Buying a house is a great investment, but it’s also a big investment – and the purchase price and closing costs are just the start. There are lots of things to buy for a house that you may not have needed when living in an apartment, but now that you have more space, a yard, and rooms you didn’t have before, those things are essential. 

Before moving in, it’s a good idea to make a list of the things you will need right away. That way, you can stick to a budget, and you won’t be running to the store day after day while trying to get situated in your new home. 

The Most Important Things to Buy for a House 

Make sure to include the following categories in your new house essentials list. 

1. Cleaning Supplies

While the previous homeowners are supposed to clean before selling the house, there’s always a chance of walking into a dirty mess after closing. Even if they did a reasonable job, you’ll likely want to give everything a once-over to be sure. This is a big reason why cleaning products are one of the first things to buy for a first home. Arming yourself with several essentials will ensure you can make your home clean and fresh right from the start, even before you bring in furniture and hang photos on the wall. 

• Multi-purpose disinfectant sprays such as Lysol or 401
• Bleach cleaners for tubs and toilets
• Windex for windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces
• A dust broom and dustpan
• A mop or Swiffer
• Wood floor cleaner
• A vacuum 
• Paper towels
• Trash bags

2. Window Coverings

New homeowners—especially in a newly built home—can be caught off guard on their first night when they realize their windows are bare. Ordering and installing custom blinds, shades, or curtains can take a while so measure windows as soon as possible, ideally before you move in. In the meantime, temporary options like a tension rod with an inexpensive curtain or paper shades can be found in many hardware stores. 

3. Furniture

If you’re moving from an apartment, chances are you already have a bed, a sofa, and other basic furniture. But moving into a house typically means more seating space in the living room and kitchen, and perhaps an extra bedroom or two. Since furniture is the most expensive out of all the things to buy for a house, it’s important to keep an eye on your budget. Start with things you will need for comfortable living, then worry about furnishing your dining room, finished basement, and extra bedrooms gradually. And don’t discount local resale sites like Facebook Marketplace or St. Louis Consignment Gallery, where you may be able to find furniture in great condition for a fraction of what new pieces cost. Some furniture to consider buying up-front includes:

• A bigger bed. If your new bedroom can accommodate an upgrade to a queen or king, it’s easier to have it delivered to an empty house on move-in day rather than hauling in your old bed now and having to haul it out later. 
• A kitchen table. You will want enough seating for your family, plus an extra space or two for guests.
• A living room set configured to fit your new space. Now might be a good time to buy the cozy sectional you’ve always dreamed of, or to buy a recliner that goes well with the couch you already have.

4. Appliances

Your new house will probably come with some large appliances, although it’s possible to buy a home without a refrigerator, stove, or microwave. Some sellers make it known in the contract that they’d like to take their appliances with them, in which case the buyer needs to plan on purchasing them upon moving in. Appliances on the house essentials list include:

• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Washer
• Dryer 

If this is your first house and you don’t already have them from a rental home, you’ll likely want to purchase small appliances such as a coffee machine, toaster, and air fryer. 

5. Kitchen Essentials

Dishes and utensils are always at the top of the list of things to buy for a first home, but you will also need plenty of other items for preparing, cooking, and storing food, such as:

• Pots
• Skillets
• Cookie sheets
• Pizza pan and cutter
• Cutting board
• Serving bowls and spoons
• Colander
• Knife set 
• Plastic food storage containers

6. Bathroom Must-Haves

At the least, you will need toilet paper, towels and a bath mat upon moving in. Other things to purchase for the bathroom include:

• Shower rod and curtain if there are no shower doors
• New shower head if you’d rather have one with more pressure options or water-saving features
• Plunger
• Toilet brush
• A small trash can and bags

7. Connectivity Needs

While buying a new television is not necessarily on the house essentials list, internet and wifi are a must for working from home, homework, and entertainment. You will need to contact an Internet service provider to set up service. Depending on the provider, this may also require purchasing a modem, router, and wifi boosters prior to move-in day. Purchasing and hooking up a smart doorbell right away might make sense too.

8. Yard Tools 

One of the biggest advantages of buying vs. renting is having your own private yard, but unless you plan to hire a lawn care company, you’ll need to mow grass, trim bushes, and keep weeds at bay. This will require yard tools such as:  

• Lawn mower. This can be a push mower if the yard is small, or a riding mower if you have a bigger lot.
• String trimmer (a.k.a, weed wacker)
• Leaf blower
• Hedge shear
• Hose and hose reel
• Rake
• A pooper scooper if you have a dog

9. Maintenance Must-Haves 

Owning a home means you become your own landlord! That will require you to have:

• A ladder. Cleaning gutters and changing light bulbs will require it.
• A shop-vac. You never know when the basement could flood, but you will be thankful to have this on-hand if it happens.
• Tool kit. A hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and measuring tape will all come in handy at some point.

10. Personal Touches

It doesn’t cost a lot to make a house feel like home. Purchase a few picture frames and fill your shelves with photos of loved ones. Pick up your favorite flowers and use them as a centerpiece. Buy your favorite candle and light it as you unpack. Before you know it, your new place will feel like you’ve always been there.  

What New Homeowners Are Saying About the Best Things to Buy for a First Home

Sometimes it helps to listen to those who have recently been in your shoes. Here are just a few suggestions that homeowners on Reddit say they needed when they first moved in:

"Paint. If you don't do cosmetic improvements before you move in, you are much less likely to ever do them.”

“If you live where there is winter, get snow shovels and a snowblower in the fall. Don’t wait until it snows.”

“If you need to add/upgrade the blinds or other window dressings, splurge on good ones. Also, get some blackout curtains for any windows that get heavy sunlight frequently. This will do wonders for your electric bill.”

“Everything safety! Smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, ladders if needed (for upstairs rooms), first aid kit(s), preparatory items for storms.” 

“A bulk order of your size furnace filters from Amazon (and a recurring reminder in your phone to change them).”

Congratulations on Your New Home, and Happy Shopping

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties, we know how much it means to add a personal touch to your new home. If you have any questions about the best things to buy, our realtors will be happy to help.