first That big move

Sooner or later, whether it’s for college or for work, children will want or need to move away from home. How can parents and fledglings make sure their first home is comfortable and provides them with the basics of adult life?

Firstly, travel light – whether you’re moving into a college room, a studio flat or houseshare, chances are you won’t have enough space for the belongings stored in your bedroom at home. If possible, find out what your accommodation already has, so you don’t double up, and if it’s a houseshare, perhaps splitting the cost of any essentials – kettles, microwaves etc. – is possible.

Bedroom

A duvet, two or three sets of sheets (which you will actually have to wash now and again), duvet covers and pillow cases. A double duvet makes a single bed cosy on cold nights and mornings after the night before. If hygiene is a concern, then think about pillow protectors and a mattress topper to ensure the bed is comfortable. Extra pillows and a blanket or two will mean a good night’s sleep too.

Hangers – Avoid the mess with a few hangers, especially if your college life involves a part-time job with a dress code. Hanging clothes in the wardrobe reduces ironing time and leaves the floor space clear. Ear plugs – A house share can be a noisy place, even if you haven’t moved into a party house. For times when you need a full night’s sleep, ear plugs are a must. Cleaning products – Yes, you may want to occasionally clean your room, so sponges, J-cloths, air freshners and a functioning vacuum cleaner will go a long way. An extension lead – You may not have enough plugs in your room to charge a phone, laptop, Kindle or any other electronics. Diffuser, pot-pourri or room spray – Inviting friends into a smelly room isn’t the best, so a non-burning source of freshness is highly recommended. Also, even in winter, ocasionally opening the windows is a good idea.

White tack – The blue stuff can leave a stain that landlords hate almost as much as the holes left by nails, so use the white version if you have posters or pics to put on the walls.