The Ultimate New Home Shopping List

Whether you're moving into your first home or your fifth home, it can be an overwhelming process! With everything there is to consider, it’s easy to overlook many of these home essentials. That’s why we compiled the ultimate list of everything you’ll need for your new home. So, before moving day, take stock and review this list - let’s make your house a home from day one!

Entrance

You may not come through your front door regularly once you’ve settled in, but it will be the first impression most people have of your home. Not to mention, home security starts here. These items will set the stage for the rest of your home.

• Welcome mat

• Shoe tray

• Coat rack

• Smart lock (you’ll want to change the locks)

• Smart doorbell (to see who’s at the door without leaving the couch)

• Security camera(s)

• Motion-activated lights

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of your new home, so don’t be surprised if you need to buy a lot of stuff to properly stock it. To keep things simple, we’ve broken the kitchen down into several categories: eating essentials, cooking essentials, kitchen tools, kitchen appliances, and kitchen supplies.

Eating Essentials

You’ll need something to eat with and eat on. If you’re starting with very little, a 16-piece dinnerware set would be a good investment (four dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and mugs) - plus glasses and flatware at the very least!

• Plates and bowls

• Flatware (forks, spoons, knives)

• Steak knives 

• Cabinet and drawer organizers (to keep everything tidy)

• Glasses (consider a set with six short and six tall tumblers)

• Wine glasses

• Coffee mugs

• Serving platters and utensils

Cooking Essentials

One of the perks of having a kitchen is being able to prepare your own meals. To do so, though, you’ll need a few essentials. Since you’ll likely use these items daily, consider durability before purchasing.

• Cutting board

• Chef’s knives (a set with a block comes in handy)

• Kitchen shears

• Cooking utensils (spatula, whisk, tongs)

• Pots and pans

• Bakeware (9”x13” pan and a baking sheet, to get started)

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

Kitchen Tools

You may not use these items every day, but if you spend any time in the kitchen, you’ll want to have them on hand.

• Rolling pin

• Can opener

• Bottle opener

• Hand mixer

• Meat thermometer

• Colander

• Salt shaker and pepper grinder

• Spice rack

• Turkey baster

• Sealable containers

• Aluminum foil (for easy clean up and keeping food warm)

• Strainer

Kitchen Appliances

Most kitchens come with an oven, stove, and dishwasher; some also have built-in microwaves. But it will take a few extras, including a refrigerator, to fully outfit your kitchen. Consider having these items on hand when you move in.

• Refrigerator

• Microwave (if you don’t have a built-in)

• Toaster or toaster oven (a great option when you don’t want to turn the oven on)

• Blender

• Keurig or coffee maker

• Instant Pot or crockpot

• Waffle maker

Kitchen Supplies

If you have the room, you may want to have backups of supplies you’ll need to purchase regularly (like dishwasher detergent and trash bags.)

• Dish soap

• Garbage can

• Recycling can

• Trash bags

• Scrubber (hard bristles or copper)

• Sponge and/or dish rag

• Dishwasher detergent

• Drying rack

• Plastic/paper bags

• Plastic wrap

• Paper towels and paper towel holder

• Napkins

• Kitchen towels

• Oven mitts

• Cooling rack

• Fire extinguisher (one on each floor of the home)

Dining Room

Once you’ve prepared your meal, you’ll need someplace to eat it! As you settle into your home, you may want to purchase special items for holidays, like a Christmas-themed table runner.

• Dining room table and chairs

• Tablemats (opt for easy-to-clean tablemats)

• Table runner

• Chair felts (to prevent the chairs from scratching your floors)

Bathroom

Depending on how many bathrooms you have, you may need to purchase multiple of some items, like hand soap and shower curtains. Other items, like a plunger, could be shared between bathrooms.

• Bath and hand towels

• Hand soap

• Shower curtain and liner

• Shower rod and rings

• Bath rug/mat

• Toothbrush holder

• Counter/shelf/drawer organizers

• Trash can

• Toilet paper

• Tissues

• Plunger

• Drain snake

• Toilet brush and holder

• Toilet bowl cleaner

• Toiletries

Bedrooms

If you have more than one bedroom, you’ll want to purchase more than enough bed sheets, pillows, and the like for them all. You may also want to consider who will be using each room when making purchases.

• Mattress

• Bedframe

• Mattress protectors and pads

• Sheets

• Blankets/comforters

• Pillows

• Pillowcases

• Decorative pillows

• Nightstand

• Dresser

Closet

The size of your closet will determine your needs and what you’re able to do with the space. Regardless, organization is key. Keep like items, such as belts or scarves together on a hanger, and maximize unused space with storage bins.

• Clothing hangers

• Hooks (for hats, purses, etc)

• Hamper

• Accessory/jewelry organizer

• Shoe rack

• Full-length mirror

• Storage bins

Living Room

Chances are, if you’re not eating, sleeping, or working, you’re in your living room. Make it as comfortable and functional as you can!

• Television

• TV mount or cabinet

• Area rug

• Lamps/lighting

• Sofa or sectional

• Coffee table or ottoman

• End tables

• Shelving

• Plants

• Wall art/picture frames

Home Office

More and more of us are working from home now! While you may already have many of these items, double-check this list to make sure you can get to work on day one in your new home:

• Desk

• Office chair

• Computer, monitor and mouse

• Office supplies (pens, pencils, stapler, Post-Its, highlighter, etc.)

• Printer and paper

• Envelopes and stamps

• Desk organizer

• File cabinet

Laundry room

You’ll likely get dirty and sweaty unpacking, so you’ll want to have your laundry room ready for load that first day. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Laundry detergent

• Dryer sheets

• Stain remover

• Iron and ironing board

• Drying/hanging rack 

• Laundry baskets

Windows

Take stock of all windows, and determine which window treatments you need to purchase for each room.

• Blinds or shades

• Curtains and drapes

• Curtain rods

• Tiebacks

• Window hardware

Cleaning supplies

Your house will get dirty as the movers walk in and out of the house. Plus, items tend to get dusty in storage and during the move. Be prepared to tidy up with these essentials:

• Cleaners (bleach, glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner)

• Sponges

• Magic Eraser

• Broom and dustpan

• Gloves

• Mop

• Vacuum cleaner

• Duster

Outdoors

Even if you hire someone to maintain your landscape, you’ll want to have some basic tools on hand. And, you’ll probably want to turn your backyard into an additional living space. Make it happen with these items:

• Garden tools (shovel, rake, pruning shears)

• Hoses (one for the front yard, one for the backyard)

• Lawnmower 

• Leaf blower

• Electric or charcoal grill

• Grilling tools (spatula, grill brush)

• Patio furniture (table and chairs)

Maintenance and household items

It takes a lot to manage and maintain a house! This category is a catch-all for everything else you could possibly need.

• Fire extinguisher (one on each floor)

• Basic tools (pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, hammer and nails, sandpaper)

• Tape measure

• Step stool

• Duct tape

• Stud finder

• Level

• Hanging materials (nails, tacks, command strips, etc)

• Scissors

• Batteries

• Flashlights

• Candles and/or air fresheners

• Matches and/or lighters

• Light bulbs

• Carbon monoxide detectors

• Smoke detectors

• Surge protectors

• Extension cords

• HDMI cables

• Micro-USB/USB-C cords

• Wi-Fi router (unless you get one from your provider)

• Heaters/fans/humidifiers

• Fans

• Child-proofing tools

As closing and/or moving day nears, be sure to take inventory of your current items and compare them with this list. Give yourself plenty of time to shop (whether it’s at the store, or from your couch on Amazon). You’ll thank yourself later when you can relax after moving in! 

PS - Need recommendations for moving companies? Let us know - we’d be happy to refer you!