25 Kitchen Essentials For Your First Apartment
So you are moving into your first apartment?
Congratulations! Moving into your own apartment is a huge milestone. I remember how excited I was to finally move out of my parents home and have a space that was truly mine. I was so excited to host parties, decorate my own space, and have some peace and quiet.
I know first hand that moving into your new space can be costly. Before I moved into my new place I had only really calculated the cost of rent. I didn’t even think of how much I would need to buy to set up a whole apartment. I pretty much had everything I needed for my bedroom and bathroom, but I had virtually nothing for my living room and kitchen. Since I was going to be paying rent on my own, I knew I needed to just get the essentials to start. I had to really sit down and figure out what I needed vs. what I wanted. Although it was hard not to buy the Nespresso machine I really wanted. I knew that over time I would accumulate the items that I wanted to have.
The following list is the kitchen essentials. These tools and appliances are the items that you will absolutely need to prep, cook, and store food. This list is budget-friendly so that you can also get the rest of your home essentials
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The Essentials List
1.) Pots & Pans
photo credit: walmart.com
If you are doing any cooking in your kitchen, even cooking eggs on your stove, you will need some pots and pans. If you are on a budget, you do not need to get a large set. The sets above have the minimum amount you will need to cook effectively. Just make sure the set you get is a style you like. The pots and pan I originally bought around 10 years ago are the same ones I have today. If you take care of them they last for a long time.
2.) Measuring Cups/Spoons
photo credit: amazon.com
My cooking started to taste a lot better when I used measuring spoons instead of eyeballing the ingredients. These are inexpensive, but an absolute must for any kitchen.
3.) Food Storage Containers
photo credit: amazon.com
These containers are perfect for storing leftovers or using in a packed lunch. This set has the perfect amount of containers and is BPA-free.
4.) Oven Mitts, Pot Holders, & Kitchen Towels
photo credit: target.com
If you are going to do any baking in your kitchen these are a must! Make sure the oven mitts and pot holders you purchase are quality so your hands, and your kitchen counter, do not get damaged.
5.) Bakeware Set
photo credit: amazon.com
This bakeware set includes everything you need to start baking and cooking. The set includes a cookie sheet, a 12-cup muffin pan, full sized baking pan, a loaf pan, full sized roaster pan, and an air fry rack.
6.) Plates & Bowls
photo credit: walmart.com
I recommend getting a plate and bowl set for four so that you do not have to constantly do dishes and have extra sets for guests. These sets also last a very long time so make sure you get a design that you like. I still have the same plates and bowl that I got years ago.
7.) Silverware Set With Organizer
photo credit: amazon.com
You will need at least four sets of eating utensils so that you will not have to constantly do dishes. This 12 piece set includes an organizer to keep your silverware organized.
8.) Can Opener
photo credit: amazon.com
I made the mistake of forgetting to buy a can opener when I moved. Trust me when I say this tool is absolutely needed in any kitchen. You do not need anything fancy, a cheap one will do.
9.) Knife Set
photo credit: amazon.com
You will need a knife set to cut and prepare food. These set come with a built in sharpener so you will not have to worry about getting them sharpened after years of use.
10.) Veggie Peeler
photo credit: amazon.com
I incorporate a lot of veggies into my cooking and initially I did not have a vegetable peeler and that was a huge mistake. I instead used a knife and nearly cut myself several times. This inexpensive item is a must if you have to peel potatoes and other vegetables.
11.) Drinking Glasses
photo credit: target.com
You will need to have at least a few glasses in your first apartment so that you have extras for guests and so you do not have to constantly wash dishes. This set from Target is inexpensive and has the perfect amount of glasses.
12.) Cooking Utensils
photo credit: amazon.com
To cook with ease you will need tongs, a spatula, a whisk, and more. This set contains has all of these cooking utensils and more. I’ve had a set like this one for years and I never had to buy another tool.
13.) Cutting Board
photo credit: target.com
I recommend getting more than one cutting board. When I cook, I cut the raw meat and the vegetables on separate cutting boards.
14.) Wine & Bottle Opener
photo credit: amazon.com
I think we have all been in a situation where you go to open a wine bottle and realize that you or your friend does not have a bottle opener at their house. It sucks. Thats way a bottle opener made my list. This one opens both wine and beer bottles.
15.) Spice Rack
photo credit: amazon.com
Spices can be expensive. That’s why I always recommend getting spice sets. You get all the spices you need for a fraction of the cost. I got this set three years ago and I still have spices left.
16.) Mixing Bowls
photo credit: amazon.com
You will need at least one mixing bowl in your kitchen. I highly recommend getting one that comes with a lid. The lid makes the container double as storage and makes it easy to transport food to any events.
17.) Meat Thermometer
photo credit: amazon.com
This is a must to help avoid overcooking or undercooking your meat. These thermometers will quickly & accurately tell you your meat temperature.
18.) Reusable Storage Bags
photo credit: amazon.com
I am really big on using reusable bags so these had to be on my list. These storage bags can be used in packed lunches or storing left overs and can be washed after use.
19.) Ice Cube Tray
photo credit: amazon.com
If you do not have an ice maker an ice cube tray is a must. This set includes a container to store your ice.
20.) Chip Clips
photo credit: amazon.com
These clips help keep your snacks fresher longer and help avoid food waste.
The Semi-Essentials List
The rest of these items can be essential depending on how you like to cook and what you like to eat.
21.) Mug Set
photo credit: amazon.com
If you are a coffee or tea drinker mugs are a must. This set I found is inexpensive and you can stack the mugs for better storage.
22.) Microwave
photo credit: amazon.com
Microwaves are a must! I put this on the semi-essential list because most places already come with one. However, if you don’t already have one this is a must have. This model is cheap and has all of the features you would need a microwave to have.
23.) Blender
photo credit: amazon.com
If you make smoothies, margs, juices, or sauces you will probably need some sort of blender.
24.) Toaster
photo credit: target
I use a toaster almost everyday to make toast, bagels, and more. Toasters are super cheap and you can get one for under twenty dollars at most places
25.) Coffee Maker
style one:
photo credit: amazon.com
If you drink coffee on the daily you will want some sort of coffee maker at home. This helps cut down on the expensive costs from buying café coffee.