New Homeowner Must-Haves: Essentials for Your Home

How To Donate Furniture and Give Your Belongings a Second Life

You’ve signed the paperwork, picked up the keys, and stepped into your new home. Then you start unpacking and realize you’re missing some of the everyday home essentials you took for granted—and someone else might still have a key to the front door. 

Owning a home and being ready to live in it are two different things. You’ll need to shop for the new homeowner must-haves to feel comfortable once you move in.

We’ve ranked the top things to buy for your first home by urgency. Safety and security come first, followed by basic tools and maintenance supplies. You’ll fill in all the gaps as you go. Some items can wait until you figure out what the new house actually needs. 

If the previous homeowners left behind any belongings, call College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving. We’ll help clear out old junk so you have space to make the house yours.

Day One Must-Haves: What Do New Homeowners Need First? Safety and Security

Before your first night in the new home, buy the following safety and security must-haves:

• New door locks: There are quite a lot of people who could have a key to your new home—agents, contractors, or the sellers’ relatives come to mind. Rekeying a lock prevents the old keys from operating it, while replacing the lock gives you a completely new locking mechanism.
• Smoke alarms: The National Fire Protection Association calls for a smoke alarm inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Your new home may be missing one of these devices, or the existing ones may not work. Test current smoke detectors, and if they aren’t up to snuff, replace them.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide (CO) has no color or smell, so you can’t rely on your senses to detect it. Install CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
• Fire extinguisher: It’s best to have an ABC-rated fire extinguisher where it’s easy to reach (usually near the kitchen). ABC extinguishers are designed for common household fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment.
• First aid kit: During move-in, you’re likely doing plenty of heavy lifting and using box cutters as part of your moving supplies. Keep a first aid kit handy for accidents now and later.
• Flashlight and batteries: A flashlight and fresh batteries are handy during sudden power outages. Before an outage happens, find the breaker panel and label the breakers so you don’t have to figure it all out in the dark.
• Water leak sensors: According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately one in 60 insured homes file a water damage or freezing claim annually, with the average claim reaching around $15,400.00. Place battery-powered leak sensors under sinks and near water heaters to alert you to leaks before they cause damage.
• Fire escape ladder: If anyone sleeps on the second or third floor, a collapsible fire escape ladder, kept by the window, can be useful in an emergency.

First Week Must-Haves: Tools and Maintenance

By the end of your first week, you’ll probably have a better idea of which small repairs need attention. A loose cabinet hinge or wall dent may not require a service call if you have the right tools. Here are a few to have on hand:

• Basic tool kit: An all-in-one toolkit can be a lifesaver. These might include a claw hammer, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, and a utility knife.
• Cordless drill: A cordless drill comes in handy for furniture assembly, hanging shelves, and installing curtain rods.
• Tape measure: You’ll be glad you have a tape measure for moving large objects, like dressers and sofas, through doorways and stairwells. They’re also helpful during basic home maintenance and repairs.
• HVAC filters: Some HVAC filters need replacement upon moving in. Check the filter and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. 
• Paint: Even a small can of matching paint lets you relax if you chip a cabinet or ding a wall. Mark each can with the room where you used it—you don’t want to try to tell “Cream” from “Beige.”
• Step ladder: From smoke alarms to ceiling fans out of reach, a step ladder allows you to reach tough spots safely.
• Caulk gun and caulk: A tube of caulk is helpful for small maintenance jobs around sinks, tubs, windows, and other gaps that need prompt sealing.
• Stud finder: While customizing your space is exciting, mounting something heavy to your drywall can end in holes and tears. Grab a stud finder before starting the project.
• Extension cords and power strips: Outlets seem to always wind up in the most inconvenient spots. Buy a couple of extension cords and surge-protected power strips, so you can set up your entertainment center easily.
• Home maintenance binder: Instead of the ever-present junk drawer, consider a home maintenance binder. These keep manuals, warranty cards, and paint color swatches in one spot, making it easier to run through a home maintenance checklist.

Settling In: Kitchen Must-Haves

Kitchen essentials can be easy to overlook, especially when you’re focused on furniture and larger move-in expenses. Start with the basics you’ll need to cook, eat, and store food, then add appliances and specialty items as you settle in. Here are some cooking basics to consider:

• Pots and pans: A nonstick skillet and a saucepan will serve you well for most weeknight meals after you move in.
• Knives and knife block: An 8-inch chef’s knife covers most food preparation, while a paring knife handles smaller jobs (like slicing apples and bananas). Add table knives based on the number of people in your household.
• Cutting boards: Your cupboard should have a few cutting boards in it. Keep separate ones for produce, raw meat, and bread to reduce cross-contamination. Different sizes can make prep easier, but don’t sweat it if you’re short on space.
• Can opener: Not all cans come with an easy-open top, so having a can opener tucked in a kitchen drawer is essential.
• Measuring cups: Some recipes require exact measurements with no guesswork allowed. Invest in a set of measuring cups that fit your lifestyle: nested to save space and metal for easier cleanup.
• Dish rack or dishwasher tablets: Your dishes need somewhere to land. If the home has a dishwasher, stock up on detergent once you know it works properly. If it doesn’t, grab a dish rack to hold your hand-washed dishes.
• Food storage containers: Food storage containers keep your leftovers and fridge tidy. Find some that fit your lifestyle—for instance, buy microwave and dishwasher-safe containers if that suits your routine.
• Trash can and bags: Buying a secure trash can and a box of bags prevent you from running to the outside bin mid-meal. Opt for a lidded step can that locks smells inside and keeps pets and children out. 
• Basic pantry staples: It’s easy to neglect kitchen staples. They’ve just always been there. Stock up on anything you use frequently for home-cooked meals, like cooking oil, salt, and spices.

Cleaning and Bathroom Basics

A plunger probably isn’t at the top of your moving checklist, but you’ll be glad to have one if a toilet clogs at midnight. Don’t ignore the cleaning and bathroom must-haves that we so often take for granted, such as:

• All-purpose cleaner: Grab a bottle of all-purpose cleaner for casual tidying. You may need to wipe down counters, cabinets, and the fridge interior before you put that first load of groceries away.
• Vacuum cleaner: Have a vacuum ready before you unpack everything—move-in day tends to leave dust and debris behind.
• Mop and bucket: Choose a mop that suits your flooring. If you have hardwood floors, use a method that doesn’t leave them excessively wet to avoid swelling. Try a flat microfiber mop to keep moisture under control.
• Toilet brush: Keep a toilet brush with a covered holder in each bathroom for quick touch-ups.
• Plunger: Similarly, keep a plunger with a stand holder in each bathroom. Opt for a flange plunger, the type with the rubber sleeve that seals into a toilet drain, for an airtight seal.
• Shower curtain: If your shower uses a curtain, pair the decorative curtain with a water-resistant liner. Keep the liner inside the tub or shower area to avoid water pooling.
• Toilet paper: Stock each bathroom with a full pack on moving day.

• Bath and hand towels: Start with enough bathroom towels for everyone in the household. Over-the-door hooks can provide temporary storage if the bathroom lacks towel bars.

   

Things Every New Homeowner Needs Outdoors

Outdoor maintenance can wait while you unpack, but some items may become necessary quickly. One rainy day could cover your car in enough mud that only a hose will clean it. 

Avoid doubling up on expensive purchases: Check what the home already has. If the garage or shed is still full of the last homeowners’ things, declutter it and know what you’re dealing with before you buy any of the following:

• Garden hose and nozzle: A long, flexible hose helps with a lot of chores, from cleaning the driveway to watering the grass. Choose a hose long enough to reach your high-priority areas. Measure the distance from the spigot before buying one.
• Lawn mower: Different lawns call for different mowers. Choose a piece based on its size and your storage space. For example, a battery-powered push mower can work well for smaller yards and it doesn’t require you to store gasoline.
• Outdoor broom: Depending on your area, various outdoor brooms are useful. A wide push broom is nice for clearing the garage floor, front walkways, and porches, but a smaller one helps clean cobwebs out of shed corners.
• Outdoor lighting: Motion-sensor lights can make it easier to see around entryways and the garage after dark. 

Settle In Without the Clutter

You don’t need to buy all of the new homeowner essentials in a single shopping trip. For your first night, rekey the locks and test the alarms. During your first week, start picking up tools and appliances. Let rooms like the kitchen and cleaning closet fill up over the first month, once you know what you need.

If the previous homeowners left furniture, appliances, or a garage full of boxes, reach out to College HUNKS. Our trained teams can haul the junk away in a single visit, and we prioritize eco-friendly practices whenever possible. We donate or recycle up to 70% of all unwanted items we take away.

Clear the way for your fresh start: Reach out to College HUNKS today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

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