Buying your first new home is exciting. Quickly after the feelings of accomplishment and pride, however, come the fear and trepidation of uncertainty.
Can I really maintain a home? Do I have everything I need to make this house a home? These questions may be lurking in the back of your mind as you sign the final purchase documents.
This checklist of things every first home needs will help lay some of your fears to rest and prepare you for homeownership.
1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The most important things to ensure your new home is life-saving.
A smoke detector can ensure that you and your loved ones receive plenty of warning to get out of the house safely in the case of a fire.
You may even get enough warning to put out a fire before it engulfs too much of your home.
A carbon monoxide detector can also save lives by detecting the emittance of a deadly gas that is invisible.
2. A Complete Technological Suite
Of course, no new home will be complete without the best of today’s technology.
You’ll want to equip your home with some of these listed electronics. You can opt to go all out and turn your home into a fully equipped smart homes or stay low-key and just get the essentials.
- TV
- Video game system
- Sound system
- Computer
- Printer/Scanner/Copier
- Router and modem
- Smart assistant
- Google Home
- Alexa
- Smart thermostat
- Smart door lock
- Smart light bulbs
- Smart outlets
- Wireless doorbell
- Security cameras
- Extension cords
- Surge protectors
There’s really no limit to how far you can go with adding technological improvements to your home. Increase your limited floor space with home extensions now.
While you don’t need most of these right away, it can be pretty convenient to know who is at your door without leaving your bed and adjusting the temperature while you are away from your home.
3. A Full Cleaning Bucket
A clean home is a happy home! Every home needs to be well-stocked with cleaning essentials and a healthy cleaning schedule.
This may be a task you aren’t used to being fully responsible for and can take some adjustment, however, you’ll enjoy your home much more when it is well organized and clean.
This list of cleaning supplies to put in your cleaning bucket will ensure you are armed for germ-killing and dust destroying:
- Toilet brush
- Microfiber cloths and rags
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Windex
- Lysol
- All-purpose cleaner
- Magic erasers
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Bleach
- Pledge
- Plastic gloves
4. A Well-Stocked Kitchen
The one room in the house that you will need to spend the most time and money on in a new home is the kitchen.
This room requires a lot of items to run smoothly. Some are small appliances, others are things to eat off of, and others are to cook with.
Here is a list of what to buy to stock your new kitchen for good eating:
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Blender
- Coffee maker
- Slow cooker
- Pots
- Pans
- Plates
- Cups
- Coffee mugs
- Bowls
- Silverware
- Utensil drawer organizers
- Platters
- Mixing bowls
- Bakeware
- Knives
- Cutting board
- Utensils
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Serving spoons
- Tongs
- Bottle Opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Can opener
- Drying rack
- Oven mitts
- Foil
- Ziplocs
- Plastic wrap
- Garbage can
- Garbage bags
5. A First Aid Kit
In the case of an emergency, your new home should be stocked with basic safety supplies. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
A first aid kit needs to include some bandages of several sizes. They should preferably be waterproof. There’s nothing more annoying than a band aid that falls off at the sight of water.
Next, you should have some triple antibiotic ointment to help ward off infections in a cut. A small bottle of alcohol or peroxide and some cotton swabs will also be helpful in this endeavor.
A first aid kit can also include eyewash, tweezers, gauze, disposable gloves, a small splint, and a tourniquet.
If you would like to improve your safety kit check out Bob Vila’s list of 15 home safety essentials.
6. Tool Kit
Unfortunately, as a homeowner, you’ll find that things will break on you. Having some tools available for simple fixes or even home upgrades can be a lifesaver.
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer
- Cordless drill
- Stud finder
- Level
- Step ladder
- Tape measure
- Various nails and screws
- Pliers
A few other things you may want to add to your toolbox include batteries, heavy-duty scissors, a box cutter, and duct tape.
7. Floor and Window Coverings
Lastly, you’ll want to make some finishing touches that will make the home as comfortable as possible and look nice.
No matter what type of floors you have, a high-quality area rug like the ones from Lawrence of LaBrea will dramatically increase the comfort of your home.
Another item that can help your new house look more stylish and homey is a set of curtains on each window.
At the entrance, laying out a welcome mat will help others to feel comfortable in your home, too.
Conclusion
While this list is pretty comprehensive, you’ll undoubtedly find more things that you want to add. Feel free to leave out or add whatever you want in your home.
After all, it’s all yours!
