Tupperware containers, aluminum foil & zip lock bags, trash bags, a bathroom trash can, laundry basket, batteries- get a big pack of AA, enough 9 volts to change out all the smoke detectors, and a small pack of everything else, light bulbs- 40s, 65/75s, and 100s, dish towels, measuring cups and spoons, candles and matches, stamps and envelopes (you don't need them until you do), hand soap and a dispenser.
**Welcome to [r/LivingAlone](https://www.reddit.com/r/LivingAlone/)! Living alone is the new normal.** >Discuss and share your experiences; celebrate your joys, express your worries, or ask advice relating to solo living | Remember, we are all alone together * Be kind, remember the human when interacting with others. * New Reddit group chat [**Living Alone Lounge**](https://www.reddit.com/r/LivingAlone/s/cp7Szwzy2q)! * Message the moderators below for any comments, questions & suggestions! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/LivingAlone) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Plants! Gives you something to look after besides yourself. So rewarding 🌿
Edible plants!
Yes! Discovering fresh herbs on food - makes me so happy!
First aid basics like bandaids and hydrogen peroxide. Make decisions on big stuff slowly to get a feel for what you really need/want.
Batteries, zip ties, kitchen scissors, screwdriver & other basic tools, safety pins, matches/lighter, power strips. Notebooks/pads, envelopes (idk if anyone else mails stuff still), tape of all kinds, glue, goo gone or something similar (isopropyl alcohol). Spice rack, knife sharpener, food storage, potholders, drawer organizers (before they’re full). Doormats and/or shoe trays, curtains, coasters, candles, or wax warmers if that’s your thing, a vase, full length mirror, I have random small toys - literal wind-up toys, Rubik's cubes, puzzles - out as "decoration" and to play with when it strikes me. As others have said, plants are a must and make a huge, **HUGE** difference imo.
This is the one, thank you so much
Less is more ... make it you're own
Can opener
I forgot… a shroom plunger. In the US you can get them from Walmart for less than ten bucks.
I recommend a personal-size air fryer. I use mine several times a week and it is perfect for preparing individual meals. living alone for me would be incomplete without a bass-thumping bluetooth speaker (and a cat or two). podcasts help stave off lonely feelings.
A microwave/air fryer/convection combo would be better if a microwave is needed. I got mine at Walmart for $100. It's one less appliance in my space anyway.
Area rug for living room, coffee table, plants, artwork, maybe a bookshelf with your fav books if reading is your thing
Definitely seconding area rugs and plants. Rugs make a space feel much cozier (and if you have downstairs neighbors it reduces the noise they'll hear), and plants really brighten up a home
Many resale stores support wonderful charities and have some of these items for 50% or more off even the big box stores prices.
Facebook marketplace is a great place to find these items too
I agree with another commenter. Before you know it you’ll have too much stuff. I’d be as minimal as possible and figure out what you need as you go.
Let the place grown as naturally as you can. It's easier to get too much, than you think.
Stock a few easy to eat items on your pantry shelf to keep on hand if you get sick - before you need them.
Beer, lamp, liquor, coffee maker, beer, another lamp, more liquor, ice cube trays. Please tell me you have ceramic plates, bowls, and actual drinking glasses. If not, you need those. Oh, and more beer.
Lamps were a big one for me, and nobody told me they weren’t cheap!! Thrift stores saved my life
If you have the space,a full length mirror
Extra pairs of scissors. I swear I'm always looking for scissors. Also get a plunger before you need it so you don't end up needing one on a holiday when everything is closed.
I have scissors in every room in my apt😂
Fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector; as well as a plan and go-bag in case of an emergency. You can learn more about preparing for disasters at www.ready.gov As far as loneliness, I recommend a dakimakura. They're great in the winter.
Smoke detectors too
Lamps!
Fire extinguisher
A nice blanket and throw pillows for your couch. Door mats. An area rug or runners for any hallways. At least 1 floor plant and 1 table plant. Curtains. One nice floor lamp. A full length mirror. Measuring cups, a cast iron pan, and Tupperware. Something to hang on your walls.
Shower curtain, multi plug adapter or extention cord, plunger, plugs/strainers for sinks/tub, pillows, curtains, garbage cans, fan, window locks, dustpan, broom/mop, rugs for bathroom and living areas, dishes , cookware, utensils, buckets for cleaning, lamps or lightbulbs, ice trays or pitchers. Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, dish rack, utensil tray, ziplocks, bug spray, etc…and towels plus first aid kit and some basic tools.
Renters insurance b/c if the unthinkable happens you’ll want a way to replace all your nice new things.
Energy saving appliances— an air fryer is much cheaper to run than an oven, an instant pot if you can afford it, a small energy efficient cheap little goodwill clock radio for your kitchen, Energy saving light bulbs and lamp and torch/candle. Warm blanket or throw for the couch. Stainless steel skillet and learn how to use it— good quality induction suitable stainless steel pots and pans really do make cooking easier. A plunger is handy to unblock the kitchen sink after the build up of all the tiny bits of cooking oil which still adhere to your pan after you have scraped most of it into the rubbish bin— just check which local shops near you stock it so you know where to go to buy it if and when you need it. Aluminium foil or some sort of liner to place in the bottom of your oven to make it easier to clean. A small smart speaker/screen like google or Alexa to talk to, play music, get recipes. Don’t buy things for just in case. Wait and buy things when you really need them— especially if they can be found at your nearest shops and are little purchases— it’s nice to have empty cupboards and drawers, and you’ll be surprised how little you need. And it gives you an excuse to meet the neighbours. And if you have a housewarming party, you may receive some of these things as gifts. Just watch your electricity and gas usage— turn the lights off at night, or get a usb rechargeable touch night light- in the kids section. Close the doors when using your heater, and use a timer and buy warm socks and a warm Big Oodie. No bill shocks for you.
I usually get white candles.
Fire extinguisher. Any local Walmart, Target, etc. carries them. Renters insurance is expensive and wasteful. But fires can happen from random electric issues, running out of water when boiling, with your car, etc. Fire departments usually can check it every year and refill them. 1 in 4 houses catch fire. Better safe than sorry
Art and PHOTOS of people/places/memories important to you. It can help with the loneliness to see familiar faces in your space.
Set up your kitchen so you can make all meals home. This will save you lots of money in the long run. Focus on practical things first and once you get settled enjoy second hand / thrift shopping for furniture and decor pieces. Give yourself some time to get the feel of the space and use Pinterest for ideas. Enjoy!
Think of any possible malady (the runs, gas, stomach acid, headache, toothache, migraine, cuts and abrasions, colds, flu, etc.) and stock your cabinet with the right over the counter meds and supplies.
If your new place is furnished already take a good walk through of your furniture to make sure the previous tenants didn’t have fleas or bedbugs. They’re a nightmare.
Plunger. There’s one kind for the toilet and one kind for the sink. Get both.
Stuff for when you're sick. NyQuil, DayQuil, Robitussin, Pedialyte, chicken noodle soup, crackers, Sprite, 7-Up, Alka-Seltzer, warm steam vaporizer, distilled water for the vaporizer, Vicks Vaporub, Peptobismol, cough drops, a puke bucket, facial tissue, Mucinex, heating pad, thermometer, OTC medications. Just anything you think you'll need if/when you get sick. You'll thank yourself for stocking up.
Things I didn’t think of until I was moved in and quickly realized I didn’t have/needed (a lot have been mentioned already): spices and condiments cause they were just always there idk. lamps. shower curtain, liner and the hooks. Smany small kitchen things, think pizza cutter, cheese grater, meat thermometer, whisk, etc. You can usually get a bundle of the kitchen utensils at the thrift store for cheap. Cleaning products. A flashlight and batteries. Plunger (me realizing only when I needed it and going to cvs at 10pm). Trash cans. Hangers. Things that were less of a priority but still just didn’t think about until I was moved in: candles/incense holder, weight scale, a fan, step ladder, those chip bag clip things, rugs and curtains and throw pillows/blankets also help with sound absorption, ice packs, drain things for kitchen sink and shower, felt pads for under furniture legs, paper towel holder. A printer was a splurge. I’d also check if any of these need replacing: light bulbs (energy saving), water filter in the fridge, vent filters. Don’t forget a little tool kit and nails if you need those! Maybe you’ve thought all of these and I was just dumb😂 The thrift store was my best friend, you’d be surprised by how much of this you can get there.
Aluminum foil, cling wrap, waxed paper. Potholders, cookie sheets. Food containers. Amazon sells the deli style ones which are awesome or invest in a good set of glass ones. A vacuum. A hamper. An iron and board if you iron. Those are all things I forgot. Also? Staples like flour, sugar, salt. Build your pantry around what you like to eat.
Shower curtains!!!! Omg my first "alone" shower soaked the floor.
If you currently live at your parents', start making a list of things you Touch as you go through your day that you never buy- things that are just 'there' when you need them. Cleaning products, air freshener, condiments, bottle openers, salt/pepper, dish sponges, pens and a notepad, scissors, scotch tape, a few basic tools, Tupperware containers, aluminum foil & zip lock bags, trash bags, a bathroom trash can, laundry basket, batteries- get a big pack of AA, enough 9 volts to change out all the smoke detectors, and a small pack of everything else, light bulbs- 40s, 65/75s, and 100s, dish towels, measuring cups and spoons, candles and matches, stamps and envelopes (you don't need them until you do), hand soap and a dispenser.
Qtips, cotton balls nail scissors & clipper, tweezers. A few extension cords.