List of Basic Needs for Starting a Home

The Kitchen

• As the old saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of many homes, where most needs revolve around food preparation. Such a list contains saucepans and skillets, along with stirring spoons and spatulas. Basic bakeware includes cookie sheets; square, round and rectangular pans; pie plates; different-sized mixing bowls; a hand or stand mixer; measuring cups and spoons; and mixing spoons. Basic dinnerware includes serving bowls and platters, plates, mugs, glasses, dessert and salad bowls, salt and pepper shakers, flatware and serving utensils. The average kitchen provides a place to eat the food, usually in the form of a table and chairs, as well as storage space for kitchenware and foods, including a refrigerator for perishables. Kitchen linens include dishcloths and towels, place mats and tablecloths. Plastic, metal or glass storage containers are also necessary for storing dry foods and leftovers. Other useful items include a microwave oven, toaster or toaster oven, coffee maker, blender, can opener, scissors, teakettle, a strainer or colander, cutting board and knives, potholders or oven mitts, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, food or freezer storage bags, paper towels and dispenser, and a wastebasket with liners.

Living Room, Bedroom and Bathroom

• Basic living room needs include a sofa and chairs, end tables, coffee table, lamps, a TV set, stereo, VCR or DVD player and a stand. Bedroom furnishings include a bed, pillows, nightstand with lamp, dresser, mirror, small rugs and an alarm clock. Bed linens include a mattress pad, sheets, pillowcases, blankets and a quilt or bedspread. A child or young person's bedroom may include a desk and chair, a bookcase and TV. Bathroom needs include a shower curtain and bathmat, bath towels, hand towels and face cloths, toothbrush holder, cup, soap dish, toilet paper and clothes hamper. Stock your medicine cabinet with first aid items, including bandages, aspirin, antibacterial ointment, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, cotton balls and swabs, toothpaste and dental floss.

Laundry and Cleaning Supplies

• Stock cleaning-supply shelves with toilet cleanser, bathroom cleaner, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, wood clearner, floor cleaner, laundry detergent, bleach and dryer sheets or fabric softener. Cleaning equipment should include a toilet brush, rubber gloves, dust mop, wet mop, bucket, sponges, scrub brushes, broom, vacuum cleaner with spare bags, and a toilet plunger. Other items include an iron and ironing board, sewing kit, clothes hangers and a clothes basket.

Miscellaneous Items

• Purchase curtains, drapes, blinds or shades for windows, as well as light bulbs for lamps and ceiling fixtures. Keep flashlights, fresh batteries and candles on hand, as well as a basic tool kit containing plain and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench and a hammer. Extension cords, fire extinguishers and a step stool are also important, and be sure your home is furnished with working smoke detectors in or near the kitchen and bedrooms. Depending on your situation, you may also need outdoor garbage cans and a snow shovel.