Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can be overwhelming, too. With so much to do, it’s easy for a lot of folks to forget some of the must-have items to make day-to-day life comfortable and secure. If you’re relocating or settling into a new home for the first time, use our checklist to help you stock up on the new home essentials you’ll need right away.
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What new home essential should you have right away?
The idea is to pack in a way that prioritizes the new home essentials you’ll need right away as you settle in. Plan to have these items within easy reach when you first arrive to your new house. You might pack these separately, labeling the box so you know right where they are. Here are several new home essentials to have on hand as soon as you move in:
- Cleaning supplies
- Basic household tools
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguisher
- Light bulbs, flashlights, and batteries
- New door locks
Let’s break these down further:
Cleaning supplies
Whether you’re renting an apartment or you’ve purchased a house, you’ll want to start fresh and make sure it’s clean before settling in. Some people choose to hire a cleaning service before the big day, but doing it yourself means stocking up on some new home essentials and cleaning supplies, including:
- Dish soap and sponges
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Paper towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Mop and broom
- Vacuum cleaner (especially for homes with carpets)
- Trash bags
- Toilet brush and cleaner
- Shower cleaner
Use our Move Out Cleaning Checklist and make the job easier!
Household tools
Even if you’re not the handiest person around, having a basic tool kit can help you tackle small repairs and setup tasks if they pop up. You can find basic kits online or at big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, but make sure the kit you choose comes with these new home essentials:
- Hammer
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Pliers
- Wrench set
- Level
- Drill and drill bits
- Extra screws, nails, and wall anchors
- Extension cords
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
It doesn’t matter where you move, safety should always be a priority. And one of the first things to do when getting settled is to check that your home has working smoke alarms (and carbon monoxide detectors if using gas utilities) in primary areas, such as:
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Garage
- Near any gas appliances
Have these installed if they’re not already. For existing detectors, test them and replace the batteries if needed.
Fire extinguisher
Speaking of safety, every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. Make sure yours is within easy reach of any high-traffic area. Some of the best places to keep them can be:
- The kitchen
- In the garage
- Near bedrooms
- Close to any fireplaces
Ensure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible and that all occupants know how to use it so you can prevent a minor fire from becoming a major disaster.
Light bulbs, flashlights, and batteries
Make sure you pack spare light bulbs and batteries to have on hand. Consider having:
- Spare light bulbs for all fixtures
- Flashlights in case of power outages
- Extra batteries for remotes, detectors, and other essential items
- New door locks
It’s always a good idea to change the locks on all exterior doors when you move into a new place. This provides added security and ensures no one but you and other occupants have keys to the home. If you have a security system, make sure it’s set up and functioning properly.
New home essentials checklist room by room
Now that we’ve covered the basic new home essentials, here’s a room-by-room checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need when moving day comes:
Kitchen essentials
When packing for a move, consider having these kitchen essentials within easy reach for unpacking:
- Pots and pans
- Dish soap and sponges
- Dish rack or drying mat
- Trash can and bags
- Utensils (spoons, forks, knives)
- Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, whisk)
- Cutting board
- Plates, bowls, and cups
- Coffee maker or kettle
- Food storage containers
- Paper towels
- Fire extinguisher
Bathroom essentials
No one wants to get into bed still sweaty or dirty from a long day of moving, so make sure you have some of the basics on hand to use your new bathroom right away:
- Shower curtain or drapes
- Toilet paper
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Towels and washcloths
- Bath mat
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothbrush holder
- First aid kit
Bedroom essentials
Be comfortable from day one by keeping new home essentials for the bedroom easily accessible:
- Bed frame and mattress
- Pillows and bedding
- Clothes hangers
- Curtains or drapes
- Nightstand and lamp
- Laundry hamper
Living room essentials
Living room essentials are often the last to prioritize, as you can get these set up as you settle in over the first few days:
- Couch or seating
- Coffee table
- Curtains or drapes
- TV and entertainment system
- Extension cords and power strips
- Area rugs
Additional new home essentials
Beyond the necessities, consider adding these items for greater comfort and better home organization:
- Garage storage shelves or cabinets
- Security system setup
- Basic home maintenance supplies (air filters, vent covers, caulking)
- Doorstops and draft blockers
- Extra keys
Read more: What To Pack First When Moving: Tips From the Experts
How to prep new home essentials for moving
You can make moving much easier by organizing your essentials in a few simple steps:
1. Pack room essentials separately
Pack a box for each room with the essentials you’ll need right away. Label it clearly so you can unpack these first. Remember to keep the main essentials at the top so you can grab them first.
2. Keep valuables with you
Keep important items like passports, jewelry, and essential documents with you during the move. This keeps them safe so you can transfer them to a secure spot in your new house.
3. Have emergency supplies on hand
Make sure you have a kit that’s easily accessible in case moving day doesn’t go as planned. Pack things like:
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- First aid supplies
- Snacks and water
- Basic tools
- Pillow and blanket
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Let the pros at Red Rover help you with your move!
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. At Red Rover, we make moving easier with our flexible, fetchable storage and professional moving solutions. Whether you’re relocating to a new house, apartment, or condo community, we’re here to help! Contact us or get a quote today for moving and storage solutions that fit your budget and your needs.