Moving out and renting for the first time or starting to invest in your living space? Here are some items you might consider adding to your Shopee cart to furnish your new abode.

I used to spend most of my time going to SM Supermalls to do grocery shopping or order food for take-out. I’d kill time for traffic to subside by looking around the Cyberzone area. Occasionally I’d drop by The SM Store to check out what’s on sale with Parisian shoes, SM Women Plus items, and plus-size swimwear. The convenience of having everything I need in one place saves me time from multiple trips to different places.

Nowadays, regardless of the community quarantine restrictions, it is within our best interest to minimize our outdoor trips to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Fortunately, businesses have long adopted using technology to serve existing and new customers. Now everyone can shop safely via various apps, websites, and social media, and have these items shipped directly to our homes. The SM Store, for one, stays true to its slogan by virtually catering to our needs via their Shopee Mall store.

This is especially helpful for someone who might be or currently in the process of moving to a new place.

Moving out, first-time or not, is stressful. You realize how much stuff you have when you start to pack, transfer, and unpack. You will have an internal struggle whether to let go of things or not because of sentimental value or thinking it will be useful in the future. That’s on top of the emotional anguish of telling your parents and financial worries.

Let’s take a step back and plan ahead what you need to prioritize. Things that you will definitely need as you settle down:

• First things first: food. Living alone means no more home-cooked meals when you wake up or after an exhausting day at work. You can start with a rice cooker (preferably with a steamer) and an electric kettle for your coffee needs. Get an air fryer and personal fridge if you plan to stock ingredients and prepare your own meals.
• You also need access to clean drinking water so best to invest in a water filter system. It’s easy to set up, does not require electricity, and an economical option.
• Need time to adjust to your new environment? The best way to make your place cozy is by having a new bed, pillow, and beddings. Bring out those clean, aesthetic sheets and fluffy pillows (yes, you may have more than one) for a good night’s sleep.
• It also helps to keep your indoor air quality in check. Have windows and away from the sun? A fan will be enough and you can go for standard ones, an industrial type, or even a rechargeable fan with light if you anticipate blackouts. Windowless room? Talk to your landlord before installing an air conditioning system or at least, an exhaust fan. Otherwise, look into portable air coolers.
• Now that you’re comfortable, consider if you have space to set up a separate workstation or you just simply want to eat and work/study from your bed. A sturdy foldable table does the trick for that Netflix and chill mood or early morning meetings when you’re still in your jammies.
• Lastly, secure your place and belongings especially if you live alone or need to step out for errands. Add in a security door chain or barrel bolt and an outside padlock if possible.

My top tip: you don’t have to buy everything at once. Decide on which items to prioritize and use what you already have. Watch out for sale events such as the upcoming Shopee 4.4 MEGA Shopping Sale for free shipping vouchers and special discounts to maximize your savings.

Visit The SM Store and other brand shops at the Shopee Mall today!