Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
When you fly the coop and set up your new home as either a newlywed, college freshman or just forging out on your own, the list of items you need to buy can grow longer by the day. From bedding and appliances through to sofas and kitchenware, it seems there’s no end to how much a new abode requires.
However, with a bit of planning, forethought, and help from the internet, you may find the entire process goes smoother than you think. To get you started, we’ve put together a New Cooks Guide to setting up your kitchen.
- Get the Set
Instead of buying one pot or pan here and there for full retail, photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
’s often more affordable and convenient to select cookware sets that typically feature everything you require. There is a multitude of options on the market, to suit your needs and despite the initial outlay, you’ll save in the long run. What’s more, you benefit from the aesthetic pleasure of all your cookware matching.
- Prioritize
When you’ve just moved out on your own, the entire purchasing process can become overwhelming. With so many things you may need, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of buying everything at once in case you may need it soon.
However, given that Americans are known to have a severe clutter problem, there’s no harm in purchasing the urgent items such as toasters and kettles first and worrying about less essential items like pizza cutters, pastry brushes, and all those occasional items later on. You may find you didn’t need them after all.
- Use Technology to Your Advantage
If you’re new to the world of kitchens and meal preparation, you may benefit from using technology to your advantage. Use cooking apps such as Taste, Yummily, and Paprika to learn new cooking tips and recipe ideas, and save yourself from culinary disasters as you develop your skills. Even better, your friends, family or significant other is bound to be impressed by your new-found skills.
When you’re on the hunt for affordable appliances, you may also find price comparison websites useful too. These websites enable you to search for the product you want before finding the most affordable supplier near you.
- Don’t Skimp on Quality
With so many items to buy, you may feel like it’s important to hunt for the best bargain, but the quality is far more important than price – especially if you’re looking for kitchen equipment to last the distance. Even spending a little more on cutlery can prove to be worth your while as cheaper cutlery tends to bend, break, or rust. While bargain hunting can prove beneficial to your bottom line, it’s crucial to strike a healthy balance between price and quality.
- Space Invaders
If you’ve always dreamed of owning an espresso machine or a bread maker, don’t purchase one on a whim while you’re out buying everything else that your home needs. While having these appliances can make life more pleasurable, you need to ensure you have space for everything you’re buying.
Before you hit the shops, do a quick room scan and take note of the space you have available. If space is limited, opt for kitchenware you can stack, and avoid buying large, cumbersome appliances where possible.
When the time comes to fit out your new home, spend some time doing your research. A little forethought and investigating may save you money and frustration in the long run.
