A new start

[Flybye]

I love my Pampered Chef garlic press and my portable space heater and we are the same age, so that should be all that you need

[Wahine]

I love my Pampered Chef garlic press and my portable space heater and we are the same age, so that should be all that you need

I used to have a Pampered Chef garlic press.

[NbyNW]

Congrats and best wishes on moving into this new phase! Sounds like you're in a really positive state of mind about it.

Your toaster oven question reminded me of a funny thing my DH said once -- the first time we moved into an apartment that didn't have a built-in microwave over the stove: "Now we can get that toaster oven we always wanted!"

My recommendation: lots of single-portion tupperware (or whatever brand) -- then you can make a lasagna or big pot of stew and make single-size portions for lunch later in the week, or freeze them so that you're not eating the same thing all week.

Some basic tools are nice to have if you're a DIY'er. Hammer, drill, wrenches, etc.

It's great that you want to keep things simple. But another thing you might want to do is allow yourself one or two things that help the new place to feel like home. It's different for everyone. For me, I like to have plants around. I find myself compulsively buying new plants every time I move, even though it's a time to be getting rid of stuff.

Good luck!

[withm]

You don't say if you have house/condo/apt - or how big the space is.

Having just started outfitting a brand new house where all the previous possessions were lost in a fire (along with the house), it's amazing how much stuff you will want that you never thought about. We take so much for granted.

Comfortable furniture - place to read (chairs, couch), work (desk), watch TV, entertain friends - couch, chairs, tables, rugs, curtains/blinds. Bookshelves. Exercise equipment. Bed(s), bedding, blankets, quilts, towels, shower curtain, bath rugs. Dresser, chair for BR. Artwork? Pictures. Alarm clocks. TV, stereo,telephones. Mirrors, lamps for LR and BR. Kitchen and/or Dining tables, chairs, sideboard, china cabinet? Rugs. Kitchen equipment - dishes and serving dishes, salad bowl, pots and pans, skillets, baking equipment - cookie sheets, muffin pan, roasting pan, dish drainer. Whisks, knives, bowls, wooden spoons, can opener, wine opener, knife sharpener, chopsticks, measuring cups (dry and liquid), colanders. Appliances? Coffee maker, toaster oven, mixer, blender, food processor. Obviously this list can go on for a long time.

Basic hand tools - hammer, screwdriver, pliers for basic stuff, more as you need. I'd highly recommend a 2-step step stool or small step ladder.

Think about the things you like to cook, make a list of the implements needed to do so, and let the shopping begin. Somewhere I have a spreadsheet of the things we were buying for the new house - if you think it would be useful PM me and I'll try to find it for you.

[Wahine]

Thanks again.

Withm - The place I'm moving into is 1000 square feet. The kitchen is generous and that's what's most important to me. The rest I can collect as I need it. Mostly, i just want to start out with a kitchen that I can function well in since my life pretty much consists of work, training, eating and sleeping. Work... well work takes care of that, training... pretty much all set there, eating... working on it, sleeping I'm good except that I'll need a couple of more pillows.

I love your suggestion of making a list of the things that I need to make my favorite meals, that's a fantastic idea.

No need for a TV, haven't had one in years, don't miss it and don't want one. Eventually I will need a comfy chair and couch but those can wait. Meanwhile, I'll read in bed.

Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. It does help.

[KnottedYet]

Kitchen: a Revere Ware saucepan with lid, a steamer basket (to fit in the Revere Ware), cast iron one serving skillet, cast iron griddle, Chicago Cutlery cleaver ($14, and i use it for everything!), paring knife, vege peeler, Zyliss garlic press, French Press coffee maker, stove top kettle, stock pot with lid, bamboo cutting board.

I don't have a microwave nor toaster, but I do have a toaster oven which I use quite a lot.

I don't have a TV either, but a radio/CD player with speakers to spread the sound is awfully nice to have.

Rocking chair... how would I manage without my rocking chair? I had the rocking chair before the couch.

Shredder.

S'Knot, the dog, and I live in a 900 sq ft apartment; and I find that having less stuff is better. Too much doesn't seem to make my life any richer, just more cluttered. It doesn't help that I'm terribly disorganized...

[tc1]

The dog, the guitar. For kitchen, a cast iron fry pan, a nonstick frying pan, and a big saucepan for doing pasta/rice/whatever. A good paring knife, and a good chef's knife. I have a toaster oven but never use it cause it is too much work to clear the bread, etc off the top.

And at least 4 stacking laundry baskets-every place I have lived, I always started out with one and bought more.