Having the right essentials in your home can significantly enhance your day-to-day comfort and preparedness. Even just having handy kitchen utensils, basic DIY tools, or more important items like a first aid kit can ensure that you’re always ready for whatever comes your way. To help you stay equipped, here are 18 must-have items that should always be on hand in your home.
Storage and Organizational Items
Having storage items in your home is essential for reducing clutter and sometimes this doesn’t have to cost you a penny. This is supported by Country Living Magazine, which writes, “If you have a collection of vintage items, like tins or baskets, this is a great way to put them to work and on display.”
Home Office Essentials
If you work from home, then having a comfortable home office will make all the difference. This may include a chair that can support your back and a large desk. You may also want to think about organizational elements such as filing cabinets or bookshelves.
Tool Kit
Owning a tool kit is essential for things such as building furniture or performing maintenance around the house. It’s something that’s easy to purchase, and Quicken Loans writes, “You can buy a tool kit with essential tools for homeowners like a hammer, screwdrivers, measuring tape, and pliers.”
Kitchen Equipment
It’s important that your kitchen is always stocked with basics such as dishcloths, sponges, and drying racks. This will keep your kitchen clean and hygienic, which is especially important in areas of food preparation. Other essentials you may want to think about include a skillet, measuring cups, and a good set of cutlery.
Cleaning Supplies
A comprehensive set of cleaning supplies should include surface cleaners, mops, brooms, and dustpans. You may need different cleaners for different surfaces, such as microfiber cloths and sponges. If you want to help the environment, then you can also choose eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
First Aid Kit
One item that is considered essential is a first aid kit. You may want to include a variety of supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescribed medicines. Ensure you always keep track of what’s in your first aid kit, especially if you have any medicines that can go out of date.
Bedding Essentials
If you want a comfortable night’s sleep, then it’s important that you have high-quality sheets, pillows, and pillowcases. You may want to consider the material and thread count of your bedding, as this is what will provide both comfort and durability. If you live somewhere cold, then always make sure you have extra blankets and quilts on hand.
Security Cameras
Security cameras monitor your home’s interior and exterior for added security. Along with burglaries, they can also protect against other emergencies in your home. For example, Safewise writes, “Think beyond burglaries: the best home security systems can also protect your home from fire and water damage.”
Window Coverings
Having curtains, blinds, or shades in your home ensures privacy and can control the light entering your home. You may want to consider thermal blinds to make your home more energy efficient. You can opt for drapes for a more formal look or blackout options for bedrooms.
Light Bulbs and Batteries
Light bulbs and batteries are other household essentials that are important to have in your home. If you stock up on these, then you’ll always have one available when you need it. To be more energy efficient, try using LED bulbs and having a variety of batteries ready for things such as smoke alarms and remotes.
Cookware and Bakeware
Investing in a durable set of pots and pans is essential for your kitchen. Make sure the set includes a large saucepan and a cast-iron Dutch oven, as these will no doubt be what you’ll use the most when cooking. Other baking essentials include sheet pans, mixing bowls, and measuring tools.
Immersion Blender
This household item is essential when it comes to blending, chopping, and puréeing food. You can use an immersion blender for soups, smoothies, and sauces, allowing you to create some delicious recipes. They’re also easy to clean and are a convenient alternative to bulky blenders.
Stainless Steel Sieve
A stainless steel sieve is something that should last you a while. It’s an item that would be used almost every day for tasks such as draining pasta or washing salads and vegetables. You can purchase an expandable over-the-sink sieve that can save space and is easy to use.
Baby Proofing Supplies
If you have young children, then you want to ensure your home stays safe for them. Essential items for this may include safety locks, outlet covers, and furniture anchors to prevent tipping. Other essential items are baby gates on stairs and doorways, so they can explore safely.
Emergency Preparedness Kit
You want to be prepared in case of an emergency. This can involve having a kit that has torches, a portable radio, and batteries. This kit would be especially useful if you live in areas where you may experience a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.
Décor and Personal Touches
Personal touches will make your home feel like it’s yours. This can involve decorating it with artwork, photos, or other decorative items that you love. Items such as plants and flowers will improve the air quality of your home and also add some life to it.
Laundry Essentials
Having the essentials ready in your laundry room makes all the difference. For example, Homes & Gardens writes, “Not only does it mean you can tackle mounds of sudden laundry whenever you need to, but it helps you to build up a stain removal station to remove spills and marks before they set in.”
Water Filtration System
To remove your reliance on bottled water, a filtration system will make all the difference in your home. It means you’ll always have access to clean and safe drinking water without the added cost of buying it by the bottle. It can also improve the taste by removing any chlorine and heavy metals.