Always try to have a follower, Codsworth is a good starter. Reason being is simple.. you wanna try to go through armor and weapon workbenches and "highlight" all materials you'll need to upgrade shit once you start taking the needed perks (ie armorer perk for armor mods, gun nut perk for gun mods, etc). These materials can be found in the most random shit, and are also used to build up on your chosen home. Fill up your inventory with junk that has components you'll use, and then do the same with your follower. You can command them to pick items up off the floor infinitely, as well. They essentially don't have a weight limit if you do this. If you don't wanna break the game most companions have ~ 200 pounds of carry weight. Once you're swimming in junk, head back home and dump it all in your workbench using the transfer option. Also, take the scavenger perks. This will allow you to dismantle modded weapons and armor you pick up for rare components.