The Bare Bones For Your Home

We put together four kits that will get you through almost any situation. When you’re starting out somewhere new you don’t always have everything you need, or the funds to get it. Whether you’re a business exec moving to a new state or fresh out of college with your first apartment, you tend to pare down. Whether it’s a last minute get together, a broken outlet, or you cut yourself fixing said outlet, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s talk about the most common type of kit first, the first aid kit. 

Ideally, you should have several around your home. This way in the event of injury you don’t have to go far for what you need. Some of these, like bandaids, are going to make sense. Others, like splint material will confuse many. “We live in the first world. Shouldn’t I just go to the hospital or call an ambulance?”

Well, ideally, yes. What if it’s a major holiday though? Or there’s rough weather, you can’t get out or it’s going to be a while until a paramedic can get to you? In those cases it’s better to have all of this on hand and know how to use it. 

One last one you might not have run into before is lavender essential oil. This can be used on burns and other small wounds, and is kept in many a metalworker’s kit. 

FIRST AID KIT 

Aloe vera gel

Medical Scissors

Nonadhesive dressing

Medical tape

Rolled gauze bandages

Splint material

Lavender oil 

Anti-inflamatory drugs

Anti-bacterial ointment

Ace bandages

Surgical scrub brush

Disinfectant wipes

Sterile compress

Selection of bandages

TOOL LIST

Next up is tools. This isn’t the type of stuff you get for Father’s day.  This is meant to be a “multipurpose, used everywhere around the house, if you don’t have the ‘right’ tool, see if one of the others will get the job done.” That sort of kit. (Not that we have any issues with the nicer or more specific tools, but this is a basics post. 

Screwdriver set - a mix of Philips and flat-heads, or even a multihead screwdriver. 

Tool box- Even if it’s a small kit, it's easier if you can keep everything together. 

Utility knife

Putty knife

Handsaw

Level

Adjustable wrench

Hammers - One 16 lb claw and a small mallet

Duct tape

Pliers - You can pick up a set with a channellock, needle nose and side cutting pretty easy. 

Flashlight

Stud finder

Socket set 

Tape measurer 

The Kitchen

Moving into the kitchen, we have more tools, but this time, we’re focused on making food. While we love our specialty tools like our automatic pan stirrers, crepe pans and multi function blenders, in truth you don’t need them. We know, the horror. Really though, with these 10 tools and persistence, you can make any dish. Is it easy? Not always. But you’ll also have less clutter in your kitchen. 

10” Stainless Steel Skillet

Chef’s Knife

Measuring Spoons

Dry & Liquid Measuring cups

Cutting Board

Sheet Tray

8 Quart Heavy Pot

Peeler -  Either a Y peeler or a straight peeler will work. It’s up to you which you prefer. 

Large Spoon 

Fine Mesh 6” Sieve 

The Pantry

Moving on from the tools in the kitchen, you have basic supplies. We saved this list for two reasons: 

1. It’s the longest

2. It’s broken into 4 parts

The idea here is that by keeping all of these items regularly stocked in your home, you can put your hands on any of them when you need them. Last minute guests? No big deal, bulk up what you were already making for dinner. Your child has a bake sale that they only told you about now? Easy!

Things like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats aren’t included because they spoil at different rates, and everyone has different food needs. Adjust the lists as needed and as will work for you/your family. 

Common/Dried - These are the foods that will last and last and with just a  few you can throw together a delicious and filling meal.

Baking- These are the core ingredients for most baking recipes that you should always have on hand. 

Herbs and Oils - You don’t need a large amount of herbs in your cabinet in order to bring flavor to your dishes. With 16 spices you can evoke flavors and places all over the globe. (Although we get it if you want to add to your spices any time you can. We do the same.) 

Freezer- Easy to keep on hand, they don’t spoil and you can bulk up any meal  by adding them in, frozen veggies are the best! 

These four kits are ones we think are essential, but what about you? Do you think we missed some? Or just an item or two? Let us know in the comments below or over on our Facebook. We’d love to hear from you. 

While we talked about the whole home this time, don’t forget that we’re also here for your appliances needs. If your  appliances are acting up, or you want to schedule a maintenance check, feel free to reach out via phone or our appointment page. We want to help all of our clients in Carrollton and the surrounding areas.