Finally, moved in? Or, are you almost there? There are many things you need for a new house, but where do you start? To help here are the things to buy for a new house checklist.
New home essentials
There are a number of new home essentials you need to address when you first move into your new home, such as:
- Utilities
- Broadband
- Cleaning supplies
- Basic tools
- Insurance
- White goods
- Seating
- TV
- Lightbulbs
- Batteries
- Table and chairs
- New locks
What do I need to do when moving in to a new house?
There are some things you should have bought, or sorted, before move-in day. Following a moving day checklist can really help here to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Time to break some of the essentials down:
Set up utilities
Always take meter readings when you first move in to avoid paying for energy previous owners have used.
Remember, switching providers can help you save money on utility bills. If you can, try and set this up before you move in.
Set up broadband
Want WiFi as soon as you move in? Get your internet-connected beforehand.
Cleaning supplies
It’s a good idea to have some basic cleaning supplies to hand on moving day. You may want to freshen up your new home as soon as you move in.
Smoke detectors
Don’t forget to ensure these are set up before you move in. Depending on the size of your home, there should be one on every floor.
Also, buy a carbon monoxide alarm for all floors.
Basic tools
Basic tools are one of the things you need for a new house! A few odd jobs may need doing when you first move in.
Insurance
What insurance do you need when buying a house? Remember – buildings insurance must be in place from the moment you exchange contracts.
But, this won’t cover your belongings. Have you bought contents insurance yet?
Household essentials list
While you may have budgeted well for the things you need when you buy a house, moving can be costly. But, there are many ways to save money when you move!
So – when deciding what to buy, separate what you need from what you want. You’ll save money by prioritising the essentials!
Fixtures vs. fittings
When putting together your list, it’s important you already know what will and won’t be included in the sale of the house.
Is any furniture or white goods included in the sale? If so, this may save you buying when you don’t need to.
But, ensure you know the difference between fixtures and fittings. Here, communication with the seller is key. Otherwise, you may assume you don’t need to buy something – only to find that it isn’t included.
Things to buy for a new house
So, what should be at the top of the list? We can help you put one together!
Of course – everyone is different, so you may not necessarily need to buy all of these things. If you’ve owned a home or rented before, you may have some items you can take with you.
But – getting organised is always handy before your moving in date.
Kitchen essentials
For some of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home. So, what do you need to buy for it?
- Utensils
- Pots and pans
- Appliances e.g.kettle, microwave, toaster
- Miscellaneous items, such as a bin and bin bags
- Cleaning products
- Plates, mugs and glasses
White goods
From a washing machine to a fridge, there are a number of white goods you may require.
Living room essentials
In this room, it can be difficult to separate wants from needs! But, here’s what many consider to be basic items for a house:
- Seating, e.g. a sofa, chairs
- TV
- Lights / lamps
- Coffee table
On a budget? Second-hand sofas and TVs are an option worth considering.
Bedroom furniture
With all the extra costs involved with owning a home, such as mortgage repayments, try not to blow your budget in the bedroom. It can be tempting to make your mark on a property straight away, but this may cause you to run into financial problems further down the line.
One tip: furnish your bedroom slowly – rather than all at once. In any bedroom is a bed but here are a few more essentials you may need straight away:
- A mattress
- A bed frame
- A mirror
- Coat hangers / hanging rail
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Curtains
- Storage boxes
- A desk and chair
Clever storage solutions can help you save on buying multiple shelving units.
Bathroom necessities
Luckily, when it comes to bathrooms, most of what you’ll need will come fitted with the property.
Consider buying:
- Towels / bath mats
- Toilet brush and cleaner
- Towel hooks
- Shower curtain
- Cleaning products
Dining area
Do you have a table and chairs?
General but essential items
From an ironing board to a dustpan and brush, there are many random items you’ll need to help you make a house a home.
Some of these items are easily forgotten but always worth having to hand in any household:
- Lightbulbs
- Spare batteries for all thiose smart home appliances and remote controls
- Extension cords
- Vacuum cleaner
- Picture hooks
- Door mat
- Lamps
- Torch
- Curtains / blinds
Remember – in the early stages, your home may not look exactly how you wanted it to. But, over a period of time, this will change!
Wait until you can afford it to do any serious redecorations or refurnishing.
Other household essentials list
What else should be on your ‘things to buy for a new house checklist’? Remember, some important items aren’t necessarily pieces of furniture.
New locks
One of the new home essentials? Changing the locks. You never know who may still have keys, so it’s essential you do this immediately.
Neighbours may have a copy, old estate agents, friends or family of the previous owners or tenants… Here, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so book a local locksmith as soon as possible.
Security measures
Never cut corners when it comes to safety. Have you considered all the different ways to secure your home?
These needn’t be expensive, as some measures are better than none:
- Security system
- Security lights
- Lock guards
- A burglar alarm
Second-hand properties vs. new builds
If you’re buying a new build home, it’s likely you’ll have to furnish the property completely from scratch. But, white goods and lighting can be integrated in with the build early on.
However, those buying a second-hand property may not have to. Circumstances vary widely, but previous owners leave white goods behind (such as a washing machine) that you can use.
The price of these is usually included with the sale. Ensure you’ve discussed fixtures and fittings with the seller beforehand.
How to furnish your property on a budget
Still worried about going over budget? These tips may help.
Head to auctions
Many people auction off furniture at much more affordable prices. While it may not be brand-new, it’s a great way of snapping up a bargain.
You can also find unusual pieces you may not see anywhere else.
Shop in second-hand stores
Many charity shops have furniture, you just may not have been looking for it before. Not only do you have the chance to pick up some great items, but they’ll be much more affordable.
Here, the added bonus is that you’re directly donating to a worthy cause.
Ask family and friends
Always be on the lookout for anyone getting rid of furniture. Family and friends are often happy to donate pieces for free, instead of having the hassle of paying someone to take it away.
Rehousing spare or unwanted furniture is a useful way to save money.
Keep an eye out for sales
Be savvy when it comes to shopping – always be on the lookout for a furniture sale.
Look online
People sell furniture for hugely discounted prices online. So, make sure to keep an eye out for any adverts.
Remember – even after you’ve moved in, the world of homeownership can be tough! We’re here to help you every step of the way. Find more of our tips for maintaining and renovating your home here.
Last Updated: October 17th, 2023
