113 Essential Items Every Home Should Have

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but if you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list and reminders, you’re not alone. Making a list of the essential items you need is an important part of making a successful transition into your new place.

There are some things that everyone thinks of when it comes to home essentials, like pots and pans or a vacuum, but other necessary items and tools can easily be overlooked. Here are some of the most common categories of home essentials to start your list of must-have items to buy before (or immediately after) moving day.

01 of 06
Cleaning Supplies

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Cleaning supplies are a must. Some people like to keep their cleaning supplies in a basket for easy transport, while others prefer to keep room-specific cleaning supplies in a handy spot within each space. Whichever you prefer, these essential items don’t change.
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Toilet brush
- Toilet plunger
- Dish sponge
- Scrub brush
- Cleaning gloves
- Vacuum
- Duster
- Microfiber towels
- Squeegee
- Bucket
- Mop
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Glass cleaner
02 of 06
Kitchen Supplies

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The kitchen is where much of the work happens in a home, and therefore it requires the most tools and items to function smoothly. Let’s look at the key items you need for your kitchen.
- Frying pans with lids, small and large
- Saucepan
- Pots, small and medium
- Stock pan
- Cutting boards
- Knife set
- Kitchen scissors
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Casserole dish
- Cooking spoon
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cutlery
- Glassware
- Mugs
- Kettle
- Can opener
- Corkscrew
- Vegetable peeler
- Cheese grater
- Colander
- Strainer
- Food storage containers
Also included in the kitchen are small appliances that are often used daily. These may or may not be essential items for your household, depending on your preferences and daily routines. These include the following.
- Blender
- Coffee maker
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Air fryer
03 of 06
Laundry Needs

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Besides detergent, having some proper laundry supplies will make cleaning your clothes and removing stains easier and hassle-free.
- Laundry detergent
- Stain remover
- Dryer sheets
- Drying rack for items that require air-drying
- Dryer balls
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Laundry baskets
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04 of 06
Storage and Organization

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Keeping your items organized and stored properly is a good practice for ensuring items stay in good working order and can be found easily. Here are some essential storage and organization items to keep cabinets and closets clean, neat, and efficient.

Kitchen
- Cupboard organizers
- Silverware trays
- Spice rack
- Basket or container for cooking utensils
Bathroom
- Caddy for bathroom cleaning supplies
- Toothbrush holder
- Small baskets for miscellaneous bathroom items, such as lotions, creams, brushes, and hair accessories
- Toilet plunger and brush holder
- Basket or holder for extra toilet paper rolls
Closets
- Hangers
- Hamper
- Baskets for small items such as socks
- Shelves
- Drawer organizers
Another key item to keeping your home clutter-free is the waste basket. Whether it is a small basket for bedrooms or bathrooms or a large container for the kitchen, be sure to include a trash can in every room that sees daily traffic. This will ensure that every space stays orderly, and you won’t have to make your way across the entire house to throw out a tissue.
Continue to 5 of 6 below.
05 of 06
Hardware and Tools

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It’s inevitable that every home will need hardware and other tools to complete a planned project or fill an emergency need. By having the right tools on hand, you can more easily complete small repair jobs and home maintenance tasks.
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Drill
- Nails
- Screws
- Nuts and bolts
- Hammer
- Allen wrench
- Crescent wrench
- Pliers
- Tape measure
- Level
- Scissors
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Clear tape
- Rubber bands
- Super glue
- Tarps
- Bungee cords
- Extension cords
06 of 06
Emergency and Safety

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Having emergency and safety supplies on hand is a must for any safe home. Keeping these things ready and organized will help alleviate the stress of unexpected small injuries and make any inconveniences, like power outages, less of a hassle.
- First-aid kit
- Band-aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze
- Butterfly closures
- Cloth tape
- Finger splint
- Tweezers
- Flashlights
- Emergency candles
- Bottled water
- Canned food
- Batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Smoke alarms
- Matches
- Hand-crank or solar-powered phone charger
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Remembering all these key items can be tricky, especially in the midst of moving into a new home. Reference this handy list of essential items as you create a list of what to buy online or during your next trip to the store. Remember that not every household has the same needs. Use the basic categories in this list as a springboard to complete your home shopping list. Whether you are making a list before moving in or are stocking your place with these items after the fact, having the key essentials on hand will make everyday life and household chores much easier.

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