With less than two weeks before the big move, and the creeping reality that we will be cash-strapped until at least August (because we will carry two properties through until then), our minds are now focussing on what we need to buy for the move versus what we want to buy.
We’ve complied a list of must buys when moving from an apartment or condo into a house:
- Yard/garden and maintenance tools
ladder, mower, level and compost bin.
rake, pruners, shovel
We’ll definitely need shovels, rakes and sheers, as well as a good quality push mower. A composter is a must for us, though we are toying with building our own. We expect to need to add to our already relatively robust compliment of tools with an 8-foot ladder and a longer level.
- Extra cleaning supplies
Three floors and three bathrooms means needing three cleaning kits. We will also need more hardwood floor cleaner and dusters because, well, there are more floors and more to dust. This’ll all come from a big box store.
- Basic window coverings
We just need privacy until we decide on window treatments. It’s typical to work window coverings into a home offer. Ours did, so most window have basic roman blinds on them, but we will want to add black-out blinds to the bedrooms.
- A doorbell and knocker (hehe knocker)
Our home is wired for a doorbell, but there isn’t one. The knocker is for added security. Years of covering the news has left Erin with an intense need to be prepared for everything – including unexpected houseguests when the doorbell is malfunctioning. (What? .. ya.)
Maybe we’ll get this AWESOME STAR TREK door bell from think geek.com
- House numbers
We also have no house numbers. How will the mailman find us? (Disregard the fact that we have a community mail box).
DIY door numbers Courtesy: designsponge.com
- Locks changed
Duh. See Erin is obsessed with safety thing.
- Fully stocked emergency kit and supplies
Another DUH. Let’s recap. We live within 200 meters of the ATLANTIC OCEAN. Have you seen the hurricane forecast from the Canadian Hurricane Centre? Ya. It’s likely we will get blasted this year. Like BLASTED.
This, my friends, is a “Shit-icane” Likely to cause destruction and power outages. Reason enough to have a well-stocked emergency kit. This is no joke. Well, the Shit-icane part is.
Then there’s a list of things that aren’t necessarily needs, but are things that should be done sooner rather than later.
- bbq – Dan has tentatively picked this one from Canadian Tire.
- propane tank consultation and purchase (for our currently not-hooked-up-but-totally-amazing propane fireplace in the sunroom).
- improve overall energy efficiency – windows, door drafts, light bulbs/dimmer switches
- replace switch and outlet plates – cuz there are some seriously fugly ones in the house right now. Unicorns? Faux gold? Needlepoint? Wtf.
- annuals for window boxes – because we want our neighbours to think we are friendly and approachable people!
- drapery rods and rings – we’ll need them eventually.
All this stuff takes precedence over pretty couches and fun lighting. It needed to be said.
Stay safe out there!
Dan and Erin
diy passion 