So, you’ve used homelister or another service to buy your new home. Moving day is almost here, and it’s time to start thinking about what you need to fill the place out.
There are any number of essential home supplies, enough to fill an entire book. But there are a few things that stand out above all others. Here, in no particular order, are some of the most important things you need to provide for your new house.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Perhaps no room is as important to your home as the kitchen. In fact, for most of history, most people’s home was just a big kitchen that also functioned as a bedroom. But the hearth, or the stove, served as the center of the house.
This only makes sense, We spend much of our time in the outside world, working, socializing, or having fun. But the kitchen is where friends and family come together to share a meal, and enjoy each-others’ company.
But for a kitchen to function properly, you need to have the right tools. This starts at the stove, where you want the best quality cookware. Look for durable materials such as cast iron and stainless steel. For example, take a look at the high-quality, ethically-sourced pots and pans from Our Place. Avoid cheap aluminum pans, since the aluminum can react with acidic foods and release itself into the food.
In addition to cookware, you’ll also want to have all the appliances you need. Presumably, your kitchen will already come equipped with a stove and oven. But a good microwave is essential to cook many modern recipes. You’ll need a toaster, blender, coffee maker, and a variety of other smaller devices. Thankfully, all these things are relatively affordable, and available from many retailers.
Living Room Furniture
Outside of the kitchen, the next room you’ll spend the most time in is probably your living room. And within that living room, you’ll spend a good bit of time on your sofa.
Since you’re already moving anyway, now is a good time to think about whether your existing sofa is all you desire. Is it firm and supportive? Or has it sagged from years of overuse? If it has, you’ll probably want to change it.
When you’re looking for a new couch, make sure to consider both size and comfort. A big overstuffed beast might sound great, but if it’s too big for the room, you’ll need to go with a different option.
This doesn’t have to be expensive, either. There are many discount sites like Wayfair that provide great deals on furniture and appliances.
Once you’ve got your sofa sorted out, the next thing to think about is what types of tables you’re going to need. This can vary from house to house, depending on the layout of the room and where your sofa is located.
Coffee tables come in many types and varieties. Some are simple and low-lying, while others are larger and beefier, with extra storage space underneath for remotes and other supplies. End tables, meanwhile, tend to be a bit taller, so they can be reached over the arm of the couch. They’re a great place to keep lamps and other home accessories.
Finally, no living room would be complete without somewhere to put your TV. A simple wall mount or media stand is a clean, contemporary way to get the job done. That said, a bigger entertainment center offers its own retro charm. It’s also good for other entertainment supplies, like your collection of vinyl records.
Soothing Bath Supplies
With all the stress of moving in, you owe it to yourself to get some stress relief. If that’s what you need, there’s nothing better than a bath or even a shower. But why not treat yourself to some gentler, smoother cleaning products?
Calendula shampoo is an excellent choice. It’s actually a body wash as well, and it’s designed for sensitive skin. It gives off a calming fragrance, which helps you relax and de-stress. If you’re looking for the ideal night time cleanser, it’s a worthwhile choice.
But taking a bath is a complete experience, and you can’t reduce it just to the type of soap you’re using. You also need to set the right ambience, and some candles can go a long way towards setting the mood.
If that sounds appealing, why not go one step further and choose a personalized candle? Have one imprinted with an inspiring phrase, or just with words that make you happy. It’s a great touch for your brand new bathroom.
Patio Essentials
A house isn’t just about what’s on the inside. If you want to get the most out of your new home, you also want the outside to be a pleasant environment to be in.
Let’s start with the basics. Sooner or later, you’re going to want to eat outside. When that happens, you might have guests. So get yourself a nice big patio set with more chairs than you need. It’s great if these chairs have cushions, but keep the cushions inside when they’re not in use. Otherwise, they’ll just be all wet when you go to sit down on them.
We’re not even going to wade into the gas vs. electric grill debate. Enough ink has been spilled over that question to fill many Olympic-sized pools. But regardless of which type you get, look for one with a built-in table. Otherwise, you can find yourself constantly juggling platters of food.
In the daytime, you’ll want a big umbrella, to keep the worst of the sun at bay. And when night comes around, it’s liable to get buggy. In that case, a quality bug zapper can go a long way towards improving your experience.
Calm Your Cat
Moving can be a stressful time for your animals. So can unpacking, which is also a terrible time for them to be running around underfoot. If your cat is getting anxious, consider giving them some CBD for cats. It’s all-natural, it’s non-toxic, and it calms their anxiety without knocking them out or making them feel drugged. You can even add it to their regular food, and they’ll eat it right up!
Safety First!
When you’re outfitting your new home, don’t forget about the most important thing: the safety of yourself and your family. Of course, it’s impossible to be prepared for all circumstances, but there are a few basic supplies that every home should have.
First off, make sure you have a smoke detector on every floor, in every bedroom, and in the kitchen. This will alert you to danger, especially if you’re asleep and vulnerable.
Along the same lines, you should keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, garage, laundry room, and other high-risk areas. Some fire extinguishers are made for specific types of fires, but an ABC Class multi-purpose canister will put out pretty much any fire. It’s also a good idea to choose a rechargeable extinguisher, in case you ever need to use it.
One other major safety concern is carbon monoxide. This odorless, tasteless gas causes exhaustion, unconsciousness, and eventually death. Thankfully, carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and easily available. Make sure to keep one on each floor, and in every bedroom.
