Many of us find ourselves starting on our own because it is time to leave the home of our parents or spouse and we really don’t know what we need. Maybe I can help a little. These are just suggestions though. You will probably have to change the items to fit your lifestyle and budget. If you notice I have missed something important please feel free to send me your comments so I can learn and improve this list for others.
Furniture. Go to a rental store and get the minimum. They usually have a beginner set made to order for the number of rooms you are renting. This will keep you out of debt for a while and make you comfortable. Don’t splurge because you will want to replace everything over time with stuff that better fits your lifestyle. Forget the wall art and mega TV, these will come with time.
Kitchen. You can often find a nice ten piece set of pots and pans at a low cost store. Go for the non-stick variety and remember that when they advertise “ten pieces” they are including the lids. You just want at least a large saucepan, large and small skillet, roasting pan and cookie or pizza tray to start with plans to add later depending on your culinary skills. I would also strongly consider two bread pans around 8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½.
Utensils. Pick-up some non-metal, long handled kitchen utensils like a spoon, slotted spoon, spatulas, and ladle. Tongs, pasta fork, and serving fork are good but not mandatory. A good long serrated knife is a must. Measuring devises are mandatory so grab a three or four cup clear liquid measuring cup, a set of small measuring cups from a quarter cup to a full cup, and a set of measuring spoons.
Serving wear. Find an attractive yet inexpensive set of silverware to accommodate about eight people. You probably won’t have eight people at any one time but this will save you from having to wash dishes all the time. Dishes and glassware should also number about eight and for the same reason.
Extras. Get yourself a slow cooker. Nothing like coming home to a good warm meal especially when you are tired or don’t have the time to cook. They are really easy to use and will drastically cut down on your fast food consumption. A microwave normally comes with an apartment but if not, get one. You can cook some things in it, defrost, warm, and reheat. I need a coffee pot and a small drip type has always worked well. Storage containers and storage bags accommodate leftovers very well and can be cleaned for further use.
Food. Watch for sales. Chicken is always good as is pork. Buy in large quantities, cut into serving sizes, and wrap in freezer paper. Remember to write the contents and date on the paper because ptomaine poisoning is nothing to ignore. In fact, while we are at it, ALWAYS check the expiration dates on foods. Eggs have an expiration date as does sausage and milk for example. Don’t buy fresh vegetables in large quantities because you probably won’t use them all. Potatoes and onions should probably be on your list, possibly tomatoes and lettuce, but this really depends on your taste. Also consider a cheese (probably cheddar), eggs, bacon, ground meat, beef roast (can be cut into steaks, sirloin is great), and kielbasa.
Seasonings: Don’t get carried away here. You will probably need salt and pepper and the rest is up to you. I like to have Italian seasoning because it tastes great and can be substituted when you need a lot of different seasonings. Garlic powder is also always in my pantry. I suggest that you pick-up what you need as you plan your menu. Sugar and honey are complimentary and I often substitute honey for sugar in equal amounts though some cooks say they are not equal.
Canned foods. Cream of chicken and Cream of mushroom soups are found in a lot of recipes, especially for slow cookers. Chicken and beef broth are good but you can get the granulated kind to start with. Vegetables can almost always be found on sale and they work very well as a side dish or in stews.
Dry foods. Pasta, rice, and flour. Cereal is a good addition especially corn flakes or rice krispies which can also be substituted for bread crumbs in some recipes.
Supplies. Take an inventory of your lights and get extra bulbs. Paper towels, toilet paper, bathroom and toilet bowl cleaner, window cleaner (works well on electric stoves and counters also), toilet brush, clean rags, laundry detergent, dish and dishwasher soap, body soap, towels (kitchen and bath), broom/vacuum, stain remover, clothes hangers, and note paper always come in handy. You may also want something you can save your quarters in for laundry day.
Miscellaneous. Scissors come in handy for cutting out coupons and opening pre-packaged foods. Laundry basket, permanent marker, masking tape (great for dating leftovers), extension cord, screw driver with several bits, pliers, hammer, throw rug.
