So you have your first apartment, how exciting! The thrill of independence and feel of your space is very liberating. The rite of passage, from the parental nest, but before a family of your own nest, is a critical phase in development. And unfortunately, it can be an expensive one. Once you have your own place, you will notice that you do things you previously took for granted just need. These items do not necessarily expensive, and yet when all items you need to be brought together at the checkout the total can be staggering. First, talk to close relatives. I had an aunt who gave me a number of its food storage containers in various sizes. These useful gifts kept me from the obligation to buy them.

Then look at local Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. Many items can not be the quality you want, but with a little searching you’ll find some gems. I once found a beautiful 60s style lamp at a Salvation Army for $ 4 and the lamp worked perfectly and my bank equaled. Kitchen utensils can be some of the most expensive investments you will make. I recommend deciding what pieces you really need to invest in – such as knives and a good frying pan – and what you can to work for the short term. Tupperware makes some really good food storage containers, but can you do with a part of the “use and throw” races for a while? That saves you from the obligation to buy everything new at once. And while kitchen storage space is at a premium, consider a part of the pantry shelves that better use of vertical space in the cupboards to make.