Moving into a new home is fun and exciting but can also be stressful as you try to determine what you will need initially. Although you may feel overwhelmed about the many things you need to purchase to make your new house a home, there are some essentials that will get you a good first start that you can add to over time.
Start with the Kitchen
One of the most popular rooms in your home is the kitchen. You prepare your family’s meals there, your children may do their homework there and friends tend to gather in the kitchen during celebrations. As a new homeowner, you will need some important essentials in your kitchen from the first day you move into your home. If you have a kitchen that is large enough to eat in, you will need to invest in a table and chairs. You will also need cutlery, plates, bowls, glasses, and cups. Cooking and food preparation supplies include:
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Potholders
- Saucepans
- Serving bowls
- Set of Knives
- Skillets
- Spatula
- Strainer or colander
- Vegetable peeler
Food items include salt and pepper, spices that your family will use often and condiments. A toaster and blender are also items commonly added to the kitchen right away. You will also need a trash can, sponges, cleaning fluids, dish detergent, a mop, a dustpan, and broom. A fire extinguisher is also an important item to have in the kitchen as soon as you move in.
Stocking the Bathroom
The next most popular room in your home is the bathroom. If you have a tub with a shower, you will need a shower curtain, rod and rings to keep water from the shower inside the tub. A rug in front of the tub will keep wet feet from leaving puddles on the floor. If the bathroom has a glass shower enclosure, you may want to purchase a squeegee to keep water from spotting the glass. You will need a wastebasket as well as a supply of towels, washrags and hand towels. Cleaning supplies, including a toilet brush, are also necessary. Stock the medicine cabinet with over-the-counter pain relievers and a thermometer. You should also have a supply of first aid items on hand such as band-aids, antibiotic cream, gauze and alcohol swabs.
Outfit Your Bedroom
One of the most important items in your bedroom is your bed but there are other items you will need to make the room comfortable for sleeping. Curtains or blinds provide privacy and darkness when you sleep. You will want a bedside table with a lamp and an alarm clock. Dressers to store foldable items like underwear, socks, and t-shirts are important although you can use the closet temporarily. If your floor is tile or wood, you may want to invest in throw rugs for added warmth. A laundry hamper in each bedroom helps keep dirty clothes off the floor, making it easier to gather on laundry day.
The Living and Family Rooms
It goes without saying that the living and family rooms will need areas to sit, whether it is sofas, recliners or loveseats. Once you have those items, you can accessorize with end tables, coffee tables, lamps, and rugs. Television is a necessity for most families and newer flat-screen models can be hung on walls to get them out of the way. Add curtains or blinds not only for privacy but for energy efficiency as well. As you settle into the house, you can add things like plants, decorative items, and pictures to give the rooms your own personal touch.
Don’t Forget the Laundry Room
It won’t be very long in your new home when you will need to do your first load of laundry. Most homes today come equipped with a washer and dryer. You will need at least one laundry basket as well as detergent. If you use such items, be sure to purchase fabric softener and stain remover. Create a small toolbox of commonly used tools in your laundry room. The box should contain a hammer, various sizes of Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, a tape measure, pliers and extra light bulbs. A vacuum cleaner will be necessary if you have carpet. Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries, and lightbulbs as well.
Of course, every room should have a working smoke detector and homes that burn fuel should also have a carbon monoxide detector. If you are ready to move into your dream home, Southdown Homes is ready to make that happen. Contact us by calling 610-873-1900 or visit us online to learn more about the Southdown Experience.
