4 Smart Steps to Set Up Your First Kitchen Right

As you move into your first apartment, the kitchen will be one of its most valuable assets. For most Americans, the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare sustenance. It's the heart of the home, bringing nourishment for the body and the soul. 

That means stocking your first kitchen is key to a successful move. But what should you know about setting up your kitchen if you're new to the idea? Here are four steps to do it quickly, properly, and inexpensively.

Before you head out shopping for kitchen items, talk to those around you who do a majority of their own cooking. This could be one or both of your parents, older siblings, friends who live on their own, or even coworkers. Ask them for the most used items in their kitchens and recommendations on what you should focus on.

As you talk to others — especially those who know you well — you will start seeing patterns of items people can't live without. Use this expertise as a guide as you tailor the list to your own needs. And avoid taking your cues from professional chefs and cooking shows — at least for now.

No two cooks are alike, of course, so their kitchens shouldn't be completely alike. To create your own kitchen, determine what your actual, realistic cooking style is instead of just mimicking others. Your parent may love to cook large batches of goodies for the holidays, but if you're not into baking, you probably only need a small fraction of their essential baking utensils.

If you still live at home, take note of how you cook. Do you microwave most things? Use the grill? Eat a lot of fresh foods or prepared ingredients? If left to your own devices, are you more likely to order a pizza or stir-fry what's left in the fridge? Do you breakfast and run or sit down and enjoy your coffee? 

The way you tend to cook and eat now will inform your early forays into feeding yourself once on your own. Plan purchases based on your actual usage. If you like fresh ingredients, for example, you'll probably need a bigger knife set, more mixing bowls, or better stove top cookware than if you just like to open a box and pour. If you often turn to the microwave, you're likely to do so in your own place as well. 

Once you have an idea what people actually use in their kitchens — and how you will likely cook — purchase the basics to get started. For most cooks, this includes things like:

If you will be busy with your new career or schoolwork, you may not need more than one or two of most cookware items. However, if you already like to cook for others or are adventurous, consider adding at least one or two extra varieties or sizes of these basic items.

You may want to run out and buy a lot of the beautiful, fun, and exciting kitchen gadgets available, but fight that temptation for now. Until you know what you actually need, you could end up wasting a lot of money. You may also fill up your kitchen storage space quickly and not have room to grow.

Once you move out and begin taking care of your own meals, post a list on the refrigerator for the future. This is your wish list to be added to and prioritized as you learn what you really like and really need. Consider buying one item on your wish list each month or on holidays to build up your kitchen over time. 

Ready to start planning your first kitchen? At Meadowdale Apartments, our modern apartments feature ample kitchens that are ready to serve as the heart of your first home. Stop by today to visit them yourself.