Being a first home buyer after moving into your first home is a huge milestone and an exciting and overwhelming equal part. As boxes stack up and the keys finally land in your hand, one question will inevitably follow. It features a well-planned home essentials list.
Whether you’re moving into a spacious starter home in Reston, Virginia and having a cozy apartment in Rocky Mount, NC or a new rental home in San Antonio, Texas, you can find a room-by-room checklist here to fully prepare this new chapter and keep you stressed out.
In this article:
entrance
living room
bedroom
kitchen
Bathroom
Laundry room
Heating and cooling
Security essentials
Organizational Tools
Tools and useful items
entrance
Your entrance sets the tone for your entire home, but it is often the most overlooked space when looking at the home essentials list. When the peaceful home of the home organizer Stephani Lipford puts it down, “When you first move in and create a simple landing zone for your entry, it is one of the most overlooked essentials for a new home. With just a little thoughtful touch, your front door will instantly feel welcome and organized.
Door mats (indoor or outdoors, or both) Wall hooks or coat rack shoe racks or small benches or seats in mats (options useful) Mirrors (perfect for quick checks and brightening up spaces) Catch-all baskets or organizers (for mail, bags, or umbrellas)
living room
Living rooms are often the heart of the new home, a place to relax, entertain and relax. When it’s fresh, it’s important to focus on essentials that bring both comfort and functionality to the space. This is a streamlined home essential list that will help you set up a comfortable, practical living room from day one.
Sofa or sofa coffee table TV and TV stand lighting (floor or table lamp) Area rug curtain or blind throw pillow and blanket power strip or extension cord remote control caddy or storage box
bedroom
Your bedroom should be a space that promotes a calm hideaway, calm and comfortable, and a good sleep. When setting up your first home, focus on the foundation items that will help you create a cozy bedroom. From the right bedding to simple storage solutions, these essentials will make your bedroom feel perfectly from the first night.
Bed Frame Mattress Pillow Sheet Set with Duvet or Quilt Night Stand Lamp or Bedside Lighting Curtains or Blind Mirror (Optional)
closet
A thoughtful and organized closet can save time, reduce stress and maximize space. The architect Jay Coder said, “Expecting time to be careful about considering your storage needs in terms of equipment will pay a big dividend. Personally, I love Elfa’s shelves behind the door or in the back room. Whether you’re going to a full system or starting the basics, a smart setup is worth it.
Hangers (Standard, Slip, Specialized, Specialized Mix) Shoe Rack or Organizer Hanging Storage Shelf Drawer Bin or Basket Over the Door Hook or Organizer Full Length Mirror (If Not Bedroom) Closet Light (Battery-Powered if No Built-in Light)
kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, even if you’re not a gourmet chef. In the first kitchen, we focus on tools that help you cook, store food and keep things clean. With some well-selected basics, you’re ready to serve daily meals, snacks and occasional dinner guests.
Cooking and preparation
Pots and pots, (at least one frying pan and one pan) Cooking utensils (spatula, spoons, tongs, whisks) Cutting board Chef’s knife Measuring cup and spoon mixing bowl oven mitt or pot holder
dining
Plates, bowls, cups, glasses forks, knifes, spoons
cleaning
Dish soap and sponge dish rack or drying mat garbage can and liner paper towel and holder
Other essentials
Microwave or toaster oven (optional but useful) food storage containers can be canned openers and bottle openers
Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in any home, and setting up the right items from the first day can make a huge difference. Whether you’re preparing in the morning or getting caught up in the evening, a stock and organized bathroom will add comfort and convenience. First we focus on functional basics, then add storage and personal touch.
Shower curtains, liners, hooks bath towels and hand towel bath mats or rugs toilet brush and plunger toilet paper and holder soap dispenser or hand soap toothbrush holder or cup trash can caddy or shelf mirror (if not built in)
Laundry room
Laundry may not be the most attractive part of homeownership, but having the right essentials in place makes it extremely easy to manage. With this home essential list and the right tools at hand, wearing fresh, clean clothes, and hunting for supplies will be less time.
Laundry basket or obstruction detergent and dryer sheet drying rack or clothesline or steamer stain remover and lint roller
Heating and cooling
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is more than comfort, it’s about health, safety and protecting your space. “Air conditioners are not only a luxury in warm climates, they are necessary,” said Tiara Wessy, heating and air conditioning at Smith Service. “Beyond comfort, a great AC system will control humidity and help protect your home from mold and mold.” Whether you’re in a hot or cold climate, having the essentials of proper heating and cooling can make a huge difference to the quality of life at home.
Portable fan or box fan space heater (with safety features) Window or portable air conditioner (without central AC) Programmable thermostatic air filter (for HVAC systems) Humidifier or dehumidifier (depending on climate) Insulated curtain or window cover Weather peeling or draft stopper (for windows and doors)
Security essentials
We guarantee that your home is safe and secure from the first day. Using the right home security items will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected. Las Vegas Institute of Technology Professional Matt said, “As home essential list security items have smart door locks and powerful window locks as the first line of defense against intruders, installing a security system with a doorbell camera and an additional security camera will add an additional layer of protection.”
Window lock or security bar security camera (indoor and outdoor) Doorbell camera Window sensor or contact alarm motion sensor light alarm system (smart or traditional security sign or sticker (to stop potential intruders) Fire and carbon monoxide detector (to make sure they are working and have a fresh battery) Smart door lock
Organizing your new home is key to creating both functional and stress-free spaces. While it may seem overwhelming at first, the right tools will help streamline your space and keep everything in place. “I highly recommend label makers as an essential tool for your home essential list,” suggests Halie O’Farrell, a professional organizer at Halo organization. “It’s a simple but powerful tool that helps you create a system that’s easy to maintain, especially when setting up storage in places like kitchens, garages, closets, pantry, etc.” With the right organizational tools, it’s much easier to keep your orders in your first home.
Label Maker Storage Bin or Basket Drawer Organizer Over the Door Hook Shelf Divider Closet Organizer (Hanging Shelf, Shoe Rack, etc.) Magazine Holder or File Box Utility Shelf (for Garage or Pantry) Tension Rod (for Sink or Closet Storage) Extension Cord or Surge Protector
When you settle into a new home, there are important tools and items that you often don’t notice until you need them. As Clear Home Florida’s Bracha Harwitz states, “These are things you don’t think about until you don’t have them. Basic toolkits, step stools, spare batteries, first aid kits may not be a “fun” purchase, but they are something you’ll appreciate what you have. ”
And for a modern touch, smartglass technology Vasile Turcan emphasizes the importance of Tech Solutions, saying, “Smartglass is a sophisticated, high-tech solution that lets you control privacy with the touch of a button. These practical items and tools make your new home safer, more efficient and ready for anything.
Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, etc.) Allen key (for furniture assembly) Step stool or small ladder spare battery (remote control, smoke detector, etc.) First aid kit tape folder or tape folder or file box is a file box flashlight for important documents (using extra battery)
Home Essential List: Items to Consider
It’s a big deal to move to your first location, and having a reliable home essential list will make your transition smoother and less stressful. It’s appealing to try and get everything at once, but don’t forget that building a house takes time. Start with the basics, prioritize what you really need and add the rest. Before you know it, that new home or apartment feels like home.
