The Ultimate New Home Grocery Shopping List

By Jenna Weinerman
Published Dec 9, 2014
Updated Jul 12, 2024

When moving into a new home, you’re also moving into a fridge and pantry that are completely empty. With so much else going on, let us help you choose the stock-up essentials to make your new space feel like home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to filling your kitchen with necessities, saving you time, money, and future shopping trips.

Bulk Essentials

Buying in bulk can be a smart move when setting up your new home. Here are some considerations:

• Cost per Unit: Compare prices to ensure bulk buys are cheaper.
• Storage Space: Ensure you have enough space to store bulk items.
• Expiration Dates: Prioritize items with long shelf lives like pasta and paper goods.

Paper Items and Cleaning Supplies

Start with these basics to keep your new home clean and organized:

• Toilet paper
• Toilet cleaner and brush
• Paper towels and napkins
• Tissues
• Trash and Ziploc bags
• Laundry detergent, stain remover, fabric softener
• Dishwashing soap and sponges
• Dishwasher detergent
• Glass and stainless steel cleaner
• All-purpose cleaners (Lysol, Mr. Clean)
• Floor cleaner (wood, carpet if necessary)
• Swiffer with dry and wet pads (or mop and bucket)
• Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, wax paper, parchment paper
• Light bulbs

Fresh Food Essentials

Stock up on fresh produce to ensure you have healthy options:

• Fruits: Apples, oranges, bananas, clementines, lemons, limes, berries, grapes, peaches, plums
• Vegetables: Avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, celery, carrots, potatoes, peppers, onions

Meats, Fish, and Proteins

Ensure a balanced diet with these protein sources:

• Eggs
• Deli meats
• Chicken, fish, shrimp
• Steak, ground beef or turkey, hot dogs, ground sausage, bacon, pork chops

Dairy

Don’t forget dairy products for cooking and baking:

• Milk, butter, half and half
• Cream cheese, cottage cheese, cheese slices
• Yogurt

Bakery

Keep your mornings and snacks delightful with these bakery items:

• Bread, rolls, pitas
• Bagels, English muffins, muffins, donuts
• Cookies, cakes

Basic Kitchen Staples

Baking essentials are a must for any home:

• Flour, sugar, brown sugar
• Baking soda, baking powder, yeast
• Vanilla extract, shortening, chocolate chips, breadcrumbs

Frozen Food Essentials

Frozen foods are perfect for quick meals during the hectic unpacking period:

• Frozen vegetables (peas, green beans, carrots, corn, mixed vegetables)
• Frozen fruit (berries, mango, peaches)
• Frozen meat (burgers, chicken nuggets)
• Pizza, French fries, waffles, ice cream

Canned, Jarred, and Boxed Items

These non-perishable items are essential for easy meal prep:

• Breakfast cereal, rice, dry beans, pasta
• Pasta sauce, canned soup, canned beans, canned vegetables, canned tuna
• Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth

Snack Staples

Don’t forget your favorite snacks:

• Crackers, chips, pretzels
• Popcorn, nuts
• Microwavable snacks (Bagel Bites, Hot Pockets)

Beverage Essentials

Keep hydrated and caffeinated with these beverages:

• Coffee, tea
• Bottled water or a water pitcher with a filter
• Seltzer water, juice, soda

Spices and Seasonings

Enhance your meals with a variety of spices:

• Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes
• Parsley, paprika, Italian seasoning
• Chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, rosemary, dill
• Ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cilantro

Condiments and Sauces

Don’t forget these flavor enhancers:

• Oil (olive, vegetable, canola, sesame)
• Vinegar (white, balsamic), salad dressings
• Ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles
• Maple syrup, honey, soy sauce, hot sauces
• BBQ sauce, steak sauce, mayo, jam or jelly, nut butter

Personal Care Items

Ensure you have everything for personal hygiene:

• Hand soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner
• Bar soap or body wash, facial cleaner, lotion
• Cotton swabs, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
• Shaving cream, feminine products, hair styling products
• Razors, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, anti-inflammatory medicine (Advil)

With these essentials, your new home will be stocked and ready for comfortable living.

Once you pick up all the items you need on this ultimate new home grocery shopping list, you’ll be ready to settle into your first apartment or brand new home.

Haven’t made the big move yet? Then our most epic moving checklist in the history of moving checklists is for you!