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demtenjeep

(31,997 posts)
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:14 AM Dec 2012

what do you need to start out in a basic single man apartment? Our nephew has stayed with us 4 yrs

Graduated from College a couple weeks ago. YEA. First one of the grandkids to graduate college. That makes in our combinded families My self, my brother, my wonderful hubby and now our nephew. He has a new full time job in his profession and it starts late Jan.

Currently he is scoping out apartments in his new city. He is excited and we are as well. We were happy to provide our home to him so he could get his degree and not have to owe tons in loans after graduation, and have come to view him as our son to some extent. We will be very sad to see him go, but proud of his job and ambition!

My question: What does a young kid with no obligations need to start up a "home of his own" I want to do a basket of necessities to start him off right. I was given 3 crockpots for Christmas ( I use them a lot) I think I will give him one of those and some of the recipies I use with them. Especially the recipies he asks for when I make dinner.

What else could go in the basket?

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what do you need to start out in a basic single man apartment? Our nephew has stayed with us 4 yrs (Original Post) demtenjeep Dec 2012 OP
My dear demtenjeep... CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2012 #1
can opener, corkscrew, coffee maker, extra knives and cutlery, pepper grinder, maybe some niyad Dec 2012 #2
A big laundry basket would be useful. n/t Tx4obama Dec 2012 #31
I would not have any use for a corkscrew, coffee maker or pepper grinder hfojvt Dec 2012 #47
i'd go for the gift card. let the young man decide what he needs. i, for one, would never put HiPointDem Dec 2012 #50
When I set off on my own, I got a toaster oven. NYC_SKP Dec 2012 #3
my daughter will be moving out in the summer liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #7
i love my roku xmas74 Dec 2012 #26
Toilet paper--really. nt MADem Dec 2012 #15
I agree, Rincewind Dec 2012 #52
Kegerator JVS Dec 2012 #4
On a serious second thought, give him cash or a gift card to Target JVS Dec 2012 #13
a french press for coffee would be helpful and simple to use. A television and a couch. Ed Suspicious Dec 2012 #5
Check Craigslist No Vested Interest Dec 2012 #14
1) First months rent 2) last month's rent 3) damage deposit and 4) a toothbrush. nt lumberjack_jeff Dec 2012 #6
yes help with rent is always a good idea liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #9
Crockpot is a single person's best friend! Dyedinthewoolliberal Dec 2012 #8
Crockpots rock Aerows Dec 2012 #32
How about giving a little housewarming party for him No Vested Interest Dec 2012 #10
How about ... Tx4obama Dec 2012 #11
And for a 'junk drawer' Tx4obama Dec 2012 #20
Philips and straight head on the screwdrivers n/t Fumesucker Dec 2012 #21
Vise grips and a crescent wrench too lpbk2713 Dec 2012 #23
Have to say Lurker Deluxe Dec 2012 #71
Spices he's likely to use, salt, pepper, garlic and so on Fumesucker Dec 2012 #12
food storage containers riverbendviewgal Dec 2012 #16
any kind of storage containers really liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #17
Rubbermaid has a great set...freeze, microwave, stacking and bpa free. dkf Dec 2012 #42
Congratulations to your nephew and your family. iemitsu Dec 2012 #18
All the suggestions on this thread are good ones and may meet iemitsu Dec 2012 #35
you can get good items riverbendviewgal Dec 2012 #68
Room by Room TheBlackAdder Dec 2012 #19
no crockpot for a guy. That's funny liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #25
Anybody can cook in a crockpot Aerows Dec 2012 #40
My dad might take offense. He makes awesome soups we can do it Dec 2012 #64
My son finally got one and cooks everything DevonRex Dec 2012 #69
i have an exboyfriend xmas74 Dec 2012 #37
A Betty Crocker cookbook, the red and white checked one. DevonRex Dec 2012 #22
My nephew gets all of his tips and recipes from the internet. nt TheBlackAdder Dec 2012 #24
Costco membership donco Dec 2012 #27
I was just thinking that too liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #34
Its a good donco Dec 2012 #49
I'd recommend giving him the address of the nearest Ikea. Kablooie Dec 2012 #28
Yep. Particularly for those sets of dishes they have. Barack_America Dec 2012 #61
Dishes definitely Aerows Dec 2012 #29
Just like to add... FightForMichigan Dec 2012 #30
Very nice idea Aerows Dec 2012 #36
I have my grandmother's iron skillet and she died in the 50's. Auntie Bush Dec 2012 #81
thanks- those are pretty great suggestions. He basically went from his parents (my sister) to us demtenjeep Dec 2012 #33
Cleaning supplies will probably be helpful Aerows Dec 2012 #39
A seasoned cast iron skillet GObamaGO Dec 2012 #38
i have noticed there are a lot of young people who don't know how to use cast iron these days. HiPointDem Dec 2012 #51
I agree GObamaGO Dec 2012 #66
A toolbox with tools, a flashlight, and... LancetChick Dec 2012 #41
The Essentials: jberryhill Dec 2012 #43
Perfect! LancetChick Dec 2012 #46
I had to do the same for my daughter when she was in college and moved to a rent house rainbow4321 Dec 2012 #44
Several surge protectors. dkf Dec 2012 #45
Definitely surge protectors. RebelOne Dec 2012 #86
A potato peeler, an iron, and some towels. dimbear Dec 2012 #48
Box of rubbers jmowreader Dec 2012 #53
Box of rubbers? Wouldn't one pair of rain boots be more practical? FSogol Dec 2012 #90
or you could do what my old man did... Javaman Dec 2012 #54
Microwave, TV, Computer Freddie Stubbs Dec 2012 #55
Essential DD Bag for the first time solo dweller Drew Richards Dec 2012 #56
First person to say he needs a gun wins troll of the year. AngryAmish Dec 2012 #57
A fouton, a toilet, a refrigerator & Playstation. Myrina Dec 2012 #58
and a microwave Motown_Johnny Dec 2012 #74
A set of screwdrivers, a roll of good duct tape, and a spray can of WD-40 slackmaster Dec 2012 #59
Congratulations. NCTraveler Dec 2012 #60
I know for sure we will be in regular conversations. He and my husband have become very close demtenjeep Dec 2012 #62
One often forgotten item - vacuum cleaner guardian Dec 2012 #63
all the suggestions here are very good. introduce him to the wonderful world of thrift shopping niyad Dec 2012 #65
Snow shovel if he has a car, parks on the street and lives where it snows. n/t ieoeja Dec 2012 #67
This is a dude... OneTenthofOnePercent Dec 2012 #70
a bed, a towel, and a toothbrush ThomThom Dec 2012 #72
Ikea does a basic kitchen ware box - GoneOffShore Dec 2012 #73
An electric grill is very handy strategery blunder Dec 2012 #75
Beer. leveymg Dec 2012 #76
And more beer jberryhill Dec 2012 #79
renter's insurance is required in a lot of areas now Skittles Dec 2012 #77
A basic set of pots and pans. no_hypocrisy Dec 2012 #78
Trust me on this: Batteries (AA & AAA), Light bulbs, a step ladder.... Moonwalk Dec 2012 #80
Plates that go in the microwave and instructions mainstreetonce Dec 2012 #82
Your nephew is lucky to have you. You can get him a microwave oven. At WalMart you can southernyankeebelle Dec 2012 #83
The stuff they always forget - haele Dec 2012 #84
Suddenly being homeless reteachinwi Dec 2012 #85
Take an inventory of everything Mr.Bill Dec 2012 #87
cash so he can get what he wants where he wants......and do not tear up too much lunasun Dec 2012 #88
Lots and lots and lots of... WilmywoodNCparalegal Dec 2012 #89
Broom, dustpan, small, apartment sized vacuum cleaner. 1monster Dec 2012 #91
Duct tape and WD-40 -- the two essential tools for almost every occasion. Buns_of_Fire Dec 2012 #92

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,308 posts)
1. My dear demtenjeep...
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:17 AM
Dec 2012

Bedding; dishes; silverware; pots and pans; you name it!

Towels; shower things; bath mats; and etc!

I could go on, but I'm tired!

Good luck to him! It is an exciting time.

niyad

(112,435 posts)
2. can opener, corkscrew, coffee maker, extra knives and cutlery, pepper grinder, maybe some
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:18 AM
Dec 2012

basic spices and herbs. . . . .

by the way, how big a basket, or are we talking metaphorically?

on the other hand, perhaps a gift card to something like target, bed bath and beyond or to a dollar store if there is one near him.

hfojvt

(37,573 posts)
47. I would not have any use for a corkscrew, coffee maker or pepper grinder
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:34 AM
Dec 2012

maybe a pizza cutter, measuring cups, and I do use coffee cups for drinking glasses, plates, bowls, a two quart pan some plastic tubs with lids - I would say tupperware, but I re-use coffee tubs and carmel corn tubs and cool whip tubs, etx.

basic tools might be handy too - screwdriver, hammer, pliers, and duck tape.

a set of towels - bath and dish and hand. Maybe even paper towels and band-aids.

a linen set - sheets and pillow case. Some blankets.

 

HiPointDem

(20,729 posts)
50. i'd go for the gift card. let the young man decide what he needs. i, for one, would never put
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:54 AM
Dec 2012

'pepper grinder' on any 'most needed' list.

but maybe he's the gourmet type.

or pay for a trip to a second-hand shop -- he can get all the basic dishes etc there for a fraction of what it would cost first-hand.

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
3. When I set off on my own, I got a toaster oven.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:19 AM
Dec 2012

Today, the equivalent would be a microwave (but a toaster oven is still cool!).

Apartments that he might get might already have a microwave, a crockpot might be useful but I wouldn't know what to do with it.

I might recommend a cordless phone with answering machine, but nobody needs them anymore.

Maybe something not useful, but instead just decorative or fun, like a nice houseplant or set of spices, or cutlery or kitchen tools?

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
7. my daughter will be moving out in the summer
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:23 AM
Dec 2012

I have been trying to brain storm what I can get her. I was thinking about getting her a Roku. It's suppose to be a cheaper way to watch tv if you have internet service. Of course what everybody else has been saying. The basics like towels, silverware, maybe a vacuum.

JVS

(61,935 posts)
13. On a serious second thought, give him cash or a gift card to Target
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:29 AM
Dec 2012

My reasoning is:
1. Over the course of college he has probably accumulated some kind of collection of stuff. Unless this is truly his first time away from the parents' home, he'll have some but not all of what he needs to be on his own. Nobody knows what he needs better than he will himself.
2. He has shown responsibility in graduating school and looks to be starting a nice career for himself. I think he can be trusted with the decision that cash/giftcard gives him. If it were someone just starting college, you might want to give the gift in a way that prevents it being blown on something frivolous.
3. I've moved a lot of times. I didn't always need anything, but it almost always bumped my expenses for the month. Stuff like new condiments in the fridge, lightbulbs, a lamp for that space in the new apartment always cost some money and are unavoidable incidentals of moving.

Ed Suspicious

(8,879 posts)
5. a french press for coffee would be helpful and simple to use. A television and a couch.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:23 AM
Dec 2012

A Leatherman multi-tool.

No Vested Interest

(5,157 posts)
14. Check Craigslist
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:29 AM
Dec 2012

There are many items listed as "giveaway" there and in some of the weekly newspapers.
Often people are moving out-of-state, etc and just want to empty their space.

Sofas, tables, chairs, TVs, etc - all can be available for the one that gets there first.

Dyedinthewoolliberal

(15,485 posts)
8. Crockpot is a single person's best friend!
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:23 AM
Dec 2012

If he doesn't know how to cook you might want to show him a few basics as dining out all the time is pricey. Blankets, towels, bedsheets,dish towels and maybe a starter set of pots/pans. If he'll use them.
You could get him going with pantry spices and again if he doesn't have a clue maybe a crash course in how to be the cook would be useful.

No Vested Interest

(5,157 posts)
10. How about giving a little housewarming party for him
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:25 AM
Dec 2012

among family?

My son has recently purchased a condo and requested useful items for Christmas.
I gave him several versatile pieces of Pyrex, which can both go in microwave and oven, and other uses.

He'll find his way - they always do.

Tx4obama

(36,974 posts)
11. How about ...
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:26 AM
Dec 2012

Measuring cups: one for liquid, and a dry set
Measuring spoons
Ice cube trays (if the freeze doesn't automatically make them)
Extra light bulbs
Bandaids / Ibuprofen / Pepto Bismol
Vacuum, Mop, Broom and Dustpan
Windex/Pledge/PineSol/Vanish
Toilet Paper/Paper Towels/Laundry Soap



Tx4obama

(36,974 posts)
20. And for a 'junk drawer'
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:38 AM
Dec 2012

A package of rubber bands
Scotch tape and duct tape
Screwdriver and a pair of pliers
Flashlight


And for safety...
Small fire extinguisher
Smoke alarm if there isn't one in the apartment and a couple spare batteries

Lurker Deluxe

(1,031 posts)
71. Have to say
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 04:01 PM
Dec 2012

The flashlight and fire extenguisher are great ideas. My mother gave me an oil lamp and I still have it, and use it. Anything that helps prepare for the eventual fact that the power will go out is good. Candles, flashlight, oil lamp, hand can opener, hibachi.

Fire extinguisher ... a must have.

Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
12. Spices he's likely to use, salt, pepper, garlic and so on
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:27 AM
Dec 2012

Cooking utensils, spoons, spatulas, ladle, tongs, microwave bacon cooker, ovenware of various shapes, toaster, aluminum foil, cling wrap, storage bags, small fry pan, small to medium cook pots.

Ice trays.

Three or four of each dinner plates,smaller plates, bowls, cups, glasses, knives, forks, tsp, tbsp.

I use a cooking timer a lot and that would be a nice thing to get.

ETA after reading some of the responses: A toilet plunger

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
17. any kind of storage containers really
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:33 AM
Dec 2012

I remember first starting out using those plastic drawer sets to store clothes in.

iemitsu

(3,888 posts)
18. Congratulations to your nephew and your family.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:34 AM
Dec 2012

Both a degree and a new job, lucky young man.
Besides the crock-pot and recipes he will need a few kitchen utensils, like a large stirring spoon and a bottle opener. Maybe a box of noodles (for the shelf) and the ingredients to make a few meals (so he doesn't have to shop for food while settling in). The support you've provided for the last four years and your good advice and love is more than most ever get to offer a nephew.
In his new town, you nephew should shop for dishes, if someone doesn't supply him with some, at the Goodwill. Other kitchen stuff and furniture can be found there too. He will not need to have everything at once and can pick up stuff at thrift stores for nothing.
The "starter" stuff people buy from Ikea is dumped at the Goodwill all the time so if he is attracted to Danish Modern he can still find it secondhand.
What an exciting time for your family.
Oh, give him something from your home, something dumb that he likes and that will remind him of you and the shelter and comfort you represent.

iemitsu

(3,888 posts)
35. All the suggestions on this thread are good ones and may meet
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:54 AM
Dec 2012

your nephew's needs but I would encourage him to lead a materially simple life.
At least while he is single, he is better off (IMO) to carry a light load. He may move several times over the next few years and moving stuff is a burden. Expensive stuff one has to take. Secondhand furniture can be re-donated, on his way out the door, if he has not become attached to it and new, used stuff can replace it in new space.
Nice towels and sheets are expensive and something people need. Like underwear, these can not be bought secondhand and they make a great gift.

TheBlackAdder

(28,076 posts)
19. Room by Room
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:37 AM
Dec 2012

Bedroom: Bed frame (unless platform bed), box spring mattress, dresser, 1-2 lamps, side table, closet hangars, storage racks. Curtains, binds, pillows, pillow cases, sheets, comforter.

Bathroom: Shower curtain, soaps, bath mat, TP, towels, hair dryer, razer, etc.

Living area: Sofa, chair(s) TV, Cable with High Speed Internet (almost mandatory now), vertical blinds and curtain for windows/slider, Computer table or desk, side table/coffee table (though becoming obsolete), lamp(s) floor and table, dinner table (unless kitchen table will be used),

Kitchen: Coffee maker with coffee, toaster, mixer (or hand mixer), cookware set (pots, pans), cookie sheet, muffin pan, tea pot with tea, spice assortment, colander, microwave (if not supplied), kitchen table or stools if eat-in bar, various kitchen appliances, dishes, glasses and mugs,cutlery, dish towels, paper towels, tissues... for a guy - NO Crockpot

Medicine: Pain killers, bandages, cold medicine, anticeptic, vitamins.

Laundry: Basket, soaps, dryer sheets.

Utility: Broom, dustpan, cleansers, vacuum, cleaning towels, a combo tool set (hammer, pliers, wrenches), a combo electrical set (stripper/crimper, connectors, electrical tape, etc).

Entry: Hangers (wooden - higher quality for heavy clothing) and on-line there are various covers for door peepholes.

Security: Since it's a small apartment, check out X-10 for entryway alarms and internet cameras to remotely record people who enter the apartment. YOu have no idea who has keps to that apartment or can bump-lock the door locks to open them.

===

If he cooks around your house, he'll probably cook by himself. If he doesn't cook, plan on mainly carb, such as ramen, pasta, soups, pizza, prepackaged... microwaveable.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
25. no crockpot for a guy. That's funny
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:47 AM
Dec 2012

How about a cast iron skillet? Every guy I've ever known loves cast iron skillets. And a chili or stew pot and a grill. Now that is guy cooking.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
40. Anybody can cook in a crockpot
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:59 AM
Dec 2012

Chili, beans, stew, you throw it in and it's done when you get home.

DevonRex

(22,541 posts)
69. My son finally got one and cooks everything
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 03:44 PM
Dec 2012

in it. He lives overseas and doesn't have an oven in his new apartment. You can do roasts and chicken, soups and chili, just everything.

xmas74

(29,658 posts)
37. i have an exboyfriend
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:56 AM
Dec 2012

Who had a crockpot when we dated. He was a student at the time w an off campus apartment. His sister-in-law gave it to him,showed him how to use it and then made him a small recipe book. He made chili all the time for his friends. In the winter he made other soups and would also use it for a roast .

We still talk. He said that his wife says she fell in love with him the first time he made her dinner in that crockpot.

DevonRex

(22,541 posts)
22. A Betty Crocker cookbook, the red and white checked one.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:41 AM
Dec 2012

It has all the basics in it that somebody who doesn't know how to cook needs. It was my first one and I really didn't know a thing about cooking. But it's comprehensive enough to be quite useful past the learning stage, too.

TheBlackAdder

(28,076 posts)
24. My nephew gets all of his tips and recipes from the internet. nt
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:46 AM
Dec 2012

That's why internet service is key.

In NYC, there might not be many options for him where he is at and some solutions are really pricey.

liberal_at_heart

(12,081 posts)
34. I was just thinking that too
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:54 AM
Dec 2012

Buying in bulk may not seem practical for a single person but there's lots of stuff you can get there even if you're single and the food can always be vacuum sealed and frozen.

donco

(1,548 posts)
49. Its a good
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:54 AM
Dec 2012

place to buy some quality furniture, if you get in online its delivered.Some assembly required of course.



Barack_America

(28,876 posts)
61. Yep. Particularly for those sets of dishes they have.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 11:51 AM
Dec 2012
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90131657/

Set of 6 for $19.

Or hit up the local thrift store, which always seems to have some of the old, indestructible Corelle dishes.
 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
29. Dishes definitely
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:51 AM
Dec 2012

Glasses and plates. A clothes hamper, too. Basic cleaning stuff is nice, as well (toilet brush, kitchen sponges, a sink brush). Just thinking of basics.

FightForMichigan

(232 posts)
30. Just like to add...
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:51 AM
Dec 2012

that anything you use around the house will be useful. But most importantly, it doesn't have to be new. In fact, when I was on my own for the first time, it brought me a lot of comfort to use the old colander and mixing bowls that mom used to make me dinner back at home. It was a nice way to still feel connected to my family even though I was a 1,200 miles away from home.

 

demtenjeep

(31,997 posts)
33. thanks- those are pretty great suggestions. He basically went from his parents (my sister) to us
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:53 AM
Dec 2012

he has some things but not much in the kitchen/bath department.

HE is not a real great cooker, although I have been teaching his the basics. He did shoot a deer so we have tons of meat in the freezer and I have about a month to teach him the basics ...roasts, tenders things like that.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
39. Cleaning supplies will probably be helpful
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:57 AM
Dec 2012

and not something he may think of on his own. A laundry basket or two for clothes, and basic cleaning stuff can go a long way.

 

HiPointDem

(20,729 posts)
51. i have noticed there are a lot of young people who don't know how to use cast iron these days.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 03:02 AM
Dec 2012

they burn the pan or get it rusty and think it's wrecked, don't know anything about seasoning, etc.

if you give cast iron, include instructions.

i think cast iron is the best, but just saying --

GObamaGO

(665 posts)
66. I agree
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:05 PM
Dec 2012

I no longer use teflon because of the chemicals leaching into the food. The cast iron well seasoned is the best non-stick surface around.

LancetChick

(272 posts)
41. A toolbox with tools, a flashlight, and...
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 01:59 AM
Dec 2012

a variety of batteries (including batteries to replace the ones in a beeping smoke alarm) and a few candles with matches/lighter in case the electricity goes out. Those things don't depend so much on personal taste, but cookware and other household supplies can, so I love the idea of a gift certificate. And maybe one thing that's not necessary (a comfy throw blanket?), but makes the place seem more like a home. My sister gave me a bowl of wooden fruit when I moved into my house, which I thought was ridiculous at first, but it looks so real on the table, and never rots, and for some reason I've learned to really appreciate it!

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
43. The Essentials:
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:16 AM
Dec 2012

Based on what I have learned on DU recently, you should consider first things first:

- A pump action shotgun for basic home defense.

- A 9mm semi-auto pistol for venturing outside of the house.

- An AR-15 with a 100 round ammunition drum for zombie apocalypse or overthrowing the government whenever the need arises

- body armor because, well, there are a lot of crazy people out there

- A revolver for formal occasions

rainbow4321

(9,974 posts)
44. I had to do the same for my daughter when she was in college and moved to a rent house
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:23 AM
Dec 2012

You don't realize how hard it is to start/shop for a place from scratch until, well, you start a place from scratch!

Having lived in the dorm for 2 years she had nothing except what decorated her dorm room.

So we trudged thru Wal Mart at the time trying to think of necessities that she would need to start off with...the basket was overflowing with just "basics". Things an established household takes for granted.

One of the last things I thought of as we were about to leave...a toilet PLUNGER! Not something she had had to worry about since she had been sharing the bathroom with her entire dorm floor and didn't have to worry about bathroom maintanence.

It was harder to shop for boring, everyday basics instead of bells/whistles..we spent alot of time in the house cleaning aisle...broom, mop, laundry/dishwasher detergent/dusting stuff...then onto things like eating utensils, cups/plates, basic cooking utensils/pots/pans. Like I said, "boring" kind of stuff, but stuff she would need to get started.

 

dkf

(37,305 posts)
45. Several surge protectors.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:24 AM
Dec 2012

Different sized cutting boards, a decent set of knives, kitchen shears, corningware grab it bowls with covers.

RebelOne

(30,947 posts)
86. Definitely surge protectors.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:59 PM
Dec 2012

They are a must as I have learned because I have lost a microwave, TV, refrigerator and DVD player because of power outages. All my electrical appliances are now plugged into surge protectors.

jmowreader

(50,453 posts)
53. Box of rubbers
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:08 AM
Dec 2012

Eventually he's going to meet a nice young person and these will then be critical.

I am sadly the wrong guy to ask about basic man apartment stuff because you can nearly equip a commercial pastry kitchen with the contents of my apartment. But thinking out loud...

Set of dishes
Set of nonstick pans. Yes, I know cast iron is fantastic but let the guy learn to cook first!
Good cookbook. The current Betty Crocker looks like it was updated by Sandra Lee.
Two hundred dollars, the Saturday classifieds and use of a pickup for a day so he can hit yard sales for furniture.
Mindless noise box - either tv or radio

Javaman

(62,442 posts)
54. or you could do what my old man did...
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 10:40 AM
Dec 2012

gave me a handshake and that was it.



Nice to know that you want to help him out.

Drew Richards

(1,558 posts)
56. Essential DD Bag for the first time solo dweller
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 11:39 AM
Dec 2012

Ok I assume you are actually looking for an essentials list for him.

Let me start off...

He is a GUY! screw the crock pot he will never use it...

Take your pick or add to the list..here are the essentials.

If it is already furnished some of this is not required...

Toaster oven
small microwave
small dorm fridge or regular fridge if already furnished apt.
TV or small portable tv (I like this can take in any room)
ipod or small cheap stereo

Personal essentials...

dishwashing soap
laundry soap
SOS pads or plastic scrubber
hand soap
toothpaste
toothbrush
deodorant
paper towels
toilet paper
q-tips

4 person set of dishware plates, saucers, bowls
8 person set of utensils (yes guys will eat and live off paper and plastic but that is a waste of money compared to having just a few place sets.
spatula
cutting board
nice small 6 or 8 piece knife set
bath towels (8)
hand towels (4)
Sheets (4 sets of 2)
pillows (2) and pillow cases. (4)
Blankets (2)
Vacume for floors
Mop and bucket
floor cleaner
Coffee cups (6)
Plastic drinking Glasses (6)...(big ones from dollar general)
skillet
Small cooking pot
Large cooking Pot
4 inch deep baking pan
paper plates
paper bowls
Tupper ware (lots)
plastic freezer bags
Aluminum Foil!
A nice cook book
Peanut butter and Jelly and a loaf a bread...
a quart of milk
Instant soup (ramen noodle type)

a plant to nurture...helps keep the lonelies away

This is the bare essentials for him to walk in and begin to live...The rest he can go buy himself

Hope you like the list.

Drew.

 

NCTraveler

(30,481 posts)
60. Congratulations.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 11:46 AM
Dec 2012

Young men can do well with very little and work towards building up things they need. Make sure he has a microwave. When he starts his new job he will find he has less time on his hands. After a long day he will sometimes just want something quick. Also make sure he has the necessities for laundry.

Most importantly, call him regularly and make sure he knows you expect the same. Things will come out in the conversations. It can also be very lonely living alone after you have been in a home with a family.

Once again, congratulations.

 

demtenjeep

(31,997 posts)
62. I know for sure we will be in regular conversations. He and my husband have become very close
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 11:57 AM
Dec 2012

not sure who will be more lost, my nephew or my husband. For the last 4 years, they have done so much together it will be sad for both of them.

 

guardian

(2,282 posts)
63. One often forgotten item - vacuum cleaner
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 12:07 PM
Dec 2012

Get him a decent vaccum cleaner. Not only will he live in a cleaner place, it will save him money on the security deposit when he moves out.

niyad

(112,435 posts)
65. all the suggestions here are very good. introduce him to the wonderful world of thrift shopping
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 12:16 PM
Dec 2012

(goodwill, salvation army, arc, etc) and whatever dollar stores (not family dollar, actual dollar stores) in his area.

oh, and if he is going to buy new, the after-christmas sales can turn up some really good bargains.

best wishes to all of you as you start this new chapter in your lives.

 

OneTenthofOnePercent

(6,268 posts)
70. This is a dude...
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 03:53 PM
Dec 2012

A mattress on the floor, TV, computer, cable & internet and $20 worth of toiletries.
Maybe a Foreman Grill, Crockpot, and coffeepot if he wants to live large. Futon optional.

That's pretty much single young-guy life.

GoneOffShore

(17,309 posts)
73. Ikea does a basic kitchen ware box -
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:15 PM
Dec 2012

or used to.

A good basic cookbook - something that won't scare him. But "Joy of Cooking" is a great resource.

Dish towels - always useful.

A set of Pyrex bowls.

At least one good chef's knife - high carbon stainless.

Bamboo chopping board.

An electric kettle - better and faster than stovetop or microwave.

A cast iron frying pan - it will last forever.

strategery blunder

(4,225 posts)
75. An electric grill is very handy
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:34 PM
Dec 2012

I'm talking about the George Foreman type grills.

It's great for cooking most meats because it cooks both sides simultaneously, and most of the grease from said meat runs off into a collector container. It only takes a few moments longer to cook basic meals than using a microwave, and the food can be seasoned to taste while cooking, and will taste better. While it's technically a luxury, I find myself using it to cook far more often than pans and skillets.

About the only meat it can't cook efficiently is unshaped, ground meat, such as ground beef chopped up for Mexican dishes or ground sausage for spaghetti. However, if the meat is shaped into a patty, the electric grill will handle it just fine. I live by myself, and the electric grill does far more cooking than pots and pans

Just be sure to maintain it properly. Provided you're careful, it's easiest to scrub down while it's unplugged but still hot.

Also, as others have mentioned, a couple of cookie sheets are a must...

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
79. And more beer
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:47 PM
Dec 2012

It's tough to have beer, because sooner or later, you are going to need more beer.

Skittles

(152,966 posts)
77. renter's insurance is required in a lot of areas now
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:36 PM
Dec 2012

your nephew was very lucky; I was in the military when I was 18.

no_hypocrisy

(45,774 posts)
78. A basic set of pots and pans.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:43 PM
Dec 2012

Nothing cheap but not Wolfgang Puck quality either.

A tea kettle

A couple of good basic cookbooks

A pair of matching dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, cups, and saucers, forks/knives/spoons/soup spoons

A couple of coffee mugs

A drip coffee thingee to make a single cup of Joe along with #2 filters

Two cans of ground coffee

A basic set of kitchen knives

Couple of dish towels

A decent comforter for his bed in the winter

Either a hamper or a good-sized duffle bag for dirty laundry

And maybe a gift card from the supermarket so he can buy some staples

Moonwalk

(2,322 posts)
80. Trust me on this: Batteries (AA & AAA), Light bulbs, a step ladder....
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:49 PM
Dec 2012

...extension cords with surge protector cords, a wall clock and yes, that screwdriver or small toolkit.

This is for anyone moving into their own place. One never knows where the plugs are and how many extension cords might be needed (and extra plugs) for things like crockpots And in this day and age, most of the things he has will need batteries and he'll be thankful for having them on hand--be it that Blue Tooth keyboard or the clock on the wall.

The clock is something most young adults don't think about because they're used to their alarm clocks or phones, but a good wall clock is a useful thing--able to glance at it from the breakfast table, he'll know how much time he has before he has to get to work.

Finally, most apartments don't provide enough light. He may not know whether he'll need lamps or not, but he will need bulbs for both those lamps and for overhead lights. Again, he'll be glad to have those there and to hand.

And a step ladder is really invaluable unless, of course, he's a really tall young man. It'll allow him not only to change the batteries in the smoke alarm and the bulbs in the ceiling fan but also to get down the tool kit from a top shelf.

mainstreetonce

(4,178 posts)
82. Plates that go in the microwave and instructions
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:49 PM
Dec 2012

When my son got his first apt someone gave him a plate for warming pizza slices. It said use in microwave oven. He put it in the oven and almost burned the bldg down.

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
83. Your nephew is lucky to have you. You can get him a microwave oven. At WalMart you can
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:50 PM
Dec 2012

get them really cheap now. Laundry basket for dirty cloths. Buy him the basics to wash cloths. In the kitchen you can the tools to cook with. In the bathroom buy him soap, toilet paper, razor blades. Better yet just give him the money or a gift card and he can buy what he wants and needs for his apartment. The crockpot is a great idea. I love mine and use it often. Good luck to your nephew.

haele

(12,581 posts)
84. The stuff they always forget -
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 05:52 PM
Dec 2012

Bathroom -
Towels (2 large bath, 2 hand, two washcloth)

Two or three small "rubbermade" or other plastic organizer bins that are either stackable or like drawers to keep his shaving/grooming stuff in and can fit on the toilet lid or on a counter.

A small 2 gallon bathroom trashcan, preferably with a cover.

Kitchen -
Two sets of oven mitt and kitchen towels.

A large set of microwavable, dishwasher safe refrigerator "leftover" storage container set.

Two or three large containers - quart and gallon for dry food storage (for the bagged stuff he uses regularly - rice, beans, cereal, etc). Similar to the old Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Flour cannister sets that are found in old fashioned kitchen sets.

A set of basic cooking utensils - 2 whisks (large and small), spatulas (1 metal, 1 non-stick), straining spoon, a ladle, 2 or 3 packs of wooden stirring spoons and 1 wooden fork(great for scrambling eggs or an omelet), pie knife (you won't believe how many times I use it - particularly for lasagna and casseroles), tongs, a carving fork, paring knife, vegetable peeler, a set of cup measures, a set of spoon measures, and a 2-cup liquid measuring cup.

Six Baking pans - 1 loaf pan, 2 cookie or sheet pans, 1 ea 8x8x2" square pan, 1 ea half sheet pan (8 x 14 x2&quot and 1 pie pan.

Five piece Stovetop set - 1 pint, 1 quart, and 1 gallon pots, 1 small skillet, 1 large/medium skillet.

Three Mixing bowls - 1 pint, 1 quart, 1 gallon.

A kitchen timer

A large (13+ gallon) kitchen trashcan with an easy-opening cover.

For eating utensils, he can live off plastic ware, paper plates, and plastic picnic bowls until he gets tired enough of eating on plastic and buys a set of Corelle dishes, mismatched glasses and silverware at a thrift store.

Bedroom -
An extra set of sheets
Two large storage bins for off-season clothes and bedding. These can be stackable for the closet or under the bed storage.

Household cleaning -
Laundry Hamper
Two small Trash cans, one each for front room and bedroom.
Dust-buster or shop vac.
Two large pails, scrubbing brush, bag of shop rags
Broom, duster, dustpan and brush.

These are the things most young people starting out don't think of, but end up needing and using all the time.

It ends up costing the purchase worth of items using a $300 Ikea gift-card or $500 Target or BB and B gift-card - if they know how to shop correctly.

Mr.Bill

(24,104 posts)
87. Take an inventory of everything
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 06:05 PM
Dec 2012

in your medicine cabinet, under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, and that junk drawer we all seem to have in our kitchens. That's a good start.

lunasun

(21,646 posts)
88. cash so he can get what he wants where he wants......and do not tear up too much
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 06:07 PM
Dec 2012

remember to be happy and excited and do not worry
I say cash because he may be frugal and want to get stuff 2nd hand or doesn't need things others deem as essentials(different generation)

1monster

(11,012 posts)
91. Broom, dustpan, small, apartment sized vacuum cleaner.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 06:36 PM
Dec 2012

Those were really important to me and I don't love cleaning.

Buns_of_Fire

(17,119 posts)
92. Duct tape and WD-40 -- the two essential tools for almost every occasion.
Thu Dec 27, 2012, 06:42 PM
Dec 2012

If it moves and it isn't supposed to: Duct tape.

If it doesn't move and it is supposed to: WD-40.

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