A Guide to Outfit Your Home

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 than can serve dual duty for visitors
• Side tables and a coffee table to keep drinks, magazines and other necessities within reach
• Soft, cozy touches such as rugs, pillows and throw blankets
• Artwork and other decor 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 home theater music system
• Window coverings to block harsh daylight sun and give added privacy at night

Office

• A comfortable office chair with adequate lumbar support
• One or more flat, sturdy work surfaces
• Supply of pens and pencils in varying weights and colors
• Standard supplies, including 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
• 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

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
eLivingToday.com