Must-Haves for Your New Home
Must-Haves for Your New Home
Welcome home! As a first-time buyer or a move-up buyer, someone going from condo-living to a townhouse/home there can be a lot on your mind. “Now I have a property to maintain, what do I need?” So dear reader, I thought I would help calm that “how to prepare” chaos going on in your mind with a helpful checklist. Let’s dive right into my list of must-haves for your new home!
Inside your home
Reality sets in, this is your home now! You want to feel safe, and comfortable in your new home, so here are some items I’d highly recommend getting:
New door lock – I highly recommend changing the locks to your new home to ensure random keys that may be floating around don’t return to your home and surprise you by entering one evening. A favourite is a smart keyless door code lock. Make sure you pick a code that is easy to remeber for you but hard to guess. No birthdates!!
While we’re on the subject of doors a doorbell is needed – you can go for a classic, or a smart doorbell such as RING video doorbells.
Light bulbs
Drapes/Blinds
Fire extinguisher – one under your kitchen sink, near your work table in the garage, etc.
*I am hoping your home comes with these, but if they don’t definitely get a carbon monoxide detector and fire detector
Tip: In case of a fire, ensure you have a decal or sticker (facing into the home – so strangers can’t see when looking at your window) on your front window alerting of any children and pets in the home & their “safe place” within the home.
Can opener
Garbage Cans & bags (for every room)
Oven mitts
Shower curtain, shower curtain liner and rustproof shower curtain rings (depending on what type of shower you have, if it’s all glass then you will want a squeegee)
Plunger
Flash light, on that note, an entire emergency Kit – A flashlight included in your emergency kit, along with candles, matches, batteries,
First-aid kit
Lockbox/Safe – waterproof and fireproof to keep important documents and valuables
Cleaning
As soon as you move into your new place, you are probably going to want to give everything a good deep cleaning, unless the previous owners or REALTOR® has left the home in tip-top condition for you. Either way, you are going to want to have cleaning supplies to maintain the space, so here are my must-haves for your new home:
Rubber gloves
Handsoap/Dish soap
Broom
Dustpan
Vacuum
Sponges and rags
Multipurpose cleaner
Toilet Cleaner
Toilet brush
Tool kit
There are plenty of tool kit sets that are sold with the basics you’ll need for minor repairs and hanging picture frames.
Measuring tape
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Stud finder
Hammer
Screwdriver set
Adjustable wrench
Level
Nails/Screws/Nuts/Bolts
Cordless drill – helps making those IKEA assembly jobs go quickly
Step/Ladder
Outside your home:
Rain Barrel
Watering Can
Hose
Lawnmower
Rake and spade shovel for yard work
Shovel for winter
Luxurious Extras:
I also wanted to include a couple of must-haves for your new home that may count as “luxurious extras”, such as a Wifi extender to have quality wifi throughout your entire home. A Smart Thermostat, which may seem luxurious but could also help you save money, see my Environmental Home Swaps to Increase Home Value blog. Finally, a home security system, for added peace of mind.
I hope this list of must-haves for your new home has helped you get organized, want a downloadable checklist? Fill in this form and one will be sent to your email . If you have just started your home buying journey, and are looking for a local realtor in Southern Georgian Bay (Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Meaford areas) check out my real estate services, my testimonies and contact me today to get started! If you are a first-time buyer definitely check out my blogs: Tips for First Time Buyers and Incentives in The Blue Mountains.
