If you’re planning to work abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker ( OFW), it’s important to know what items you will need once you get there, let’s face it most cities abroad if you’re still a newbie in the country, you’ll be starting from scratch, bedspace is the way to go whether, in Hong Kong or Dubai.
Some doesn’t have the privilege of living with their relatives in a comfortable home while others have to live temporarily in a bed space until they land on their feet. To get you started and to set your expectations, here’s a roundup of bed space essentials you will need! Depending on the owner or landlord/ landlady, some bed spaces provide other items for their renters, but it would be better to be equipped than sorry!
Other OFWs seem okay with staying in a space for a long time since they plan to move to another place or are saving money. Just because it’s bed space doesn’t mean you can’t make it homey or comfortable. We have a few tips and tricks you can use in this article! Read on to find out more.
1. Mini fan
Most bed spaces, if not located in towers or air-conditioned flats that, are divided into bed spaces or partitions. However, since bed spaces can be cramped and you will need privacy with curtains or doors, air ventilation wouldn’t be sufficient! You’ll need a mini fan that hangs on your bunk bed. It’ll give you enough air if the coolness of the aircon is not getting to you. You can have a cordless or cord mini fan near you to help you keep your cool when sleeping.
2. Electrical sockets/ extensions
You’ll need lots of electrical socket cords, preferably the multi-function socket extension since you will need it in your space, whether for your lamp, mini electric fan, or when you’re charging your gadgets! Just make sure the electrical sockets you’re using are heavy-duty and high quality since you don’t want to put yourself or the whole flat or bedspace renters in danger. You’ll also need multiple adapters and not just extensions! It would be best to ask your landlord or landlady to keep your electrical sockets hanging or ask them if the cords they will provide you are in good shape.
3. Hanging shelves
Hanging shelves are Godsend since bed spaces are often cramped spaces, you need to utilize your area, and the last thing you’ll need is to have your things all in your bed. Hanging shelves will help you stay organized and keep your bed tidy. You will need at least 5 of them depending on the amount of things you have. You will need hanging shelves for your cosmetics, trinkets, keys, and more! It’s a long-term investment even if you no longer live in a bedspace.
4. Mattress
It would be best to have your own mattress if you will be living in a bedspace, other landlords or landlady provides mattress, it can be new or old mostly from the previous owner. For hygienic purposes, buying a brand-new mattress would be much better for you! If you’re new to the city, you can ask your landlord to buy one instead.
However, if you can’t afford one just yet since you’re on a tight budget, which is understandable, make sure to disinfect the mattress thoroughly and use a bed sheet with a garter to keep it secure since you never know what bodily fluids or if there’s bed bugs in there!
5. Mini lamp
There are bed spaces that already have built-in lights, if not bedspaces; it’s a capsule-type or loft-type kind. However, if you rent a traditional type of bed space, you’ll need a mini lamp. The usual lamp that most OFW’s use for their bedspace is the lamp that has a cord and it’s hanging on the side of their bed post. However, you can be creative; there’s fairy lights that can make your bed seem cozy and lovely! Again, just make sure any electrical or gadgets you’re using if you’re in a space setup are high quality to avoid any casualty!
6. Extra bedsheets, pillows or pillowcases
It would be best to bring or pack extra bedsheets, pillows or pillowcases in your luggage if you’re moving abroad to work since it will help you save money. Since you will need it, you’ll be fortunate enough if you’re landlord provide one for you. Of course, you might have a favorite pillow that will remind you of home and it’ll be your comfort during your transition in living abroad!
7. Portable laptop table or small table
If you’re a freelancer or someone who is well-versed in working remote or works online, having a portable laptop table will make your job search or remote job easier! It’s also versatile since it can be your mini table. But if you have a small table with you for other purposes like eating or watching a movie in your laptop it would also be great must-have!
8. Small bedside table
Other landlords or landlady provides small bedside table where you can place your things like book, lamp or medicines. Having a small bedside table is another great way to maximize your space in your bed and also make it more comfortable for you!
9. Extra curtains
Most bedspaces already have curtains attached for privacy, however sometimes the curtains can be thin or low-quality and it’s easier for people to see what you’re doing inside whether you’re changing clothes or sleeping. It would be best to pack thick and high-quality curtains or cloth in your luggage so that you can place them on top of the makeshift cover of your bed space. It’s a great way to keep yourself warm if the aircondition level is too high and you’re easily cold!
10. Shoe rack
There are landlords/ladies who prefer most tenants to place their shoes by the entrance door to keep bacteria or germs out of the room. However, other landlords/landladies don’t mind if you place your shoes or slippers within your space, as long as it’s in a shoe rack. Having a shoe rack will help you stay organized and neat, and it would be best to place it not too near your bed, especially if it has dirt on it. There are shoe racks that have covers, or shoe storage would be a better option, too! Just ask your landlord about the rules and policies before moving in to avoid any misunderstanding!
11. Hangers
Another bed space essentials you will need is hangers, lots of them, since you’ll mostly hang your clothes or uniform for work nearby your bed, you’ll also have to hang other things like belt, underwear and more. There’s no limit on how many hangers you will need but if you will be doing laundry, having hangers to hang your newly cleaned clothes would be easier for you!Since most tenants have their own things and you can’t borrow from them!
12. Headphones or earphones
As an OFW you will be chatting more with your loved ones back home, it would be best to have headphones or earphones with you if you’re living in a bed space. To avoid other tenants from being disturbed and other important conversations be heard by others. Of course, you’ll also need it if you’re watching movies or listening to music from your phone or laptop!
13. Drawer with lock and key
It would be best if you have a storage with a lock and key since it’s a safe place for you to store important things like a passport, travel documents, ATM or debit card, cash, etc. There are some cases in bed spaces where other tenants will look at your bed without your permission if you’re gone, and there are some cases where stealing is rampant. Therefore, it would be wise to have a drawer with a lock and key that is built-in within your bed or hidden somewhere near you to avoid any mishaps like this. If you’re a newbie in the country, you should not trust anyone easily.
14. Broom and dustpan
You will need a broom or dustpan if you’re in a bed space since it’ll help you clean your area, sometimes there will be cases if you’re on a bunk bed, other tenants wouldn’t bother to clean. Of course, you must tell your landlord/ landlady if it’s a frequent habit. However having your own broom and dustpan will help you clean immediately before moving in! You can buy a small one which is portable and easy to use!
15. Trash bags or garbage bags
Having trash bags or garbage bags near your bed since if you have candy wrappers, long-time receipts or unnecessary papers lying around your bed, you can easily throw it away, especially if you cleaned your bed or sweep your area.
16. Toiletries basket
This is a must-have since it’s not a good idea for you to leave your toiletries like shampoo or soap in the bathroom where multiple people are using since there’s a high chance they will use yours and it’ll be unfair for you! Buy your own toiletries basket and always keep in within your bed space after using, it’s not only cost effective but hygienic!
