21 Overlooked First Apartment Kitchen Essentials Checklist
Moving into your first apartment and looking for a kitchen essentials checklist?
Look no further! Here are 21 must-haves to make your first kitchen functional.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s the heart of your first apartment, too!
You’ve (hopefully) used the kitchen items in your home before, but if you’ve never lived on your own, you might be in for a few surprises when you set up your first kitchen.
Don’t worry, though! We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive kitchen essentials checklist.
We’ve rounded up all of the must-haves for your first apartment kitchen. Bookmark this page and use it as a reference when you move in!
1. Silverware Organizer
You might not think you need a silverware organizer, but you will be amazed at how much easier it makes your life.
There are few things more frustrating than having to dig through a messy drawer of utensils to find what you’re looking for.
Trust me, you’ll be so glad you have a silverware organizer to keep everything in its place.
2. Silverware and Utensils
Silverware and utensils are the most used items in a kitchen. Make sure to have enough for you and your guests.
A good rule of thumb is to have enough silverware for 4 place settings. If you can, invest in a nice set of silverware.
You can also find affordable sets at places like Target and Walmart.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons
In college, I used to eyeball my ingredients when cooking.
But after many failed recipes, I learned that measuring is a crucial part of cooking and baking.
A set of measuring cups and spoons are essential for any recipe.
And if you want to get fancy, you can even get an adjustable measuring cup that can measure liquids and solids.
4. Mixing Bowls
I absolutely love the look of all white mixing bowls.
But, you can also go for a fun pop of color or a glass set! Either way, you’ll need a variety of sizes for different recipes.
I recommend a set of 3, with a small, medium, and large size.
Mix and match your materials, like glass, stainless steel, and ceramic to accommodate for all your cooking needs.
5. Baking Sheets
Baking sheets are another versatile kitchen tool that can be used to make everything from cookies to roasted vegetables.
You can also use them to cook up a big batch of bacon or to make your own homemade pizza.
6. Cutting Board
There are a few things you should never do in a kitchen: cook without a recipe, eat with your hands, and cut on a plate.
Instead, invest in a good cutting board.
You can choose between a plastic, wood, or bamboo cutting board. Each has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your cooking style.
7. Can Opener
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget to add a can opener to your kitchen supplies list.
You’d be surprised by how many recipes include canned ingredients, and you don’t want to be stuck trying to open a can with a sharp knife.
8. Spatula
A spatula is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook, especially if you’re a fan of breakfast food.
Use a spatula to flip pancakes and eggs, and to scrape every last bit of brownie batter out of the bowl.
Pro Tip: Purchase a silicone spatula. They’re easier to clean and can withstand high heat.
9. Tongs
Tongs are one of those tools that you don’t think about needing until you do.
They’re perfect for flipping food in a pan, tossing a salad, or serving up pasta. I use my tongs almost every time I cook.
I suggest getting a pair that has a lock on the top so you can easily store them in your kitchen drawer.
10. Oven Mitts
This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you’re moving into your first apartment,
you might forget about the oven mitts until you’re pulling out a tray of cookies from the oven and have to scramble to find something else to use to protect your hands.
A good pair of oven mitts will last you a long time and are great for more than just the oven.
You can use them to handle hot pots and pans on the stovetop, to protect your hands when you’re grilling, and even to handle hot dishes coming out of the microwave.
11. Dish Towels
You may already have a stash of dish towels, but if you’re moving into your first apartment, it’s time to invest in some new ones.
You can use dish towels in so many ways in the kitchen, like drying dishes, wiping down surfaces, and using them as a makeshift pot holder.
You can also use dish towels to line a serving basket or bowl when you’re serving bread or dinner rolls.
Plus, you can use dish towels to wrap up a loaf of bread or a batch of cookies to give as a hostess gift to welcome you to the building.
12. Ice Cube Trays
If you have an ice maker, you won’t need these. But if you don’t, you’ll want to make sure you have a few ice cube trays.
Ice cube trays are also great for freezing things like herbs, wine, and even coffee for iced coffee.
13. Food Storage Containers
It’s important to have a good set of food storage containers to keep your food fresh and organized.
You can use these to pack your lunch for work, store leftovers, and even keep your dry goods in.
We recommend investing in a set of glass food storage containers. They are durable, easy to clean, and won’t hold onto any food smells.
Plus, you can reheat your food directly in the containers. If you’re tight on space, you can also find a set of collapsible food storage containers.
14. Garbage Can
This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget about the garbage can.
You’ll want to make sure you have a good-sized one with a lid to help contain any odors.
You can also look for a smaller one that you can keep in a cabinet or under the sink.
This is a great option if you don’t want to clutter up your space with a full-sized can.
15. Garbage Bags
No one wants to go without garbage bags when they move into their first apartment.
Make sure to grab a box of garbage bags so you can be sure to keep your trash can clean and easy to use.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about the cost of garbage bags, you can always ask your parents or friends to give you a few when they come to visit.
16. Sponges
Sponges are another one of those kitchen essentials that are easy to forget about.
You’ll need them to clean your dishes, of course, but you’ll also need them to clean your sink and countertops.
In short, you can never have too many sponges in your apartment.
17. Dish Soap
A seemingly obvious kitchen essential you might forget when you’re setting up your first apartment is dish soap.
You’ll need it to wash your dishes, of course, but you’ll also need it for other cleaning tasks.
Dish soap is great for cleaning your countertops, stove, and sink. If you’re in a pinch, you can even use it to wash your hands.
18. Paper Towels
You’ll definitely want to keep a roll of paper towels handy for spills and messes. They’re also great to use to line your kitchen trash can to keep it from getting too dirty.
19. A Tray or Bowl for Keys
There’s nothing worse than not knowing where your keys are when you’re trying to leave your apartment.
Keep a tray or bowl by the door to help you keep all of your important items in one place.
You can also use a small tray as a catch-all for mail on your kitchen counter.
20. A Tray or Bowl for Mail
It’s easy to let mail pile up, but it’s much easier to deal with if you have a designated spot for it.
You can use a tray or a bowl, but make sure it’s something you love to look at since it will be on display.
21. A Tray or Bowl for Change
This one is a little random, but it’s a great idea to have a designated place to throw your change.
You’ll probably use it when you’re out and about and then want to empty your pockets when you get home.
Keep a bowl on your counter or a tray in a cabinet to collect your change.
This way you won’t have random coins hiding in every nook and cranny and you’ll have a little extra spending money when you need it!
Conclusion
There are so many kitchen tools and gadgets that you can buy, but these 21 kitchen essentials are the most important items to have in your first apartment kitchen. If you start with these kitchen essentials, you’ll have everything you need to cook and bake.
