Buying a new home that you’ve been dreaming of is a very fulfilling experience. However, the homebuying journey doesn’t end in closing the homebuying deal. You still need to move into the new home, which can become stressful, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. Fortunately, you can make the moving-in process more manageable through careful planning and extensive research. Also, having the following new home must-haves can make living in your new house more convenient.
1. Kitchen
The kitchen is among the top places in your new home and must be filled with essential items. This can make the house look and feel functional and complete. You can start by buying a set that you’ll use regularly. Go for the utensils that are high-quality and sturdy.
It would be best if you also bought some of the essential kitchen appliances. To start, you can purchase the following:
- Fridge – This serves as the kitchen’s heart and stores all the perishable goods.
- Oven and Stove – This kitchen must-have is essential. You can use it to cook inside your new kitchen anytime you want.
- Microwave – This must-have will help you handle cooking quick and easy meals.
Aside from that, you can also purchase other kitchen appliances and instruments that you think are needed. Choosing what to buy next becomes convenient since you’ll determine what’s lacking in your kitchen as you go along.
2. Living Room
It is advisable not to shop for more furniture before moving into a new house because this will make moving costly and more difficult. However, you need to equip your new home’s living room with the bare essentials to make staying there comfortable. As such, you can opt to have the following upon moving in.
- Comfortable chairs or sofa where you can sit down and relax
- Television with stand or bracket to keep you entertained while taking the much-needed rest
- A lamp that will help illuminate the room when it gets dark
- Wi-Fi connect your television so you can watch entertaining shows
- A coffee table
When choosing the living room accessories to have upon moving into your new home, don’t forget to consider the area’s aesthetic aspect. Go for the equipment that looks pleasing to the eye and blends well with the overall surroundings when assembled inside the living room.
3. Bedroom
Your bedroom should also be move-in ready and could provide you with the comfort level it is expected to offer. As such, consider having the following bedroom essentials before transferring to the new house.
- Bed
- Bedding
- Pillows and duvet
- Bedside table
- Bedside lamp
- Curtains
- Chest of drawers
- Mirror
- Clothe hangers
- Wardrobe
Although it sounds simple, selecting curtains for your bedroom can be challenging. So, to handle this well, you might consider researching or asking for suggestions from family members or friends who are proficient in choosing the best window dressing. Also, go for curtains that could keep excessive sunshine out of the room and provide you with some privacy.
4. Bathroom
Your new home’s bathroom should contain all the bare essentials from day one. The sink, shower, bath, and toilet must have the necessary items. When preparing your new home’s bathroom, ensure the following are correctly placed where they should be.
- Towel
- Hand towel
- Toilet roll
- Toilet roll holder
- Toilet brush
- Bathroom mat
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Bin
- Shower squeegee
- Shower curtain
Aside from those, it is also advisable that your new home’s bathroom has the following cleaning materials:
- Bleach
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom spray
5. Safety and Security
Your new home should make you feel safe and secure. Luckily, you can conveniently turn your new house into a haven by setting up a comprehensive safety and security system that uses the following devices.
- Security Camera – This camera can be installed strategically to capture footage of the area where it is installed. Some of these cameras are equipped with intelligent components that allow them to capture clear images even in dark places, two-way audio that enables speaking to whoever is in front of the camera, and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows remote access, enabling you to monitor your home even when you’re away.
- Motion Sensor – This can be installed on your home’s main entryway, doorway, or hallway to detect motion. This can detect motion and alert you when the system is armed.
- Window Stickers and Yard Signs – These items inform the public that your house has a security system. This is proven to discourage or keep burglars away.
- CO and Smoke Detectors – Many home safety experts recommend installing these detectors on your home so you’ll be alerted if the air in the house is unsafe to breathe.
- Siren – This is an essential component of a home security system. A siren is used to scare intruders and alert your neighbors when an intrusion or emergency occurs.
- Entry Sensor – This is recommended for use on windows or doors. These make use of magnets to detect when one of the entrances where they are installed is opened or closed. It alerts you when it thinks an entry point in your home is opened.
- Glass Break Sensor – This type of sensor detects the sound of glass breaking and sends out notifications. This was invented and utilized to combat intruders who break glass windows and doors to enter a home instead of opening them so as not to set off the entry sensors.
6. Repair and Maintenance
Your home requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. As such, you must have some essential tools to perform the tasks. So, upon moving to your new home, ensure you have the following at your disposal.
- Screwdrivers – This tool is useful when you need to tighten, loosen or completely remove screws in your new home. For best results, ensure your toolbox has flat-head, Phillips-head, and stubby drivers that can work into the tight spots that ordinary drivers can’t reach.
- Hammer – Your new home should have at least one type of hammer. This can handle simple household tasks such as putting together furniture or hanging a picture. But because your new home might require several DIY repairs in the future, it is best to have a clawhammer and a sledgehammer in your toolbox.
- Pliers – These tools are for cutting wires and gripping various objects that the bare hands can’t accomplish. Thus, it should be included in your new home repair and maintenance must-haves.
- Wrench – Having a wrench in your toolbox is an excellent investment. It helps you handle various tasks that involve dealing with nuts and bolts. So, to be able to handle more tasks, an adjustable wrench is needed.
7. Outdoor
Your new home’s outdoor area is an extension of your living and should have features that make staying on it a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Among the most common backyard must-haves in your house are the following:
- Comfortable Seating – This must be the first piece of equipment you should invest in your outdoor space, especially the backyard. You can consider having a combination of benches, upright chairs, or lounge chairs. Choose seats with a clean and modern look. Also, consider the outdoor decor style when choosing the chairs to buy. Make sure it complements the area’s overall look.
- Blankets, Pillows, and Cushions – Make your outdoor seats more comfortable by stuffing these with pillows, cushions, and warm blankets.
- Umbrellas or Awnings – Installing umbrellas or awnings in your outdoor space or backyard is beneficial. They protect you from the sunlight and correct the area’s illumination when there is so much light.
- Mood Lighting – Installing the appropriate mood lighting is a great way to boost your outdoor appearance and feel. For best results, buy a set of attractive solar garden lights and line these up to illuminate the area’s walkways and paths.
- Portable Stove – Cooking is common when spending time in your backyard. You should have a durable, safe, and portable stove to do the job.
- Outdoor Storage – Having a well-appointed outdoor living space means having a lot of outdoor necessities. Thus, you should ensure that you’ll have ample outdoor storage to accommodate such.
- Canopy Tent – Aside from having umbrellas or awnings, it is also beneficial to have a canopy tent in the backyard. This provides you with extra protection from rain or wind.
8. Cleaning Supply
Maintaining the cleanliness of your new home is very important. As such, it is best to have the cleaning supplies you would most likely need, including the following.
- Multi-Surface Cleaner: A versatile solution for wiping down countertops, appliances, and various surfaces around the home, effectively removing dirt and grime without leaving streaks.
- Microfiber Cloths: These soft, reusable cloths are excellent for dusting, wiping, and polishing surfaces without scratching, making them essential for various cleaning tasks.
- Vacuum Cleaner: A powerful vacuum with various attachments for carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery ensures thorough cleaning and removal of dust, pet hair, and debris from every corner of the home.
- All-Purpose Scrub Brush: Ideal for tackling tough stains on surfaces like tile, grout, and sinks, this brush helps scrub away dirt and residue with ease, making it a must-have for deep cleaning.
- Dish Soap: An effective dish soap that cuts through grease and grime on dishes, cookware, and utensils, leaving them sparkling clean and ready for use.
- Rubber Gloves: Protect your hands from harsh chemicals and hot water while cleaning with durable rubber gloves, allowing you to tackle messy tasks with confidence and comfort.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Keep your bathroom fresh and sanitary with a specialized toilet bowl cleaner that effectively removes stains, bacteria, and odors, ensuring a hygienic environment.
- Glass Cleaner: Achieve streak-free windows, mirrors, and surfaces with a quality glass cleaner, leaving them crystal clear and free of smudges or residue.
- Broom and Dustpan Set: Sweep away dust, dirt, and debris from floors with a sturdy broom and dustpan set, making daily floor maintenance a breeze.
- Trash Bags: Dispose of waste and clutter efficiently with durable trash bags that resist tears and leaks, keeping your home clean and organized. Choose eco-friendly options for a more sustainable cleaning routine.
9. Other Essential Tools
Aside from the wide array of helpful equipment provided earlier, it would help if you also have the following tools in your new home upon moving in.
- Cordless Drill/Driver: A versatile tool for any homeowner, a cordless drill/driver can handle various tasks, from assembling furniture to hanging shelves. Look for one with multiple speed settings, drill bits, and screwdriver attachments for maximum utility.
- Stud Finder: When hanging heavy objects like mirrors or shelves, finding a stud in your wall is crucial for stability. A stud finder uses sensors to detect the location of studs behind drywall, making it an essential tool for DIY enthusiasts.
- Level: Achieving straight and even surfaces is essential for any home project, from hanging pictures to installing cabinets. A good quality level ensures precision and accuracy, helping you avoid crooked shelves or uneven tiles.
- Adjustable Wrench Set: From tightening bolts to assembling furniture, an adjustable wrench set is a must-have for tackling various tasks around the house. Look for a set that includes wrenches of various sizes to accommodate different nuts and bolts.
- Utility Knife: Whether you’re opening boxes, cutting carpet, or trimming wallpaper, a sharp utility knife is indispensable for various household tasks. Look for one with a retractable blade for safety and convenience, and always keep spare blades on hand for when the current one dulls.
Conclusion
Moving to your new home is both an exciting and daunting endeavor. Fortunately, you can make your experience less stressful and convenient by preparing a list of the new home must-haves, especially the ones provided earlier. Also, it is best to acquire all of these with the help of a trusted realtor before the actual moving-in process.
