Wish a house came with a checklist? Kallahs or anyone moving to a new home will find this comprehensive guide very useful.
What are the basics that are useful in a home? Some may be considered essentials, others not. But in creating this guide, we did a lot of research, comparing and collecting lists from people from a range of communities (some things considered a basic/essential in one place, is hardly one somewhere else).
Note that just because an item is on this list, does NOT mean it’s essential. Yes, while virtually no one will say that a broom or a knife is not essential, most basics are subjective and depend on what you’re cooking and lots of other factors.
Do we have favorites among the items listed below? Yes, we do. If an item is linked, it means it’s a collaborative favorite and a tried-and-true pick.
You can see a list of our tried and true favorites as well at the end of this post, for a more robust list of items visit our Setting up a Home Amazon Storefront.
To download the free printable checklist, sign up below.
Kitchen Essentials
Cookware & Bakeware:
- 2 Sets of Pots and Pans
- Grill Pan (optional)
- Baking Pans – Muffin / Bundt Pan / Cooling Rack
- Baking Sheets
Utensils & Tools:
- Cutting Boards
- Kitchen Knives
- Measuring Cups (2)
- Measuring Spoons (2)
- Peelers (2)
- Ladles (2)
- Spatulas/ Wooden Spoons
- Can Opener
- Collander / Sifter / Collander Spoon
- Mixing Bowls
Optional:
- Grater / Masher
- Pizza Slicer
- Garlic Press
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Brush
- Silicone Baking Mat
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Oven Mitts
- Cutlery Drawer Dividers
- Kitchen Shears
- Julienne Peeler
- Cookbooks
- Sugar & Flour Containers
- Drying Mat / Rack / Bar Mat
- Aluminum Foil
- Baking Paper
- Storage Bags/Ziplock
Small Appliances: Most of these are optional, but many may be useful to you.
- Food Processor
- Hand Mixer / Stand Mixer
- Blender / Immersion Blender
- Crock-Pot
- Electric Kettle / Urn / Percolator
- Betty Crocker / Sandwich Maker
- Toaster / Toaster Oven
Large Appliances:
- Refrigerator
- Oven / Gas range
- Microwave
Dining & Tableware:
- Dishes (Meat, Dairy, Shabbos optional)
- Cutlery Sets (Meat, Dairy, Shabbos optional)
- Glasses
- Pitcher
- Mugs
- Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Tablecloths / Placemats
- Salad Bowl
- Serving Utensils
Household
Furniture:
- Beds / Night Table
- Couch
- Dinette Set / Dining Room Set
Cleaning Supplies & Tools:
- Broom & Dustpan
- Mop & Pail
- Vacuum Cleaner / Hand vacuum
- Toilet Scrubber / Brush
- Plunger
- All Purpose Spray Cleaner
- Floor Cleaner
- Windex
- Garbage Cans (kitchen, bathroom, outdoors)
- Garbage Bags
- Air Freshener
- Paper Towels
- Tissues
Laundry & Storage:
- Hamper
- Laundry Basket
- Ironing Board
- Iron
- Drying Rack
- Detergent / Fabric Softener
- Stain Treatment Spray
- Lint Brush
- Shoe Polish & Brush
- Sewing Kit
Home & Utility Items:
- Alarm Clock
- Flashlight
- Window Shades
- Step Stool / Ladder
- Batteries
- Tool Kit / Tape Measure
- Bulbs
- Full-Length Mirror
- Hangers
- Shoe Rack
- Siddur
- Seforim
Bed, Bath & Linen
Bedding:
- Linen (Sheets, Duvets, Pillowcases)
- Blankets / Duvet Inserts
- Mattress Pads
- Pillows
Towels & Bath Items:
- Bath Towels
- Dish Towels
- Hand Towels
- Washcloths
- Shower Curtain & Rings
- Washing Cups / Netilas Yadayim
Shabbos & Jewish Home Items
Please note some of the items in this list are repeated in other categories.
Mezuzos
Shabbos Kitchen Items:
- Blech / Shabbos Plata
- Urn
- Kosher Lamp and/or Nightlight
- Shabbos Alarm Clock
- Becher
- Challah Board
- Challah Cover
- Challah Knife
- Leichter / Tray
- Candles / Tealights / Wicks / Holders
- Matches
- Napkin Holder
- Tablecloth / Plastic
- Dip Bowls
- Havdalah Set
Toiletries & Personal Care
Hygiene & Grooming:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap / Hand soap
- Deodorant
- Lotion / Hand cream
- Razors
- Toothpaste / Toothbrushes
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Pads / Tampons
- Lubricant
- Bedikah cloths
- Nail clipper / Scissors
- Tweezers
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover
- Cosmetic Bag
- Moisturizer
- Lens Case, Lens Solution
- Perfume
- Brush
- Pony Holders
Health & First Aid:
- Band-aids
- Bacitracin
- Peroxide
- Tylenol / Motrin / Advil
- Allergy / Benadryl
- Thermometer
- Burn Cream
What To Stock In Your Medicine Cabinet
Hat/Wig & Accessories
- Sheitel Box / Head
- Travel Sheitel Head / Travel Hat Box
- Blow Dryer / Flat Iron / Curling Iron
- Rain Jacket/ Bonnet
- Umbrella
- Hat Brush
Stationery & Office Supplies
- Pens & Pencils
- Scotch Tape
- Glue
- Envelopes & Stamps
- Scissors
- Paper
Miscellaneous
- Telephone
- Outdoor mat
- Salt for Icy Sidewalks
- Shovel for snow
Thanks for the helpful list! FYI no need for a Braun, there is a brand on amazon called NutriChef for $80. Same capacity, same “kugel blade”, and even if it doesn’t last as long, its 1/4 the price. (I use mine for pesach so can’t comment on the quality, since it doesn’t get as heavy use, but it’s my second year using it and I love it!)
Thanks for sharing! Will check it out!
I have the Nutrichef for Pesach also, recommended by the Westview Shop but I wouldn’t say it’s the same as my Braun, I found my sorbet isn’t as smooth and chunks of beets had to get reprocessed when making chrein..potato kugel came out amazing so I guess it depends what you’re using it for..
Mezuzos are arguably the most necessary item for setting up a home. 🙂
Thank you! We just added it.
Can you do a post on how to set up/ organize a new home? As someone moving, I already have what I need from my apartment but want my new home to be set up right.
you forgot to link that insanely pricey doormat that you’re always promoting
That doormat makes a great gift! It’s incredibly durable—ours has lasted over six years and still looks new!
https://betweencarpools.com/you-will-never-need-another-mat/
right i meant it’s not linked in the “miscellaneous ” section