The quick answer: 10 common household items
If you want a short answer to “what are 10 common household items?”, these appear on nearly every essentials list:
- A bed with bedding and pillows
- Towels
- Basic cookware and a few plates, bowls and utensils
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Cleaning supplies, including a broom and mop or vacuum
- Trash cans and trash bags
- Light bulbs and lamps
- A smoke alarm and a first aid kit
- Basic tools such as a screwdriver, hammer and tape measure
- Toilet paper and basic toiletries
Longer retail lists, some running to 200 items or more, go much further. Use them as prompts, not as a shopping order. The sections below break things down by room.
Kitchen
The kitchen is usually the longest section because there are so many small items. Start with what you cook with most weeks, and see kitchen cupboard must haves for how to organize it once it is unpacked.
- Cooking: a frying pan, a saucepan, a larger pot, a baking tray, a spatula, a wooden spoon and a ladle.
- Prep: a chef’s knife, a cutting board, a peeler, a can opener, measuring cups and spoons, and a mixing bowl.
- Eating: plates, bowls, glasses or mugs, and cutlery for each person plus a few extras.
- Appliances: a kettle or coffee maker, a toaster and a microwave if the kitchen does not have one. Appliances like these are optional, so buy them based on how you eat.
- Storage and cleanup: food storage containers, dish soap, a sponge or brush, a dish rack, dish towels and a trash can.
Bathroom
- Shower curtain and rings, if there is no glass door
- Bath mat and towels
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Small trash can
- Toilet paper holder, if missing
- Toiletries and a basic first aid kit
A bit of storage helps, such as a shelf, caddy or small bins. Wait until you have seen how much you have before buying.
Bedroom
- Bed frame and mattress
- Sheets, a mattress protector, pillows and a blanket
- Curtains or blinds for privacy and light control
- A lamp or bedside light
- A hamper or laundry basket
- Hangers
If your closet is small, a rail or shelving can help. See studio vs 1 bedroom apartment for how storage differs between layouts.
Living areas and entryway
- Somewhere to sit, and a surface for drinks or a laptop
- Lighting that does not rely only on a ceiling fixture
- A doormat, hooks, a tray for keys and a shoe mat or rack at the entry
- Power strips and extension cords
The entryway is easy to overlook, but a simple landing zone for keys, bags and shoes can prevent a lot of clutter.
Laundry and cleaning
- Detergent, a laundry basket and a drying rack or clothesline
- A broom and dustpan, a mop and a vacuum suited to your floors
- All-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner and cloths
- Sponges, rubber gloves and trash bags
- An iron and ironing board, if you wear clothes that need them
Tools and safety
A small toolkit goes a long way: a screwdriver set, hammer, tape measure, pliers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, a level and a flashlight. Add picture hooks or wall anchors for hanging things.
For safety, make sure there are working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where recommended in your area, a first aid kit, and, if your home has one, a fire extinguisher kept somewhere accessible. Building rules and recommendations vary, so check local guidance.
What can wait
The first few weeks do not require everything. These are usually safe to put off:
- Decor, art, throw pillows and rugs
- Specialty gadgets such as air fryers, stand mixers or pasta makers
- Extra furniture for rooms you are not using yet
- Storage bins and organizers
You will learn faster by living in the space. A short “wish list” that you add to over time is more useful than a big purchase on day one, and there are many ways to furnish a home for cheap over time. For a ranked timeline, see must haves when moving into a new home.
Avoid buying duplicates
Before shopping, do an inventory of what you already own. It is common to buy a second can opener, set of towels or toolkit because the first one is still in a box. Unpack the kitchen and bathroom first, as described in our tips for unpacking after a move, and then fill gaps. Measure your space before buying larger items.
If you are furnishing a small rental, see tips for moving into your first apartment for budgeting and day-one tips.
FAQ
What are things every home needs? A place to sleep, cook, wash and store belongings, plus basic cleaning supplies, lighting and safety items.
What essentials do you need in a house? Beds and bedding, kitchen basics, towels, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, a toolkit and safety devices. Everything else depends on how you live.
How should I decide what to buy first? Start with items you will use on the first night and week, then add based on actual gaps.