First Home Essentials Checklist

Design expert Gia Russo recommends the building blocks for a comfortable living space.

Furniture

  • Sofa 
  • Accent chair 
  • Coffee table 
  • Television cabinet 
  • Dining table and chairs 
  • Lamps 
  • Bookcase 
  • Computer desk and chair 
  • Bed 
  • Nightstand 
  • Dresser 

Electronics

  • DVD player 
  • Television 
  • iPod and iPod dock 
  • Computer 
  • Toaster 
  • Microwave 
  • Blender 
  • Coffeemaker 

Linens

  • Drapery panels 
  • Bath towels 
  • Shower curtain 
  • Tablecloth or placemats 
  • Napkins 
  • Dish towels 
  • 2 sheet sets 
  • Duvet cover and comforter 
  • Blankets 

Kitchen Supplies

  • Potholders 
  • Dishes 
  • Bowls 
  • Mugs 
  • Glassware 
  • Flatware 
  • Pots and pans 
  • Tea pot 
  • Knives 
  • Spices 
  • Wine opener 
  • Can opener 
  • Plastic storage containers 
  • Pyrex dishes 
  • Cutting board 
  • Cookie sheets 

Miscellaneous

  • Bed pillows 
  • Iron 
  • Ironing board 

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Where to Donate Used Clothing

If you’re looking to do some formal-wear purging of your own―and score some extra karma points in the process―consider unloading your treasures on one of these non-profit organizations. They collect new and like-new formal dresses (think prom, bridesmaid, quinceanera, etc.) and accessories and distribute them, free of charge, to deserving, needy high school students. Here, a state-by-state rundown.

Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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