There are a few things every new homeowner needs regardless of the situation and I’m here to dish ’em out!
Buying your first home is such an exciting journey, (congrats btw if you’re at this stage)! But…. it can be really easy to forget about the everyday items you’ll need in your new home.
Each season requires some specific supplies, but this comprehensive list will get you through almost anything in your new homeownership adventures.
Every new homeowner needs a tool kit.
Some people will love buying new tools, while for others, it’s a necessary evil. Having a full set of tools will ensure you’re able to fix simple problems yourself, as well as assemble and install furniture and decor without making emergency trips to the hardware store.
Some tool kit basics to consider:
- Interchangeable screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Level
- Hammer
- Open-end wrenches
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire cutter
- Nails and screws
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Sandpaper
- Utility knife
- Straight razor blades
- Flashlight
Most of these basics will be included in a generic all-in-one tool kit that can be found at most big box hardware stores. Even a cheap set can serve its purpose for quite a few years.
Don’t forget an extension cord.
When you’re all set up for a huge improvement project and realize the power drill cord can’t reach the desired target, you’ll be glad you invested in an extension cord. They can also be great for yard work and hanging Christmas lights.
WD-40 Solves A-LOT of problems.
Once the dust has settled and you’re in the midst of unpacking, you’ll likely find doors, drawers, and other items that need a little grease to stop squeaking.
New homeowner? Cool… you’ll need yard supplies
Large or small, unless you have a homeowners association to care for your yard, you’ll need most, if not all, of the following items within your first year.
- Rake
- Shovel
- Lawn mower
- Weed whacker
- Yard waste bags
- Garden shears
- Hoses
- Push broom
- Yard gloves
- Garden hoe
- Wheelbarrow
- Sprinkler
- Snow shovel
- Ice melt
Having a garden hose is definitely essential. If you’re ready to up your game and save yourself some serious headaches, invest in a hose reel and quality nozzle/spray attachment.
A good spray attachment will be multi-functional for watering plants, power-washing garage floors, or washing the car.
Know what kind of winter weather homeowner you are. Sometimes investing in a snow blower after you’ve made a very large purchase is less than ideal, but this is one you’ll never regret.
Whether you decide to live the shovel life or splurge on a snow blower, you’ll want ice melt for steps and sidewalks.
Every new homeowner needs carbon monoxide detectors.
It’s best to have a carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of each bedroom in the home, which may have been overlooked by the previous owners. No big deal; they can be found at most home goods or hardware stores for $20-30.
Not vital but really helpful… a filing system
A filing system might seem like something for the back burner while you’re moving in, but paper clutter is a real thing and it will stress you out. Out of haste or convenience, you may toss important documents, warranties, manuals, or statements if they don’t have an easily accessible home.
Your best bet is to devote a drawer in an existing cabinet or purchase a plastic filing storage bin for home-related documents.
Change your locks immediately.
This one isn’t entirely necessary, but for the safety of your family, it’s an important thing to consider.
Think about how many spare keys the previous owners have given out to friends, family, neighbors, or dog sitters. It’s also likely that the existing knobs and locks are sticking or functioning improperly.
Grab a matching set and install yourself, or add it to the list of tasks to hire out.
Every new homeowner needs a cleaning supply kit.
- Toilet cleaner
- Window cleaner
- Shower and grout cleaner
- Broom and dust pan
- Rubber gloves
- Sponges
- Goo-Gone
- Carpet spot cleaner
Baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils work wonders to clean most anything in your home. Find recipes online to create your own home cleaning products and reduce the number of chemicals in your home.
I’m not calling you a bad cook but a fire extinguisher is a good call!
Having a fire extinguisher in the house is a big deal. But having just one isn’t enough.
To really cover your bases, keep a few in accessible place that every member of the family is aware of. Most importantly, make sure everyone understands how to use them.
You’ll need a lot of batteries.
There’s nothing worse than setting up your entertainment system or unboxing a new electronic and not having the batteries you need. Keeping AA, AAA, and C or D batteries around will save some headaches.
People that ‘forget to eat’ aren’t my friends… so yeah, a grill is on my list.
After all of your hard work unpacking, organizing, and stocking up on supplies, you deserve some chill time.
Grab your favorite grilling foods, call your best friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy your new home, you responsible homeowner, you!