The Top Inexpensive Items (Less Than $30) That Everyone Should Own

If you’ve ever moved out to live on your own before, you might have found yourself in the familiar situation of thinking you have everything you need… until you realize that you don’t. And you find this out at the worst moment possible, of course. There’s always something that you’re missing or that you’ve forgotten to pick up… 

You never forget the big purchases you need, mind you- it’s the little things that you always seem to forget. If you’re wondering what handy little items could make your life easier, the people of the internet had some ideas for inexpensive items that everyone should own, and you can rest assured that there are at least a few items on this list that you’re going to want to have…

Arguably The Most Important Item

Toilet/sink plunger. You don’t think of it when you need it, but when you need it, you REALLY need it. Don’t forget to mark this down on your next shopping trip if you don’t already have one. If you’re moving out of your parents’ house for the first time, put this on the top of your must-have list. 

Yes, you will have to use it more than you think. No, it’s not your fault that the toilet is clogged. Get ready! Reddit User: Scrappy_Larue

Safety First

A first aid kit. A first aid kit is very important to have, even if there’s just some medical gauze and tape in it. Emergencies and accidents happen, and you will want to be prepared. Band-Aids are also vital for a first aid kit or medicine cabinet, especially if you have children. 

This cheap item is one of those things you will need but won’t have! Get one today and stop worrying about it. Reddit User: flashley630

You Don’t Need Paper Towels

A bunch of dish towels. It makes kitchen stuff so much easier. Never worry about a spill, getting something out of the oven, or having a place to put that hot pan. They’re always just there, and clean, and ready to use…and then you just throw them in the wash and the stack is ready again.

They are also more environmentally friendly to use instead of paper towels, so it’s really a win-win. You can find inexpensive dish towels at your local bargain store as well. Reddit User: Portarossa

Personal Hygiene

Deodorant. You don’t want to be the smelly kid. Also, maybe some shower gel as well, or bubble bath, body soap…whatever you prefer. Personal hygiene is a must. It’s so essential not only to feel good about yourself but also to make friends and other relationships, which is hard when you smell like a skunk. 

This item can also take the place of perfume or cologne much of the time. Super convenient. Reddit User: po_landon58 

Essential Kitchen Tools

A crockpot. A crockpot is great for making larger batches of meals like chili and soups, and you can always freeze the leftovers. Whenever you have a busy night, you just need to defrost, heat, and you’re ready to eat a home-cooked meal. Moms all over the world (and those awesome dads and grandparents, too) can rejoice! 

Besides chili or soup, try pulled pork, stew, or pot roast in the crockpot. Just let it simmer all day and then the meat will be falling off of the bone. Reddit User: beekaaaargh

Keep Organized

If you take medication, a weekly pill organizer. I’m really good about remembering if I took my meds, but I’m not perfect. Doubling up on some meds can really make your day unpleasant. I accidentally took my heart medication twice, and I had a hard time walking without getting dizzy since my blood pressure was so low. 

I was pretty useless that day. It’s good to be organized in general, but it’s especially important when it comes to your medication. You can find these at your local bargain store, and you won’t have to worry about if you already took your medication or not. Reddit User: Barksu

Get To Know Your Car

An OBDII reader for your car. Find out what your check engine light means before taking your car to the mechanic. $20-$30 on Amazon. Some mechanics will take advantage of you if you don’t know anything about cars. If you go into a mechanic and you have already diagnosed the problem, then they may not try to tell you that you need other work done. 

Of course, sometimes you actually do need other work done, so make sure you go to someone who is trustworthy. Reddit User: PorkRoll4Initiative

Swiss Army

 I would say a decent pocket knife. You can drop a couple hundred on a great one, but they get lost pretty easily. Learn how to whet and the cheap one will do you well until you lose it. A pocket knife can definitely come in handy in many scenarios, from emergencies to simply cracking open your Amazon package. 

Many pocket knives are also multitools, so you can get more for your money that way as well. Reddit User: Sgt_Spatula

1% Is No Way To Live

A portable battery and charger. You’ll never know when your phone’s going to die on you, and you’ll be far away from home or any sort of outlet. It’s also good to know the size of the battery in your phone so that you know if your battery charger will charge your phone once or multiple times. 

Talk about first world problems. Sad but true. Just remember not to keep your battery out in the cold. Reddit User: Linker3

Protect Your Belongings

A cell phone case. No need to be fancy, just anything to help absorb the shock and make it so that when your phone lands face down, the screen isn’t touching the ground. One drop the wrong way on some cement and your all-glass phone is done for…and you probably paid more than you’d like to admit for it. 

You can find many cheap cases for phones through Amazon as well. You can choose stylish or heavy-duty. Reddit User: onetwo3four5

Just In Case 

A glass breaker. Some can fit on your key ring and are around the $20 dollar mark (USD). In case you’re in a tough situation where you need to escape and there’s glass around, use it. In emergencies where car windows need to be broken as well, this will come in handy.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you could save someone’s life as well, including your own. Reddit User: nam3ismlrror 

Oral Health

A toothbrush. Your oral health is so important, and you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, along with the toothbrush, make sure to get toothpaste. Don’t skimp on the floss or mouthwash, either. After all, your oral health is essential; just ask your dentist. 

Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and replace your toothbrush often. Reddit User: Smz59c

For Your Inner Chef

Oven thermometer. One of the digital ones with probes and wires. They usually come pre-set with the “done-ness” of different meats and the internal temperature that should be reached for that level of “done.” Like beef medium rare? Set the oven thermometer to beep at 63c/145f, stick a probe in the middle of the meat, and start cooking (either pan or oven). 

I use it most for beef fillet going into beef wellington. Almost any oven at almost any temperature…it’s still cooked at the point the middle of the meat is 63/145. Takes ALL guesswork and/or “not knowing the oven” out of it. Reddit User: Llamaalarmallama

Roadside Assistance

An electric tire inflator. I bought one for $29.95 that plugs directly into a wall outlet and another that plugs into the car’s utility outlet for use on the road. It’s convenient not having to go to gas station air pumps, especially during winter weather or inclement conditions, or when I’m not near a station.

If you have a slow leak in your tire and don’t have the cash to replace it, this could be a handy tool to have with you on the roadside. Reddit User: Back2Bach

Local News

An HD TV antenna (as long as you live in an area with reception). For about $15, you can get a bunch of local broadcast channels. Sometimes it’s nice to turn on the evening news at 5 pm. It has a nostalgic feeling, and you’re getting all the local stations as well with these antennas, all with no monthly fee. 

You will notice that some of the same TV practices and commercial marketing still exist. Just like the good ol’ days! Reddit User: IAmNotScottBakula

Shine Bright

A lamp. Seriously. You deserve to have light whenever you want. Relying on windows sucks. If you are in a basement apartment, it can start to feel dingy if there is no light source. You can fix this with a lamp, and it will make you feel better as well not to be sitting in a dimly lit room all the time.

You might want a floor lamp or a wall one. There are a plethora of choices to pick from when it comes to illuminating your room. Reddit User: Avbitten

Life Saver

A LifeStraw for $19.95. It can filter over 4000 liters of water (1000 gallons). In fact, its filters are so effective that they filter out 99.9999% of all bacteria. It could seriously save your life one day. Buying one also provides one child with a whole year of clean drinking water.

This is great to keep in your bag if you are a hiker, and it also makes a great gift for others. Reddit User: TheHolyAlpaca1

Get Crafty

One thing everyone should have is a hot glue gun! Quickly and easily repair so many things. If you need some inspiration or convincing on what a hot glue gun can fix, there are many videos on YouTube showing you how. You can do anything from clothes to furniture and everything in between. 

Even if you aren’t into crafts, a hot glue gun is handy for fixing little things that break around the house. Reddit User: irises_everywhere

Too Hot In The Kitchen

A fire extinguisher. I have always had them around and never gave them much thought until the moment I needed one. A lithium polymer battery (from a drone) burst into flames and then exploded, starting fires in four different locations. I was still holding the flaming battery charger as it slowly dawned on me that I was NOT going to put this fire out by hand before it spread to the rest of the house.

My wife saved the day by throwing me a fire extinguisher, with which I put the fire out in just a few seconds. Reddit User: IronFires

Stay Hydrated

One of those vacuum insulated metal water bottles. Seriously awesome. Keeps water cold for such a long time and reduces waste. The first one I bought was a 32-ounce bottle with a straw. I loved it, but it was too small (I drink a ton of water). I won a 40-ounce bottle with no straw, but it’s the same in every other way.

You don’t have to get a fancy hydro flask. I’m pretty sure Costco has basic ones for like 20 bucks. Reddit User: madisonjames95

Wipes

Definitely baby wipes; they help in a lot of situations. Baby wipes, or just wipes in general similar to wet wipes, can come in handy, and not just in the bathroom. If you have sticky hands or a bit of a messy face (or a toddler), then cleaning up all sorts of big messes is so much easier.

You can also keep wipes handy even if you don’t have a toddler. They are great for the kitchen, bathroom, car, purse, and more! Reddit User: callumuswillanimate 

Soft Skin

Facial moisturizer. Everyone should use it, and for some reason in America, I know almost no one else who does. Not only your face but your whole body needs moisturizer. You should look for one without fragrance, and it is best to apply it after a shower while your skin is still a little damp. 

Your skin is your biggest organ, and you need to take care of it! Use SPF as well when you can. Reddit User: VanellopeEatsSweets

 Durex

Condoms are so important; safety first. Practicing safe intimate relations is very important and helps prevent most STDs. Also, wearing condoms is an effective way to not get pregnant, but to be extra safe, you should also use condoms with another form of birth control as well (just not another condom!).

If you are too embarrassed to buy condoms at the store, you don’t have anything to worry about; people won’t judge. You’re being responsible. Reddit User: iosefrazvan_marian

Handy Man

A basic tool kit. It’s unreal how many people I know who are grown adults living on their own who can’t fix the most basic household stuff because they don’t own a screwdriver. It doesn’t matter what it is; fixing something that’s loose, hanging a picture, assembling furniture, and more are all pretty basic.

Tools are extremely handy and make you feel more independent because you can do things on your own. You don’t need to call anyone to help you because you have the tools to do it. Reddit User: squirrelygirly412

Cookware

A good cast-iron pan. Most chefs will tell you that you NEED a cast-iron skillet. You can cook basically anything in it, it shouldn’t stick, and you can also pan fry items then finish them off in the oven. Make sure to look up the care for these pans, as they are different than nonstick or stainless steel. 

Your dish set does not have to be fine china or sterling silver. Just have some nice cookware. Reddit User: Choppergold

You’re Glowing!

Glow in the dark toilet paper. It’s $5 a roll. Not technically a necessity, but still an item that you probably should own at one point in your life. It’s a good party conversation starter, especially if someone doesn’t know you have it in your bathroom. Plus, you know, going at night….

Sure, why not? You don’t even have to use it that often, so that $5 roll will last a long time. Reddit User: PersonaGuy5

Dawn

Dawn dish soap! It’s one of the most useful cleaning items out there. Grease? Gone .Blood on a shirt? Gone. Literally any kind of anything? Gone. Not only is it a great cleaning agent, but if you’ve seen the commercials for Dawn dish soap, you know that it can also be used on animals if they need cleaning up.

This great dish soap company also sent volunteers to help with oil spills around the world. They care about the environment. Reddit User: ThaRadBradLad

Fashion And Function

A nice leather belt. Not only does a nice belt complete an outfit, but if any pants/shorts are a little loose, then you don’t have to worry about them sliding down. No one wants to see a butt crack. If you aren’t into belts, try suspenders. However, ladies might want to stick to the belts. 

If you can, opt for a nice black leather belt as well as a brown one. Then you can switch them out depending on your outfit for the day. Reddit User: miles_dallas

Luxury Item

A bathrobe. I know it sounds like a luxury item, but they’re so cozy and convenient to wear around the house. I notice how rarely any of my friends own one, so they’ve made great presents too. Some might not consider a bathrobe a luxury item, and you can find some very nice plush bathrobes for under $30. 

A good time to look for one would be around Christmas time, and if you wait until after Christmas, a lot of them get marked down to clearance pricing. Reddit User: lululemonkush

Oral Health

Dental floss. In Germany, a lot of people never use it, and it shows. You most likely already know that toothbrushes are a key item to have that you can find at most dollar stores. You need toothpaste as well, and dental floss is the other key item for your oral health and well being.

It’s not enough to just brush your teeth. You can find dental floss that’s one-use with a toothpick at the other end, which is very convenient. Reddit User: MaterialMany

Sleepy Time

Good-quality pillows are a must. We spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping. It’s important to get quality sleep, and having good pillows helps tremendously. You can get pillows designed specifically for how you sleep: back, side, belly, etc. They are usually only a couple of dollars more than the really cheap pillows.

Nobody wants an old, smelly pillow. If you drool, you probably should get new ones more often. At least wash the cases. Reddit User: TheRealOWFreqE

Stinky Fingers

A garlic press. Best thing ever. If you have a garlic press, you don’t have to worry about peeling the garlic, then chopping or mincing it. With a press, it peels the garlic in the press and minces it for you at the same time. It sounds pretty easy, right?

If you’re not eating garlic in your diet, you should consider the health benefits of it. Also, carry a mint. Reddit User: Boatcapitan

Power Outages

Matches or lighters and a stock of candles. Extra blankets. Duct tape. I know, this one is several items; however, all together, you should be able to purchase these items for under $30 (most are at your local dollar store). These items are essential in a power outage, especially if it’s expected to be out for a significant amount of time.

You will need a match, lighter, or candle when you least expect it, I guarantee it. Stock up now. Reddit User: rukirasioux

Glassware

A glass 2 cup measure. Especially if you’re in a college dorm where it’s hard to cook. I used mine to make tea or hot chocolate and heat up water for noodle cups. I also had a strainer that fit well over the top and used it to strain cold brew coffee when I needed extra caffeine.

Glass kitchen tools are usually better to handle anyway, because they are easier to clean, and you can put hot and cold items in them. Reddit User: Star1412

Check Your Air Pressure

A tire air gauge. If you live somewhere where the weather changes frequently or you have a hot summer season and a cold winter season, it’s a good idea to keep a tire gauge handy. With temperature fluctuations, your tire pressure can also fluctuate, and you don’t want to be driving with a low/flat tire.

You should also be aware of how much air should actually go in your tires. Otherwise, you are just putting in a number that means nothing. Reddit User: Iron_Baron

Get Rid Of The Fuzzies

A lint roller. Nothing looks worse than fuzz and hair stuck on black pants or leggings. However, nothing looks better than black pants or leggings with absolutely nothing stuck to them. It’s nice to look good and professional, and if you are covered in animal hair or lint, it will make your black clothing look unkempt.

Keep a lint roller in your car so you can give yourself a quick once-over just before heading into work or on a date. Reddit User: MommaPLSPiggo

Snake

A toilet snake auger. Less than $10 at Home Depot and is a godsend for clogged toilets and drains. Poop knives are unsanitary. Plungers are messy and don’t work half the time. If a plunger won’t cut it, a snake is the way to go. You can skip any harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes, and it won’t be as messy. 

Please get rid of the poop knife if you have one in your bathroom. I’m begging you. Reddit User: S_Steiner_Accounting

Morning Coffee

If you’re a daily coffee drinker, you can get a coffee bean grinder for like $20 on Amazon. Makes your coffee taste so much fresher with freshly ground beans versus store-bought pre-ground coffee. There’s nothing quite as nice as the smell of freshly ground coffee in the morning and enjoying that aroma while sipping on your freshly made brew. 

Sometimes it’s the little things in life, and if you enjoy coffee, this is a real and honest game-changer. Reddit User: as344009