Household Items
 Moving into your home is one of the most stressful events in people's lives, especially those venturing out on their own for the first time. Setting up home for the first time without the money or the means to financial support that others take for granted, can leave you in what feels like an impossible situation before you even begin a tenancy.
Furniture, kitchen/bedroom items, a bed , appliances and other common household items such as eating utensils, linens and cookware are a necessity for most people living on their own. Fortunately, much of what you will need to get started in your own place can be picked up for free or at a very low-cost from shelters and thrift stores such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill.
What household items will I need to Get Started?
As anyone who has ever set up a household for the first time can attest, it requires a lot of items. Furniture is obviously a big consideration. But so are all of those smaller things, like pots and pans, a telephone, lamps, rugs, a toaster, things to hang on the walls.
Most emanicpated youth will not be able to just run out and buy everything at once. In order to not get overwhelmed by everything that is needed, it may be helpful to make a list prioritizing what is most important. Things like a bed, a chair, a telephone, and a few lamps are things that should be placed as high priority items. Other things, like an answering machine, posters, extra chairs, and a television, are not such a priority and could possibly be put off until you have established yourself. When beginning to plan for moving into the community, it is a good idea to start asking around among friends and social workers for any donations or loans of furnishings. It may be surprising just what unused treasures people can pull out of attics and garages. Other sources for furnishings are local thrift stores and garage sales—you will be surprised how much you can find! Click here to search for places to get household items in your county.
While trying to collect all that is needed, you should really stay focused on the primary goal of living independently. For most youth, coordinated bedroom furniture and a matching set of dishes is not the primary objective. As time goes on and you develop your individual lifestyle you will be able to focus on the smaller things.
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Thursday, March 11, 2010
