Essentials for Moving into a New Home

Embark on the exciting journey of moving into your new home with ease. Know all about what essential home items and most important things you need to ensure your first days are more celebration than stress.

8 min read

---

Key takeaways

1. Prepare an home essentials bag - Pack a bag with must-haves for the first 24 hours in your new home, including toiletries, snacks, basic utensils, a change of clothes, chargers, and keys. This bag will be your lifeline on the first day.
2. Get the cleaning essentials - Have all necessary cleaning supplies ready: broom, mop, vacuum, sprays, microfiber cloths, sponges, paper towels, and trash bags. A deep clean will help you start fresh.
3. Set up utilities beforehand - Arrange for the transfer of utilities like electricity, water, gas and internet at least two weeks before the move. Having these services ready can turn a house into a home instantly.
4. Clean before unpacking - Clean your new home thoroughly before unpacking. This is easier when rooms are empty and ensures a fresh start.
5. Unpack essentials first - Set up crucial rooms first, like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. This helps maintain a normal daily routine and reduces the feeling of living out of boxes.
6. Secure your new home - Change the locks on all outside doors and set up any necessary security systems. Knowing your new space is secure will give you peace of mind.

---

So, you've just turned the key in the lock of your new home or first home, the door swings open, and... it's showtime! But hold on, wouldn't it be nice if this exciting new chapter didn’t start with you frantically searching through boxes for a toothbrush or a clean pair of socks?

Moving into a new home sparks a unique blend of euphoria and utter dread—euphoria because it’s a fresh start, a blank canvas to paint your life upon; and dread, because you've got to figure out how you’re going to turn this empty shell of a space into something resembling a liveable habitat, preferably before bedtime.

Preparation is your best friend here and it all starts with knowing the exact new home essentials when moving into a new house. Not the kind that involves just throwing your earthly possessions into boxes and hoping for the best (we've all been there), but the kind that involves a bit of strategic thinking and a new home checklist that covers more than just remembering to bring the TV remote. Let’s dive into the home essentials that will transform your first day in a new home from a survival trial into a triumph of home-making savvy.

Preparation for the move

Selecting a house removals service

Choosing the right home removals service is like picking a dance partner for the world's most logistically complex tango. You want someone who won’t step on your toes (or your heirloom vase), and who can glide gracefully through the maze of moving day chaos. Look for reliability, transparency in pricing, and glowing reviews. A good house mover doesn’t just move boxes; they move boxes smartly, with a smile.

Packing supplies and strategies

Packing for a move might just be the most underrated art form. It's about making your future self say, "Thank you, past self!" when they can easily find the coffee maker the next morning. Start with the right packing materials: sturdy boxes, packing with bubble wrap, and a labelling system that would make a librarian proud. Remember, to stay organised, heavy items go in small boxes and light items in big boxes. It’s physics, or maybe just common sense masquerading as physics.

Handling utilities and address updates

Navigating the world of utilities during a move is akin to playing a game where the rules keep changing. Do it early, think two weeks before the move! And keep a list of whom you’ve called and what’s confirmed. Connecting electricity, water, internet—these are the lifeblood of a modern home, and you don’t want to be left reading by candlelight (unless that’s your thing). Don’t forget to update your address with everyone from the post office, government authorities for your licence to your pet’s vet. Your dog or cat doesn’t want to miss out on his half yearly vaccination reminders after all. It's important to work with a house checklist to ensure you don't miss a thing.

Essentials for the first days

Starting out, the first days are like the foundation of a skyscraper. Your home essentials are your steel beams and concrete. Without them, everything else wobbles. Can you imagine building that skyscraper and only finding the tools on your first day? It's no different when you are moving in for the first time. The essential things set the tone, create stability, and give you the tools to navigate the moving in chaos ahead. Nail these basics, and you'll find yourself settling in sooner with a cup of tea by the fireplace before you know it!

Essentials bag for move-in day

Think of your house essentials bag as your personal survival kit for the apocalypse—except in this case, it's just the first 24 hours in your new house or apartment. This bag should be packed with the spirit of a camping trip in mind: toiletries, snacks, a couple of changes of clothes, your favourite book (or tablet), and crucially, chargers for all your devices. Oh, and don't forget all your keys of course! It's your go-to box that says, "I may not know where the plates are, but at least I can brush my teeth and charge my phone." It's a must for anyone's life.

Initial cleaning supplies

Before the old or new furniture takes its place and the decorative pillows fluff out their full potential, there’s going to be a bit of cleaning to do. Arm yourself with the basics: a broom, a mop, some multi-surface cleaner, and garbage bags. You’ll want to give the place a good once-over before you start unpacking. It’s like setting the stage for your home's debut performance, a clean slate for your new life.

What are the essential moving in cleaning supplies? 🧼

As a new homeowner, take pride when moving in the first day especially if it's your first house and start off by giving your new home a good scrub. Whether it's dust left behind by the previous occupants or just the grime from moving day, having the following essential cleaning supplies will make the moving process smoother and quicker:

Basic cleaning kit:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom and dustpan
• Floor mop and bucket
• Cleaning rags
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Dusters
• Floor cleaner
• Toilet cleaner and toilet brush
• Laundry baskets

Specialty cleaners:

• Bleach
• Spray surface cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Glass cleaner
• Window cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant
• Dryer sheets
• Antibacterial wipes

Disposable wipes and sponges:

• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Trash bags

Sanitation gloves:

• Rubber gloves
• Disposable latex gloves

Setting up key areas of the new house

Kitchen essentials 🍽️

The kitchen room is often the heart of the home, and setting it up right can make your life significantly easier from day one. Here, you'll need the basic appliances and tools to tackle anything from a quick breakfast to a comforting dinner:

Appliances and cookware:

• Kettle
• Coffee maker / espresso machine
• Food processor
• Microwave
• Toaster
• Mixers
• Slow cookers
• Grills
• Sandwich Press
• Juicer
• Blender
• Frying pans
• Saucepans
• Other pots and pans
• Oven dishes and baking trays
• Sieves and colanders
• Spatulas
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food storage containers (e.g., Tupperware)
• Oven mitts
• Cutting boards
• Knife set
• Can opener
• Whisk
• Kitchen scissors
• Kitchen towels
• Grater
• Peeler
• Bottle opener
• Ice cube trays
• End tables

White goods:

• Fridge
• Freezer
• Oven
• Dishwasher

Eating utensils:

• Placemats
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Soup bowl
• Cereal bowl
• Mixing bowls
• Serving bowls and salad bowls
• Saucers
• Water cups or glasses
• Wine glasses
• Tea cups
• Coffee mugs
• Champagne glasses
• All cutlery sets - knives, forks, and spoons
• Plates
• Flatware

Starter pantry items:

• Bread
• Milk
• Cereal
• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot chocolate and Milo
• Snacks
• Instant meals - 2 minute cup noodles
• Spice rack
• Baking sheets, foil and glad wrap
• Plain Flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar
• Cooking oil
• Pasta
• Paper plates
• Napkins
• Disposable utensils

Kitchen cleaning and utilities

• Sponges and kitchen gloves
• Scouring pads and all-purpose cleaner
• Kitchen roll and reusable cloths
• Surface sprays
• Paper towel holder
• Rubbish bin and recycling bin
• Drawer and other kitchen organizers
• Kitchen utensils and cooking utensils
• Dishwashing liquid and dishwasher soap
• Dishwasher detergent and rinse aid
• Tea towels and oven gloves

Bathroom necessities 🛁 

Setting up your bathroom makes your house functional and liveable immediately. Here’s what you'll need to ensure it’s ready to go:

Hygiene products:

• Toothbrush holder
• Soap dish and soap
• Body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toiletries (tooth brush, toothpaste, floss)
• Toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Hair dryer / appliances
• Electric shaver / razor
• Lotions & creams

Towels and bath mats:

• Shower curtain and liner
• Shower hooks and rings
• Towel rails
• Towels
• Loofahs and sponges
• Bath rug
• Bath and hand towels
• Bath mat or shower mat
• Bathroom bin
• Shower caddy for products
• Storage for toiletries
• Air fresheners
• Nightlight
• Glasses / contacts / contact lens solution
• Toilet roll holder
• Plunger

First aid kit:

• Band aids and adhesive bandages
• Antiseptic wipes or liquid
• Sterile gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Latex gloves
• Pain relievers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Instant cold packs

Bedroom essentials🛏️

A good first night sleep is paramount after the day’s moving adventures. Make sure your bedroom is set up for rest:

Bedding essentials:

• Bed frame and mattress
• Mattress protector
• Bed sets (bottom sheet, top sheet, duvet cover, pillow protectors, pillow cases)
• Duvets
• Pillows
• Blankets, quilts, comforters
• Shelving
• Bedside tables
• Wardrobe organiser
• Moth balls
• Alarm clock
• White noise machine (if desired)
• Wall adapters
• Hangers
• Bedside lamps
• Storage
• Mirror

Bedroom privacy:

• Curtains
• Blinds
• Temporary blinds
• Cardboard to block out windows

Living room setup 🛋️ 

Your living area and living space is where you’ll relax after a long day of unpacking:

Furniture essentials:

• Rugs
• Sofa
• Chairs or temporary seating (e.g., comfy camping chairs)
• Coffee table
• Coasters
• Bookcases
• Designated basket for all remotes
• TV
• TV stand or bracket
• TV cable
• Extension cords or extension leads
• Surge protectors
• Modem and router
• Phone charging cables
• Lounge pillows
• Throw blanket & pillows
• Slipcovers
• Art and family picture frames
• Wall hanging kits

Lighting:

• Floor lamps
• Table lamps
• Motion detection night lights

Essential tools and safety equipment

The excitement of a new home often comes with a few unexpected challenges—like assembling furniture or tightening a loose door handle. Having a basic toolkit on hand ensures you’re prepared for these small but crucial tasks:

Basic tool kit:

• Toolbox and tools
• Hammer
• Screwdriver set
• Stud finder
• Power drill
• Step ladder
• Flashlights
• Utility or Stanley knife

Measuring tape and hanging essentials:

• Tape measure
• Wall screws
• Hanging nails
• Duct tape
• Pencil and stationary
• Masking tape

Security measures and safety 🔒

Security is paramount, especially in a new environment where you’re still getting familiar with the quirks and creaks of the building:

Locks and security system setup:

• Change new locks
• Home security devices or system

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors:

• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide alarms

Fire safety:

• Fire extinguisher
• Fire blanket

Lawn and garden supplies🌿

• Lawn mower
• Whipper snipper
• Hedger
• Garden hose
• Fertiliser
• Rake
• Pruning shears
• Wheelbarrow
• Grass seed
• Garden gloves

Other essentials:📋

• First aid kit
• Candles and matches
• Extra light bulbs
• Surge protectors
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Non-perishable food and water
• Manual can opener
• Warm blankets and clothing
• Battery-powered radio
• Board games or books for entertainment
• Extra toilet paper

Wrapping up

Congratulations new homeowner! 🎉You're now armed with the home essentials to make moving into your new home as smooth and stress-free as possible. From the first box you pack to the last picture you hang, these essentials will ensure that your transition is not just about moving into a space, but transforming it into a comfortable, functional, and safe home from day one.

Think about the little things too, like having a handy toolkit for those unexpected repairs or setting up a cosy corner or welcoming space for relaxation amidst the chaos. Remember, the key to a successful move isn't just about hauling boxes—it's about planning ahead, equipping yourself properly, and setting up your space with care.

As you unpack each box and settle into your new surroundings, take a moment to visualise how each item will contribute to your daily life and let's not forget about the outdoor space and backyard your pets thrive in. These moving in house essentials will help turn the chaos of moving day into the comfort and joy of being at home.

So, here's to new beginnings and the exciting journey of making your new house a true home. May each step in this process bring you closer to a space that reflects your personality and meets your needs, creating a sanctuary where you can thrive and make countless cherished memories. Enjoy this adventure, and embrace the endless possibilities that come with it! Have a great housewarming party. 🏡🎉