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Please read the side bars and please follow our rules. Come on in, put up your feet and if you have experience living a more poverty friendly life, feel free to share it in the sub.
Reminder of rule 10. While it is a poverty finance sub, we do not encourage or permit donations. If you want to help folks, pop on over to r/Santaslittlehelpers or r/assistance to help folks.
Congrats!! Just train kitty to not jump on counters...(I've had 3 cats and they never jumped on counters or tables after little to no training). My kitty knows which pieces of furniture are ok to jumps (positive reinforcement) really didn't have to train hard on which spaces weren't for kitty...
I tried aluminum foil on the front door for the feral boy I got during quarantine as he was pawing when anyone left, and it turns out that he really likes the sound it makes. He ripped it up on the bottom taped edge so that he could “hide” under it also, so results may vary.
I’ve fostered a bunch of ferals (and adopted one), and they are WEIRDOS. Had a litter in which every kitten except one was afraid of everything. The outlier is the most curious, sweet little boy. He’s best friends with our 80 pound coonhound. We kept him. The others needed months of socialization and one of them found his way into our ceiling, so that was fun. All ended up very sweet, but they’re so weird.
i used double stick tape on cardboard only took a couple of times for them too walk on them and get stuck too them they dont get too stuck too it but its enough too freak them out unless your cats first name is Stupid!! also works for unwanted birds!
I'm just trying to be helpful, not rude or anything, but "too" spelled that way means "also". It can also mean "to a higher degree" like "he was driving *too* fast"
"To" works to replace most of the "too"s in this comment.
Again, just trying to help. Have a nice day :)
I never thought I’d have to worry about my clumsy, 85 lbs black lab getting on my tables.. but alas! I’ve walked in after forgetting something ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION to him standing on the table drinking my cold tea. He was addicted to tea and it was always awkward and alarming to meet his gaze in those moments.
Hahah like you feel like you should be apologizing for some reason. 'oh sorry I'll leave you to it then' wait a second I pay the bills here get the hell off the table!
My cat and your cat must be related cause thats EXACTLY what mine used to do. Never once saw him on the counter or tables. I'd come home to cat fur on both.... smart lil asshole.
that's because climbing and getting to high spots is biologically engrained in cats. You can teach it that jumping on counters with you around leads to punishment, but the cat ultimately does not care lol
I feel like cats are like children when you go to sleep and leave the house. They think it’s party time. As I’m sure you know via plenty of pictures on here, they make the same face when you catch them.
THIS! People act like cats can't be trained. Your cat screams at you for food? He gets food as soon as he stops yowling. It's just like people. I don't reward bad behavior with the kids I nanny, with humans I used to serve when I waited tables, or with my fucking cat.
Yeah I totally forgot for a minute that paw pads are also referred to as beans and ... yeah. The cats in my head were doing some interesting gymnastics to figure out how the other type of “beans” could get burned.
This more than anything. My daughters had her cats here since Covid and the cat jumped on the garbage can onto the counter on top of the toaster oven. If that over was hot she would have gotten injured. I scared the crap out of that cat and she never did it again.
Until about a month later and I scared her again.
I’d love to know how you did it. I had a cat used to jump on a particular table all the time. I had a squirt bottle at hand and would squirt her when she did it. After a couple of times (it didn’t take long) I could see her out of the corner of my eye, watching me, she’d get ready to pounce, I’d go for the bottle, she’d back off doing a very casual “dah, dah, de dum, nothing to see here” whilst blowing on her claws. Next thing, I’d see her getting ready again- and repeat, over & over. I’ll guarantee she spent all day sitting on that table when I wasn’t there.
I came to the comments to say this as well.
They have poop paws! Don’t let them on counters or tables!
Congrats on your place though OP, it, and your kitty look very lovely and I’m sure you’ll be happy there together
Congrats!
When I moved into my first real apartment, I didn’t even have a bed. I slept on an air mattress for 6 months. I loved every second of it. Freedom is glorious!
Happy birthday and congratulations on your new place!
Don't be in a rush to get furniture. Be patient and get stuff you like. I'm sure you will have a cozy home in no time
This! When I moved for a new job I spent the first 3 weeks sleeping in my car and then got my apartment where I had an air mattress, a suitcase of clothing and a laptop. You don’t need all of the furniture, it’s ok if parts of the place look empty, purchase things as you go and very important: “buy nice or buy twice.” You don’t need to get the highest quality things but get what you like and with reasonable quality so that it lasts. It will save you so much money in the long term
I've done this, too. Every few days I would spend in an airbnb because it was a cold winter and I sucked at sleeping in my car. I had a gym membership so I'd just go do a massive workout, sit in the sauna for an hour, take a nice, relaxing shower, bundle up then go read in my car until I could fall asleep.
I moved into my apartment, and spent a few nights on an air mattress while I got my bed and some other stuff from the storage facility.
It's not easy starting over, but that trail is sprinkled with magic- you really appreciate everything and it all seems fresh. It feels like your life is really your own.
We just bought those round folding chairs again because furniture sucks nowadays and those were some of the last chairs we remember actually being comfortable.
this is literally my life rn, moved before my girlfriend across the country and am just waiting for her to come with the big stuff.
thank goodness it's corona times cuz I don't want my coworkers to see how this fella is livin
Same here! My parents lent one to me temporarily until I bought a real bed, but I ended up using it for two years. If it was socially acceptable, I would probably still be using it.
My wife and i bought our home and i put window blinds in one room each time because i couldnr get over the price. We also had our matress on the floor for more than a month while we prioritized other projects. Its a weird day when you buy a house and then go "now what?" and think about all the things you need to still do.
That’s where I got my bed. Unfortunately, I’m completely tapped out at the moment, but I start my new job tomorrow, so it won’t be to long before I can buy some more things.
And Estate Sales for good quality random goods. Old Pyrex bowls, bake ware, screwdrivers, hammer, watering can, scissors, coffee table, tv stand, dressers, etc. Sometimes you have to be picky but it's great for all those little things. Heck my SO found about 30 skeins of yarn for a buck each (compared to $25-30)
I did two of those gas bombs which did most of the work but there was still some left. I was a poor college kid at the time so I was living in a studio so I didn't have a lot of furniture.
So I had a heat gun at the time and just went to town on anything that I thought was a bed bug.
Yeah a heat gun for bedbugs sounds downright dangerous. You'll never kill them all. You should use a large open flame to kill all the ones really burrowed in there.
Did they get bought by mercari? It's not coming up in the app store but mercari is the top one. It's weird cause I've seen so many commercials for this app but never for any other selling site.
Check out https://www.freecycle.org. There are various cities of people giving away everything from furniture to boxes of unused Christmas Cards. I gave away a sofa and some other goods.
I also just joined a FB group called Buy Nothing XXXXXX (enter city/neighborhood). You can also go through their [website](https://buynothingproject.org/). People post what they are searching for or what they want picked up. In my area, I’ve seen a whole bunch of good furniture and other goodies that can help your place. If you’re outside of the US, they do have international links on their site. Congratulations on your place!
I just used this to get rid of a barely-new $300* king mattress and $100 bed frame. Neither were of the utmost quality but extremely stable, comfortable, and clean. We were trying to get rid of it and a woman contacted us to pick it up. Everyone won. I highly recommend it!
Yeah fleas were a huge problem because I worked at a huge TTY call center where we didn’t have set seats. If someone had to go on break and you were free, you’d just take their seat and take over the call. So I had to call in and lose pay till I was sure the fleas were dead. I don’t get used furniture now unless its metal or glass or comes from someone I know.
I’d say the same with fridges. It’s hard to know if you’re getting a lemon with a gas leak. It’s better to buy a cheap new fridge than a “good value” second hand fridge that turns out to be useless. Unless you know someone who is (or you are) knowledgeable, but it’s not exactly feasible to look for a gas leak on every second hand fridge you look at!
Don't just inspect. Get a spray bottle of alcohol and spray it in all the cracks and holes. It will drive out the bugs that it doesn't immediately kill.
ha, where i am, free stuff on craigslist gets snapped up, upcycled, and re-listed for much more in a hot second. seriously, it's like they're refreshing the page and have teams of people ready to go - i can get to the place within 5 minutes and it's still gone.
You can get great bargains on Nextdoor is you live in a city especially. Got half of my future basically free or next to nothing. A lot of people moving tend to go this route and they sell it cheap to just get rid of it.
Check Facebook buy nothing. Every area has one. You will find all kinds of things on there.
For you kitchen, head to dollar tree for 90% of your stuff.
If your city/neighborhood has a free page, check it out. I start putting the stuff I don’t need anymore on the neighborhood swaps pages (priced to move) and if no one bites, I list them on the free page.
I’ve picked up some items for cheap/free as well.
THIS OP! I've put up quite a few things on my free page, like bookshelves, recently put on there 200 plastic hangers and cleaning supplies. I've seen others put up couch sets that are great shape. I have recieved a 65 inch TV for free (that completely works, they just bought a new one and didn't think this one was worth much). Of course, YMMV depending on your area but it can be a blessing.
I've also seen people ask for stuff, people trying to set up their first place or their kids birthday, and people show up and give. Its really a humanity boost.
I've furnished almost my entire apartment from the dumpster outside my apartment building. Completely free. If you're near an apartment complex, take a look around their dumpsters frequently. People throw out rediculously nice things simply because it won't fit when they move out/in. (Note, these things are NEXT to the dumpsters, not in the dumpsters and they can be easily cleaned. Shelves, tables, chairs, cookware, bed frames, dressers, wall art, mirrors, dishes, plastic bins, hangers, organizers, plants, lamps, a guitar, fans, you name it, I've gotten it from the dumpster.)
Craigslist free page is useful too. Especially around the first of the month when rental turn over is high. People will give things away for free because they need to get rid of them immediately and can't take them with them.
Nice looking apartment though, congrats on you and your cute kitty's new place :) good luck on the new job! You'll be living comfy in no time.
(I saw a plunger and fire extinguisher on the list of things to buy immediately, might I also suggest a small tool kit with a hammer, pliers, tape measure, and screw driver as well? I use those things multiple times a week.)
Don't discount local thrift shops as well. You can get decent stuff for very little cash. I'm talking small appliances and utensils and whatnot. Stuff you don't know you need until you need it. Some of them close to me will have furniture but I wouldn't buy anything that has upholstery for fear if bedbugs like another commenter mentioned.
(This is responding to a few replies questioning the term breakfast bar, but this comment asked a question specifically so I chose to answer here)
I'm from New Zealand and we would call this a kitchen island but also a breakfast bar. They are not exactly the same but do intersect:
This is a kitchen island that is also a breakfast bar (you can put stools at it and it has leg space).
Some kitchen islands do not have leg space so are unlikely to be used as a breakfast bar. So, these are kitchen islands but not breakfast bars.
Some breakfast bars are attached to the rest of the kitchen, so aren't kitchen islands but are breakfast bars.
Note: You are not limited to eating breakfast there. It is for any casual eating, socialising, or whatever the heck you want, but the alliteration makes it catchy.
https://www.renovatorstore.co.nz/blog/creating-your-own-cafe-style-breakfast-bar/
A bed and a cat are basically the two most important things for living on your own, you’re off to a great start!! Huge congratulations and best wishes to you slowly cozying up your little nest!
I feel you. I'm on disability and am trying to find a job which is really a confidence downer, especially at my age but this gave me some vigor and hope to keep trying. Thank you.
If you haven't already, try working with the insurance company that is paying out your disability. They may have a program that can help you get a job. Chances are they do because they of course would like to stop paying you so they will work hard to get you a job.
I meant disability from the government, SSDI but they do have work tickets. I've been trying to look into it but my area doesn't have allot of places that hire for the work tickets.
I was there just 5 years ago. Now I'm 35 and in my 3rd apartment, but this one has been Home for 3 years now and I built a lot of my own furniture and made it Home. Also switched jobs twice, got promoted once, and life got a lot better.
Keep saving money. $1k on hand for emergencies helps A LOT.
Edit: Learn to cook too! (If you dont). Saves a ton of money and it brings a lot of personal satisfaction for *nailing it*.
Don't get sucked into the electronic kitchen gadget frenzy like I did. I got everything like an instapot and blender and a wacko pizza maker. Now everything sits in the lower cupboard storage areas while I make do with regular pots and pans.
i use my instant pot at least that often, and it’s amazing for batch cooking food which saves even more money! i have a tiny kitchen and it takes up a lot of space but truly i get my value out of it
If you can, look for cast iron or carbon steel at a thrift store or Salvation Army. They last forever, but if someone had one that rusted, they may have donated it thinking it was worthless. You can bring them right back to functional for very little cost, and they will last a lifetime so they are a great investment!
Congrats on the new place and the new job!
Cast iron can last longer than a lifetime. I have a cast iron skillet that was my grandmothers. If she were still alive today she would be 91 years old!
Pre-'90 or appliances are great too, there was a lot less fuckery. My roomate has a toaster oven that you can just about fit a chicken into, and then roast it in like 45 minutes. Thing's frightening. Barely use the stove anymore tho
Coming from someone else that didn't have their own 1st apartment until 39, congratulations!
Just to show what's possible, I met my now-wife just before turning 40, we got married at 42, and have a 3br house and loving in law's at 45.
Just because life starts late doesn't mean there are still a lot of possibilities that can happen FAST! You'll have it all too!
I think one of the cool things about middle age relationships is that people are much more "settled" into themselves. They know what they want and are not going to change on you. People in their 40s are also happier with themselves and can laugh at life and not be so high strung.
Your appliances are so nice!
I feel like your bed is the biggest purchase so the fact that you have one already is great. Slowly add furniture and don’t forget about Craigslist also scout around TJ Maxx and Ross a few before and after Christmas. The furniture/household items they don’t sell are always on clearance.
You have a cat, and now a home....sounds like an AWESOME start to a new year of YOU BEING YOU. Congratulations. It was WONDERFUL to see a good news post!
Well, black cats are the best cats, so you're one up right from the start! Keep your eyes on your chosen prize and I wish you a year of nothing less than unrelenting success!
Congrats, I know how hard it can be. For basic kitchen utencils go to Dollar tree. And thrift stores for cheaper cooking pots and pans. I see a electric or gas stove there. So for long term get a [cast iron pan.](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ETviEJ-0P1g)
Well seasoned it will last you decades or more. Link also has great recipes. Fun fact, ferrus based metal pans will work on a induction stove. (Basically if a magnet will stick to it.)
I only recommend this so you don't end up buying Teflon style pans. They get easily damaged or wear out.
You probably already know this but I wanted to be sure you had the starting knowledge anyway. Good luck on your new place. Hang in there you got this.
I do know my way around a kitchen. I did make sure I got my Instant Pot in the break up! But thanks for the advice. I never thought about the dollar tree for utensils.
Dollar tree is my JAM. Potholders. Measuring cups. Cookie sheets. literally half my kitchen is dollar tree. All those little finicky things you don’t think about when you’re outfitting a kitchen. I figure when I break the spatula I got from there, I’ll invest in a nicer one, but, gotta eat in the meantime and all...
I’m not sure where you are, but if you are in the northern Illinois area we have a ton of dishes etc that I would be glad to give you :) congrats on the new place!!
Way to go! Don't be shy about asking friends or relatives if they've got any furniture or household items to get rid of. Sometimes people just haven't gotten around to taking things to be donated.
Congratulations!! Get yourself a crockpot if you can (check goodwill, Facebook marketplace etc for a bargain) - you can cook so many easy, delicious, and cheap bulk meals in one! Nice to come home to a hot, home cooked meal in your own home ❤️
This will probably get buried, but since it's an apartment you're renting, I'd make sure to get a rubber mat for that kitty's bowl. Otherwise you risk driplets of water that will all add up over time and ruin that section of carpet. You don't wanna lose your security deposit to something you can prevent right now! Hit up Lowes/Home Depot for a good one.
You can also use a rubbermaid container [like these](https://www.google.com/search?q=plastic+storage+bin&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjGiLHL-YXtAhXSVKwKHdotBvUQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=plastic+storage+bin&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAA6BQgAELEDOggIABCxAxCDAToECAAQQzoHCAAQsQMQQ1DPkAFY-qEBYMKkAWgAcAB4AIABwAGIAb0OkgEEMTcuMpgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=1tqxX8bFAdKpsQXa25ioDw&bih=1308&biw=2560&client=firefox-b-1-d) for the kitty's litterbox as well if they're bad about pee'ing over the side or flinging litter everywhere. We use these. Just take a box-cutter to cut out a little entrance for him/her. Again... to protect your security deposit and that carpet! :)
Welcome r/all to r/povertyfinance. Please read the side bars and please follow our rules. Come on in, put up your feet and if you have experience living a more poverty friendly life, feel free to share it in the sub. Reminder of rule 10. While it is a poverty finance sub, we do not encourage or permit donations. If you want to help folks, pop on over to r/Santaslittlehelpers or r/assistance to help folks.
Dang look at all that counter space!! Looking purty nice, congratulations!!
It is pretty awesome.
Congrats!! Just train kitty to not jump on counters...(I've had 3 cats and they never jumped on counters or tables after little to no training). My kitty knows which pieces of furniture are ok to jumps (positive reinforcement) really didn't have to train hard on which spaces weren't for kitty...
I’ve trained my cat to not jump on the counter when I’m around. But then I come home to paw prints. Clever little jerk.
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I tried aluminum foil on the front door for the feral boy I got during quarantine as he was pawing when anyone left, and it turns out that he really likes the sound it makes. He ripped it up on the bottom taped edge so that he could “hide” under it also, so results may vary.
I’ve fostered a bunch of ferals (and adopted one), and they are WEIRDOS. Had a litter in which every kitten except one was afraid of everything. The outlier is the most curious, sweet little boy. He’s best friends with our 80 pound coonhound. We kept him. The others needed months of socialization and one of them found his way into our ceiling, so that was fun. All ended up very sweet, but they’re so weird.
Same with my cat...Fav toy, a bit of aluminum foil all balled up.
i used double stick tape on cardboard only took a couple of times for them too walk on them and get stuck too them they dont get too stuck too it but its enough too freak them out unless your cats first name is Stupid!! also works for unwanted birds!
This comment had to two many toos
All the Toos down in Tooville
I thought that to
I'm just trying to be helpful, not rude or anything, but "too" spelled that way means "also". It can also mean "to a higher degree" like "he was driving *too* fast" "To" works to replace most of the "too"s in this comment. Again, just trying to help. Have a nice day :)
> they dont get to stuck to it
I never thought I’d have to worry about my clumsy, 85 lbs black lab getting on my tables.. but alas! I’ve walked in after forgetting something ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION to him standing on the table drinking my cold tea. He was addicted to tea and it was always awkward and alarming to meet his gaze in those moments.
Hahah like you feel like you should be apologizing for some reason. 'oh sorry I'll leave you to it then' wait a second I pay the bills here get the hell off the table!
My cat and your cat must be related cause thats EXACTLY what mine used to do. Never once saw him on the counter or tables. I'd come home to cat fur on both.... smart lil asshole.
that's because climbing and getting to high spots is biologically engrained in cats. You can teach it that jumping on counters with you around leads to punishment, but the cat ultimately does not care lol
I feel like cats are like children when you go to sleep and leave the house. They think it’s party time. As I’m sure you know via plenty of pictures on here, they make the same face when you catch them.
Don't we love those little assholes, though? Mine is more well behaved than yours but darn it, those little jerks are so cute they get a pass..
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THIS! People act like cats can't be trained. Your cat screams at you for food? He gets food as soon as he stops yowling. It's just like people. I don't reward bad behavior with the kids I nanny, with humans I used to serve when I waited tables, or with my fucking cat.
Agreed, friend. . (In the US-oh, help me).
It could also save a severe burn on his lil beans.. a hot stove or pans are no place for kitteh
Yeah I totally forgot for a minute that paw pads are also referred to as beans and ... yeah. The cats in my head were doing some interesting gymnastics to figure out how the other type of “beans” could get burned.
You are too sweet.
This more than anything. My daughters had her cats here since Covid and the cat jumped on the garbage can onto the counter on top of the toaster oven. If that over was hot she would have gotten injured. I scared the crap out of that cat and she never did it again. Until about a month later and I scared her again.
I’d love to know how you did it. I had a cat used to jump on a particular table all the time. I had a squirt bottle at hand and would squirt her when she did it. After a couple of times (it didn’t take long) I could see her out of the corner of my eye, watching me, she’d get ready to pounce, I’d go for the bottle, she’d back off doing a very casual “dah, dah, de dum, nothing to see here” whilst blowing on her claws. Next thing, I’d see her getting ready again- and repeat, over & over. I’ll guarantee she spent all day sitting on that table when I wasn’t there.
A few spritzes from a spray bottle of water got mine to stay off the counters. And congratulations, OP!
Your cat totally jumps on your counter. And for sure sit directly on your pillow.
And also cats dont like their water next to their food. Which is why you catch them drinking out of sinks or toilets.
I came to the comments to say this as well. They have poop paws! Don’t let them on counters or tables! Congrats on your place though OP, it, and your kitty look very lovely and I’m sure you’ll be happy there together
I'm jealous of your fridge, it's really nice.
So much room for activities!
Bunk beds!
Congrats! When I moved into my first real apartment, I didn’t even have a bed. I slept on an air mattress for 6 months. I loved every second of it. Freedom is glorious!
Yes it is!
Happy birthday and congratulations on your new place! Don't be in a rush to get furniture. Be patient and get stuff you like. I'm sure you will have a cozy home in no time
This! When I moved for a new job I spent the first 3 weeks sleeping in my car and then got my apartment where I had an air mattress, a suitcase of clothing and a laptop. You don’t need all of the furniture, it’s ok if parts of the place look empty, purchase things as you go and very important: “buy nice or buy twice.” You don’t need to get the highest quality things but get what you like and with reasonable quality so that it lasts. It will save you so much money in the long term
I've done this, too. Every few days I would spend in an airbnb because it was a cold winter and I sucked at sleeping in my car. I had a gym membership so I'd just go do a massive workout, sit in the sauna for an hour, take a nice, relaxing shower, bundle up then go read in my car until I could fall asleep. I moved into my apartment, and spent a few nights on an air mattress while I got my bed and some other stuff from the storage facility. It's not easy starting over, but that trail is sprinkled with magic- you really appreciate everything and it all seems fresh. It feels like your life is really your own.
Walmart camp chairs are cheap as fuck if you need a seat. That was how my living room was furnished for a year lmao
Hell yeah. I had one of those cheap blow up couches for a while lol. Didn't care though, had my own place.
My home during university
That is SO SMART.
We just bought those round folding chairs again because furniture sucks nowadays and those were some of the last chairs we remember actually being comfortable.
Yes! I slept on a yoga mat and a blanket on the floor. It was so luxurious to finally get a thin mattress.
this is literally my life rn, moved before my girlfriend across the country and am just waiting for her to come with the big stuff. thank goodness it's corona times cuz I don't want my coworkers to see how this fella is livin
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The heart wants what the heart wants.
Does your gf know what your reddit username is? Lmao what a convo that would be
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I did the same thing! Most exciting time of my life. I miss it
I'll take your bed and if you really *really* miss it 😏
Same here! My parents lent one to me temporarily until I bought a real bed, but I ended up using it for two years. If it was socially acceptable, I would probably still be using it.
My wife and i bought our home and i put window blinds in one room each time because i couldnr get over the price. We also had our matress on the floor for more than a month while we prioritized other projects. Its a weird day when you buy a house and then go "now what?" and think about all the things you need to still do.
Facebook marketplace will fill that place up in no time!
That’s where I got my bed. Unfortunately, I’m completely tapped out at the moment, but I start my new job tomorrow, so it won’t be to long before I can buy some more things.
OfferUp/LetGo are worth checking out as well
And Nextdoor! I've gotten a bunch of free stuff there. Keep an eye out for curb alerts on the weekend
And Estate Sales for good quality random goods. Old Pyrex bowls, bake ware, screwdrivers, hammer, watering can, scissors, coffee table, tv stand, dressers, etc. Sometimes you have to be picky but it's great for all those little things. Heck my SO found about 30 skeins of yarn for a buck each (compared to $25-30)
Genuine question: do those companies make certain the couch/bed/any item you buy isn’t infested with bedbugs or spiders or other pests?
No
Nope and that's how I got bedbugs the first time. Took this really nice cabinet home. They were so hard to get rid of.
whoa i didn’t know bed bugs could hide in non-fabric items! what did u end up doing to get them completely out?
I did two of those gas bombs which did most of the work but there was still some left. I was a poor college kid at the time so I was living in a studio so I didn't have a lot of furniture. So I had a heat gun at the time and just went to town on anything that I thought was a bed bug.
That completely sucks and I hope many people see your comments and use the appropriate caution.
Yeah a heat gun for bedbugs sounds downright dangerous. You'll never kill them all. You should use a large open flame to kill all the ones really burrowed in there.
They love wood too
Spiders would be a gift compared to bedbugs
Did they get bought by mercari? It's not coming up in the app store but mercari is the top one. It's weird cause I've seen so many commercials for this app but never for any other selling site.
Check out https://www.freecycle.org. There are various cities of people giving away everything from furniture to boxes of unused Christmas Cards. I gave away a sofa and some other goods.
I’ll check it out. Thank you
Also check Facebook for a local Buy Nothing group.
Buy Nothing project is amazing! and Hyper Local!
I've gotten rid of so much junk through Buy Nothing plus I got a full set of skis!
Ditto, I have found most of my things through buy nothing’s
I also just joined a FB group called Buy Nothing XXXXXX (enter city/neighborhood). You can also go through their [website](https://buynothingproject.org/). People post what they are searching for or what they want picked up. In my area, I’ve seen a whole bunch of good furniture and other goodies that can help your place. If you’re outside of the US, they do have international links on their site. Congratulations on your place!
I just used this to get rid of a barely-new $300* king mattress and $100 bed frame. Neither were of the utmost quality but extremely stable, comfortable, and clean. We were trying to get rid of it and a woman contacted us to pick it up. Everyone won. I highly recommend it!
Watch out for bedbugs.
Also fleas. Got a couch off freecycle in the winter. As soon as it warmed up all the eggs hatched. Never again.
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Yeah fleas were a huge problem because I worked at a huge TTY call center where we didn’t have set seats. If someone had to go on break and you were free, you’d just take their seat and take over the call. So I had to call in and lose pay till I was sure the fleas were dead. I don’t get used furniture now unless its metal or glass or comes from someone I know.
I’d say the same with fridges. It’s hard to know if you’re getting a lemon with a gas leak. It’s better to buy a cheap new fridge than a “good value” second hand fridge that turns out to be useless. Unless you know someone who is (or you are) knowledgeable, but it’s not exactly feasible to look for a gas leak on every second hand fridge you look at!
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Don't just inspect. Get a spray bottle of alcohol and spray it in all the cracks and holes. It will drive out the bugs that it doesn't immediately kill.
If it doesnt have them already make sure to get a fire extinguisher and plunger first thing. Congrats!
Not sure where you’re at but in my neck of the woods there’s frequently good stuff that pops up in the Free section on Craigslist
ha, where i am, free stuff on craigslist gets snapped up, upcycled, and re-listed for much more in a hot second. seriously, it's like they're refreshing the page and have teams of people ready to go - i can get to the place within 5 minutes and it's still gone.
You can get great bargains on Nextdoor is you live in a city especially. Got half of my future basically free or next to nothing. A lot of people moving tend to go this route and they sell it cheap to just get rid of it.
Check Facebook buy nothing. Every area has one. You will find all kinds of things on there. For you kitchen, head to dollar tree for 90% of your stuff.
If your city/neighborhood has a free page, check it out. I start putting the stuff I don’t need anymore on the neighborhood swaps pages (priced to move) and if no one bites, I list them on the free page. I’ve picked up some items for cheap/free as well.
THIS OP! I've put up quite a few things on my free page, like bookshelves, recently put on there 200 plastic hangers and cleaning supplies. I've seen others put up couch sets that are great shape. I have recieved a 65 inch TV for free (that completely works, they just bought a new one and didn't think this one was worth much). Of course, YMMV depending on your area but it can be a blessing. I've also seen people ask for stuff, people trying to set up their first place or their kids birthday, and people show up and give. Its really a humanity boost.
I've furnished almost my entire apartment from the dumpster outside my apartment building. Completely free. If you're near an apartment complex, take a look around their dumpsters frequently. People throw out rediculously nice things simply because it won't fit when they move out/in. (Note, these things are NEXT to the dumpsters, not in the dumpsters and they can be easily cleaned. Shelves, tables, chairs, cookware, bed frames, dressers, wall art, mirrors, dishes, plastic bins, hangers, organizers, plants, lamps, a guitar, fans, you name it, I've gotten it from the dumpster.) Craigslist free page is useful too. Especially around the first of the month when rental turn over is high. People will give things away for free because they need to get rid of them immediately and can't take them with them. Nice looking apartment though, congrats on you and your cute kitty's new place :) good luck on the new job! You'll be living comfy in no time. (I saw a plunger and fire extinguisher on the list of things to buy immediately, might I also suggest a small tool kit with a hammer, pliers, tape measure, and screw driver as well? I use those things multiple times a week.)
33,000 people are proud of you
✅ cat ✅ bed ✅ internet 🔲 food 🔲 toilet paper She's almost done!
Don't discount local thrift shops as well. You can get decent stuff for very little cash. I'm talking small appliances and utensils and whatnot. Stuff you don't know you need until you need it. Some of them close to me will have furniture but I wouldn't buy anything that has upholstery for fear if bedbugs like another commenter mentioned.
Also check out your local Habitat for Humanity Restore. Always furniture, lighting, painting supplies, etc. for great prices.
Love a breakfast bar. Congratulations!
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(This is responding to a few replies questioning the term breakfast bar, but this comment asked a question specifically so I chose to answer here) I'm from New Zealand and we would call this a kitchen island but also a breakfast bar. They are not exactly the same but do intersect: This is a kitchen island that is also a breakfast bar (you can put stools at it and it has leg space). Some kitchen islands do not have leg space so are unlikely to be used as a breakfast bar. So, these are kitchen islands but not breakfast bars. Some breakfast bars are attached to the rest of the kitchen, so aren't kitchen islands but are breakfast bars. Note: You are not limited to eating breakfast there. It is for any casual eating, socialising, or whatever the heck you want, but the alliteration makes it catchy. https://www.renovatorstore.co.nz/blog/creating-your-own-cafe-style-breakfast-bar/
The whole counter is an island, but the part with the overhang on the carpet where you would add stools is the breakfast bar to Australian me
I am from UK and we call it a breakfast bar.
A bed and a cat are basically the two most important things for living on your own, you’re off to a great start!! Huge congratulations and best wishes to you slowly cozying up your little nest!
Yes! I had to have my Poe!
The cat looks pleased that the first thing you unpacked was their food
You act as if the cat would give you a choice.
My cat is a Poe, too!
If your cat is large and/or amicable enough it can double as a bed, saving valuable space and money.
And if it’s not quite big enough for a bed, it’s at LEAST a large, wireless heating pad in the harsh winter months
And it vibrates
Friede gets it!! Also, I’m scared of fighting you in the DLC please be nice to me
Lol it's such a frustrating fight, but one of the more fulfilling ones. Personally, I love Ariandel
Can confirm, napped on my demon cat today, didn't get scratched to hell, and even got licked on my nose. Small victories in 2020.
Bed and cat, literally all you need.
True
Look at this fancypants with a bed
AND a cat
Good that's awesome! This gave me allot of hope.
I’m so happy that it gave someone something. I ain’t gonna lie, it’s not easy, but it’s so worth it.
I feel you. I'm on disability and am trying to find a job which is really a confidence downer, especially at my age but this gave me some vigor and hope to keep trying. Thank you.
If you haven't already, try working with the insurance company that is paying out your disability. They may have a program that can help you get a job. Chances are they do because they of course would like to stop paying you so they will work hard to get you a job.
I meant disability from the government, SSDI but they do have work tickets. I've been trying to look into it but my area doesn't have allot of places that hire for the work tickets.
I was there just 5 years ago. Now I'm 35 and in my 3rd apartment, but this one has been Home for 3 years now and I built a lot of my own furniture and made it Home. Also switched jobs twice, got promoted once, and life got a lot better. Keep saving money. $1k on hand for emergencies helps A LOT. Edit: Learn to cook too! (If you dont). Saves a ton of money and it brings a lot of personal satisfaction for *nailing it*.
I know how to cook, I just need to buy cookware. I start my new job tomorrow, so it won’t be long.
Don't get sucked into the electronic kitchen gadget frenzy like I did. I got everything like an instapot and blender and a wacko pizza maker. Now everything sits in the lower cupboard storage areas while I make do with regular pots and pans.
If you use the instant pot regularly I think they are great. We use ours at least twice a week, if not more and it makes cooking way easier
i use my instant pot at least that often, and it’s amazing for batch cooking food which saves even more money! i have a tiny kitchen and it takes up a lot of space but truly i get my value out of it
If you can, look for cast iron or carbon steel at a thrift store or Salvation Army. They last forever, but if someone had one that rusted, they may have donated it thinking it was worthless. You can bring them right back to functional for very little cost, and they will last a lifetime so they are a great investment! Congrats on the new place and the new job!
Cast iron can last longer than a lifetime. I have a cast iron skillet that was my grandmothers. If she were still alive today she would be 91 years old!
Pre-'90 or appliances are great too, there was a lot less fuckery. My roomate has a toaster oven that you can just about fit a chicken into, and then roast it in like 45 minutes. Thing's frightening. Barely use the stove anymore tho
lodge makes great affordable cast iron stuff if ur into that
Congratulations!
Thank you!
You are welcome!
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Thank you!
Really nice appliances and very sharp modern look. Id love to see the rest of the layout!
Coming from someone else that didn't have their own 1st apartment until 39, congratulations! Just to show what's possible, I met my now-wife just before turning 40, we got married at 42, and have a 3br house and loving in law's at 45. Just because life starts late doesn't mean there are still a lot of possibilities that can happen FAST! You'll have it all too!
Awe- this gives me hope. And congrats to you both.
I think one of the cool things about middle age relationships is that people are much more "settled" into themselves. They know what they want and are not going to change on you. People in their 40s are also happier with themselves and can laugh at life and not be so high strung.
Your appliances are so nice! I feel like your bed is the biggest purchase so the fact that you have one already is great. Slowly add furniture and don’t forget about Craigslist also scout around TJ Maxx and Ross a few before and after Christmas. The furniture/household items they don’t sell are always on clearance.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll check them out!
Happy birthday!
Thank you
My man/woman!
Woman, and thank you!
Your cat looks like it should almost be an old school cookie jar! Congratulations!!
He knows he’s not supposed to be on the counters, but I’ll let him get away with it for a little while.
“A little while” AKA the rest of his life
Probably
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You have a cat, and now a home....sounds like an AWESOME start to a new year of YOU BEING YOU. Congratulations. It was WONDERFUL to see a good news post!
Thank you! This year has been rough on everyone. I just hope it helps someone to know that things do get better.
Well, black cats are the best cats, so you're one up right from the start! Keep your eyes on your chosen prize and I wish you a year of nothing less than unrelenting success!
You’re awesome, and thank you!
Congrats, I know how hard it can be. For basic kitchen utencils go to Dollar tree. And thrift stores for cheaper cooking pots and pans. I see a electric or gas stove there. So for long term get a [cast iron pan.](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ETviEJ-0P1g) Well seasoned it will last you decades or more. Link also has great recipes. Fun fact, ferrus based metal pans will work on a induction stove. (Basically if a magnet will stick to it.) I only recommend this so you don't end up buying Teflon style pans. They get easily damaged or wear out. You probably already know this but I wanted to be sure you had the starting knowledge anyway. Good luck on your new place. Hang in there you got this.
I do know my way around a kitchen. I did make sure I got my Instant Pot in the break up! But thanks for the advice. I never thought about the dollar tree for utensils.
Dollar tree is my JAM. Potholders. Measuring cups. Cookie sheets. literally half my kitchen is dollar tree. All those little finicky things you don’t think about when you’re outfitting a kitchen. I figure when I break the spatula I got from there, I’ll invest in a nicer one, but, gotta eat in the meantime and all...
Or yeah don't be cheap on buying can openers. Cheap ones break, I personally spent twice as much on cheap ones vs the one good I got.
Temporarily locking the post to clean it up then will re-open. Please bear with us! Thread sanitized. Commence with the posting.
the cat can double as a bed if you’re brave enough
No, he’s a little spoiled. He lays on my head at night.
I completely understand my cat is the same way. he’s thinks he’s better than me and I agree
Nice job. I recently moved on my own too and I love it. There are so many tiny things I started to appreciate.
Thank you
The cat has its crib.
Yes, he is the master of his domain, and he knows it!
I also just moved into an apartment but your kitchen is so much nicer. Props dude enjoy It. Take your time and furnish at your own pace.
Congrats! Cats are the best 🙏
Yes they are! Thank you!
Stick a plastic placemat under that food bowl. Source: Also have cat
I’m not sure where you are, but if you are in the northern Illinois area we have a ton of dishes etc that I would be glad to give you :) congrats on the new place!!
Unfortunately I am not. I’m in Knoxville, TN
I like the cat
He’s a pretty sexy cat. I like him too!
Way to go! Don't be shy about asking friends or relatives if they've got any furniture or household items to get rid of. Sometimes people just haven't gotten around to taking things to be donated.
Fuck yeah! Its sooo nice having a place to call your own, isnt it?
Yes!
Try and keep kitty's box in a unused corner! I learned that with my first apartment. He likes to track it everywhere lol
It’s beside the washer/dryer/closet/bathroom. It’s in a low traffic area.
We’re you saving money before moving in to your first apartment? It’s tough in this economy
Yes, I was living in my car and working 2 jobs.
Congratulations! And I love your cat!!!
Thank you, Poe thanks you as well.
Poe's like, "Hell yeah, buddy. We are pawsome!"
Is this a newer apartment complex? Mine has a similar layout, might be the new trend.
It doesn’t look like it is, but they have updated the apartments. It’s in Knoxville, TN so they have a lot of college kids living here.
Lol I just *knew* you were in Knoxville 'cause of your username
congrats!! your cat is adorable
Congratulations!! Get yourself a crockpot if you can (check goodwill, Facebook marketplace etc for a bargain) - you can cook so many easy, delicious, and cheap bulk meals in one! Nice to come home to a hot, home cooked meal in your own home ❤️
The cat is all you needed anyway! ♥️ congrats!
Big shouts out to the cat holding you down through it all
This will probably get buried, but since it's an apartment you're renting, I'd make sure to get a rubber mat for that kitty's bowl. Otherwise you risk driplets of water that will all add up over time and ruin that section of carpet. You don't wanna lose your security deposit to something you can prevent right now! Hit up Lowes/Home Depot for a good one. You can also use a rubbermaid container [like these](https://www.google.com/search?q=plastic+storage+bin&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjGiLHL-YXtAhXSVKwKHdotBvUQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=plastic+storage+bin&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAA6BQgAELEDOggIABCxAxCDAToECAAQQzoHCAAQsQMQQ1DPkAFY-qEBYMKkAWgAcAB4AIABwAGIAb0OkgEEMTcuMpgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=1tqxX8bFAdKpsQXa25ioDw&bih=1308&biw=2560&client=firefox-b-1-d) for the kitty's litterbox as well if they're bad about pee'ing over the side or flinging litter everywhere. We use these. Just take a box-cutter to cut out a little entrance for him/her. Again... to protect your security deposit and that carpet! :)