The 10 most essential things to have ready when moving into a new home are: a toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, Allen wrench set), cleaning supplies, toilet paper and paper towels, a shower curtain and liner, bedding for your first night, a phone charger, a box cutter, trash bags, basic kitchen supplies (coffee maker, a few dishes), and a first aid kit. These items should be in a separate 'open first' box that travels with you — not on the moving truck.
What to Buy for a New House: 10 Items You Need in Your New Home
Fortunately, we have a list of crucial items to buy when moving into your new home. Don’t wait until you need it to go out and buy it – some of these things can lead to some less than desirable situations.
#1 Paper Products
Are all of your new bathrooms fully stocked? Do you have sufficient toilet paper, kleenex, and paper towels for your home? If not, that should be the first thing you purchase. If you’ve ever been in a bathroom without paper, you know why this should be at the top of your list. Additional paper products could be things like napkins and paper plates as well. Even if you have dishes in your boxes, it could be a few days before you’re able to get to them. Thus, having a stack of disposable plates and silverware is always a good idea, unless you plan on eating out for every meal.
#2 Cleaning Products
While your new home won’t be a pigsty, that doesn’t mean that it’s immaculate, either. In some cases, you may want to pay a professional for a deep clean, but usually, you can take care of any cleaning needs yourself. Buy products that can help you clean up your bathroom, your kitchen, and your bedrooms. Since these are the rooms you’ll be using first, it’s essential that you have the right equipment to get them spotless as soon as possible. Also, don’t forget the accessories necessary to clean your new house properly. If you don’t have a mop, buy one! Same goes for scrubbing sponges,...
#3 Lights and Fixtures
While many modern homes have light bulbs installed, sometimes you will have to provide them yourselves. Also, many newer models may just have a bulb in the middle of the ceiling without any kind of fixture over it. Another thing to remember is that the built-in lights may not be sufficient for every room. When night falls on the first day, you want to pay attention to the dark areas of your home and come up with some solutions. Floor lamps are always a good idea, as are LED bulbs.
#4 Shelves and Organizers
When moving, you’ll come to realize how much stuff you have. Unfortunately, that also means that you need places to put that stuff unless you’re okay with everything sitting on the floor. Although you shouldn’t rush to buy furniture, purchasing a few end tables or bookcases can be a great place to start. Overall, you want to be able to organize your living spaces as quickly as possible so that you don’t have boxes lying everywhere for weeks or months after you’ve moved. Nothing can be quite as stressful as constant reminders that you’re not fully moved in yet. How many chairs do you have?...
#6 Window Accessories
Did your home come with drapes? If not, then you have to contend with the fact that neighbors can see you at all hours of the day. One of your first trips should be to find drapes and curtains that can help provide you with some privacy. At first, you can get away with low-quality hanging materials, but buy drapes that you want to keep. It’s easier to find and upgrade to a better hanging rod than it is to get rid of old, dingy curtains. What to buy for a new house? Don't forget small appliances! Although many new homes come with the basics (fridge, oven, etc.), smaller devices are usually up...
#8 Kitchen Essentials
While eating takeout for the first few days can be convenient, it’s not something you want to continue doing as you get settled. However, how many kitchen utensils do you currently own? Buying the basics like pots, pans, plates, and glasses will go a long way toward helping you feel like you’re really at home. Another thing to consider is buying cabinet covers to keep all of your new dishes away from potentially dirty surfaces. Also, it can make cleaning them much easier in the long run. Until you can finally fill your home with all of the furniture and accessories you want, one way to keep...
#10 Decorations
Finally, you’ll want to buy things that help make your home more personal. While you don’t have to go all-out yet, you do want a few accent pieces that will draw the eye. If you have blank white walls, adding a splash of color with some artwork or a cute figurine will make the space look less sterile. Hiring a Good Moving Crew August is back to school time for many and, for students returning to college, that… Hiring a Good Moving Crew August is back to school time for many and, for students returning to college, that… Hiring a Good Moving Crew August is back to school time for many and, for...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need when moving into a new home?
Essential items for moving into a new home: toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, Allen wrench), cleaning supplies, toilet paper and paper towels, shower curtain and liner, bedding for first night, phone charger, box cutter, trash bags, basic kitchen supplies, first aid kit, light bulbs, and a power strip. Pack these in an 'open first' box that you keep with you on moving day.
What should I buy before moving into a new house?
Buy before moving in: new locks (change them immediately), cleaning supplies for a deep clean before furniture arrives, shower curtain and liner (if not included), toilet paper and paper towels, light bulbs (check what's missing), a welcome mat, and any appliances not included in the home (refrigerator, washer/dryer if needed).
What home essentials do I need for my first apartment?
First apartment essentials: bedding (sheets, pillows, comforter), towels and bath mat, shower curtain, kitchen basics (pots, pans, plates, utensils, glasses), cleaning supplies, toilet paper, laundry supplies, a plunger, basic toolkit, power strips, hangers, and a trash can for each room. Budget $500–$1,500 for these items if starting from scratch.
What should I do first when moving into a new home?
First things to do when moving in: (1) change the locks, (2) locate the main water shutoff and electrical panel, (3) deep clean before furniture arrives, (4) check smoke and CO detectors, (5) set up your bedroom so you can sleep comfortably on night one, (6) confirm utilities are active, (7) introduce yourself to neighbors.
How do I set up a new home quickly after moving?
To set up a new home quickly: unpack by priority (bedroom → bathroom → kitchen → living areas), use your labeled box system to direct movers to the right rooms, set up large furniture first before unpacking boxes, keep a 'donate/discard' box nearby to declutter as you unpack, and don't try to do everything in one day — focus on making the bedroom and bathroom functional first.
What cleaning should I do before moving into a new home?
Before moving furniture in, clean: inside all cabinets and drawers, inside the refrigerator and oven, all bathrooms (toilet, shower, sink), floors (sweep, mop, or vacuum), windows and window sills, and light fixtures. If the previous occupants had pets, consider having the carpets professionally cleaned before moving in.

Jason founded On The Go Moving & Storage in Redmond, WA in 2009 and has personally overseen more than 25,000 moves across Greater Seattle. He holds a Washington State Household Goods Mover license (HG-064180) and writes from direct, hands-on experience in the moving industry.
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