• Linens are a good starting point in stocking a household.Dick Luria/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  A comprehensive checklist of the minimal goods needed to set up a household serves anyone looking to move into a new home or living space. Those setting up house can expand beyond the basics to include additional luxuries or personally preferred items. The list can also be used to take a critical look at what you own and help reduce the amount of possessions you keep.
  
  

Linens

• Base the number of linens you own on the number of people in the household or the number of rooms you need to supply. Bedding items include a blanket or duvet and duvet cover, a mattress pad, a flat and fitted sheet, a pillow and a pillow case. For the kitchen, keep on hand a tablecloth, napkins, dish towels and dish rags. For the bathroom, supply towels, hand towels, washrags and a bath mat. Keeping at least two sets of each type of linen will allow you to launder one while the second is in use.
  
  

Kitchen Wares

• For basic cooking needs, you will need a skillet and a pot. A chef's knife, cutting board, vegetable brush, peeler, potato masher, can opener, whisk, grater, colander and spatula will allow you to attend to most basic food preparations. For serving and dining, add a corkscrew and bottle opener, ladle, serving spoon, serving dishes, salt and pepper dispensers, toothpicks and drink coasters. Each member of the household needs a knife, fork, spoon, plate, bowl, cup and glass. For baking, stock a set of measuring cups, mixing bowls, baking pans and an oven mitt. Storage containers range from plastic bags and disposable containers to canisters.
  
  

Tools

• Tools for basic repairs include a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a hammer, a pair of pliers and an assortment of nails and screws. For other projects, keep scissors, tape, needles, thread, a thimble, tape measure, safety pins and straight pins at hand. Keep emergency gear, such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, spare light bulbs and a local phone book, as a measure of preparedness.
  
  

Miscellaneous Items

• In the bathroom, a shower curtain, mirror, toilet brush and toilet brush holder will round out the supplies. In the kitchen, a dish rack, scouring pads, sponges, aluminum foil and plastic wrap will fill the list of items needed for washing up and food storage. The laundry area requires a laundry basket, hangers, clothespins, drying rack and ironing board.
  
  Stock the house with general cleaning products, such as dish soap, hand soap, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Cleaning supplies include a broom, mop, bucket and vacuum cleaner bags and filters. Several rooms require a wastebasket or trash can and trash bags. Paper goods encompass tissues, paper towels, napkins and toilet tissue, plus cotton swabs.
  
  Personal hygiene products include toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, shampoo, soap, deodorant, lotion, shaving cream and a razor.