The Practical Single Mothers' Kit

[GenevievePettigrew]

Hello; am about to become a single mother (4yo DD). H is taking his tools with him; I have a set of screwdrivers and he's leaving the lawnmower (although to be honest I'll probably get someone in once a month to do that part of the gardening). Anyway it got me thinking - what should a practical single mother's kit contain? I probably need a hammer, nails, and things like a torch, spare light bulbs etc - but thought I'd see what else people might recommend. Thanks in advance!

Not tool related, but, ahem, you don't want to be caught short of sanitary products when you can't get out the house at night. Not an issue for mooncup users, though, I guess.

A big house to keep all this stuff in!

I second the set of mini screwdrivers, they are brilliant and I use mine all the time - mainly for changing toy batteries but it is pretty annoying not being able to fix dd's toys or put batteries in new ones when she is super excited about playing with them!

Also off the tool topic I would make sure as well as calpol you just have a decently stocked medicine cabinet or wash bag somewhere - ibuprofen/paracetamol, anti septic cream, cough/cold products, plasters (lots!) anti histamines if you need them, any regular medication always topped up etc.

Another non tool one - I got my milk delivered so we always had some for breakfast and I could order other stuff online from the milkman up to 9pm for delivery next morning. Helpful if I ran out of lunchbox stuff.

I pay the extra it costs to have milk delivered to the door so I don't run out. I figure this actually saves me as I'm not dashing into the supermarket or local shops constantly and buying whatever I see there as well as the milk!

I have built up a small army of local tradesmen I trust - this wasn't easy but has been worth the effort. I have a builder, handyman, car mechanic, plumber, painter/decorator and gardener. All know I am a single mum and all do the upmost to keep their costs down for me - I use them again and again, and I recommend them to everyone I know which they always appreciate and which helps keep them happy and their prices low! Asks friends and neighbours for recommendations in the first instance and go from there. Youtube is helpful for small jobs but I personally have no patience and no practical skill whatsoever so have found it easier to pay people to do stuff! Small things you can live with can be saved until you have enough work for several hours for a handyman.

The other thing I have is emergency insurance on the boiler and heating, the electrics and outside water pipes. Although expensive on a monthly basis, it saved me a bill of £1000 when I had a problem with the sewage outlet pipe a couple of years ago so I consider it an investment. If you have a car there are various cheaper equivalents that work in the same way as the AA and are worth the peace of mind, particularly if you have an older car.

And grow yourself a thick skin - the 'innocent' stuff people say to single mums sometimes is incredibly rude!

If you have average sized children, shop in sales and buy a size up for the next year - works with everything other than shoes. I also buy gifts for parties and for Xmas all year round so I never have a huge bill. School uniform can be bought in supermarkets year round as well so that doesn't all come at once. And moneysavingexpert is your friend!

Milk delivered here too. It's such a lifesaver.

Agree with fedup about having to let some comments wash over you. I have a + for the "oooh, I'm so tired DH is away for 3 night" gems from work colleagues.

Are the ikea tools any good? the last time i was there i was a power drill in a little orange case. I wondered if it would be as good as one from a diy shop. anybody know?

i have everything except that, oh and a hammer!

I have an IKEA toolkit. To be honest it has been more than adequate for any of the minor domestic challenges that have arise in our(rented) house.

Don't forget YouTube. I've successfully ungunked my dishwasher after it had 3" of water in the bottom by following a 'how to' guide. I reckon it saved me a call out fee of £75.

Yes,

youtube and if you can a DIY course has saved me literally THOUSANDS.

Thanks solasmum

Thanks everyone; this is a great source for my Christmas list!