Tiger Weekly - Serving Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Shopping list limits moving fiasco

Housing Guide 2010

By Rafaella Cuff

Without a doubt, moving can be a tremendous hassle. Once all the boxes and furniture are finally located safely within the apartment, dormitory, townhouse and so on there is always that trip to the nearby superstore to get other necessities. Usually one trip does not suffice, for there is always that one thing that gets forgotten, something that may not be packed in the boxes and is not provided by the housing. Here are priority items that are beneficial to put on that necessity list and are easily forgotten.

First of all, window curtains are a must, and the responsibility to purchase them typically falls upon the resident. People are nosy. There is no denying it. Neighbors will peek if your blinds cannot obscure their vision, and in order to ensure your privacy from the peeping Toms - or the female equivalent - curtains should be on the necessity list.

Second of all, a shower curtain is needed in order to protect your bathroom and toiletries from moisture and flooding. After all that hard work from moving, a hot shower would be far more enjoyable with the security of a shower curtain, and the mop can remain hidden in the utilities cupboard.

Third, although it seems fairly obvious, all preferred cleaning essentials should be on the list. Most movers pack the cleaning essentials with them in order to do a primary clean before unpacking, and that is the ideal plan. For those who did not do this, be sure to think through and put all cleaning products on the shopping list and use them to thoroughly clean the place before unpacking all belongings. These products could include: vacuum, mops, bleach, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, carpet cleaner, garbage bags, window cleaner, rags, dish soap, Lysol and so forth. Also, for hygiene purposes, please remember toilet paper!

Fourth, light bulbs, batteries, extension cords and a multi-plug-surge protector provide for the use of utilities. Extension cords and multi-plugs are especially useful when you have multiple appliances such as a computer, television, game system, DVD player, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, hairdryer, electric razor and so forth. A lot of older apartment complexes will have fewer plug sockets, making extension cords extremely practical.

Next, although every apartment is supposed to have a fire alarm, be sure to locate the fire alarm and be sure that it is in good shape. If it is not, then complain to the landlord as soon as possible. Many fire alarms also have carbon monoxide readers, but if the apartment does not, a carbon monoxide reader can be purchased separately. Although a new tenant should not have to be purchasing a fire alarm when going to the store, it is of the utmost importance to make sure these safety devices are in the home.

Another essential that may not be thought of, especially if the person moving is coming from his or her parents' home, is medical supplies. Things like aspirin, rubbing alcohol, Neosporin, bandages and medication for common ailments are really important to have around the home and won't be realized to be missing until a problem occurs. It helps to not have to drive to the local pharmacy with a killer headache or a dirty cut when the items can be found conveniently in the comfort of your own home.

Finally, it won't be long till a pile of dirty laundry accumulates. Although it won't be necessary immediately, it pays to have detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets and an iron at the ready. Food accidents are unpredictable and getting the stain out quickly may save a piece of clothing.

New housing lacks everyday essentials that the new resident will have the responsibility of purchasing. By acknowledging what is missing from the residency and the packed boxes just moved, a resident will be able to make a more stress-free transition into his or her new home.

Originally Published: March 10, 2010

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