After you’ve closed the purchase of a new home and moved in, you may not realize everything left to buy. Some homeowner essentials can be bought, used, or taken from your last property. They may also be collected through donation. You don’t need to buy everything new.
However, many houses for sale come with only the bare essentials. That means you won’t have lots of the basic necessities that you take for granted in your old home. From furniture to electronics, your new home will be pretty bare unless you stock up quickly. For your ease and comfort, it’s worth making a list of these wants and needs. There are many important things you need in your new home.
Here are fifteen essential things to buy after buying a house:
1. Mattress
More than a bed frame or a bed, you need a mattress. A good-quality one. A mattress is something you can and should buy brand new if you can. You will sleep better, be more relaxed, and be ready to tackle the days.
2. Blinds
If your home isn’t already equipped with window coverings of some kind, you will need blinds, curtains, or drapes of some kind. In the interim, you may want to hang up a blanket to have privacy. A blanket isn’t long-term, though.
3. Ladder
At some point, you’re going to want a ladder. Whether changing a smoke detector’s batteries, painting a wall, or checking a top shelf, a ladder and step ladder can help with basic household tasks. Ensure yours is sturdy and tall enough to let you do what you want to do with it.
4. Flashlight
Every smartphone has a flashlight, sure. When you own a home, though, you want a high-quality flashlight. In case you need it to look at your vehicle, to inspect something in the backyard at night, or for simple handling around the house. If your power goes out, a smartphone won’t be enough.
5. Light Bulbs
Light bulbs can go out at any time. They’re quick and easy to change out when you have extras, but when you don’t, you’ll put yourself on the waiting list until you go out and buy some. Start stocking up on replacement essentials like this. Assign them a storage area.
6. First Aid Kit
Whether it’s just you or a family, a First Aid Kit is good. In case there’s an injury – serious or minor – you’ll know where to go to grab something to help. A basic First Aid Kit isn’t expensive and has everything you’ll need.
7. Screwdriver
In the time you spend assembling furniture, mounting shelves, and fixing up projects around the house, a handheld screwdriver will be the minimum you need. A cordless drill is even better. There’s no workaround for a screwdriver. It’s an absolute essential.
8. Night Lights
While you’re getting used to your new surroundings, it can be a little scary. You’re hearing new sounds and feeling your way around a new home at night in the dark. Especially for children, night lights can add some safety and help prevent you from banging your toes on the way to the bathroom when the sun’s not up.
9. Paper Towels
Paper towels are a must. They will be what you go to grab when there’s a spill and you need to clean a countertop or have to wipe down a window pane. As you settle in, you’ll want paper towels at the ready at all times.
10. Tape Measure
It sounds a little basic, but a simple tape measure will help you determine how to get furniture through doorways, what size of curtains you need for the window, and more. You never know when a tape measure will come in handy.
11. Cleaning Supplies
It’s never too early to start a collection of cleaning supplies to keep your home tidy. Hand soaps, dish soap, all-purpose cleaning sprays, dishwasher detergent, and laundry detergent are all basics. You may also want a glass cleaner, a sanitizer, and a disinfectant.
12. Sheets, Blankets, And Pillowcases
Treat yourself to some new sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. If you don’t have a good-quality pillow, throw one in. A simple, cheap place to source a sheet and blanket set is to purchase a bed-in-a-bag from Walmart or a similar retailer.
13. Smart Home Security
While changing the locks, think about the security in your home. Smart home security is relatively inexpensive compared to the old security systems. You have smart doorbells, smart home video cameras that sync up to your smartphone, window and door sensors, and more. It’s easier than ever to customize your very own security system.
14. Fire Extinguisher
This isn’t a suggestion to scan over and ignore. A fire extinguisher can save your life. Keep it near the kitchen if a fire breaks out around your stove. Most people store theirs under the sink and never use it, but you always know it’s there just in case.
15. Paperwork Sorter
You can go all out and buy a filing cabinet or stick with some simple dollar-store trays, but you’ll need something to keep documents and paperwork organized. You’ll have mortgage documents, insurance policies, appliance manuals, tax documents, and more. A stackable paper tray is your best bet to start.
