r2i forum

Hi all,

Our R2I date is set and we have only 2 months left and a lot of stuff to do. This R2I Forum has been a big help for us. Thanks to the administrators and all the contributing members of this forum.

Job and schools are all finalised. The house is also ready, but the only thing is that - we have to go and set up everything there from scratch. We are not carrying much things from here - just our clothes and kitchen cookware and utensils. We are trying to estimate how much it would cost us to set up all necessary basic things for the house initially. We made a rough list of things and their cost:

Stove Rs.5000
Microwave Rs.7000
Refrigerator Rs.17,500
Geyser(water heater) Rs.5000
Washing machine Rs.15,000
Water purifier Rs.10,000
Sofa set(leather) Rs.50,000
Dining set Rs.15,000
Beds and cot Rs.35,000
TV(LCD) Rs.33,000
A/C Rs.20,000

(1) Are these enough to start a house in India?
(2) Can you please see if we left out anything that are absolutely necessary for initial setup?
(3) Also please correct us wrong if the prices are unrealistic(we got these basically from websearch only - have been out of the country for around 10 yrs)

If this has already been discussed in any previous threads, can you point me to it?

Thank you very much!

There are several things that you don't have in the list and they add up (maybe there is a master list somewhere). These are stuff that you typically get at walmart, target stores in the U.S.

SS dish drainer/rack - 2000
corelle type dinnerware - double the price you pay in the U.S.
gas connection - private ones ask for ~1700 as deposit and 800 for each cylinder refill. Lasts for about 21 days;
Cloth drying rack - 1000 to 2000 Rs.
You may want to go target/walmart online and add things to your cart to get an idea. Those are things that you would need in india as well - from dish washing detergent to scrub, lysol, bucket, etc. if you want to get a more accurate amount. Also note my comments below.

Stove Rs.5000 (may cost 6000+ depending on what u want)
Microwave Rs.7000
Refrigerator Rs.17,500
Geyser(water heater) Rs.5000 (I bought some racold geysers for 6000 a piece. Add 1000 for installation, special hoses if the water line is pressurized. Also ensure the geyser supports pressurized water line. some geysers have copper tank inside which may not be ok )
Washing machine Rs.15,000 (we bought a LG unit for 16000)
Water purifier Rs.10,000
Sofa set(leather) Rs.50,000 (coffe table, end tables?)
shoe rack ?
Dining set Rs.15,000
Beds and cot Rs.35,000 (just one cot? end tables?)
TV(LCD) Rs.33,000 (depends on size & # of TVs)
audio system?
A/C Rs.20,000 (window unit is about 16500. installation will be around 800)
computer ? laptop ?
modem w/ router ~3000
phones ?
cell phone ?
multi-plugs, adapters ~ 1000. most flats/homes don't have enough plug points.
wall clocks, alarm clocks
blender
grinder
toaster

My general advice: Don't plan so much about things to buy in India. If you go to a store like Hypermart, More store (ones in bangalore) and go aisle-by-aisle, you'll buy the things that you need. For estimate, best is to go walmart online and add.

How about the generator or UPS for to have uninterrupted power supply. I think this is a must if you are going to provide A/C to your home. Otherwise at least 4 to 6 hours a day you will have no power and what is the use of having A/C if you do not have alternate power supply during the power outage. I do not know how much it will cost.

good point about the UPS. If flats don't have generator, then you need install UPS (the unit + battery). It could be Rs 20k and up.

The Rs.20-30k inverters typically only run fans, lights, tv, etc but not power guzzlers like a/c, geyser, big fridge. To power those you would need to spend close 1L for inverter and batteries; or maybe get a generator if its your own independent house. A/c back-up may not be necessary if you live in cities with better weather or in areas with good power supply (mumbai, delhi proper, i'm guessing).

Keep 2L in yours savings a/c and should suffice for immidiate expenses.
If you can not going to stay at some relative/friend's house or hotel, you will have to do following first...
- Groceries, Telephone connection, Internet connection, LPG connection, address proof copies, dozens of passport photos ~ 5000.
- Water heater - you can get immersible one ( ~ 500) before you can get the (gas or electic) geyser installed.

Once you are connected ( phone, cell, internet, LPG), rest all are easy.