One of the most difficult things to get used to when you suddenly become single is not having someone around to "fix" things. After my first divorce I at least had a teenaged son in the house that could help me out. Now it's just me. It only takes one "broken" thing to cause a crying jag that can last all day especially when you're just trying to get used to being on your own.
An absolute must have to keep around the house are some basic tools. Go to Walmart and buy you a small toolbox - nothing fancy. Don't get one of those pink toolkits already put together for women - it's more costly than just fixing up your own. Here's some standard tools you'll need to keep handy
1. Hammer. A small one will do and it's easier to manage.
2. Screwdrivers - flat head and phillips. You've got a wide variety of choices. I prefer using a cordless screwdriver that has different "heads" you can use. It's great for putting up window blinds, etc. AND it takes a lot less elbow grease than a manual one. Plus you can buy the accessory kit and use it as a mini-drill too.
3. Tape Measure
4. Level - they have small versions of these that are great for hanging pictures, etc. If you want to be fancy, you can get one of those "Laser Levels" but a simple small one will work just as well.
5. Assorted picture hanging hardware - these come in great little multi-packs and are good for more than just hanging pictures
6. Pliers - you never know when you might need this tool. I have used it to loosen wingnuts or hold a nut still while trying to tighten a screw when putting together Christmas toys
That should be give you a good start to building your toolbox. You will slowly add tools, etc to it as time passes. Before you know it, you will have a nice little stash of tools.
Another item that you will need but it definitely won't fit into a toolbox is a step-stool or better yet a step ladder. Standing on a chair just doesn't cut it - it's not safe and most of the time you still can't reach what you are are working on. God forbid you fall and end up breaking something while you are trying to recover from a broken heart.
Tight on cash - hit the garage sales on Saturdays. You can pick up some great bargains at garage sales but beware of blowing your cash on "other" items. Remember - you are on a budget. I always ask for toolbox items for Christmas or my birthday. This year I got an assortment of screwdrivers and a tape measure. People will not think you are crazy - they will be proud of you for taking another step toward independence.
A word of caution - don't be trying to fix things without at least a basic knowledge of how it works. Go to the library and check out a book on simple fix-it instructions for the home. You can even check Home Depot's list of classes - some are simple fix-it classes. If worse comes to worse, you'll have to call a repairman. But that is a whole OTHER story.
From time to time, at the request of some that have emailed me, I'll post little tips on fixing things around the house. It's amazing how your chest swells with pride when you fix a running toilet or unclog a stopped up commode. You can do this - don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.
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