Household Necessities: Essential Items Every Home Should Have
- Stephen Patrick
- May 12
- 8 min read
Updated: May 17
Let's be real: running a home isn't just about cozy vibes and cute décor—it's about having the right stuff when you need it. Whether you're moving into your first place or just tired of borrowing your neighbor's toolbox (again), this guide is for you.
We've rounded up a list of essential household necessities from everyday kitchen gear and cleaning must-haves to the small, often-overlooked things that make life easier. Some items are obvious, but others tend to fly under the radar until it's too late.
Think of this as your go-to household essentials list for setting up a smart, functional, and comfortable home, whether you're looking for essentials for a new home or giving your current space the upgrade it deserves.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies are essential household stuff for keeping your home clean and organized. From wiping down surfaces to deep cleaning floors, having the right tools on hand makes every task easier. Stocking up on the basics ensures you're always prepared to tackle messes quickly and efficiently. Here's a list of must-have cleaning supplies to keep your home in top shape.
Multi-purpose cleaner
This all-in-one cleaner tackles everything from kitchen counters to bathroom surfaces. It's a time-saver for quick cleans and daily touch-ups.
Disinfecting wipes
For a fast, no-fuss way to sanitize high-touch areas. Keep these handy to wipe away germs and messes in seconds.
Toilet plunger
A household essential for dealing with stubborn clogs. Having one on hand ensures you're never caught off guard.
Dish sponge
The perfect tool for scrubbing away food and grease. A good sponge makes dishwashing a breeze and helps keep your kitchen clean.
Cleaning gloves
Shield your hands from harsh chemicals and dirty tasks. Gloves make cleaning safer and more comfortable.
Vacuum
For quick and effective cleaning of carpets, floors, and upholstery. A good vacuum picks up dust, debris, and pet hair with ease.
Duster
A lightweight tool that helps you reach high surfaces and remove dust. It's your go-to for keeping shelves, ceiling fans, and electronics clean.
Microfiber towels
Super absorbent and gentle, these towels are great for wiping down surfaces without leaving streaks or lint. They're reusable and work wonders with any cleaner.
Squeegee
Perfect for streak-free windows and shower doors. A squeegee ensures your glass surfaces are spotless and shiny.
Glass cleaner
For sparkling windows, mirrors, and glass tables. A good glass cleaner leaves your surfaces streak-free and gleaming.
Kitchen Supplies
The kitchen is the busiest place in the house, so having the right tools and essential items is key to keeping everything running smoothly. From cooking to cleaning, the right items can make your kitchen more efficient and enjoyable to work in. Here's a list of must-have kitchen essentials to help you stay organized and prepared for anything.
Cookware & Utensils:
Cutting boards
Cutting boards protect your counters and make food prep safer. It's best to have a few so you can easily switch between tasks without cross-contaminating.
Knife set
A sharp, reliable knife set is a game-changer in the kitchen. It helps you chop, slice, and dice with ease, making meal prep faster and safer.
Kitchen scissors
Handy for more than just cutting paper—kitchen scissors are perfect for snipping herbs, opening packaging, or cutting through meat.
Measuring cups
Get your measurements right every time with a good set of measuring cups. They're key for both cooking and baking to ensure everything turns out perfectly.
Measuring spoons
From spices to small amounts of liquid, measuring spoons make sure your recipes are on point. They're essential in a household items list for accuracy in the kitchen.
Mixing bowls
Mixing bowls are a must for everything from tossing salads to whipping up batters. A set of different sizes will cover all your cooking and baking needs.
Baking sheet
Whether you're baking cookies or roasting veggies, a baking sheet is a kitchen essential. It's your go-to tool for making all kinds of dishes in the oven.
Spatula
A good spatula is perfect for flipping, stirring, or scraping the last bits out of bowls. It's simple, but it makes a big difference when cooking.
Whisk
Whisks are perfect for mixing, beating, and making everything from eggs to sauces smooth. You'll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Electric mixer
An electric mixer saves time and effort, especially when baking. It's great for whipping, beating, and mixing ingredients without the muscle power.
Tools & Miscellaneous:
Can opener
A must-have for opening canned goods with ease. A good can opener is an essential tool that makes meal prep quicker and easier.
Corkscrew
For wine lovers, a corkscrew is a kitchen must. It's small but mighty, making sure you can enjoy your favorite bottle in no time.
Vegetable peeler
Peel fruits and veggies quickly with a sharp vegetable peeler. It makes prepping produce easy and mess-free.
Cheese grater
A cheese grater is perfect for shredding cheese or zesting fruits. It gives you the fresh ingredients you need to bring flavor to your meals.
Colander
Whether you're draining pasta or rinsing fresh produce, a colander is a vital household essential. It helps you clean and prep ingredients fast.
Strainer
A strainer is ideal for draining liquids or sifting dry ingredients. It's one of those simple tools that makes cooking so much easier.
Laundry Needs
Doing laundry is about more than just tossing clothes into the machine. With the right supplies, the whole process becomes quicker, more effective, and a lot less of a hassle. These extras help you handle stains, care for fabrics, and keep everything fresh and clean. Here's a list of essential items for laundry to make your routine easier and more efficient.
Stain remover
Perfect for tackling those stubborn stains before you wash. It helps ensure your clothes come out looking spotless every time.
Dryer sheets
Pop one in the dryer to reduce static and add a fresh scent to your clothes. They help keep everything soft and smelling great.
Dryer balls
These reusable balls bounce around in the dryer, helping to fluff up fabrics and reduce drying time. They're a natural way to soften your clothes and reduce wrinkles.
Ironing board
A flat, heat-resistant surface that makes ironing easier and more effective. It helps you get rid of wrinkles and keeps your clothes looking sharp.
Laundry baskets
These baskets are a simple yet essential tool for organizing your laundry. They help you keep clothes sorted and make laundry day a bit more organized.
Storage and Organization
Staying organized not only helps you find things quickly but also keeps your belongings in better condition over time. A tidy space can make everyday tasks easier and less stressful. With the right storage solutions, your cabinets and closets can stay neat, efficient, and clutter-free. Here are some essential items to help you get started.
Bathroom:
Caddy for bathroom cleaning supplies
A cleaning supply caddy keeps everything you need in one easy-to-grab place. It makes cleaning quick and convenient without digging through clutter.
Toothbrush holder
A toothbrush holder keeps your brush tidy and within reach. It's a small but helpful way to avoid clutter on your bathroom countertop.
Small baskets for bathroom items
Small baskets are perfect for organizing toiletries, skincare, and other bathroom essentials. They help keep your space looking neat and everything easy to find.
Closets:
Hangers
Hangers are key for keeping your clothes organized and wrinkle-free. They help your closet stay neat while making it easy to find what you need.
Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST)
Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST) is a simple, easy-to-install garment divider that spaces your hangers evenly, giving your closet a clean, polished, and aesthetically pleasing look. With RST, you can say goodbye to overcrowded racks and the frustration of hard-to-find clothes. By creating consistent gaps between garments, it optimizes space and keeps your clothing wrinkle-free and easily accessible.
Whether you prefer single, double, or even triple spacing, RST lets you customize your closet layout to fit your needs. Available in a variety of colors, it can match your closet's theme. Keep your closet functional, stylish, and clutter-free with RST, and enjoy the difference a little organization can make!
Hamper
A hamper is an easy way to manage your dirty laundry and keep it from piling up. It helps keep your closet area neat and organized.
Baskets for small items (like socks)
Baskets are perfect for storing smaller items like socks, belts, or accessories. They help keep everything in its place and avoid drawer clutter.
Drawer organizers
Drawer organizers separate your items into neat sections. Whether it's socks or office supplies, they make drawers more functional and clutter-free.
Hardware and Tools
Every home needs some basic tools, whether it's for a planned project or a last-minute fix. Having the right tools ready makes it much easier to handle small repairs and take care of simple maintenance around the house.
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Your go-to for anything with a cross-shaped screw—super handy for everyday fixes. From gadgets to furniture, this little tool pulls its weight.
Flat Head Screwdriver
Classic and reliable, perfect for flat screws or even quick prying jobs.
A total multitasker for all kinds of small home tasks.
Drill
For when twisting by hand just won't cut it, fast holes, fast fixes.
Ideal for building, hanging, and all your DIY dreams.
Nails
Simple, strong, and always useful—great for quick jobs around the house.
Keep a handful in your toolbox—you'll always need them.
Screws
Tougher than nails and great for anything that needs a tighter hold.
Whether you're mounting, assembling, or fixing, screws are a must.
Nuts and Bolts
These power pairs keep things tight and secure.
Perfect for putting together furniture, shelves, or gear.
Hammer
From hanging art to basic repairs, this is a toolbox classic.
One solid swing, and you're in business.
Allen Wrench
That little L-shaped tool that saves the day during furniture assembly.
Great for those "some assembly required" moments.
Crescent Wrench
One tool, multiple sizes—adjusts to fit what you need.
Perfect for plumbing or bike tune-ups.
Pliers
Grip it, twist it, pull it—pliers make tough jobs easier.
A real helper when you need extra hold or leverage.
Tape Measure
Planning a layout or measuring for new furniture? This is your best friend.
Quick, compact, and always useful.
Extension Cords
When the outlets are too far, these keep your tools or tech powered up.
Great for flexible setups in any room.
Conclusion
It's easy to overlook everyday essentials—until you need them. Whether you're setting up your space, replacing worn-out items, or simply getting more organized, having a list of household essentials makes it much easier to stay on track.
Use this guide as a starting point to build a setup that works for your lifestyle. From must-haves to nice-to-haves, stocking up on the right tools and supplies helps keep your home running smoothly daily.
More From Roomedys:
Author: Stephen Patrick
Stephen is the Founder and CEO of the Roomedys® brand. Stephen’s inaugural, multi-patented invention, Roomedys® Spacing Tape for Hangers (RST), is poised to transform the world of closet organization. Having spent 25 years in the hospitality industry, Stephen is an expert in functional organization. His mantra, “Everything has a place; everything stays in place,” is the key to achieving a realistic & maintainable routine that provides a feeling of balance and well-being.
Comments