There are just some things everyone should have around the house. Basics, if you will, for any occasion. You never know when someone’s going to need a comfy blanket! And you should always have plenty of sheets and pillowcases on deck just in case you have some surprise guests show up and those guest sheets are definitely dirty from the last visitor you had, because who has time to do laundry? There are just so many things you don’t think of needing until you actually need them, but then you’re just out of luck.
This list is chockfull of some of the best basics out there for all of your home needs. There are items everyone should have in their homes for those “I wish I had…” moments or those “oh, I never thought to buy…” times. Scroll through and I’m sure you’ll kick yourself for not already having at least one of these.
Give Yourself a Little Relief
Cramps got you down? Muscles sore from a tough workout? This heating pad is your new go-to for some soothing heat. It’s super flexible for curving around muscles or resting in just the right spot for optimum soothing. Honestly, I suggest buying two of these so you don’t have to worry about losing one.
Waterproof Your Tunes
Who doesn’t want to rock out in the shower? I already sing loudly and proudly in the shower, but having this little, but powerful speaker in there with me really gives me concert-quality sound. You can take this speaker with you anywhere and connect to your phone with ease.
Get Your Fridge in Shape
Storage bins aren’t just for Pinterest moms. Everyone should have them. They really help keep the guesswork out of grocery shopping because you can see everything laid out nice and neat on your shelves. Plus, more room for more food, which is never a bad thing!
No One Likes a Foggy Mirror
I love this mirror because it’s got anti-fog properties so you can shower and not have to constantly wipe the fog off of your mirror. You can hang this almost anywhere in your bathroom, even in your shower, as pictured, for a fog-free view anywhere you’re standing.
Store Your Dry Goods
These are my favorite way to store dry goods. This way I can set everything out on my counter without a ton of oddly-shaped boxes, and I can easily glance and see what we have and what we’re running out of. Plus, this set comes with chalk stickers and markers so you can keep it all labeled.
A Comforter for All Seasons
It’s so hard to find the right comforter for your bed for every season. It’s so easy to find one that’s too hot or one that doesn’t give you enough coverage during the cold months. This comforter is the Goldilocks of comforters and works well in all situations.
Prep Your Own Spices
A mortar and pestle may seem old and outdated, but it’s actually a terrific tool for anyone’s kitchen. Keep this in your kitchen for grinding your own spices, prepping the perfect guacamole, or even making some hand-ground drinking chocolate if you’re feeling fancy on a cold night.
Bathe like a Royal
I’m not a big fan of baths. Hear me out! I love to take baths, but I get bored so easily and I always get my books wet if I read in the tub. Enter this tub tray: it gives me a place to set my books and even a glass of wine out of the way of the water. Win!
Storage Has Never Looked So Good!
If this isn’t one of the coolest pieces of furniture you’ve ever seen then I need to quit my day job. Are they chairs or storage boxes? Umm, they’re BOTH! Not only are these storage chairs extremely versatile, but they’re also stylish and lightweight. I had so much fun setting them up in my living room. It’s a great way to store extra chairs in a tasteful and useful way.
Give Your Kiddos a Comfy Surface to Rest On
Kids love being on the floor. I think it’s just closer to the action and they love that, but who knows?! These pillows are made for lying on and folding up and building forts out of so they’re a great seating solution for your floor-loving kiddos.
If It Ain’t Broke, Just Add Orange Essential Oils To It
Vinegar has been used for hundreds of years as a cleaner because it works, but it’s not the best smelling product. That’s why this all-purpose household surface cleaner is brilliant! Its formula is powerful yet pleasant because the orange essential oils give off a nice scent that neutralizes smelly odors. The best part is that there’s not slimy residue, so you don’t have to worry about rinsing after each use.
Indoor Gardening Made Easy With This Succulent Potting Mix
I’ve always liked the idea of bringing some of my drought-tolerant plants indoors but I thought it’d be too much of a hassle. Turns out, I just didn’t have the right soil mix. This premium succulent and cactus potting soil blend works great indoors and outdoors because its fast draining formula prevents root compaction and it comes in a 4-quart resealable zip bag for ongoing use.
Never A Dull Moment With This Jewelry Tray
I never stopped to think that maybe the reason my jewelry tarnishes so quickly is because I don’t store it properly. This was a huge blow to my ego. Still, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to keep on shining bright like a diamond, am I right? This velvet tray is perfect for storing my jewelry! It has 26 assorted sized compartments to organize and protect my rings, earrings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces. Makes for a great gift too.
Keep Your Laundry Together
Laundry day is already difficult enough as it is, so why make it harder by having to go around and round it up? This double laundry hamper helps you keep it all where it needs to go so you can get in and get out of the laundry room.
Bring Back Grandma’s Style
I don’t know about y’all, but my sweet grandma has always kept her flours and sugars in canisters like these. They didn’t have this gorgeous font across the fronts, which is why I like these even more. It’s Pinterest meets grandma’s style and I can’t think of anything cooler or more fun than that.
This Bowl Cover Is A Kitchen Aid Match Made In Heaven
I had no idea such a thing existed and now I am telling everyone about it. This splatter cover snaps perfectly onto my Kitchen Aid 4.5 mixing bowl. It keeps the mess inside while mixing and has multiple access points. I can pour the mix through a small opening or cover only half of the bowl, and can even use it as a sealed storage container!
Give Your Paper Towels a Stylish Place to Hang
This is such a gorgeous paper towel holder! It feels almost excessive, but when you think of putting this in a simply decorated kitchen, you know this is going to add such a flair and element of stylish glam to the room. And it’s functional, so there’s no downside!
Keep Cereal Just-Opened Fresh
Cereal is a tricky beast. It’s easy for it to go stale and dry out, but when it does no one wants to eat it. And there’s so much cereal in one box, so you can’t eat it all at once. These cereal holders keep your precious breakfast air-tight for a just-opened taste every time.
Store Your Records in Style
I love keeping my records out where everyone can see them. They’re a great conversation starter and it also lets people know what kind of music lovers my husband and I are. This storage unit is like a work of art for your musical works of art. It’s made to be seen!
French (Im)press Your Guests
A French press is a fantastic way to make a great cup of coffee. There’s just something about it that gives the coffee a depth of flavor that’s unparalleled. This Coffee Gator French press set is so user-friendly and comes with a bean keeper so your beans never dry out or go stale.
Every Kitchen Needs These Storage Jars
This is one of the most basic items I can think of. You’ve got to have storage containers, and these glass jars are the best way to keep your wet foods fresh and sealed tightly. I also drink out of these, but that’s definitely a Southern thing, so no pressure if you don’t like that idea.
Keep a Spare Set of Sheets Around
You can never have too many sheets, especially these sheets. Think about it; you need at least two sets — one for your bed and one in the laundry — but if you have more than one bed that number is doubled. But imagine how much easier life would be if you had three sets. Or four!
Get Rid of That Gross Animal Hair
I can’t tell you how often I have to de-fur my household. Having so many dogs and cats means every surface in my home is covered with hair, which is why I think everyone with pets has got to grab one of these fur-removing gadgets. Or two.
Give Your Guests Hotel-Level Rest
The right pillow really makes the difference in your rest and your guests deserve a good night’s sleep. But these pillows can be just as much for you as for guests, I just definitely think they’re a must-have for your guest bedroom — or guest futon, whatever you have is just fine!
Save Space While Hanging Pants and Skirts
Pants, skirts, and shorts can be not only bulky but also space-stealing when they’re hung. These hangers give you more room and cut down on the bulk in your closet by adding layers of hanging clips on the same hanger. These are game-changers in the closet.
Keep Your Closet Tidy
Even if you like to keep your closet low-maintenance and more on the empty side, you still need some tools and gadgets to keep it tidy. Everyone needs help sometimes, you know. This hanging organizer gives you even more room and adds some shelving to your hanging spaces.
Keep Your Clothes Where They Belong
Velvet hangers are the bomb! In case you didn’t know, they’ve got great grip to them so you can hang those stubborn spaghetti straps without worrying about them falling and littering the bottom of your closet. They’re also great for keeping nicer clothes wrinkle-free and snag-free.
Sherpa Blankets to Keep You Cozy
I have more blankets in my house than I know what to do with, but you better believe I hit “add to cart” when I found this blanket on Amazon anyway. Blankets are great for all occasions and if you’re the friend group host, they’re essential, honestly.
The Sun Stands No Chance Against These
These shades keep the sun out when it gets a little too bright. They’re paper, but don’t let that fool you! They’re powerful. They’re creased to fold right up accordion-style so you can easily clip them back when you don’t need them, but they’re sleek and elegant-looking when down.
Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa
Everyone deserves a good spa moment, but not everyone has the budget for that. This tub pillow gives you the chance to have a spa moment right in your own home and the cost of the pillow is significantly lower than the cost of a spa. Wins all around!
Keep Spills From Damaging Your Tables
Spills can quickly damage your lovely wooden surfaces, and your kitchen table is the space most likely to experience spills. This pad keeps liquids from soaking through your tablecloth and ruining the finish on your pricey dining table or, even worse, on your antique wooden table.
A Knife Set to Make Any Meal
Having a good knife set is necessary if you are going to cook any meals in your kitchen. You will love this set as it will make it possible for you to slice, dice, and chop to make delicious meals.
Silk Pillowcases for Curly Hair
If you have curly hair, you know how important silk pillowcases are to the health of your curl. They keep your curl pattern intact and keep frizz from running rampant through your hair. These pillowcases are a must-have for anyone with curly hair, and for anyone who may have a curly-haired guest stop by for a visit.
You’ve Got to Have Hangers
You’ve just got to! Even if you don’t hang all your clothes as I do, there are always things you need to hang up like special dresses or bulky jackets. These white, classy hangers are a great basic everyone needs for use anywhere in the house.
This Bath Mat is like Walking on Clouds
Bath mats aren’t something people really think about, but they’re something everyone steps on daily. Why wouldn’t you want your bath mat to be the softest, nicest thing in your house? This particular bath mat is like walking on a cloud and it soaks in water so well that there is no worrying about slips.
Add Some Storage
Kitchens don’t always have the best storage, especially if they’re on the small side, so this storage bin is an absolute must. You can attach this tool pretty much anywhere for an added bit of storage and room to any room you find needs it.
Keep Your Cutting Boards Organized
Cutting boards are essential, obviously, but what about cutting board storage? It’s not easy to keep them wrangled, especially if you’ve got a good collection going. This rack keeps them safe and organized and gives you a great place to let them air dry.
Wooden Coat Hangers for Heavier Items
I’ve got several super heavy jackets, they’re older and the material is super fragile, so I need them to be somewhere safe and out of the way, but my normal hangers just won’t hack it. These wooden hangers are the solution; they hold almost anything up so you don’t have to worry about heavy clothes snapping on weaker hangers.
Keep Your Mattress Protected
Mattress covers are an underrated basic. Accidents happen. And spills happen too. Especially if you have kids. This protector will keep your mattress safe from spills and accidents and will add an extra layer of softness to your mattress to give you a better night’s sleep.
Get Your under Sink in Order
Under your sink is likely a scary place. I know it’s disorganized chaos in my house — it’s sort of the catchall spot in our home. This wire rack will help you keep it all tidy and organized so you can easily grab your cleaning products and get to work.
Try These Incredible Pillowcases
A pillow is essential for a good night’s sleep, but a pillowcase can make or break a good pillow. These pillowcases are cottony and soft and a great addition to your linen closet. Use them for yourself, or for your super lucky guests, but definitely grab a pack.
Keep Your Batteries Squared Away
Who thought of battery storage? That’s just wild to me, but such a great idea! This storage container has a ton of space and slots for every battery you can think of (the larger ones, anyways) and should be a basic item in everyone’s house.
Keep Your Toilets Shiny
What’s more basic than keeping your toilets clean? If your toilets are clean, it doesn’t even matter if the rest of your house is clean (just kidding, but that’s how I operate, for sure). This toilet bowl scrubber comes with a built-in spouted holder so you can pour excess water out and keep it from collecting on your floor.