Hi Yoshi
I'll take a pop at answering some of your questions
How essential is a hygrometer and filters and all that,
Hygrometer - Always handy, I like to keep my humidity as low as i can for flowering 30% would be nice. This will help avoid mold (budrot .. botrosis)
The filter will stop the smell leaking and will help keep you safe. I run my outtake and filter 24/7 - It's your call, but if security is an issue, it's pretty essential.
I'm only doing a little grow so I want a basic drying method, above my growing area is a clothes rack thing would hanging by them be okay?
Cut off the big leaves and as many sugar leaves as you like.
Cut the buds into golf ball sized nuggets.
Line the bottom of some brown paper bags with your nuggets. do not overcrowd - just line the bottom.
Fold over the bags (paper clip them closed if you like)
You can put the bags on your rack.
I would use the cab with the lights off - put the bags in there and let your out take fan and carbon filter keep the room stink free.
Check the Humidity on your Hygrometer (here's where it's handy) for a guide on when it will be dry. Rule of thumb is one day for every 10% humidity, plus another day. e.g 40% humidiy = 5 days.
Don't jar them if they are wet. If the stem has a slight "snap" (not a bend) it should be dry enough to jar for a day and then check again. If wet leave out for another day and then re-jar.
Ideally you want to cure your buds at 62% Humidity.
All the best
Blue ^_^