Stocking Your First Kitchen

Moving to New York means having your choice of NYC rental apartments to check out. Whether you’re looking at studio apartments in New York or planning to share a three-bedroom with friends, you’ll have plenty of options to consider. But one thing that all NY apartments have in common is a kitchen! In order to make your new apartment as homey as possible, you’ll want to stock your kitchen with all of the basic essentials so you can enjoy home-cooked meals whenever you like.

Everyone has different needs for their kitchens — some people are amateur chefs and love to cook at home all the time, while others only make the occasional sandwich or bowl of cereal. Regardless of your cooking habits, it’s a good idea to outfit your kitchen with the basic essentials so that you have the option of cooking whenever you want to. Here are some tips for stocking your first kitchen in your new apartment.

Basic Dishes

No matter how much of a gourmet cook you are, you can’t eat without the proper tableware. Here is a basic list of dishes and flatware that can help get your new kitchen into great shape.

  • 4-6 water glasses
  • 4-6 coffee mugs
  • 4-6 plates
  • 4-6 bowls
  • 4-6 sets of silverware
  • 4 wine glasses
  • A set of mixing bowls
  • Serving platters
  • Serving bowls

As long as you have a set like this, you’ll be able to cook for yourself or invite a few friends over to help you warm up your new apartment.

Necessary Kitchen Gadgets

Some of these are things you might not use that often but you’ll be glad you have them when you need them.

  • Can opener
  • Corkscrew
  • Kitchen shears
  • Pot holders
  • Serving spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knives: butcher, paring and serrated
  • Cutting boards
  • Grater
  • Tongs
  • Peeler
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Groceries and Shelf Staples

Everybody has different tastes, so you’ll have to make sure you have the ingredients you like best. But these are some of the ones that people tend to use most often.

  • Dry pasta
  • Rice/quinoa
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper
  • Spices: basil, bouillon, cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, onion powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme
  • Broth
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ketchup
  • Mayo
  • Mustard
  • Soy sauce
  • Butter
  • Milk

Over time, you can start adding in more staples, like fresh veggies, produce, peanut butter, canned and frozen fruits and veggies, and more. But this list will help ensure that you have all the basics to cook a decent meal.

Cookware

You’ll need pots and pans in order to do all your cooking and baking.

  • Skillets
  • Saucepans
  • Baking dishes
  • Cookie sheets
  • Colander
  • Cooling racks

Small Appliances

Small appliances can be considered a luxury until you’re ready to buy them. But here are a few you might consider starting out with.

  • Toaster
  • Blender
  • Coffee pot or French press
  • Coffee grinder
  • Microwave

Food Storage Items

It’s great to have items on hand to help you put away leftovers and preserve fresh ingredients.

  • Plastic baggies and freezer bags
  • Plastic wrap
  • Tin foil
  • Waxed paper
  • Food storage containers of all sizes

Getting your kitchen set up as soon as you move in can make your new NY apartment start to feel like home right away! Don’t have the home yet? Check out our available apartments now.