It's impossible to capture all the things you have to get used to during your daily living, but I've tried to highlight the main differences in living. Some things just aren't the same and there's not much you can do about it. So, to better prepare your stuff, here is a list of things that are just simply different... I'll elaborate of a few if I see it as necessary, but otherwise, please do not hesitate to ask questions.

• Throw one-stop shopping out the window. Normally between your local exchange and your commissary you'll be able to accomplish everything, but there are no Wal-Marts or anything remotely close to it. 24/7 service is not common.
• When you're out shopping, carry some change with you. You'll need it if you intend to use the restrooms. Prices vary from 30 cents to 50 cents. An added benefit is that usually the restrooms are very clean.
• Everything is different about your own bathroom. Faucets aren't where they "traditionally" belong at the head of the bathtub. They may be located on one or or the other or anywhere in between. Every bathtub I've seen has a removable showerhead attached to the faucet (some would consider a luxury), but this is merely to save on plumbing to install a "real" shower. Practical.
• Sinks are smaller and some even have just cold water for washing hands. Full bathrooms have both hot and cold water. I'm sure you'll have at least one bathroom that has both hot and cold running water.
• All major appliances are smaller. If you're lucky, you have a military provider near you that can issue you American-sized appliance. I think you'll find that they'll operate a bit quirky, but you'll make do. It has everything to do with the power differences (which I don't understand because washer/dryers operated on 220V in the States?!)
• Furnace heating is typical. Some places may have gas, but still, don't get used to the idea of "central heat and air." Most of central/northern Europe doesn't even have air conditioners installed in homes. This is common.
• Most homes don't have good ventilation. You might want to start hunting for a couple of air purifiers/humidifiers and fans. This will be commodities during the spring and summer months anyhow. They are usually quite pricey as well, so if you can get them second-hand, good on ya!
• Extremely hard water is common. If you live on the economy, you may want to consider asking your landlord to have a water softener installed. The "wave method" versus the "salt method" of softening is better, yet more expensive, but better. If you have no method of softening water, be prepared to have spotted dishes with calcium. This can cause problems for valuables, etc.
• Expect little to no carpeting. Area rugs are the way to go to fix this, so invest now.
• Vacuuming is a challenge of its own. I highly recommend you find your favorite vacuum in the US and bring it with you. Connect it to a transformer and use it in the states. Like I said before, carpet is not popular here, so vacuums are not at the top of the sales charts. Most vacuums are canister style and do not typically include a "roller brush" style carpet piece, just an over-glorified stair cleaner (if that makes any sense).
• If you have a favorite style broom, bring it with you (or even two or three). Most brooms sold here are what I consider to be "shop brooms." The typical American straw broom is not common at all.
• Cooking will be different altogether. You will have to change from Fahrenheit to Celsius in order to use the oven for temperatures. I found an easy-to-use website that converts these temperatures for you here. Bookmark it, you will use it time and time again.
• You might want to invest in a small thermometer. The thermostats in the houses are in Celsius. Makes it easier to understand and regulate temperatures if you ask me.
• Space in homes is limited. Most of the time, there are no closets and you must have wardrobes to store your clothes. So if there are any space-saving techniques that you prefer, find them and use them. Most homes will have either an attic or a basement that you can store some things, but be prepared to live without closets. A few things you might want: a trunk, extra boxes (you'll have plenty of these), coat rack.
• Recycling is important here. You can be fined if you do not recycle, so get into the habit. Most divide true garbage, paper products, metal recyclables, and plastics. Often times there are different color bags for each product that you place outside your home on "trash day."
• If you are bringing your vehicle, get educated on how to perform routine maintenance on it (change oil, etc.). Invest in some fuel filters for your vehicle as they may be hard to get or take time to get for ordering. Pretty much all oils are available.
• Europe is getting away from paper checks and going to 100% debit cards--just something to keep in mind. It may be wise (particularly if you live on the economy) to open a local bank account. You'll find out more on this as you get acquainted with your area. Automatic draft on bills is very popular and convenient.

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