Whether you're moving into your first apartment or your tenth, you're likely to find at least one thing on this budget-minded list that will make your life a little easier. With each being under $20 (and some under $10!) these are also great last-minute gifts those who are college-bound.
1. Clip on Silicone Squeegee from Amazon $8.25
This clever little squeegee slips onto the neck of the shower. Use it to clear away pooling water after a shower and slip it back in place for the next use – no suction cup required.
2. Jar Opener from Restoration Hardware $12.00
Rather than curse that jar of mayo as you struggle to open it, reach for this old-fashioned jar opener to give you a hand.
3. Bridle Hook from Museum of Useful Things $6.00
Hang this eye-catching and sturdy hook by a door for a quick place to hang your bag, jacket and umbrella when you come in.
4. Hammer/Screwdriver from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. $20.00
There was always one of these handy little combination tools in my family's junk drawer. The hammer opens up like a Matryoshka doll, with screwdrivers in place of nesting dolls. The tiniest screwdriver is always a godsend for emergency glasses repairs.
5. 24-Pocket Overdoor Shoe Bag from Container Store $19.99
If you think shoe organizers are only for collecting your kicks, you're missing out! Tack one of these multi-pocketed organizers in your closet for corralling socks, winter wear and just about any small household item.
6. DIODER from Ikea $14.99
You cold struggle in the dark as you search your junk drawer (looking for your hammer/screwdriver combo tool no doubt). Or you could install this drawer light to make it a little easier. This would be especially great in rooms where you're most likely to be stumbling around in the dark — installed inside bedside tables and bathroom drawers.
7. USB Wall Plate Charger from RCA $19.99
Chances are, one of your power outlets is filled up with a charger. Skip the middle man with this USB charger wall plate. You'll lose an electrical outlet but you'll gain two USB's!
8. Large Allen Wrench Set from Sears $9.74
Assembling flat pack furniture with the little Allen wrenches manufacturers supply can be a test of patience and dexterity. For just under $10, you can have all the hex wrench sizes you need in one easy-to-use tool.
9. Swiss Measuring Spoons from Perpetual Kid $9.99
Even if you're no Betty Crocker, these all-in-one measuring spoons won't take much room in your kitchen cupboard. You never know when the urge to bake cookies may strike - be prepared!
10. Hand Crank Flashlight and Lantern $14.95
Every home should have a flashlight — even if the power never goes out, they're fun for ghost stories and dance parties! This hand crank option means you can play all you want and not worry about running out the batteries before you really need it in an emergency.
(Images: As credited above.)
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as a former horsie person, I superduper love the bridle hook IRL (in real life!)
I started using an over the door shoe organizer years ago and I don't think I could like without it now. It's helpful in so many ways. Everything that used to be in a junk drawer is now in the shoe hanger. Extra drawer space and I can find everything! I have a mesh fabric one that allows me to see what's in each pocket.
I have that squeegee and love it. It's never lost or misplaced and has kept my new shower doors sparkling even with my hard water.
When I moved into my own apartment, my parents gave me a basic tool kit (screwdriver with changeable heads, hammer, screws/nails/hooks, pliers...) and a basic sewing kit.
I thought they were nuts, but I used them SO MUCH (and expanded accordingly once I graduated and had money and time...). Highly recommended gift. :)
That bridle hook is a great idea and I can't believe I didn't think about using it at home (I'm also a former horsey person). I would note that you can get them much cheaper than $6 -- try your local tack shop or somewhere online, like statelinetack.com.
That bridle hook sells at Schneider Saddlery for $2.99 but if you really want to blow your budget you can get it in a beautiful brass for $3.99 at the same place.
Dollar tree has those allen wrench sets too.
I'm such a nerd - I have 9 of the 10. Don't need the light in my drawers.
@ LolaLalaBean
Thanks for the tip. That vendor has other great, inexpensive things on their website that could be used in non-horse situations. They have a HUGE muck-bucket that would be ideal as a beverage holder for a party or the patio. Festive colors, inexpensive, and a drag handle to move it when it's full of ice and bottles. Also flat-back buckets that would hang in the garage or shed also in fun colors. Cheaper than the hardware store.
Lol @ mosaicwench: I wouldn't call you a nerd...yer just ahead of the game *grin* I only have 6 of the 10.
Now that's a shoe bag that I could LIVE with. The plastic ones are downright ugly!
Watch out for the big typo.
Wind-up flashlights are BRILLIANT. A friend just brought a couple on an overnight camping trip. I want to get like 8 of them.
Brilliant post! I have added a couple on my "to buy" list.
I have the Dioder lights installed over the built-in chest of drawers (also from IKEA!) where most of my clothes are stored in my bedroom, and I am very happy with them. It is super useful to be able to find clothes in the winter mornings without having to turn on the main lights (and waking the significant other that only needs to get up an hour later!).
do you think the ikea light would work on a closet or cabinet door? not sure how the mechanism is triggered.
I can personally attest to the squeegee. Best $10 spent on a cleaning item, haven't had to properly clean our glass shower doors in ages.
A much better solution for opening jar lids is a jar key, which breaks the airtight seal so the lid opens very easily: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/foodPrep/tools?utm_medium=feed&productId=10000651&utm_source=shopping&sku=10014761
I (age 60) have the nesting drivers/hammer AND the jar opener from my parents' parents! It was amazing and fun to see they're still sold!
That said, neither is very effective! The hammer is too lightweight and I find it's the grip on the jar, not the lid, that's usually the problem. Black & Decker sells an awesome gizmo that takes up a ton of space but opens the jars with no effort. I found one, barely used, at the thrift store for $4. I think they retail for around $50.
I definitely need to finally buy me one of those crank flashlights, thanks much for the link. Also thanks to the other commenters about the bridle hook resources. These are great ideas and it was an awesome post.
Oh, and the Swiss Army measuring spoons are a hoot! However, when a set of spoons PLUS measuring cups are widely available for $1, this becomes a bit wasteful as far as economy. Also, it doesn't look like the "knife" part will hold up well to being submerged. But yes, very fun design.