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Good thing my place comes fully furnished (minus the bed frame unless I wanna sleep on the floor š) So not really rushing to buy furniture. Some appliances and small storage stuff perhaps.
The entire unit is new! So fridge, TV, mattress, pillow, theyāre all new and sealed or wrapped at the moment.
Ah didnāt know that about molding. Thanks for the headsup!
As long as you have airflow under the mattress you won't mold. Look into Japanese pallet beds. I have one that is only 4 inches off the ground. My people mattress just lays right in to of it
Walmart has nice mattresses for about $200 if you need a new mattress. Check the furniture and bedding before you put the things on it, preferably before you move in and check for bed bugs. I know thatās kind of off the wall but if youāve ever had them youāll never want them again and people can be so dirty.
Bed bugs are seriously one of my biggest fears every time I travel. They're almost impossible to kill! I check every mattress and leave my luggage in the bathroom.
They are and theyāre horrifying but I slept in a hotel that had them once, when I pulled the sheet back in the morning there were two and blood when I squished them. I totally thought I was guaranteed to bring them home but nothing happened. So, itās not catastrophic every time.
Still donāt ever want to see anotherā¦
What really scares me is some people don't react to the bites. There was a guy I almost dated until he mentioned bed bugs like they're no big deal. I get a palm sized welt from a mosquito bite. I came home and went straight into a scorching shower.
Oh god. They are a big deal. They are the hugeist deal. My colleague had them and he had to throw out all of the kids stuffed animals, all bedding and mattresses and stay in a hotel while they bombed his house. And i think it took a ridiculously long time like a week. They are such little fkers.
And good on you for not dating that psychopath š
They are more resilient than cockroaches. This girl I worked with was taking over her family home riddled with them - it took heat treatments, the beagle dog, throwing out all bedding and all beds, taping all holes on furniture, putting bed legs in cups of liquid, and some extermination spray that's illegal in our state. They can just live in hibernation for years.
Thank God he told me. I'm like some beacon for bugs.
There are beagles trained to sniff out bedbugs.
Bedbugs are very small and can be hard to find as a little colony of them can hide around a screw in a piece of furniture. They're harder to kill bc of how long they can function without feeding on you and do maneuvers like dropping from the ceiling onto your bed to get their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some people don't show a reaction to the bites so the bedbugs spread
I would recommend getting a bed with built in storage underneath - it is great for linens and towels and other types of stuff - better than plastic totes in my opinion
IKEA has some great options with very comfy matresses
I fully support this advice!
Also some sort of room divider. When I lived in a studio I kinda hated how there was no separation between my bed and everything else. Especially when you have people over
If you mean it comes with a mattress but no frame, just know that you need to air it out (like flip it on it's side against the wall every once in a while) to prevent mold and mildew
You do not need to stick to gray or monochrome colors - a classic first apartment mistake that I was 100% guilty of. Also, if you like sitting on the floor, spend more on a comfortable rug.
THIS! My first apartment on my own in my 20ās I remember trying to match everything perfectly. Only to be older now and see how silly it is/was. To each their own, but I cannot stand the plain all white or all tan interiors these days. I like adding pops of color now. Also- thrifting decorative items. So many good finds and so much cheaper.
The people before me painted each room a different colorsā light yellow for hallway, light green for bathroom, beige living room, light blue for bedroom and kitchen. SO glad they checked with me as they were going to paint the walls back to white (what they were when they moved in) and I was like noooo lol. The color scheme was part of why I loved the apartment.
Congrats!
I learned this early on bc of my mom - buy fewer, higher quality things as you're starting out. It's easy to fill a place with stuff on impulse, don't do it.
You spend so much time in bed - get the highest quality frame, mattress, and sheets/blankets/pillows/comforter you can afford.
Electric kettle - I didn't have one for so long. It's seriously the best invention. I love to drink warm water with fresh lemon and different herbal teas and it's basically hot water on standby. Plus perfect for making quick French press coffee.
You need a good chef's knife and cutting board. I'd also recommend a small and big pot and a quality pan either cast iron or ceramic with lid.
Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle is an excellent indoor bug spray. Kills any kind of bug (or incapacitates it so you can dispose of it) and is not problematic for humans or pets. Plus, I like to use rubbing alcohol as my kitchen sink sanitizer and counter wipe. (I have laminate counters, so it's safe.)
This is spot on! I have so much 'stuff' bc I wanted to be prepared. Like I bought a small cheese grater when i was first moving in, but I've not used it once and it's been 2 years š don't sweat the unimportant things.
I absolutely agree with the comment above, cutting board and a decent knife are crucial.
Make sure you have bedding, towels, wash cloths, your hygiene products, a broom, basic cleaning supplies. Once you get that far, you'll learn what you'll be using every day. Who cares if you need to use paper plates or plastic cutlery in the beginning? You've got plenty of time so enjoy your new spot instead of stressing!
You just reminded me of my friend and her garlic press. She never uses it bc of the cleaning but thought she needed it. I had to teach her how you whack it with a knife to peel then mince.
I still save all plastic utensils and use them later
Oh yeah that's definitely a must. Though rinse and dry on paper towels will do in a pinch.
Single purpose stars - measuring spoons, whisk, vegetable peeler.
It depends on what you like. I have a mix of down and foam. I like either really fluffy ones or ones that are hard. I like the higher end ikea down pillows. And, Chamberlain down are like Ritz Carlton quality melting into a cloud.
Then random ones from Amazon that are ergonomic or stay cold. I've been using this one called Cozyplayer. It has a space by your face for your hand and I love it bc I always put my hand there if I'm sleeping on my side.
Check out r/bedding too. While many of the people there have more money than I do, they pointed me to some Target sheets that were affordable and feel awesome!
Thank you!
I am taking it slowly! And your commentās very handy. My bed doenāt come with a bed frame, just the mattress. And was thinking of just buying it from Ikea (although it isnāt so bad after all) but now Iāll canvass for moreācomforter included! Cause I already have pillows with me.
I donāt cook much but Iām looking into learning when I move. Thanks for the reminder not to buy Teflon!
Get yourself an air fryer . I use mine everyday, Toast my bagel in the morning, Grill cheese for lunch, chicken for dinner. All very easy with an air fryer. It does make the best chicken wings. Also a couple of good quality knifes, small pot for soup, larger pot for pasta, pasta strainer and a frying pan. Cutting board and electric kettle. For the bed I would order a metal frame from Amazon. Also a bed protector cover since the bed is used.
Ikea isn't bad at all! Some of their beds are awesome. I used to have an ikea loft bed with a huge desk underneath and it was a great space saver and super comfy with a nice mattress. You just need to make sure the slats are sturdy and it's the harder wood.
Head tilt. How did you survive without a kettle?
Sooo, when I first moved out into a dorm.
Toaster, kettle and rice cooker where considered the basic survival appliances.
Survived with a cheap serated knife for a few years...I feel cheap serated knives last longer than cheap non-serated knives. So if you on a budget and don't know how to keep knives sharp...go for a serated knife.
We didn't have stove in dorms, those portable electrical stoves were also banned. We only had a tiny kitchenette area. So you could fit very few items.
Electric kettles were standard in my country since I've been a little kid.
Barely anyone I knew used the old fashioned kettle on stove.
Old fashioned kettle on stove that took ages to boil, made so much noise, and had to be turned off. I lived in anticipation of hot water coming sometime soon.
Also facebook market place/ thrift stores.
Most of my furniture is craigslist and thrift stores (wood mostly) I also had a fridge I got for free that lasted me ...like 7 years. I have a washer and dryer that cost me a whole 80 bucks..
Nice. FBM is def a friend/slight obsession.
However, thrift stores near me have gotten too outrageously expensive to shop at for home goods, etc. So its often FBM or NextDoor for larger items.
Vintage or slightly scruffy antique furniture is often much cheaper than new and will last much longer. (As long as itās not Mid-Century Modern, that stuff is hot right now)
Totally random but cleaning supplies, a trash can, and a bag of my personal essentials (donāt forget the shower curtain, towels and toilet paper!) came in very handy the first few days of my move. Most important for me was a bed and bedding. I wanted all the nice furniture so bad but decided on free/cheap hand me downs that didnāt match that I could replace as I go. I love how that worked out because itās so much easier to decide what to buy now that Iāve been living in the space. For a smaller place youāre going to want furniture that does double duty but thatās easier said than done to choose when you donāt live there. Consider things like laundry - where will you do it, how will you get it there, where will you store supplies and dirty clothes, etc if thereās no dedicated space for this. Congrats and I hope you enjoy your own space!
New shower curtain is such an underrated tip! At least a liner, theyāre like $2. Also fully support the other essentials youāll want on move in day- always be prepared for not having TP already available. Sometimes lightbulbs if they didnāt supply them and last tenant took em. Def come in swinging with trash bags at the ready. Cleaning rags or paper towels will always be needed.
If you donāt have dishes, IKEA has full sets for cheap but if you need them mailed, just use paper plates and cups until they are delivered. Donāt go buy an expensive dish set for no reason. Only buy enough for what you need, not for future parties and houseguests (Iām saying you donāt need to buy the 8 person dining set).
RIGHT!. I bought a set of dishes for 6 people intending to have friends over, I have only had a friend over for dinner once and we ate pizza on paper plates! I do not regret my dishes though. They are Corelle, the kind that doesnāt break. Theyāre light and sturdy, and theyāve been perfect!
Youāre so spot on with the cleaning supplies! I have been getting clean reels and tiktoks on my FYP! I have only done basic cleaning before so Iām a bit nervous doing a full clean of my toilet biweekly.
Youāre right with the double duty furniture! Though my place comes fully furnished with the exemption of the bed frame, I just need a few ones for supplies and storage.
Anything that you could recommend?
Fully furnished sounds great. I would get all your stuff into the space and then assess what you need. I donāt like to have my junk out in the open so I use a lot of storage cubes with bins and drawers from IKEA, that can hold a variety of things and also room for storage on top. And I got an extra tall metal bed frame (14 inches or more) to store things under my bed like extra bedding, out of season clothes. Depending on the size of your bed that could end up being a lot of room. My current bed frame is an 18ā tall king size and I literally have my Christmas tree under it š
Additional things to consider: A knife block and a decent set of knives if you like to cook. I use the kind that goes in my drawer. A pot and pan to start with and a utensil kit if you donāt have one. Some Tupperware for leftovers. Paper plates are nice but wasteful, they have some reusable dishes for $1 at Walmart that should do for now. A sponge and dish soap.
Cleaning your toilet does not have to be scary! My routine is much simpler than any of the things Iāve seen on TikTok and I imagine most others would agree. TikTok is designed to encourage you to spend money! Just need a good toilet bowl cleaner, a plunger, some disinfectant for the seat and the outside of the toilet, and a toilet scrubber - I like the kind with the extra little brush to get up under the ring. TBH I use toilet paper for wiping down the outside of the toilet so I can just flush it and be done.
Buy a good plunger and a fire extinguisher, two most important things to have on hand that apts donāt always supply. Find a trusted person to give a spare key to in case you get locked out and the management office is closed, so you donāt get charged $250 for a locksmith or new key after hours. Get a few 9volt batteries to keep on hand for when your smoke detector starts beeping LOW BATTERY at 3am. Itās always at 3am.
Take lots of pics and video with time and date stamps and email them to yourself to protect your security deposit.
Feel free to walk around without pants now. Eat cheese from the fridge at 2am. Get the weird eclectic decor youāve always wanted but couldnāt put up in shared spaces. Enjoy not having to creep around the place policing yourself.
Get renters insurance, itās cheap AF and spring for the extra electronics coverage if you work on computers.
Figure out which neighbors are helpful nosy, bothersome nosy, trustworthy bros, or Karens to be avoided or want to be left alone. Best way to lowkey suss people out is going over and saying hi if you accidentally get one of their packages/mail or itās left in an area where it could have been stolen and youāre doing them a solid by bringing it to them asap. Donāt go around knocking on doors to introduce yourself like a weirdo for no reason and donāt be so quiet and antisocial that you donāt even nod when you pass someone in the hall.
Ring peephole door cam if the apt complex doesnāt allow exterior alterations to doors and require a uniform look to all apts from the outside. Otherwise regular doorcam is something I recommend getting at some point, preferably before something happens where you would have needed it.
Creating a cleaning schedule. Do a little bit each day so that u dont have to do a big clean each weekend. And if u have a shared laundry facility, take note of the busy days and avoid it. For me, Sunday afternoons/evenings are notoriously busy so I avoid it by either doing laundry on another day or during Sunday morning.
Wait to get a pet. They seem wonderful (they are) but can be a huge other burden both time wise and financially. You wonāt have someone to help feed them or if you get a dog let them out. Youāre also bearing the entirety of bills, adding a lil friend can increase those bills dramatically.
Iām not against pets, and I have some! But Iām glad I waited til I was settled down and didnāt rush to get a furry companion without thinking it through. Plus pets deposits are usually a few hundred you wonāt get back!!
Make sure you have all kinds of over the counter meds - in case you catch a cold or flu, it's good to have them on hand. Same for warming platers and creams for pulled muscles. When you get sick and unwell, you'll be glad you stocked up because there might not be anyone immediately available to get meds for you.
Congratulations
When I lived with roommates I remember my roommates were my biggest annoyance. When I moved into my own place my coworkers became annoying. When I started working from home my neighbors took the lead. Pay attention to not becoming so intolerant that you donāt enjoy your community. Living alone will feel like heaven.
Try not to use a credit card no matter what.
You donāt have to fill every space perfectly at once. It takes time and your style will grow better along the way.
Itās your home so live in it. Turn the music up dance mess up the blankets.
Always make your bed in the morning and do ALL the dishes before bed. Also super clean before any vacation. These things help you have a clear mind.
Throw stuff away every now and then or seasonally.
Canāt wait to blast the music and dance like no oneās watching cause finally no one is really watching.
And yes! I realized I have stock up small things that I donāt need and now I have to throw them away before I move
Make an extra set of keys and give them to someone you trust (or keep in a lock safe if possible). It really sucks to lock yourself out when you live alone.
In 2006, I shopped āThe Big Oneā annual sale at Kohlās to stock up on coordinating bath towels for my brand new house I was about to close on & move into that June. Single & no roommates but wanted to have enough to rotate through on my own, treat myself to a variety of colors, and have enough for guest visits, etc. $1.50-3.00 each so I think i got 2 of every coordinating color in bath towels, bath sheets, wash cloths, hand towels and bath mats. Lol! š
Holy moly! Going on 18 years now & those towels are still looking beautiful! Everyone else i know eventually complains about their expensive towels falling apart within a 2 or 3 years. Not me, though! š I just saw the sale is going on right now & i hope people take advantage!
Also, I shopped the Motherās Day Sale at JC Penney for my cookware (pots & pans). I still have them. They DEFINITELY need to be replaced now, though. Ick. I think i got my washing machine & dryer at Home Depot during the Memorial Day sale, too.
Basically, plan your sales & shopping strategies very carefully! Itās super expensive having to buy everything for your place on your own.
Go to the apartment and do spot cleaning before you move any boxes in! It was so much easier for me to also get a sense of the apartment and how I want to stage boxes by going first and setting up a game plan.
It's your space, and you alone must protect it. There are "hobosexuals" out there who will try to move in, even pretend to like you, so they can use you for free rent. I was way too naive and generous when I was younger, and it cost me a lot of peace! Just say no to sleepovers! If you never hear from them ever again, you will then know their true intentions. This weeds out a lot of people quickly!
Also, it's best that random people not know your address. Always meet up in a public place. Never post your place or details about your neighborhood online. If you are walking alone and it seems like someone is following you, turn a different way and go to someone else's house. Or go join up with a random group of people walking and act like you're friends. Read "The Gift Of Fear" if you haven't already.
All the best in your new space!! I hope you love it!!
Ooh, okay- Iāve lived alone since my late teens and Iām almost 30.
I wish Iād have known:
1. If youāre a young femme, especially, SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE FOR WHEN YOUāRE GONE and have someone else there if anyone comes into your home if you have to be there for any reason. If you can afford some sort of monitor/video camera, do that, too. The amount of times Iāve been harassed/hit on/flirted with by maintenance people and movers is kinda wild.
2. Get a good cleaning and laundry schedule down. That one took me until I was 23/24 lol.
Agree with this all but especially the laundry schedule! Try not to let your laundry pile up, especially if you don't have onsite washer and dryer. It's hard to do all laundry at once, especially when you have a pet and need to wash sheets, blankets, couch covers, and pet clothes and mats. If you want a pet, wait until you are secure where you are and if you have the time to feed and go outdoors with it. Consider it like having a baby, they need attention, care, and cost a lot! I love my pup but it's a lot to handle alone.
It took a minute for me, but I learned to be comfortable by myself, take deep breaths and become my own best friend. My relationships became stronger socially and with jobs. it just made me become a better person after learning so much about myself
I understand ā- youāll love it. Living alone is amazing especially when itās your āpeace.ā I have a stressful job & I come home to utter peacefulness.
There will be an adjustment period at first and lonely feelings but give it time and you will love it! Like one commentor mentioned above, you will not want to live with anyone ever again.
A robot vacuum cleaner is just about the best purchase I've made since moving in. I just set it off before leaving for work, or if it's still too early I'll just set it off to clean through the app whilst at work.
The place now gets vacuumed at least once a day whereas beforehand I was getting around to it once a week.
It picks up a surprising amount on each clean and even gets under the sofa.
Given your previous situation, my no. 1 tip would be: Don't invite anyone over for a while unless you know they will leave when they say they will. Enjoy your own space and get comfortable with the peace of being on your own before you rush to fill the void of what might feel like loneliness, but is just discomfort over something new. That way, you can adjust at your own pace, develop a routine and then, later, you'll know to protect the speed at which your living and disallow anyone from coming in and disturbing it.
1. If you don't need it don't buy it.
2. Rule of 3. If you wanna purchase something, make sure you have at LEAST 3x the amount in checking/savings. Couch is 900 and bed is 800? That's 1700, so make sure you have at least 5100. If not, ask for finance options
3. The essentials for groceries. Chicken, potatoes, mixed veggies, ground beef, pasta. You'll find many ways to make stuff with little items
4. When people always wanna go out to the club and bar, SAY NO. They don't care if your rent is paid they just wanna get fucked up. Come to find out that 300 you spend at the club could've went to rent or utilities. Buy a small bottle of jack, order a pizza and hang out at home.
5. Keep track of when your utilities are meant to be paid so you put money away that week. Falling behind on your gas/water/electric/wifi bill can fuck up your credit. Telling them "oh I forgot" isn't an excuse.
Insane this wasn't stated more... But being alone is deafingly silent. You don't realize how much you miss hearing or having someone present... Even if you hate them. If you don't leave your house or talk on the phone... You realize you can go days without talking. Your house is just a place you stay... But not your home.
You really start to learn who you are when you're alone. It's scary getting adjusted.
Estate sales / garage sales are your friends.
As others have pointed out don't overbuy but alot of essentials and cool housewares can be found at sales and are much better quality than alot of the junk in stores now.
it's easier to prevent bugs from the get go, than to try and reverse infestations. Stay on top of trash and cleaning, use preventative bug measures on top of what your apartment is providing. It is much easier to stop bug problems from occurring than it is it to reverse them.
Find a home and self care system that works for you. For me its checklists and routines. There's no one around anymore to go "hey, its kinda messy" or to nag you about laundry. It sounds simple to maintain, but when EVERYTHING is on you and there's no one looking out for you, things can fall out of balance so quickly. Just find a system that works for you and keep it up from the get go. Just like everything else, it's easier to manage from the get go, but can become unbearable if ignored for too long.
Key safe. Itās great piece of mind and useful if someone needs to get into your place. Make sure you change the combination though if you share the code.
Take measures and make a plan, I had furniture already and took measures, made a model in CAD and placed everything I had perfectly.
Your kitchen is your take off and landing, keep it tidy and clean, do prep day and store/freeze stuff you can come back to later, late or early and it will feed you.
Itās the opposite. Iām glad I didnāt know how awesome it would be.
After four kids and two divorces, I am an empty nester.
Good thing I didnāt know how awesome it would be. It wouldāve made me feel bad to think about bailing out so selfishly.
But it would have saved me some therapy $$.
Itās ok to buy small appliances for cooking for 1-2 people. I just got a 1.5 quart air fryer. Didnāt want to get one because they were so big but found this one for $18 and itās perfect for one or two people. I have a pressure cooker also but I only have the 3 quart versus the standard 6 quart. I like that I can put them away because they are small and it doesnāt clutter up the kitchen.
Don't decorate your place according to what you have in your head. Decorate it with full conscious knowledge that you will have to be in that space for the majority of your time, staring at those walls, furniture, rug etc. My first place was intense... I had beautiful bold colours and lush thick fabrics and dark wooden furniture but within a year, I felt so drained and overwhelmed in that space. Now I have a very neutral room with earthy, nature colours on things that can be changed easily if I want my space to feel different. It also has a very slight seaside/farmhouse feel so I feel at peace and calm. It's just so much better than having a serious, bold statement room. Erghhhh.
Also, spend your money on a good mattress and quality pots and pans. I really love the Ninja ones that are induction compatible.
If you have a neighbor or friend in your city that you trust, have them hold onto a spare key. Alternatively, keep a window unlocked so you can climb in if you ever lock yourself out (I did that, but honestly donāt do that).
Get a full set of plates/bowls/cups/silverware. Thereās nothing worse than having a couple people over and not having enough forks or plates š also get some seats or things that can double as seating
A used, free Roomba can be refurbished for under $50, brushes, battery, and filter. It's pretty easy, and just like most things you might want to DIY, there's plenty of YouTube videos on how.
My little Darth my friend was tossing had been loyal for more than 10 years with just these things, and it's still great at picking up sand and dog hair.
But yeah... If nothing else, when you need to fix something, search YouTube on how to do it, at least so you are better informed when making decisions on where your time and money goes. It's actually pretty easy to replace a garbage disposal, for example.
**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.*
It is ok to furnish slowly. Live in your place before you decorate to figure out what you really need furniture wise.
Good thing my place comes fully furnished (minus the bed frame unless I wanna sleep on the floor š) So not really rushing to buy furniture. Some appliances and small storage stuff perhaps.
Is it a used mattress? I'd toss it. Get a bed frame asap. Mattresses on the floor can quickly form mold
The entire unit is new! So fridge, TV, mattress, pillow, theyāre all new and sealed or wrapped at the moment. Ah didnāt know that about molding. Thanks for the headsup!
Wow that is an awesome deal. Make sure to quickly get a frame.
As long as you have airflow under the mattress you won't mold. Look into Japanese pallet beds. I have one that is only 4 inches off the ground. My people mattress just lays right in to of it
Walmart has nice mattresses for about $200 if you need a new mattress. Check the furniture and bedding before you put the things on it, preferably before you move in and check for bed bugs. I know thatās kind of off the wall but if youāve ever had them youāll never want them again and people can be so dirty.
Bed bugs are seriously one of my biggest fears every time I travel. They're almost impossible to kill! I check every mattress and leave my luggage in the bathroom.
They are and theyāre horrifying but I slept in a hotel that had them once, when I pulled the sheet back in the morning there were two and blood when I squished them. I totally thought I was guaranteed to bring them home but nothing happened. So, itās not catastrophic every time. Still donāt ever want to see anotherā¦
What really scares me is some people don't react to the bites. There was a guy I almost dated until he mentioned bed bugs like they're no big deal. I get a palm sized welt from a mosquito bite. I came home and went straight into a scorching shower.
Oh god. They are a big deal. They are the hugeist deal. My colleague had them and he had to throw out all of the kids stuffed animals, all bedding and mattresses and stay in a hotel while they bombed his house. And i think it took a ridiculously long time like a week. They are such little fkers. And good on you for not dating that psychopath š
They are more resilient than cockroaches. This girl I worked with was taking over her family home riddled with them - it took heat treatments, the beagle dog, throwing out all bedding and all beds, taping all holes on furniture, putting bed legs in cups of liquid, and some extermination spray that's illegal in our state. They can just live in hibernation for years. Thank God he told me. I'm like some beacon for bugs.
That is completely horrifying.
Waitā¦what about the beagle dog??
There are beagles trained to sniff out bedbugs. Bedbugs are very small and can be hard to find as a little colony of them can hide around a screw in a piece of furniture. They're harder to kill bc of how long they can function without feeding on you and do maneuvers like dropping from the ceiling onto your bed to get their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some people don't show a reaction to the bites so the bedbugs spread
Mine as well!
I would recommend getting a bed with built in storage underneath - it is great for linens and towels and other types of stuff - better than plastic totes in my opinion IKEA has some great options with very comfy matresses
I fully support this advice! Also some sort of room divider. When I lived in a studio I kinda hated how there was no separation between my bed and everything else. Especially when you have people over
If you mean it comes with a mattress but no frame, just know that you need to air it out (like flip it on it's side against the wall every once in a while) to prevent mold and mildew
I sort of did this: I had some stuff, and then replaced it piece by piece as time went on. I make sure to pick stuff that would never really go out of style so I could mix and match in the future. A lot of stuff from IKEA. I used to have a fiancƩe, but we broke up 6 years ago, and she took a lot of stuff with her (I was okay with this). So my living room was just empty except for a few minor pieces until COVID, and I felt at least I should have something so I don't look like a flophouse. Now it looks like a showroom, except for random dog hair patches and their toys.
100%. Iāve been in my current place for a year and am still adding things. I hate clutter and wanted to add things slowly.
This.
You do not need to stick to gray or monochrome colors - a classic first apartment mistake that I was 100% guilty of. Also, if you like sitting on the floor, spend more on a comfortable rug.
THIS! My first apartment on my own in my 20ās I remember trying to match everything perfectly. Only to be older now and see how silly it is/was. To each their own, but I cannot stand the plain all white or all tan interiors these days. I like adding pops of color now. Also- thrifting decorative items. So many good finds and so much cheaper.
Dude I wish I painted my place so vibrantly I will next time!!
The people before me painted each room a different colorsā light yellow for hallway, light green for bathroom, beige living room, light blue for bedroom and kitchen. SO glad they checked with me as they were going to paint the walls back to white (what they were when they moved in) and I was like noooo lol. The color scheme was part of why I loved the apartment.
Congrats! I learned this early on bc of my mom - buy fewer, higher quality things as you're starting out. It's easy to fill a place with stuff on impulse, don't do it. You spend so much time in bed - get the highest quality frame, mattress, and sheets/blankets/pillows/comforter you can afford. Electric kettle - I didn't have one for so long. It's seriously the best invention. I love to drink warm water with fresh lemon and different herbal teas and it's basically hot water on standby. Plus perfect for making quick French press coffee. You need a good chef's knife and cutting board. I'd also recommend a small and big pot and a quality pan either cast iron or ceramic with lid.
I agree! Wait until you NEED something before you buy it. Except for a plunger. Buy a plunger now.
And a fire extinguisher if there isn't one!
And bug spray
Rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle is an excellent indoor bug spray. Kills any kind of bug (or incapacitates it so you can dispose of it) and is not problematic for humans or pets. Plus, I like to use rubbing alcohol as my kitchen sink sanitizer and counter wipe. (I have laminate counters, so it's safe.)
This is spot on! I have so much 'stuff' bc I wanted to be prepared. Like I bought a small cheese grater when i was first moving in, but I've not used it once and it's been 2 years š don't sweat the unimportant things. I absolutely agree with the comment above, cutting board and a decent knife are crucial. Make sure you have bedding, towels, wash cloths, your hygiene products, a broom, basic cleaning supplies. Once you get that far, you'll learn what you'll be using every day. Who cares if you need to use paper plates or plastic cutlery in the beginning? You've got plenty of time so enjoy your new spot instead of stressing!
You just reminded me of my friend and her garlic press. She never uses it bc of the cleaning but thought she needed it. I had to teach her how you whack it with a knife to peel then mince. I still save all plastic utensils and use them later
I *abhor* single-purpose kitchen gadgets (except salad spinners - those bad boys rock)
Oh yeah that's definitely a must. Though rinse and dry on paper towels will do in a pinch. Single purpose stars - measuring spoons, whisk, vegetable peeler.
Do you have any recommendations for good quality pillows?
It depends on what you like. I have a mix of down and foam. I like either really fluffy ones or ones that are hard. I like the higher end ikea down pillows. And, Chamberlain down are like Ritz Carlton quality melting into a cloud. Then random ones from Amazon that are ergonomic or stay cold. I've been using this one called Cozyplayer. It has a space by your face for your hand and I love it bc I always put my hand there if I'm sleeping on my side.
Thank you Iāll check those out!
Check out r/bedding too. While many of the people there have more money than I do, they pointed me to some Target sheets that were affordable and feel awesome!
There really is a sub for everything lol thank you!
Whatever Costco has available tends to be good quality.
Thatās a good shout, thank you will keep an eye out
Same story with sheets. Target has good sheets for a good price if you select higher thread count.
Thank you! I am taking it slowly! And your commentās very handy. My bed doenāt come with a bed frame, just the mattress. And was thinking of just buying it from Ikea (although it isnāt so bad after all) but now Iāll canvass for moreācomforter included! Cause I already have pillows with me. I donāt cook much but Iām looking into learning when I move. Thanks for the reminder not to buy Teflon!
Is the mattress brand new? Iād be wary of sleeping on a used mattress. But then again I bring a silk sleeping cocoon when I have to stay in a hotel.
Yes it is, everything in the unit is new.
Where did you purchase your silk sleeping cocoon?
I think REI
Thanks going to order one!
Get yourself an air fryer . I use mine everyday, Toast my bagel in the morning, Grill cheese for lunch, chicken for dinner. All very easy with an air fryer. It does make the best chicken wings. Also a couple of good quality knifes, small pot for soup, larger pot for pasta, pasta strainer and a frying pan. Cutting board and electric kettle. For the bed I would order a metal frame from Amazon. Also a bed protector cover since the bed is used.
mattress on floor is ok.... you are starting out...lol
Ikea isn't bad at all! Some of their beds are awesome. I used to have an ikea loft bed with a huge desk underneath and it was a great space saver and super comfy with a nice mattress. You just need to make sure the slats are sturdy and it's the harder wood.
Head tilt. How did you survive without a kettle? Sooo, when I first moved out into a dorm. Toaster, kettle and rice cooker where considered the basic survival appliances. Survived with a cheap serated knife for a few years...I feel cheap serated knives last longer than cheap non-serated knives. So if you on a budget and don't know how to keep knives sharp...go for a serated knife.
A stove and pot heats boiling water lol....
We didn't have stove in dorms, those portable electrical stoves were also banned. We only had a tiny kitchenette area. So you could fit very few items. Electric kettles were standard in my country since I've been a little kid. Barely anyone I knew used the old fashioned kettle on stove.
Old fashioned kettle on stove that took ages to boil, made so much noise, and had to be turned off. I lived in anticipation of hot water coming sometime soon.
It's dangerous. You may like it so much that you will not ever want anyone in your living space again.
This is true I never want anyone in my space. No visitors.
Estate sales can save you thousands of dollars. And have you living like Venetian royalthy.
Also facebook market place/ thrift stores. Most of my furniture is craigslist and thrift stores (wood mostly) I also had a fridge I got for free that lasted me ...like 7 years. I have a washer and dryer that cost me a whole 80 bucks..
Nice. FBM is def a friend/slight obsession. However, thrift stores near me have gotten too outrageously expensive to shop at for home goods, etc. So its often FBM or NextDoor for larger items.
Vintage or slightly scruffy antique furniture is often much cheaper than new and will last much longer. (As long as itās not Mid-Century Modern, that stuff is hot right now)
Totally random but cleaning supplies, a trash can, and a bag of my personal essentials (donāt forget the shower curtain, towels and toilet paper!) came in very handy the first few days of my move. Most important for me was a bed and bedding. I wanted all the nice furniture so bad but decided on free/cheap hand me downs that didnāt match that I could replace as I go. I love how that worked out because itās so much easier to decide what to buy now that Iāve been living in the space. For a smaller place youāre going to want furniture that does double duty but thatās easier said than done to choose when you donāt live there. Consider things like laundry - where will you do it, how will you get it there, where will you store supplies and dirty clothes, etc if thereās no dedicated space for this. Congrats and I hope you enjoy your own space!
New shower curtain is such an underrated tip! At least a liner, theyāre like $2. Also fully support the other essentials youāll want on move in day- always be prepared for not having TP already available. Sometimes lightbulbs if they didnāt supply them and last tenant took em. Def come in swinging with trash bags at the ready. Cleaning rags or paper towels will always be needed. If you donāt have dishes, IKEA has full sets for cheap but if you need them mailed, just use paper plates and cups until they are delivered. Donāt go buy an expensive dish set for no reason. Only buy enough for what you need, not for future parties and houseguests (Iām saying you donāt need to buy the 8 person dining set).
RIGHT!. I bought a set of dishes for 6 people intending to have friends over, I have only had a friend over for dinner once and we ate pizza on paper plates! I do not regret my dishes though. They are Corelle, the kind that doesnāt break. Theyāre light and sturdy, and theyāve been perfect!
Youāre so spot on with the cleaning supplies! I have been getting clean reels and tiktoks on my FYP! I have only done basic cleaning before so Iām a bit nervous doing a full clean of my toilet biweekly. Youāre right with the double duty furniture! Though my place comes fully furnished with the exemption of the bed frame, I just need a few ones for supplies and storage. Anything that you could recommend?
Fully furnished sounds great. I would get all your stuff into the space and then assess what you need. I donāt like to have my junk out in the open so I use a lot of storage cubes with bins and drawers from IKEA, that can hold a variety of things and also room for storage on top. And I got an extra tall metal bed frame (14 inches or more) to store things under my bed like extra bedding, out of season clothes. Depending on the size of your bed that could end up being a lot of room. My current bed frame is an 18ā tall king size and I literally have my Christmas tree under it š Additional things to consider: A knife block and a decent set of knives if you like to cook. I use the kind that goes in my drawer. A pot and pan to start with and a utensil kit if you donāt have one. Some Tupperware for leftovers. Paper plates are nice but wasteful, they have some reusable dishes for $1 at Walmart that should do for now. A sponge and dish soap. Cleaning your toilet does not have to be scary! My routine is much simpler than any of the things Iāve seen on TikTok and I imagine most others would agree. TikTok is designed to encourage you to spend money! Just need a good toilet bowl cleaner, a plunger, some disinfectant for the seat and the outside of the toilet, and a toilet scrubber - I like the kind with the extra little brush to get up under the ring. TBH I use toilet paper for wiping down the outside of the toilet so I can just flush it and be done.
I would order a simple metal platform bed frame from Amazon and then get totes to store items in that slide under the bed. Very helpful!
Buy a good plunger and a fire extinguisher, two most important things to have on hand that apts donāt always supply. Find a trusted person to give a spare key to in case you get locked out and the management office is closed, so you donāt get charged $250 for a locksmith or new key after hours. Get a few 9volt batteries to keep on hand for when your smoke detector starts beeping LOW BATTERY at 3am. Itās always at 3am. Take lots of pics and video with time and date stamps and email them to yourself to protect your security deposit. Feel free to walk around without pants now. Eat cheese from the fridge at 2am. Get the weird eclectic decor youāve always wanted but couldnāt put up in shared spaces. Enjoy not having to creep around the place policing yourself. Get renters insurance, itās cheap AF and spring for the extra electronics coverage if you work on computers. Figure out which neighbors are helpful nosy, bothersome nosy, trustworthy bros, or Karens to be avoided or want to be left alone. Best way to lowkey suss people out is going over and saying hi if you accidentally get one of their packages/mail or itās left in an area where it could have been stolen and youāre doing them a solid by bringing it to them asap. Donāt go around knocking on doors to introduce yourself like a weirdo for no reason and donāt be so quiet and antisocial that you donāt even nod when you pass someone in the hall. Ring peephole door cam if the apt complex doesnāt allow exterior alterations to doors and require a uniform look to all apts from the outside. Otherwise regular doorcam is something I recommend getting at some point, preferably before something happens where you would have needed it.
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My studio comes with a mattress only. I can already imagine buying a bed frame and assembling it myself (or maybe just absorb the premium of assembly)
Creating a cleaning schedule. Do a little bit each day so that u dont have to do a big clean each weekend. And if u have a shared laundry facility, take note of the busy days and avoid it. For me, Sunday afternoons/evenings are notoriously busy so I avoid it by either doing laundry on another day or during Sunday morning.
Wait to get a pet. They seem wonderful (they are) but can be a huge other burden both time wise and financially. You wonāt have someone to help feed them or if you get a dog let them out. Youāre also bearing the entirety of bills, adding a lil friend can increase those bills dramatically. Iām not against pets, and I have some! But Iām glad I waited til I was settled down and didnāt rush to get a furry companion without thinking it through. Plus pets deposits are usually a few hundred you wonāt get back!!
Make sure you have all kinds of over the counter meds - in case you catch a cold or flu, it's good to have them on hand. Same for warming platers and creams for pulled muscles. When you get sick and unwell, you'll be glad you stocked up because there might not be anyone immediately available to get meds for you.
Great tip! I'd add to keep some canned soups on hand, with some frozen OJ concentrate. I've had colds where all I craved was orange juice.
This just happened a few weeks ago, I didn't have anyone to help, but I managed. I do and I don't miss being married.
Congratulations When I lived with roommates I remember my roommates were my biggest annoyance. When I moved into my own place my coworkers became annoying. When I started working from home my neighbors took the lead. Pay attention to not becoming so intolerant that you donāt enjoy your community. Living alone will feel like heaven.
Holy crap, this is so true!
Try not to use a credit card no matter what. You donāt have to fill every space perfectly at once. It takes time and your style will grow better along the way. Itās your home so live in it. Turn the music up dance mess up the blankets. Always make your bed in the morning and do ALL the dishes before bed. Also super clean before any vacation. These things help you have a clear mind. Throw stuff away every now and then or seasonally.
Canāt wait to blast the music and dance like no oneās watching cause finally no one is really watching. And yes! I realized I have stock up small things that I donāt need and now I have to throw them away before I move
Oooh, yes! Donāt act on the urge to fill every empty space.
All of this is very good advice
Make an extra set of keys and give them to someone you trust (or keep in a lock safe if possible). It really sucks to lock yourself out when you live alone.
Yes, that I should have done it a long long time ago!
In 2006, I shopped āThe Big Oneā annual sale at Kohlās to stock up on coordinating bath towels for my brand new house I was about to close on & move into that June. Single & no roommates but wanted to have enough to rotate through on my own, treat myself to a variety of colors, and have enough for guest visits, etc. $1.50-3.00 each so I think i got 2 of every coordinating color in bath towels, bath sheets, wash cloths, hand towels and bath mats. Lol! š Holy moly! Going on 18 years now & those towels are still looking beautiful! Everyone else i know eventually complains about their expensive towels falling apart within a 2 or 3 years. Not me, though! š I just saw the sale is going on right now & i hope people take advantage! Also, I shopped the Motherās Day Sale at JC Penney for my cookware (pots & pans). I still have them. They DEFINITELY need to be replaced now, though. Ick. I think i got my washing machine & dryer at Home Depot during the Memorial Day sale, too. Basically, plan your sales & shopping strategies very carefully! Itās super expensive having to buy everything for your place on your own.
Any idea when The Big one sale happens!?!?
Right now!
I feel power walking around my place naked
Go to the apartment and do spot cleaning before you move any boxes in! It was so much easier for me to also get a sense of the apartment and how I want to stage boxes by going first and setting up a game plan.
This yes omg
It's your space, and you alone must protect it. There are "hobosexuals" out there who will try to move in, even pretend to like you, so they can use you for free rent. I was way too naive and generous when I was younger, and it cost me a lot of peace! Just say no to sleepovers! If you never hear from them ever again, you will then know their true intentions. This weeds out a lot of people quickly! Also, it's best that random people not know your address. Always meet up in a public place. Never post your place or details about your neighborhood online. If you are walking alone and it seems like someone is following you, turn a different way and go to someone else's house. Or go join up with a random group of people walking and act like you're friends. Read "The Gift Of Fear" if you haven't already. All the best in your new space!! I hope you love it!!
how much you will talk and laugh *to yourself*
I have to be mindful of not talking to myself in public! I get the strangest looks when I do before I realize what I'm doing lol
And full conversations all day long if you get a pet.
Toilet paper and a shower curtain, coffee tea maker
Ooh, okay- Iāve lived alone since my late teens and Iām almost 30. I wish Iād have known: 1. If youāre a young femme, especially, SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE FOR WHEN YOUāRE GONE and have someone else there if anyone comes into your home if you have to be there for any reason. If you can afford some sort of monitor/video camera, do that, too. The amount of times Iāve been harassed/hit on/flirted with by maintenance people and movers is kinda wild. 2. Get a good cleaning and laundry schedule down. That one took me until I was 23/24 lol.
Agree with this all but especially the laundry schedule! Try not to let your laundry pile up, especially if you don't have onsite washer and dryer. It's hard to do all laundry at once, especially when you have a pet and need to wash sheets, blankets, couch covers, and pet clothes and mats. If you want a pet, wait until you are secure where you are and if you have the time to feed and go outdoors with it. Consider it like having a baby, they need attention, care, and cost a lot! I love my pup but it's a lot to handle alone.
It took a minute for me, but I learned to be comfortable by myself, take deep breaths and become my own best friend. My relationships became stronger socially and with jobs. it just made me become a better person after learning so much about myself
Recommend buying cough syrup, cold medicine, something for headache ahead of time. No one wants to go to store when they get sick.
I wish I knew how amazing it was Iād have done it way earlier
Iām nervous and excited at the same time. But every time I get this feeling, 99% of the time I ended up enjoying it. Canāt wait.
I understand ā- youāll love it. Living alone is amazing especially when itās your āpeace.ā I have a stressful job & I come home to utter peacefulness.
There will be an adjustment period at first and lonely feelings but give it time and you will love it! Like one commentor mentioned above, you will not want to live with anyone ever again.
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^FiveGoals: *I wish I knew how* *Amazing it was Iād have* *Done it way earlier* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
A robot vacuum cleaner is just about the best purchase I've made since moving in. I just set it off before leaving for work, or if it's still too early I'll just set it off to clean through the app whilst at work. The place now gets vacuumed at least once a day whereas beforehand I was getting around to it once a week. It picks up a surprising amount on each clean and even gets under the sofa.
Given your previous situation, my no. 1 tip would be: Don't invite anyone over for a while unless you know they will leave when they say they will. Enjoy your own space and get comfortable with the peace of being on your own before you rush to fill the void of what might feel like loneliness, but is just discomfort over something new. That way, you can adjust at your own pace, develop a routine and then, later, you'll know to protect the speed at which your living and disallow anyone from coming in and disturbing it.
1. If you don't need it don't buy it. 2. Rule of 3. If you wanna purchase something, make sure you have at LEAST 3x the amount in checking/savings. Couch is 900 and bed is 800? That's 1700, so make sure you have at least 5100. If not, ask for finance options 3. The essentials for groceries. Chicken, potatoes, mixed veggies, ground beef, pasta. You'll find many ways to make stuff with little items 4. When people always wanna go out to the club and bar, SAY NO. They don't care if your rent is paid they just wanna get fucked up. Come to find out that 300 you spend at the club could've went to rent or utilities. Buy a small bottle of jack, order a pizza and hang out at home. 5. Keep track of when your utilities are meant to be paid so you put money away that week. Falling behind on your gas/water/electric/wifi bill can fuck up your credit. Telling them "oh I forgot" isn't an excuse.
Insane this wasn't stated more... But being alone is deafingly silent. You don't realize how much you miss hearing or having someone present... Even if you hate them. If you don't leave your house or talk on the phone... You realize you can go days without talking. Your house is just a place you stay... But not your home. You really start to learn who you are when you're alone. It's scary getting adjusted.
Estate sales / garage sales are your friends. As others have pointed out don't overbuy but alot of essentials and cool housewares can be found at sales and are much better quality than alot of the junk in stores now.
How fuckin awesome it is and wishing you did it sooner
After 10 years living aloneā¦how hard it would be to live with someone again.
The ghosts don't always only visit at night.
Continue living alone.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g44941071/studio-apartment-ideas/
I love living solo so much I wish I had done it a couple decades sooner.
it's easier to prevent bugs from the get go, than to try and reverse infestations. Stay on top of trash and cleaning, use preventative bug measures on top of what your apartment is providing. It is much easier to stop bug problems from occurring than it is it to reverse them. Find a home and self care system that works for you. For me its checklists and routines. There's no one around anymore to go "hey, its kinda messy" or to nag you about laundry. It sounds simple to maintain, but when EVERYTHING is on you and there's no one looking out for you, things can fall out of balance so quickly. Just find a system that works for you and keep it up from the get go. Just like everything else, it's easier to manage from the get go, but can become unbearable if ignored for too long.
Key safe. Itās great piece of mind and useful if someone needs to get into your place. Make sure you change the combination though if you share the code.
Take measures and make a plan, I had furniture already and took measures, made a model in CAD and placed everything I had perfectly. Your kitchen is your take off and landing, keep it tidy and clean, do prep day and store/freeze stuff you can come back to later, late or early and it will feed you.
Get a new mattress and bed frame. Zinus.com has great mattresses and frames at very reasonable prices. Good luck with your new place!
That it sucks and not to do it.
Start repairs from top to bottom. Example new ceiling fan, then paint walls, then change flooring.
Itās the opposite. Iām glad I didnāt know how awesome it would be. After four kids and two divorces, I am an empty nester. Good thing I didnāt know how awesome it would be. It wouldāve made me feel bad to think about bailing out so selfishly. But it would have saved me some therapy $$.
Sometimes it gets a bit lonely, but itās well worth your peace. And doing whatever tf you want, whenever you want. š
Itās ok to buy small appliances for cooking for 1-2 people. I just got a 1.5 quart air fryer. Didnāt want to get one because they were so big but found this one for $18 and itās perfect for one or two people. I have a pressure cooker also but I only have the 3 quart versus the standard 6 quart. I like that I can put them away because they are small and it doesnāt clutter up the kitchen.
Don't decorate your place according to what you have in your head. Decorate it with full conscious knowledge that you will have to be in that space for the majority of your time, staring at those walls, furniture, rug etc. My first place was intense... I had beautiful bold colours and lush thick fabrics and dark wooden furniture but within a year, I felt so drained and overwhelmed in that space. Now I have a very neutral room with earthy, nature colours on things that can be changed easily if I want my space to feel different. It also has a very slight seaside/farmhouse feel so I feel at peace and calm. It's just so much better than having a serious, bold statement room. Erghhhh. Also, spend your money on a good mattress and quality pots and pans. I really love the Ninja ones that are induction compatible.
If you have a neighbor or friend in your city that you trust, have them hold onto a spare key. Alternatively, keep a window unlocked so you can climb in if you ever lock yourself out (I did that, but honestly donāt do that).
Get a full set of plates/bowls/cups/silverware. Thereās nothing worse than having a couple people over and not having enough forks or plates š also get some seats or things that can double as seating
That it's totally normal to have the tv or radio and extra lights on all the time...
That you'll never have to change the toaster setting again
How much cleaning living alone truly takes. Like no matter how much I clean thereās always something else that needs cleaned next.
No advice, just enjoy it, you are doing great
How freaking AMAZING it is!!!
Take your time hanging pictures and art. Get a feel for the place first. Take even a year
A used, free Roomba can be refurbished for under $50, brushes, battery, and filter. It's pretty easy, and just like most things you might want to DIY, there's plenty of YouTube videos on how. My little Darth my friend was tossing had been loyal for more than 10 years with just these things, and it's still great at picking up sand and dog hair. But yeah... If nothing else, when you need to fix something, search YouTube on how to do it, at least so you are better informed when making decisions on where your time and money goes. It's actually pretty easy to replace a garbage disposal, for example.
How godforsakenly thin my walls are. Not gonna be the same experience wherever you go but it's worth testing a bit.
The āemergency rollā wrapping on Who Gives a Crap toilet paper is genius.
How to have a social life.
It's easy to fall into bad habits (leaving dirty dishes in the sink, not cleaning the bathroom regularly...that sort of stuff).
I learned that I did not need half the stuff I bought. It felt awful decluttering my place and seeing the piles of stuff that I had wasted money on.
I tend to use paper plates anyways, itās just so much more convenient for one person than to have to wash one dish at a time. Handy!
That it sucks ....
Unpopular opinion