At the most basic level, you really only need the absolute essentials to live well. Most of these will be in your kitchen for food preparation. The rest of your home requires just a few items to keep it clean and well-organized. You can always add more items as needed, but for now, explore the bare minimum of housewares every home should have. It is important that you buy a vacuum based on your needs. If you are single, a small, inexpensive model may do the trick. With kids and pets, you should purchase one that can stand up to regular use. A good vacuum is an investment and one that should be able to last many years. No carpet? No problem. If your home is hardwood or linoleum throughout, you can skip the vacuum and opt for a more manual solution. A broom, dustpan, and mop are the most basic solutions, though a good wet-dry sweeper may make the chore a little easier. It is amazing how a clean floor can make your home more comfortable, so make this a priority. You may spend a little more money upfront to stock your kitchen, but it will pay off in the end. If you have what you need to cook, then you are less likely to eat out which is one of the fastest ways to spend money. Start your kitchen off right by purchasing the basic utensils. You can either buy an affordable set with the essentials or choose only those you know you will actually need and add more as you go. Items like a large spoon, spatulas and turners, a can opener, vegetable peeler, and cheese grater are a good place to begin. Consider a set of measuring spoons and cups. No kitchen should be without a good pair of scissors, either. Investing in a good set of quality knives is a wise idea and they often last for many years. A cutting board will also save you a lot of hassle and protect your countertops and cookware from damage. There are many materials to choose from, but the most important decision will be the size. Buy a cutting board that you will actually use and is not too big for your kitchen. At a bare minimum, a kitchen should have both a 12-inch and a 6-inch skillet as well as a 2-quart saucepan. Lids are always helpful, so look for pans that include those. A stockpot may also come in handy at times, but it is not necessary. A casserole dish that can also double as a cake pan is another necessity. A mixing bowl and an electric mixer are also very handy. Even if you do not bake, you can use these for making things like mashed potatoes. Look for non-stick bakeware and pans and learn how to care for them to prolong their life. Just be sure that your utensils are non-stick friendly as well. Your first set of plates, bowls, and silverware does not have to be the absolute best or last you forever. There are many choices at many different prices, so choose a set that you like and that fits into your budget. For the glassware, a basic set of drinking glasses is a good start. These can hold all of your favorite beverages from milk to soda to beer. Add a few coffee mugs to your cupboard so you can enjoy a warm beverage. Among the top choices are a coffee maker, a toaster, and a microwave. Keep in mind the amount of counter space you have available and choose models that are appropriate for how much you use them. If you do not need any of these, skip them. You might also consider a blender or food processor which can be useful for making smoothies and pureeing food. In the kitchen, use storage containers for leftover food so you can avoid waste. A few basic organizers will keep your drawers and cupboards neat and tidy so you are not constantly digging for what you need. It is easy to let your closets get out of hand. Get ahead of the problem with a good set of hangers and add shelves or carefully chosen storage organizers to your closets. Add a laundry basket and hamper to your list of household essentials along with detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. If your clothes need regular ironing, an ironing board and iron will be essential as well. If your wardrobe is mostly casual, you might be able to get away without the ironing board, but an iron can come in handy. You can always use a towel-covered table as a makeshift board.
