I really can't stress how important it is to do number 4. People are soooo trusting and treat hostel rooms like their bedroom and scatter their stuff everywhere (and then have to noisily pack it up at 5 in the morning when I'm trying to sleep... but I digress).
I could've got rich on the easy pickings I've seen at hostels over the years - laptops, mp3 players, cameras, moneybelts. Lock it away people!!
Great analysis and post Mark. I would never buy Ikea with the thought of a heirloom product in mind but as someone who had to furnish a house a couple of years ago with little money, Ikea were by far the cheapest and best option - believe me I looked!
My husband and I never go to Ikea together anymore. We have never been without both of us having an argument. Our best was an argument as we walked through the turnstiles.
Though I really can't leave that place without having a plate of meatballs ;-)