Things to Buy for a New House

Moving into your new house is exciting, but packing, moving, and trying to remember everything you’ll need for your new home can be overwhelming. To help with your new real estate purchase, we’ve created a handy checklist of important things you may want to buy for a new house. Print this list out to use as a guide during the moving process:

Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies

Start with a clean slate even before you move any of your belongings into your new house. A broom, mop, and vacuum will be your first defense against leftover dirt from the previous owner. Next clean the floors where you intend to put furniture and then set everything in place. Traipsing in and out of your home with moving boxes will carry in dirt but at least you know it’s clean under your couch. Here’s a list of additional essential items you may need:

• Garbage cans

• Recycling bins

• Trash bags

• Cleaning gloves

• Microfiber dust cloth

• Magic erasers

• Swiffer sweeper

• Roomba

• Wood cleaner

• Window cleaner

• Laundry detergent

• Fabric softener

• Shop-Vac

• Batteries

• Light bulbs

Round out your supplies with a tool kit that includes the basics—a screwdriver, hammer, nails, wrenches, wall screws, a stud finder, duct tape, a level, tape measure, and other essentials. A can of WD-40 is always helpful for creaky doors and a cordless drill will come in handy during furniture assembly.

Window Treatments

You’ll want to ensure you have privacy in each room of your home. Adding window treatments protects your home while adding special personality to your space.

• Curtains, blinds, and other window treatments

• Curtain rods

• Brackets

• Hardware

Kitchen

Make sure you have all your kitchen essentials. If you’re in the stage of unpacking boxes, purchase paper plates, paper cups, and plastic silverware to avoid searching for utensils at dinnertime and buy disposable coffee cups for the following morning.

• Dishes

• Bowls

• Silverware

• Glasses

• Coffee mugs

• Steak knives

• Napkins

• Paper towels

• Dishtowels

• Dish soap

• Dishrags

• Cleaning gloves

• Kitchen fridge magnets

• Whiteboard

• Standing mat

• Trivets

• Oven mitts and potholders

• Can opener

• Cutting board

• Drawer organizers for utensils

• Food serving platters

• Pots, pans, and skillets

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rolling pin

• Whisks

• Tongs

• Spatulas

• Bottle opener

• Corkscrew

• Colander

• Food storage containers

• Ice cube trays

• Mixing and serving bowls

• Baking sheets

• Pizza pan

• Parchment paper

• Aluminum foil

• Plastic wrap

• Dish drying rack

• Dish scrubber or sponges

• Meat thermometer

• Pie plate

• Salad spinner

• Turkey baster

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Ziploc bags

• Chip clips

• Stepping stool

• Reusable straws

• Pet dish and pet food

Don’t forget the kitchen appliances (and those nice-to-have extras):

• Instant cooker

• Slow cooker

• Toaster

• Microwave

• Coffee pot

• Blender

• Tea kettle

• Waffle maker

• Juicer

• Panini press

• Rice cooker

• Soda maker

• Air fryer

Complete your kitchen with any spices or condiments, such as salt, pepper, herbs and seasonings, olive oil, red wine vinaigrette, and other cooking or baking items you frequently use.

Living room

Make sure you incorporate all the comforts of home in your living room space:

• Sofa or sectional

• Chairs

• Chaise lounge

• Lamps

• Coffee table

• End tables

• Footstool or ottoman

• Area rug

• Decorative items

• Pillows

• Throw or blankets

• Bookshelves

• Entertainment center

• Television

• Sound system

• Pet bed or blanket

• Family board games

• Family photos

Bedroom

Retreat to the comfort of your room with these must-have items:

• Bed frame

• Mattress and box spring

• Pillows

• Comforter

• Sheets

• Throw blanket

• Dressers

• Reading chair or chaise lounge

• Nightstands

• Laundry hamper, bin, or bags

• Alarm clock

• Under-the-bed storage containers

• Full-length mirror

• Shoe rack

• Closet organizer

• Closet storage bins

• Jewelry organizer

• Clothes hangers

• Nightlight

• Lamps

Bathroom

Keep each bathroom in the home fully stocked:

• Toilet paper

• Shower curtain

• Shower rod

• Shower hooks

• New shower head

• Bathmat

• Plunger

• Garbage can

• Tissues

• Hand and bath towels

• Face cloth

• Scale

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

• Candle or air freshener

• Lotion

• Over-the-counter medicines

• Robes

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Body wash

• Shaving cream

• Cosmetics

• Washcloths

• Mirror

• Organization caddies

• Guest towels

Home office

Keep track of administrative household chores, such as paying bills, filling out paperwork, and keeping records in an organized office space:

• Desk

• Computer

• Office chair

• Surge protector

• Mouse

• Keyboard

• Rechargeable batteries

• File cabinet

• Bill organizer

• Inbox

• Shredder

• Pens

• Pencils

• Highlighters

• Stapler

• Sticky notes

• Printer and ink

• Router

• Ethernet cables

• Modem

• Paper

• Whiteboard and markers

• Erasers

• Lamp

• Notepads

• Pencil holder

• Tote boxes

• Calculator

• File folders

• Scissors

• Phone

Outside

Be prepared to care for your home inside and out. Stock up on these outside tools:

• Lawnmower

• Weed eater

• Garden supplies

• Snow shovel

• Welcome mat

• Grill

• Plants

• Plant pots

• Mulch

• Ladder

• Floodlights

• Motion sensor lights

• Bird feeder

• Deck, patio, or pool furniture

• Fertilizer

• Grass seed

• Garden hose

• Watering can

Garage

Don’t forget to stock up on these garage supplies for home and car maintenance:

• Motor oil

• Windshield wiper solution

• Car wash kit

• Windshield wiper replacements

• Gas can

• Storage hooks

• Storage shelving

• Toolbox or tool chest

• Workbench

• Extension cords

• Work gloves

• Hanging tool organizer

• Storage bins

• Shovel

• Overhead storage rack

• Wall organizer

• Sports equipment rack

• Bike rack

• Utility cabinet

Home Security

Immediately after move-in, you’ll want to replace old door locks with a standard lock, deadbolt, or even an electronic keypad. Follow up with a home security system that allows you to protect your home 24/7. Add a fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector for good measure. Finally, make sure you’re prepared for any scenario with items such as a first-aid kit, flashlights, and a waterproof and fireproof lockbox to hold important documents and other valuables.

Smart Home

There are many benefits of smart home technology. It can be as simple as syncing all devices to make life easier and more efficient or as important as heightened home security. A smart thermostat and light automation not only help your home run with ease but also allow you to save some money. A smart lock can increase home security, and a smart doorbell helps monitor who is coming, going, and knocking on the door. Alexa or Google compatible tools linked to your Wi-Fi can help manage a home.

Transitioning into a new home can be overwhelming, but our handy checklist of things to buy for a new house can help you move into a fresh space more efficiently. For more information on home security to protect your new dwelling, contact Brinks Home™.