Outfit Your First Home With These Essentials
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Between 2020 and 2022, researchers estimate that up to 9.2 million people will buy their first house.
Are you preparing to put down roots yourself?
If so, it helps to be as prepared as possible. Once you've signed all the documents, received the keys, and moved in your personal belongings, you'll soon learn there's much more to buy!
Feeling overwhelmed already? We've got you covered. Today, we're sharing 10 items that every first-time homeowner needs as they prepare to take this exciting new step!
Five Necessities to Remember
Let's start this list off with a few practical items. Below are five household essentials that you'll need to keep your place safe, secure, and sanitary.
1. Cleaning Supplies
Whether you're moving into an older home or one you've built from scratch, a solid arsenal of cleaning supplies is a must. Not only will you want to wipe down all of your surfaces before you settle in, but you can keep the stash handy for those inevitable spills you'l encounter down the road.
Instead of buying everything on the shelf, stick with a few basics, such as:
Window cleaner
Bath and shower cleaner
Microfiber cloths:
Top Buy: AIDEA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Our pick: MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Sponges and squeegees:
Top Buy sponges: Starfiber Microfiber Kitchen Scrubbies
Our pick: Scrub Daddy The Original FlexTexture Sponge
Top Buy squeegees: OXO 1060619 Good Grips Stainless Steel Squeegee
Our pick squeegees: Squeegee for Shower, Window and Car Glass
If you have carpets, it's time to invest in a good-quality vacuum cleaner. You'll also need a broom and mop to keep your hardwood floors in great shape!
2. Basic Tool Kit
Unless you're Tim the Tool Man Taylor, you don't exactly need to lug a gigantic toolset in your new garage. However, it does help to have the basics on hand when you need them.
Instead of buying everything separately, look for a kit that contains the essentials. At the minimum, it should include a:
Wrench
Top Buy: TEKTON 23005 12-Inch Adjustable Wrench
Our pick: Edward Tools Adjustable Wrench
Tape measure
For most chores around the house, these items should be enough to get the job done. However, if you anticipate working on major projects (such as hanging window coverings), then you may also want to invest in a sturdy drill.
Sturdy Drill
3. Shower Rods and Curtains
In the hustle and bustle of moving, it can be easy to forget a shower curtain. Of course, if your new bathroom has a glass shower door, you might not need one in the master. However, be sure to check the rest of the showers to make sure!
On that first night, you'll be glad you took a few minutes to set these items up. Nothing helps ease the stress of moving day like a hot shower!
Shower Rod
Shower Curtain
4. Hangers
Hangers are another accessory that new homeowners often overlook. When you move, your clothes are piled into a suitcase or cardboard box. Yet, unpacking all of your personal gear and setting it up in your closet can truly make the space feel like a home.
Our advice? Go ahead and buy a jumbo set of bulk hangers. You always need more than you think, and despite their size, those things tend to go missing all the time!
Hangers
5. Dishes and Silverware
Yes, there's something romantic about eating pizza on the floor on your very first night in your new home. However, the allure of that setup fades pretty quickly! Very soon, you'll want your own set of dishes so you can eat at the table.
If you don't have any yet, you can find these at most large home stores and online retailers. If you're aiming to create an eclectic vibe in your kitchen, you can even check the secondhand store for antique and retro patterns! While you're investing in dishware, don't forget to grab a new set of silverware, too!
Dishes
Five Fun Indulgences to Enjoy
As fun and invigorating as it is, there's no denying that setting up a home for the first time can be a little demanding. There are deadlines to remember, schedules to coordinate, and heavy lifting to do.
That's why we're also including five fun items that can make the process as enjoyable as possible. With these items to unbox, you'll look forward to the big day even more.
1. New Bedding
Chances are, you already have some type of bedding at your current place. Perhaps it's your childhood duvet or your beloved t-shirt sheets from your college apartment.
While you're definitely welcome to bring this set to your new home, why not use this opportunity to revamp your bedroom a little? Choose a comforter set in a color and pattern that appeals to you, and add a few throw pillows to create a haven you'll love retreating to.
Top Buy- Bedsure King Comforter Sets King Size Comforter Set King Comforter 8 Pieces Grey
Our pick- Grey Comforter Set King, Ultra Soft Microfiber Reversible Boho Down Alternative Comforter Set
2. Landscaping Gear
You've got plenty of time to set up the inside of your home just the way you like it. Why not focus your immediate energy on sprucing up the exterior for everyone who drives by?
When you're responsible for beautifying your own yard, a simple trip to the lawn and garden store can be very exciting! From mulch to vegetable seeds, the possibilities are endless. You'll also need the requisite tools and gear, including:
Rake
3. Drapes and Blinds
You don't want to make an awkward first impression with your neighbors! Go ahead and put up temporary, or paper blinds as soon as you move in for decency and privacy. Then, take your time choosing luxurious drapes in your favorite fabrics.
This can be a major investment, which is why many homeowners choose to save up for a while before diving into it. As long as you're covered for now, research thoroughly to make sure you love the ones you select.
Blinds
4. Area Rugs
Hardwood floors can be beautiful, but they also tend to be a little cold underfoot. Area rugs instantly warm up a space and give it a good amount of visual interest.
Usually, you'll need to place your furniture first, so you know how big the rugs should be and where they should go. Again, look for ones that match your personal style and you'll use and enjoy them for years!
Area Rug
Top Buy- Maples Rugs Area Rug
5. Home Entertainment System
Can you get by with a well-placed Amazon Alexa? Or, do you want a living room equipped with high-tech surround sound? What about a smart TV?
For many, becoming a first-time homebuyer means the opportunity to amplify their home entertainment setup. Depending on your budget, look for gear such as:
Bluetooth whole-home system
Tower speakers
There are many different configurations to consider, so think about the features that mean the most to you. It's also best to read plenty of reviews before making a decision!
Everything a First-Time Homeowner Needs
If you're about to become a first-time homeowner, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you have to buy. Instead of stressing out, make a small list and keep paring it down.
Then, when you move in, you'll have the chance to really survey what you need and what you can wait a little while to purchase. This list of 10 items is a great place to get started!
Looking for more advice on how to make your home your own? Check out our other guides and contact us with any questions!