Buying your first house is a huge milestone in your life. But with all the excitement, how do you make sure you pack everything you’ll need?
Moving is hectic. 34.9 million people moved in the US in 2016, and we’d bet a lot of them forgot a few of the essentials.
We’ve put together this list of items you’ll need for your first move and your new home.
Read on to get prepared for the big day!
Start with the Basics
While you will need items other than these basics, you can safely add them later on in the first few weeks. You’ll want to make sure you have these things in hand when you move.
Starting With A Clean Slate
Whether you’re buying somewhere new or an older house, your new home will need cleaning. Buy plenty of trash bags, cleaning supplies (such as gloves, buckets, cloths), and cleaning products. Make sure to also include a broom and dustpan or a lightweight vacuum cleaner. Even new houses will need the windows cleaned, and you will want to give any appliances a good once-over before you use them. With a little forethought, you can have all the cleaning items you need, saving yourself multiple trips to the store.
Commonly Used Tools
Invest in a basic toolbox and toolset. Even simple things like hanging pictures or assembling furniture will require some necessary tools. A good toolkit will come in handy during the move and for a long time after. Some of the essential tools you should have on hand for your move are:
- Hammer
- Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers
- Pliers—standard and needle-nose
- Adjustable wrench
- Measuring tape
- Small level
- Scissors
- Retractable-blade cutting tool
In addition to the toolkit, invest in a sturdy stepladder. It will come in handy for tasks like changing light bulbs, reaching high cabinets, or hanging pictures. A stepladder will make these tasks easier and safer.
Being Safe
Accidents happen, but you should prepare for them or even take steps to reduce their likelihood. Here are a few ideas to be safer:
- Having a first aid kit in the house is always good, whether you’re just moving in or have lived in the house a while. From small band-aids to gauze, wraps and antiseptic, a first aid kit will help you deal with minor cuts and scrapes.
- Fire extinguishers might help keep an accident from becoming a catastrophe. Homes should have fire extinguishers located in the kitchen, by the sleeping area, and on each floor. Be sure to check the fire extinguisher for a proper charge per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check if your new house has smoke alarms. Buy them if it doesn’t and buy new batteries if it does.
- Pick up a flashlight or two in case of power outages.
By having a few things on hand, you will be better prepared to deal with accidents and emergencies around the home.
Miscellaneous Essentials
One of our most common bits of advice is the “essentials box.” Just as the name suggests, it is a box that holds the essentials for your first couple of days in a new house. What constitutes “essentials” may be slightly different, but here are some of the common items:
- Toiletries and personal items
- Toilet paper and Kleenex
- Phone charging plug and cord
- Portable phone charging battery
- Change of clothing for 1 to 3 days
- Extra set of car keys
- A little cash
- Flashlight or battery-powered lantern (with fresh batteries)
- List of phone numbers for key people (just in case something happens to your phone)
Being Prepared
Moving for the first time has many challenges. Make sure things go smoothly with a little planning and by having a few key items on hand. Being prepared is half the battle.
Need help moving into your first home? Request a quote and see how we can help make moving day stress-free.
