Moving into a new home is an exciting time. Your new home represents endless future opportunities, and most new homeowners can’t wait to customize their space to make it their own. Creating a list of tools, equipment, and appliances is helpful to ensure you obtain all of the items you need when moving into your new property. These items may include high-quality lawn and garden tools, kitchen appliances, and home improvement equipment. Explore the ultimate shopping list for new homeowners to simplify your transition into your new home.
Lawn and Garden Tools
Whether you have a small patch of grass or a large plot of land, a properly maintained lawn and garden are vital for all homeowners. An improperly cared for lawn can quickly become a breeding ground for pests like termites, moles, and chipmunks. These critters can damage your home and yard, so keeping your lawn looking nice and pest-free is essential. Some of the basic tools you’ll need for lawn and garden maintenance include:
- Lawnmower
- Weed whacker or eater
- Hedge trimmer
- Loppers
- Shovel and turning fork
- Leaf rake and soil rake
- Personal protective gear, including leather gardening gloves, over-ear noise-reducing ear muffs, and acrylic gardening goggles
Home Improvement Tools
Without regular care and maintenance, your home can show signs of wear and tear and critical elements, such as the HVAC, plumbing, or electrical circuitry, could break, resulting in expensive repair or replacement costs. A selection of basic home improvement tools ensures that you can perform preventative maintenance on your home to prolong its lifespan and allows you to make simple DIY updates. A basic set of tools for home maintenance and improvement should include:
- Power drill with various drill bits
- Screwdriver set with multiple sizes of Phillips, flathead, and hex bits
- Complete socket set
- Claw hammer and rubber mallet
- Spirit or laser level, such as a heavy-duty Stabila level
- Utility knife
- Duct tape
- Concrete tools like a concrete saw or scarifier for making repairs to paths and driveways
- Tiling and grouting tools, including a grout sponge and a grout float
First Aid Items
Although a first aid kit may not be at the top of your new homeowner shopping list, you should include it in your list of priorities. Putting together a first aid kit for your new home ensures that you’ll have access to first aid supplies when you need them and can lessen your risk of infection if a minor injury occurs during move-in or shortly after. The American Red Cross recommends that everyone should keep a first aid kit in their home and vehicle and that you should always know the location of your first aid supplies for quick access. Your new homeowner first aid kits should contain the following items :
- Phone numbers for healthcare providers and emergency contacts
- Compress dressings
- Adhesive bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Sterile gauze pads
- Roller bandage
- Nonlatex gloves
- Aspirin
- Cold compress
- Emergency blanket
- Thermometer
The Red Cross offers pre-made first aid kits for convenience, but you can also assemble your own based on the organization’s recommendations.
Home Security System
According to the FBI, the average home burglary results in around $2,661 in losses for victims of the crime. If you move into a new home without a security system in place, it may benefit you to add security features to the property. The right security features can deter burglars and give you the peace of mind your new home is protected from threats. When deciding on what security features to install on your property, consider the following:
- Automated home security system
- Window and door alarms
- Doorbell camera
- Security cameras
- Motion-sensor lighting
When thinking about home security, also consider threats that can come from inside the home. Carbon monoxide and fire pose a significant risk to your property and well-being. It is crucial to invest in new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or perform routine testing to ensure your existing detection system works properly.
Bathroom Basics
Moving into a new house often means taking on additional bathroom space. If you previously lived in a space with only one bathroom, you may need to purchase additional items when you arrive at your new house. Your bathroom shopping list may include essential bathroom items such as:
- Shower curtain and liner
- Shower caddy
- Bath mats
- Cabinets or shelving
- Plunger
- Toilet brush
- Cleaning supplies
Stock your bathroom with cleaning supplies so you can easily sanitize and scrub down the area upon move-in, making for a calm transition.
Kitchen Appliances and Cutlery
For many families, the kitchen is the most critical room in the house. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that people spend an average of 37 minutes cooking in the kitchen per day. With the added time spent eating and talking with friends and family, you likely spend several hours a week in this highly used space. As a new homeowner, you’ll want to ensure that your kitchen is equipped with necessities such as:
- Cooking and eating utensils and equipment
- Toaster
- Microwave
- Dishware
Depending on what appliances the previous homeowners left behind, you may also need to purchase a refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher. Take stock of what you need to turn your kitchen into an inviting, practical space, and budget your shopping list accordingly.
Home Office Supplies
With more people than ever working remotely, home offices have become crucial areas in the home. Equipping your home office with essential furniture, devices, and supplies can help you stay organized to boost productivity and streamline your workflow. Some of the home office essentials you need include:
- A height-adjustable office desk
- An ergonomic office chair to support your spinal health
- Computer
- High-speed internet and Wi-Fi amplifier
- Printer, ink, and office paper
- Desk mat for smooth mouse movement and protection for your desktop
- Storage and shelving
- Cable management, such as ties, cord sleeves, or under-desk mounts
Equip Your New Home with Helpful Items
Prepare yourself for a smooth transition to your new property by investing in typical items that new homeowners need around the house. By purchasing home improvement equipment, lawn and garden tools, and basic bathroom and kitchen fixtures, you can move in knowing that you have everything you need to make your new house a home.
Infographic Provided by Radon Inspection Company, Home MD
