Converting a house to a comfortable, fully-functioning home requires a surprising number of supplies. If your budget is stretched, begin with basic supplies that you'll need right away and then add additional items as time and money allow. Prepare a list before you shop for your new home. A complete checklist ensures you purchase everything you need and can prevent you from spending money on expensive non-essentials.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
When you move into a new home, there are a few essentials you'll want to purchase. These include your basic furniture pieces, bedding, shower curtains, kitchenware and throw rugs.
Stocking the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, used not only for eating but for family time, entertaining and socializing. A few basic items are in order for new homeowners, including table and chairs, cutlery, plates, bowls, glasses and cups. Basic cookware and related supplies include serving bowls, a set of knives, a cutting board, spatula, strainer, ladle, salt and pepper shakers, vegetable peeler, potholders, at least one sturdy skillet and one or two saucepans. For many homeowners, electric appliances are essential, such as a microwave oven, toaster and blender. To keep the room neat and sanitary, a kitchen requires a garbage can, cloths or sponges, cleaning materials, dish detergent, a broom and a dustpan.
Outfitting Your Bedroom
Comfort and a good night's sleep are of prime concern in a bedroom. The list of essentials begins with a bed, pillows, sheets and blankets, pillowcases, blankets, spreads and comforters. Other necessities include a bedside table with a lamp, alarm clock, a mirror and clothes hangers. While some homeowners manage to store all of their clothes in a closet, most require a chest of drawers for foldable items such as underwear, socks, pajamas, sweaters, T-shirts, scarves and personal items. Curtains or blinds provide necessary privacy and darkness for sleeping. Throw rugs add warmth and comfort, especially for homeowners with hardwood or tile bedroom floors.
Furnishing Your Living Room
Essentials for a living room begin with a place to sit. Depending on space and personal preference, this might include a sofa, chairs and love seats. From that point, it's easier to decide on other essentials such as side tables, coffee tables, lamps and throw rugs. For most homeowners, a TV, along with a sturdy stand or table, is an essential component of the living room. Curtains or blinds provide privacy, help to save energy and add a decorative element. While not absolutely essential, a few items such as plants or pictures for the wall provide a personal, homey touch.
Bathroom Essentials
Essentials in a bathroom consist primarily of personal items and cleaning supplies, as the tub, sink and toilet are usually already in place. If the bathroom has a shower, a shower curtain and rings are necessities. A rug in front of the tub prevents puddles and helps keep the floor clean. Each bathroom requires a wastebasket and cleaning agents such as toilet cleaner and cleansers for the tub and sink. Stock an ample supply of bath towels, hand towels and washcloths, depending on the number of people in the family and how often laundry is done. Supply basic first-aid supplies such as gauze pads, bandages, thermometer, antibiotic ointment and aspirin, or other medications for minor pain or fever.
Laundry and Other Supplies
A washer and dryer are essential items that are often -- but not always -- included in a new home. Other essentials include a laundry hamper or basket, ironing board, iron and laundry supplies such as detergent, stain remover and fabric softener. Stock a few basic tools such as a hammer, Phillips and plain screwdrivers, tape measure, pliers and extra light bulbs. Although brooms and dustpans are often adequate for keeping hard floors clean, a vacuum cleaner is a necessity for a home with carpets. Ensure the home has a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms with working batteries. A flashlight is useful for climbing under the house or in the attic, or in the event of a power outage. Keep plenty of batteries on hand as well.
References
Writer Bio
M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.