Whether you’re just starting out and filling your first home or looking to round out the missing pieces of a household you’ve lived in for years, this handy list can help give you a rundown of some must-have items for every room.
Kitchen
- High-quality knives and a sharpener for even, precise slicing and dicing
- A collection (although not necessarily a matched set) of pots and pans in varying sizes with lids
- Wooden spoons and plastic spatulas and scrapers that allow you to prep meals without damaging pots and pans
- Sturdy mixing bowls that will stand up to heavy blending and beating
- A hand or stand mixer with variable speed settings
- Baking essentials, including heavy cookie sheets, cake pans, and muffin tins
- Measuring cups and spoons (consider adding an extra set if you cook often so there’s always some clean and ready)
- At least a couple of cutting boards so you can prepare potential contaminants, like raw chicken, separate from other ingredients
- Thick mitts for handling dishes fresh out of the oven and trivets to prevent hot items from damaging counters and other surfaces
- Complete place settings (plates, glasses, and silverware) for as many as 12 guests
Living Area
- Comfortable seating for every member of the household
- Occasional seating such as benches or ottomans that can serve dual duty for visitors
- Side tables and a coffee table to keep drinks, magazines, and other necessities within reach n Soft, cozy touches such as rugs, pillows and throw blankets
- Artwork and other decors that can add character and personality
- Lamps that create a more inviting ambiance than stark overhead lighting (adding a dimmer switch can give you ultimate ambiance control)
- Entertainment features, such as a television or music system
- Window coverings to block harsh daylight sun and give added privacy at night
Office
- A comfortable chair with adequate lumbar support
- One or more at, sturdy work surfaces
- Supply of pens and pencils in varying weights and colors
- Standard supplies, including a stapler, paper clips, ruler, etc.
- Printer, paper, and extra ink, so you don’t get caught mid-project with no way to finish
- Quality task lighting
Guest Room
- At least two sets of linens to accommodate beds, plus extra for inflatable mattresses or sleeper sofas for guests
- Blankets in a variety of seasonal weights so guests can layer up or down to their comfort level n A complete set of towels and washcloths per guest
- Toiletry essentials that are easily forgotten, like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and conditioner
- Remedies for current maladies, such as headaches and allergies
- A supply of extra hangers
- Reading material, such as a couple of classic novels or current magazines
Laundry Room
- A drying rack for air-dry-only garments
- Baby powder to help lift greasy stains (just sprinkle, let sit to absorb then apply stain remover before washing)
- Stain Remover
- An iron and ironing board
- Hangers for items fresh out of the dryer and a rack or rod to hold them
- A secure shelf or basket to safely hold detergent, other laundry essentials, and items that do not fit in the pantry
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