Essential items every house needs

As you move into a home, whether it’s your first apartment or a new house, there are items that you will need. Housewares are a very large category and you might feel overwhelmed while shopping. Here is the big question: What do you actually need? At the most basic level, you really need the absolute essentials to live well. Most of these will be in your kitchen because food is an important part of home life. The rest of your home requires just a few items to keep it clean, so how about exploring the housewares every home should have.

VACUUM CLEANERS

Floors get dirty; it’s a proven fact. The more people come in, the faster the house becomes dirty. They get dirtier faster when there are more people living in your home. Of all the appliances you could buy for your home, a vacuum cleaner is essential. Besides, it has to cover your needs. If you’re single, a small, inexpensive model may do the trick. With kids and pets, you’ll want to invest in one that can stand up to regular use. A good vacuum cleaner is an investment, and it should be able to last many years. No carpet? No problem. If your home is hardwood or linoleum throughout, you can skip the vacuum and opt for a more manual solution. A broom, dustpan and mop are the most basic solutions to make the chore a little easier. It is amazing how a clean floor can make your home more comfortable, so make this a priority.

BASIC KITCHEN UTENSILS

Most of your household needs will come from the kitchen. This is often the most active room in a house and you want to start off with the basic supplies you need to cook food. If you have what you need to cook, then you’re less likely to eat out, which is one of the fastest ways to spend money. Start your kitchen off right by purchasing the basic utensils. You can either buy an affordable set with the essentials or choose only those you know you’ll actually need. Items like a large spoon, spatulas and turners, a can opener, vegetable peeler and cheese grater are a good place to begin. Also, consider a set of measuring spoons and cups. No kitchen should be without a good pair of scissors either.

THE BASIC POTS, PANS AND BAKEWARE

Your kitchen will also need pots and pans in order to cook your food. Again, you can often save money by purchasing a set of the essentials or go with exactly what you need. A mixing bowl and an electric mixer are also very handy. Even if you don’t bake, you can use these for making things like mashed potatoes.

DINNERWARE AND GLASSWARE

Dinnerware, silverware and glassware are all essential to any home, no matter how much cooking you do. Your first set of plates, bowls and silverware does not have to be the absolute best or last you forever. There are many choices at many different prices, so choose a set that you like and that fits into your budget.

LAUNDRY UTENSILS

Everyone wears clothes and those clean clothes become dirty clothes. Laundry is an essential part of the home. Add a laundry basket and hamper to your list of household essentials along with detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets.

Adapted from The Spruce website