8 Things You'll Need As You Move Into Your New Home

When you're buying your first home, of course, you'll remember to get things like a sofa, bed, and kitchen table. However, there are a ton of "little" things you might not remember come moving day. Here are eight essential items you will need for moving into your home.

1. Paper Products
   Toilet paper and paper towels should be top of your list. You also might want paper plates, tissues, and napkins.
2. Cleaning Products
   Moving can make a mess, and while your new home might not be a total disaster, it's unlikely it will be as pristine as it was at the showing. At a minimum, you'll need to clean the bathroom and kitchen immediately since you'll use them first. So make sure you have the right supplies to do so.  
3. Tools
   When you have your own home, there's no getting around it — you'll eventually have to make some minor repairs. It's not practical to call someone for all the little things. Fixing loose hinges and cabinet handles, hanging pictures, or putting up curtain rods are well within the skills of most homeowners and only require a few basic tools. It's a good idea to have these tools handy on moving day so you'll be prepared.
4. Locks and Keys
   You'll want to change the locks right away and get an extra key made or possibly pay a locksmith to come and change them out. Your safety should always be a priority.
5. Equipment for Yard Work
   Even if you've decided that after buying a house, you want someone else to do the yard work, it's unlikely you can avoid the task entirely. You likely will have to sweep a walkway, shovel snow to get out of your driveway or clean up after a storm. Often people decide to do their yard work after buying a house to save a little money. Here are a few tools you may need:
   • Lawnmower
   • Snowblower
   • Push broom
   • Garden hose
   • Wheelbarrow
   • Garden gloves
   • Window treatments — The window treatments often leave with the previous owners. If that applies to your home, you'll want to get them in place right away for privacy and to control the amount of light that comes in.
6. Garbage Cans and Trash Bags
7. Appliances
   If the major appliances aren't staying, you'll want to get these right away. It's just not practical to go without a refrigerator or washing machine for too long, especially if you have a family.
8. Home Safety Equipment
   Buying a home means you're responsible for its upkeep, and that includes basic safety. You don't want anything to happen to your family or your property. If you're getting a home security system, you'll want to get that in place quickly as well. Home safety equipment includes:
   • Flashlights
   • Fire extinguishers
   • Batteries
   • Smoke detectors
   • Carbon monoxide detector 
   • Light fixtures and lightbulbs — Again, these are not always things included when you're buying a house. If that's the case with your new home, you'll want to have a few lamps when it gets dark the first night.

With these new home essentials, you'll be well on your way to successful homeownership.

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