Pimp my bachelor pad: Central America

I've never been a bachelor. I moved straight out of my folks' house at 21 and into the house with my wife. Zero time as a bachelor.

Well, that changes the first week of May when I arrive at Soto Cano Airbase, Honduras, for a one-year tour.

After years in the Army, I travel pretty well. That is to say, I pack well for week- and month-long trips. But I've never had to plan for a trip where I'm expected to stock a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. Basically, I'll have a 600-square foot efficiency apartment, and I need help with ideas of what to take.

I've got the basics -- pots, pans, dishes, TV -- figured out. But I've never done it, and, well, it'd be nice and quite possibly hilarious to hear what you guys think I need. I've been checking out the bachelor websites, but they seem more interested in bagging chicks than making a functional bachelor pad. While I'm not looking to bag the girl down the street while there, I certainly don't want to live like a college kid.

Whatcha got?

 

Small place, so keep everything simple and spare.
Stuff can pile up fast and overwhelm a small living space.

 

Start with a good bed and work from there. A work space. Maybe a coffee table and comfortable chair/couch.A coffee table A microwave. You need very little.

 

It comes with a bed, small oven, couch and recliner. I think I'm going to take my new recliner. Didn't think about the microwave.

 

Since it's Honduras ... window unit air conditioner and/or box fans?

 

AC and a ceiling fan are provided.

 

OK, then utensils, at least two skillets (one small and one 12-inch), at least two pots, a basic kitchen knife set, a few plates and cups (in case you invite some buddies over).

 

Sheets, pillowcases, a blanket and some towels.

 

I had planned on taking a non-stick egg and my cast iron skillet. The guy I'm replacing said he's leaving his cups and plates, etc.

I think a few utensils -- spatula, whisk and mixing bowl -- and a 3-piece (maybe five) knife set and a cutting board are musts.

 

To that, I added bathroom rugs, a new shower curtain and a couple of kitchen towels and dish cloths.

 

Some kind of outdoor grill might be worthwhile.

 

If you take all these suggestions, you're not going to have room for the disco ball.