“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” -Wendy Wunder.

What makes a house a home?

More often than not, a homeowner finds themselves asking that question. To put it succinctly, the true essence of a home is not found in material objects. Rather, it is in the persons that reside within it.

However, this is not to say that homeowners should not look for more ways to make their homes feel homier. After all, there is no better way to end a long and tiring day than to return to a cozy and comfortable house. It does not matter whether you just moved into a new house and lot in Quezon City or have been living in the same apartment for years; transforming your space into a livable dwelling is imperative. Moreover, ensuring that you can make a house a comfortable home is paramount and a must for every homeowner. All that considered, you will need essentials that will make your home just a little more comfortable than it already is.

Housewares belong to a large category, so it is inevitable to feel a little overwhelmed while shopping. However, at the most basic level, you just need the essentials to make a comfortable dwelling. Most of these items will be things you need in your kitchen for food preparation. However, it is also worth noting that the rest of your home will also need a few items to ensure you can keep it clean and well-organized. So, if you are excited about the prospect of getting your 13th month paycheck and even more excited about shopping for new housewares, you have come to the right place.

Whether you are moving into your very first home, venturing into renting out property for the first time, or simply looking for ingenious ways to make your space seem more inviting, the list below will be incredibly helpful. If elevating your space and upgrading what you already have is something you have in mind, the following list of household essentials below will be indispensable in knowing where to start and seeking out what to buy.

1.) Basic Kitchen Utensils

Every home should have its own set of kitchen utensils. Unfortunately, some homeowners are quick to overlook the importance of having a complete set of kitchen utensils, but this is an oversight that needs to be addressed, After all, the heart of the home is the kitchen, and if you wish to get a head start on household essentials, the best place to do so is the kitchen. This is because the kitchen is the place that gets the most foot traffic in the house.

It is for this reason that you should have basic kitchen utensils such as measuring cups and spoons, mixing spoons, spatulas, peelers, and graters, a decent can opener, and, if your budget permits, kitchen appliances as well. Also, it is best to ensure that all of your primary utensils are easily within reach and that you have a handy pair of kitchen scissors too. Kitchens that are well-stocked with basic utensils are helpful to homeowners who use them frequently as it makes cooking easier.

2.) Pots, Pans, and Bakeware

You do not need every size available when it comes to pots and pans. However, you should at least have the bare minimum:

A large and medium-sized skillet

A decent non-stick pan

A medium to large saucepan

A large stockpot

Pots and pans in various sizes may come in handy, but they may end up overwhelming your kitchen with clutter. After all, you can always make something small in something big, but you cannot make something big in small pans. It is also helpful to have a kitchen casserole and non-stick bakeware that are of good quality and would last you for a good number of years.

3.) Small Appliances

There is quite a number of indispensable small appliances your kitchen ought to have, but you do not have to get all of them right away. The best thing about small appliances is that you can slowly add them over time. However, if there are three items you should absolutely have from the get-go, it should be a toaster, a microwave, and a kettle. These are small kitchen appliances that would make everyday cooking more manageable. Apart from that, these items will likely be around for some time and undoubtedly be the most used. If the budget is a bit tight, you can find something inexpensive that can be used in the meantime.

4.) High-quality Kitchen Knives

Having decent kitchen knives is incredibly important for your safety and the quality of your overall cooking. More often than not, kitchen knives are the foundation of food preparation, as there are only a few recipes that do not require the use of a kitchen knife. That said, investing in a good or high-quality set makes sense. Essential kitchen knives would include a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a slicing knife, and a bread knife—all of which you ought to have in your kitchen.

5.) Versatile Vacuum

It will need a regular cleaning schedule to keep a house comfortable and homey. If your budget permits, you should invest in a versatile vacuum. Your floors will inevitably get dirty, especially if you have kids and pets around, and a vacuum cleaner will really do wonders in tidying up in far less time. Choose a vacuum that should last a good couple of years and works like a charm in cleaning floors. A home with clean floors can improve comfort levels and peace of mind. This is especially true for individuals who struggle to focus and get things done in messy surroundings.

6.) Laundry Essentials

Keeping your clothes fresh and clean also does wonders for your level of comfort. That said, you need to have the basic laundry essentials. When it comes to keeping clothes clean, you need a few items to help you make the job easier to manage. One of the first things you should have is a laundry basket; from there, you can pick out a high-quality laundry detergent and fabric softener.

Choose a fragrance you are prefer to to keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean. In most cases, pleasant-smelling clothes would make you smell clean and fresh without the need for expensive perfumes or cologne.

7.) Storage Solutions

You can never have too much storage space. In fact, many homeowners would argue that there seemingly is not enough. Indeed, this can be quite a struggle for some homeowners—particularly those living in smaller spaces. Still, there are various ways you can be smart about space utilization. There are multiple ways you can do this, and one such case is using storage containers for leftover food in your kitchen fridge. Besides saving space in the fridge, you are also avoiding food waste. In the bedroom, it is recommended to get a few shelf organizers to help you better section off your clothes and store your underwear.

8.) A First Aid Kit

Every home should have a first aid kit or a medicine box. This is crucial in case of emergency. It is recommended to have two: one that is used for emergencies and another for your personal use. Emergency kits can be used for minor traumatic injuries such as burns, cuts, splinters, strains, and sprains. A personal kit should be used for medical items to help you treat or ease common symptoms such as fever, viral respiratory infections, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues. Cover the basics such as adhesive tape, anesthetic spray, bandages, pain medication for headaches and fever, tweezers for splinters, and oral histamines for allergic reactions.

9.) A Basic Toolbox

Every homeowner needs a set of tools around the house. These are important for when accidents happen, and just like the first aid kit, this can be bought or curated for yourself. A set of tools essential in any toolbox are a screwdriver set, a hammer, a set of pliers, a utility knife, and a tape measure. However, you are free to add to these as you see fit. With these tools, you no longer need to call for assistance or maintenance when you already have the tools to fix minor issues yourself.

10.) Power Outage Essentials

Getting caught in the dark unprepared can be quite disconcerting. That said, you should not let this happen to you. Be sure to invest in the essentials to be better prepared for power outages. You will need a reliable flashlight, as having a working flashlight can mean the difference between finding stuff in the dark or having to reach out blindly. Flashlights are also great for short-term or long-term outages. After purchasing a reliable flashlight, you can stock up on things such as batteries, candles, bottled water, and, if budget permits, a generator set.