Whether you have just moved to your new pad or are thinking about making the big move, congratulations! Moving out on your own is the ultimate definition of adulting. Though it can be an extremely exciting time, it can also be largely overwhelming.
If you have not had to deal with a lot of responsibilities in terms of living alone before though, the task can be made even more daunting. I moved out at a fairly young age.
When I turned 20, I loaded up my parent’s van with a Hardoy chair, an electric kettle that had been handed down to me by my sister, and every item of clothing that I had ever owned in my short existence. I was moving in with a friend but I soon realized how little I had in the way of household items.
I did not even own a table to eat at let alone a couch. And once I had settled down, it seemed that there was always something new I needed and it took months before I could even host or have friends over. If you are like me during those first days, here is the good news: we’ve all been here before.
When living on your own, you should learn how to make your meals. Not only can this cut your expenses in half, but homemade food is always much healthier than the take out variety. But first, you will need some essential kitchen items before you can don your chef’s hat. To help you out, here are 5 things I have in my kitchen which I simply love to get you started:
A great steak knife
As the name suggests, steak knives are designed to help you cut your steak with ease. When buying steak knives, most people tend to assume that any old steak knife will do. However, there is a lot more involved in the process of buying the perfect steak knives.
For instance, before you can invest in your first steak knife, the sharpness of the blade is an essential factor to consider. However, balance is also something that you think about. You want to spring for a knife that is comfortable to hold and pick up. The blade size also matters more than you think; the smaller the blade, the better the cutting quality.
Cast iron skillet
Chic, durable and incredibly versatile, a cast-iron skillet is something that everyone needs. You can use your cast iron skillet to make a range of meals; burgers, steak, roast chicken. Almost anything worth cooking tastes great when prepared in a cast-iron skillet.
Most high quality cast iron skillets boast heat-retaining properties and non-stick surfaces, meaning that you do not have to worry about an elaborate cleanup process. Plus, cast iron skillets are well designed and come in an array of colors, which means that they can transition easily from the oven to the table.
Cocktail shaker
Now that you have finally moved out on your own, you are going to want to throw a cocktail party or two. A foundational essential for anyone that loves mixing drinks, a cocktail shaker is typically the center of attention in any drink station. You will need a quality cocktail shaker to make your martinis, Manhattans, daiquiris and the like.
Sure, you can always try and improvise, but almost anything that you use will cause spills. Plus, a cocktail mixer ensures that all your ingredients have integrated so that you can create a wonderful blend of flavor. Without a cocktail shaker, you are missing out on the greatness of cocktails like White Russians, which simply don’t taste as good when they are stirred.
Airtight storage containers
Airtight storage containers are pertinent for every kitchen because they prevent your food from going stale, becoming crusty, or being menaced by annoying pests. When they are stacked and organized neatly, storage containers take up less space, which can come in very handy when you live in a cramped space.
For the best value, look for storage containers that have plastic locking lids. This way, you can microwave your food items with ease. To prevent them from staining, always use a plastic wrap or waxed paper that will provide the barrier needed to prevent staining. Also, ensure that the variety that you get is freezer and dishwasher safe.
A quality food processor
A food processor may be the last thing on your mind, but adding it to your arsenal of kitchen equipment can make a world of difference to your food prep. A food processor is a workhorse in any modern kitchen because it can handle just about any task that you expose it to.
“According to Kate Huber, chief editor at NJGamblingFun, ‘’From helping you mix your salad dressing, to creating hummus, pie dough and even shred veggies, there is nothing that a quality food processor cannot handle. Owing to its super sharp blades and powerful motor, it can help you prepare meals in seconds, better still, a food processor’s minimal footprint means that it will not occupy a lot of space on your countertop.
Final thoughts
If you are moving out for the first time, you must manage your expectations. You might be tempted to run to the nearest store to load up on supplies, but don’t. You want your kitchen to look grown-up, kind of like those that you see on TV, but it is important to be frugal through it all.
The last thing you want to do is blow up all your money on one kitchen item that you will not use as often as you think. It will take some time before you have everything that you need for a fully functional kitchen, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!
Your top priority should be to stock up on kitchen basics, such as the ones listed above. Remember, that making your apartment feel like home is supposed to be a fun process, so don’t rush it.
