What you need in your kitchen

When moving into your first home, the kitchen is always the hardest room to unpack, organize and stock with all those things you need for cooking, baking and entertaining. Personally, every time we pack the kitchen, we seem to have to make a new list of things we need, often leaving behind smaller items such as spices, flour, sugar and other pantry items. And even though it’s been a long time since I moved into my very first home – on my own – I know that there are great resources out there for the college student who is leaving in September or for the graduate who is looking for their first apartment or for those of you who have just bought your very first home.

This article will not only provide a list of things you'll need, but offers suggestions of where to shop to find everything on that list.

But before we go any further, note that some companies are making it easier for people on a budget and first time “on their own” apartment/home dwellers, by creating starter kits that will suit most needs and budgets.

Ikea Home Starter Kits

Probably best know for its affordable furniture and knickknacks, Ikea has some great inexpensive things for your first home, called Ikea Startboxes. One kitchen kit is a 41 piece ensemble of measuring tools, utensils, pots and pans – everything you need to start cooking. Startbox Plus is a 60-piece package that contains everything you need for eating, such as dishes, glasses and even wine goblets. Both packages are reasonably priced and offer you an easy solution to kick-starting your new kitchen. Check out Ikea's website at www.ikea.com .

Linens and Things

While they don’t offer the same kind of kits as Ikea, Linens and Things does have some start-up packages for the wannabe-cook, called their 101 series. A little more upscale, these kits still offer a great way to get everything in one place.

Dollar Stores / Discount Store

The Dollar Store is an absolutely great place to find some of the smaller kitchen items on your list. They usually have bowls, utensils, small pots, plates and other dishware. It's a great place to purchase cleaner, garbage bags and other smaller items. If you're looking for a cheap alternative, check out the discount stores.

Thrift Stores

When I was a student, I always purchased home stuff from thrift stores or at garage sales - it's amazing what people give away! If you're on a tight budget, check out your local thrift store for kitchenware, especially if you're just starting out and really only need a few of each item, such as two plates , two cups, two forks, etc...

List of Items You’ll Need (if not right away, eventually)

• Garbage Container
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can Opener
• Wooden spoons
• Grater
• Spatulas
• Serving ladle
• Potato masher
• Pepper and salt shakers
• Funnel
• Oven mitts
• Juice jug
• Kettle
• Drip coffee maker
• Salad Spinner
• Colander
• Casserole dish
• Containers to store leftovers
• Pots: (all with lids)
• 10 qt. stock pot
• 8 qt stock pot
• 5 qt. dutch oven
• 2 qt. saucepan
• 1 qt. saucepan
• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Baking pans – only if you like to bake
• Muffin tins
• Cutting board
• Knives (paring, bread)
• Dish drying rack
• Tea towels
• Dish cloths
• Plates
• Cutlery
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Cutlery divider
• Blender
• Hand mixer
• First Aid Kit
• Rubber gloves
• Pot scrubbers
• Multipurpose cleaner
• Oven cleaner