50 Essential things to buy for your new house
Now that you've signed on the dotted line, it's time to get ready for the big move. If you are a first-time home buyer, you might be surprised at all the things you need that don't come with your new home.
To make sure you don't get caught off guard, we've put together this guide to all the everyday essentials you'll want to have on hand to make sure you enjoy every minute of your new home.
The basics
Unless you belong to the small percentage of the people who can afford to hire an entire support team, you will likely need to unpack a bit and spend some time settling in. And even if you can afford it, some things are better left for yourself. Here are some basic supplies you'll need to keep your moving day running smoothly.
Box knives
Save yourself some time and frustration and opt for a few box knives. Get one for each adult in the house so you can work as a team cutting boxes and unpacking multiple rooms at once. When it comes to safety, take retractable box knives to keep those little fingers safe and healthy.
Bulbs
There is nothing fun to unpack in the dark. Make sure you have an assortment of bulbs that will fit all the different fixtures in your new location.
First aid kit
If you do not want to spend the day in urgent care, have a first aid kit handy. Antiseptic wipes, bandages and antibiotic ointments are essential, especially when handling a box and glass knife.
Welcome mat
A welcome mat may not seem like a big deal, but you'll notice if you don't have one when you or your movers start lugging dirt around the house as you bring your boxes and start unpacking.
Bottled water
Whether you are moving each box yourself or directing and directing other people to do the work for you, you need to stay hydrated. One of the first things you should take with you to your new home is a box of bottled water. (Snacks are a good idea too!)
Flashlight
Alissa Cohen, Account Manager at Uproar PR, adds: “Did you forget to bring your flashlight with you? Chances are you forgot this when you move into a new home, and this is very important for initial home improvement projects. ”
Garbage bag
Moving boxes can (and should) be recycled, but the packing materials inside may need to go in the trash. Make sure you have a few sturdy trash bags on hand for easy cleaning.
Paper products
Speaking of cleaning… if you're lucky enough to find toilet paper, take it. (In reasonable amounts, of course.) Your mover will thank you. And prepare some paper towels too. Things can get messy.
Tools
Maybe you need to build some furniture. Perhaps you are eager to decorate your walls with art prints and frames. Anyway, you'll need some simple tools. A drill and screwdriver are essential in any mobile tool kit.
Related: 20 Essential items you need for a new home
Security Basics
It may take some time for you to feel 100% safe and comfortable in a new home, but safety should always be your priority. These are frequently overlooked items that should be at the top of your change list!
New castles
Neighbors quite often exchange house keys with other neighbors (in case of emergency). But it's pretty frustrating to think that a stranger you don't know might have access to your home. Do yourself a favor and install new locks before you spend your first night in your new home.
Smoke detectors
Nothing lasts forever, including smoke detectors. Even if your home has smoke detectors, it is always best to replace them with new ones.
Carbon monoxide detectors
If you have gas appliances (stove, dryer, or heater), buy several carbon monoxide detectors as well. You should place at least one on each floor of your home.
Fire extinguisher
Don't let your new investment burn to the ground. Accidents do happen, so place some fire extinguishers around your home (and make sure you take the time to learn how to use them).
Batteries
Safe
It is always a good idea to have a safe, or at least a small safe to store valuables and important documents.
Technical accessories
Unless you're moving from the web to a log cabin in the woods, you probably want to connect to the outside world. Make sure you have the accessories you need for your technical devices to work properly.
Extension cords
It never fails - there is always a fixture or lamp with a cord too short to the outlet you want to plug it into. Buy several indoor and outdoor extension cords of different lengths that you can use throughout your home. As well as
Network filters
TVs and entertainment systems usually require several different plugs and cords. Purchase a surge protector to protect your valuable appliances and devices from power surges.
Router
Would you like to be able to use your laptop, phone and tablet on the first day? Make sure you have a router (and that it's connected properly) so you can get a strong Wi-Fi connection. Most internet service providers have some sort of waiting list, so start planning early.
Amazon Echo
Okay, so Alexa isn't necessarily a must-have, but if you want a smart home it is a must.
Cleaning basics
Even if you had a house built for you from scratch, there are a few things you should do before you move in. The building is a messy thing, and a clean home is a happy home!
Vacuum cleaner
Make sure your vacuum cleaner is rated for the type of floors you have in your new home. That Roomba, which worked so well on the hardwood in your old apartment, won't make it when your new home is full of cozy, thick carpets.
Floor cleaners
Different types of floors require different types of cleaning products. Whether you have wood, tile, vinyl or laminate, buy some products that are safe to use on your specific floor.
To rub
Even if your whole house has carpet, you'll still need some sort of mop to clean the tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom. If for some reason you like using an old sponge mop (and more power for you), treat yourself to a new bucket.
Broom
If you accidentally break a glass in the kitchen or drop a bowl of popcorn on the living room floor, you'll be happy to have a broom (and dustpan) handy.
Indispensable items for the kitchen
Even if you prefer to make reservations rather than prepare a meal, there are still plenty of things you need to have in your kitchen.
- Utensils including cutlery, spatulas, flippers, and slotted spoons
- Pots and pans
- Dishes including bowls, cups, plates, and coffee mugs
- Glasses for water, wine, juice, and cocktails
- Baking pans (because you never know when you'll want to bake chocolate chip cookies!)
- Cutting board
Bottle opener / corkscrew (so you can toast with a drink when you're done unpacking)
There are also some essentials you will need to keep your kitchen clean:
- Tea towels
- sponges
- Hand soap
- Disinfectant wipes
- Glass cleaner
And don't forget the food! You don't need to fully stock your pantry on day one, but it's always a good idea to have some, especially those with a long shelf life. You can never go wrong with dried pasta, soups, and canned goods.
Living room must-haves
Needless to say, the living room is where you will spend most of your life! If you don't already have a room full of furniture, here are a few things you'll want to buy:
- Sofa
- Sofa and / or accent chairs
- Coffee table
- Coffee table / s and lamps
- Television
- TV stand (or mounting hardware if you intend to mount the TV on the wall)
Basics for the bedroom and bathroom
When you move into a new home, you need to decide which room you want to tackle first. We always recommend starting with the bedroom. That way, when you're tired at the end of the first day, you can fall into bed and get enough rest. You will need a good night's sleep so you can start unpacking the rest of the house the next day.
Here are some bedroom essentials that everyone needs:
- Bed frame
- Mattress
- Cushions
- Bed linen including sheets, duvet, duvet cover and / or comforters.
- Full-length mirror
- Bedside table
- Bedside table lamps
- Window coverings such as blinds, blinds, or curtains.
- Hangers for wardrobe
- Organizational tools such as hanging shelves, shoe racks and storage boxes.
Apart from the kitchen, the bathroom can be one of the most used rooms in the home. This means that it must be functional. Here are some of the essentials that belong to every bathroom, no matter how many baths you have in your home.
- Shower curtain
- Mat
- Towels
- Soaps, including hand and body soaps
- Plunger because toilet clogs and leaks always happen when you least expect it
- showers
Related: 35 Essential Bathroom Accessories Every Home Needs
Indispensable outdoors
If you are moving from an apartment to your first home, you may not know how many outdoor products you will need. And they are not optional. If you don't have a garden service available to take care of everything for you, they are essential.
Trash cans
Unless you plan on composting everything, you'll need at least one outdoor trash can. You will also need at least one recycling bucket. Check with your county or local municipality for rules on garbage collection and recycling. Some cities require you to use certain types of trash cans and recycling bins.
Lawn mower
The larger the lawn, the more powerful the lawn mower you will need. If you have acres, invest in a portable lawn mower. If you have a small lawn, a regular lawn mower should be all you need to get the job done.
Weed Wacker
Unfortunately, when your grass and flowers grow, so do the weeds. If you want your yard to be in great shape, or you have an HOA to appease, you'll need a weed wacker to get into small spaces and make the border between your lawn, walkways, walkways, and garage.
Gardening tools
A hand shovel, spatula, rake, and gardening gloves will be more useful than you think. Whether your plan is to plant colorful flower beds or you want to care for a simple herb garden on your porch, having the right gardening tools to get the job done makes it that much easier.
Winter Essentials
If you live in an all-four season climate, you need to be prepared for snow and ice in the winter months. If you're moving during spring or summer, you have some time before you really get ready, just don't wait until the first threat of snow to start getting ready.
Snow shovels
Snow shovels are essential. Not only will you have to keep the driveway clean, but most cities require homeowners to also keep the sidewalk in front of their homes. Quality paddles last for years and prevent back pain in the future. Just make sure you do your shopping before it starts to snow. That's when they're most expensive (and sometimes hard to find).
Rock salt
If snow is a factor, so is ice. Have at least a couple of bags of rock salt or deicer ready so that you have safe belongings for your family and friends. Nothing ruins a meeting faster than an ice fall.
Bottom Line
A good tip is to take a video of the property you are moving into so that you can look back over and over again in advance of the move - this will give you a better sense of the space you are about to get and how much you actually have need to buy.
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