A good captain of the home will ensure the following, in the correct order: 

1) Adequate food and clean drinking water for everyone

2) An adequate water supply for washing up, ablutions, and cleaning

3) Safe and clean sleeping space

4) Power

5) Appliances that work

All other things--clothes, toys, jewelry, books, et cetera--are mere frills and are not prerequisites to security and happiness, but the basic five above are.