Whether you're setting up a home for the first time or you're replacing lost items, this checklist of house essentials can help ensure you're covered for the basics. It can also come in handy when you need ideas for wedding, anniversary, and shower gifts.
Major Appliances
Some major appliances may already be in place in your home, especially if you're renting. New homes usually have no appliances other than heating/cooling equipment and a hot water heater.
Refrigerator with freezer
Range or cooktop and oven
Microwave oven
Freezer, chest or upright (optional)
Dishwasher (optional)
Clothes washer and dryer
Countertop Appliances & Accessories
Most countertop appliances have "manual," or non-electric counterparts. For example, you can opt for a stovetop coffee maker instead of a standard plug-in drip coffee machine.
Toaster or toaster oven
Mixer (handheld or stand)
Blender (standard or stick)
Coffeemaker
Electric kettle
Cooking Implements
Active home cooks tend to acquire specific and specialty cooking tools over time, based on the type of cooking they do. But a basic set of implements will suffice for most recipes and dishes.
6-, 8-, and 12-inch frying pans
1-, 2-, and 4-quart saucepans with lids
Dutch oven or large pot with lid
Stockpot (optional)
Steamer pot or steamer basket
Casserole dish
Roasting Pan
Bakeware
Baking tends to be more precise than everyday cooking, so it helps to have the most standard tools, such as a classic 9-inch pie pan, to follow baking recipes without having to make modifications.
Heavy baking sheets
Cookie sheets
9-inch pie pan
Rectangular bakers or baking dishes
Rolling pin
Metal cooling racks
Ramekins or custard cups
Kitchen Utensils & Tools
A well-equipped kitchen feels more like a home kitchen and less like a rental property. Think about the items you most often reach for as well as some cook's favorites that you may not have tried, like a spider strainer.
Large- and medium-size mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Canister set (for storing grains, flour, and other dry staples)
Kitchen tool holder
Spice rack or holder
Colander or set of strainers
Silicone spatulas
Metal spatula or flipper
Wooden spoons
Spider skimmer
Can opener
Wisk
Kitchen scissors
Cheese and vegetable grater
Plastic and/or metal serving and cooking utensils, such as large slotted and regular spoons, soup ladle, potato masher, large meat fork, and stirring paddles
Knife set, including paring, chef, and serrated knives
Steak knives
Cutting boards
Vegetable cleaning brush
Potholders, hot pads, and oven mitts
Dishcloths and tea towels
Trivets
Tableware & Serving
Dishes and silverware go quickly whether you're cooking a family meal or hosting a dinner party. It's best to have extra settings for the most common items.
Flatware settings (dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, knife) for eight to 12 people
Everyday dish setting (dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl) for six, or as needed
Fruit or dessert dishes
Glassware assortment, including 4-, 6-, and 8-ounce glasses
Small bowls, such as cereal bowls, if not included in dish set
Coffee mugs and teacups
Salt and pepper set
Cream and sugar bowl
Napkin holder
Set of serving bowls
Teapot (if you don't have an electric kettle)
Serving platter
Floor Care & Cleaning Items
There are an endless array cleaning supplies you can buy, but a basic collection will get you through most everyday chores. Even professional house cleaners rely on relatively few supplies.
Vacuum cleaner
Broom and dustpan
Floor mop, scrub pail, scrub brush, and cleaning rags
Long bottlebrush
Scouring or pot cleaning pads, or brushes
Dust Rag
Microfiber cleaning cloths (optional)
Linens & Towels
As with dishes, having more sets of towels and bed linens means you won't have to wash items in a hurry because you've run out. It's also nice to have plenty of good linens for house guests.