When it comes to moving into your new home, there are so many things to remember — including all the things you’ll need so you’re ready for moving day and the weeks after!

In all the hustle and bustle of the move, it’s pretty common for people to completely forget some of the basics they’ll need to get themselves settled into their new place.

Before you get all of your stuff moved into the new house, there are a few essentials you’ll want to have on hand for moving day:

• Trash bags
• Box cutter
• Basic tools (hammer, nails, screwdriver, etc.)
• First aid kit
• Batteries
• Light bulbs
• Toilet paper

The Rest of the House

To prepare for moving day and beyond, there’s a number of things you’ll likely want to have on hand. Here’s a list to help get you started.

Cleaning

When you’re moving into a newly built home, you may not think you need cleaning supplies right away. But the fact is, moving is a messy job, and you’ll want to have things on hand so you can clean as you unpack.

To make sure your cleaning needs are covered, we recommend having these things on hand:

• Cleaning supplies (consider specific cleaners needed for different jobs)
• Garbage cans
• Broom, dustpan, mop, bucket
• Vacuum cleaner
• Plunger
• Toilet brush

Safety

You never know when you might need some emergency supplies, so we always suggest being prepared — just in case. While many people like to keep a stockpile of things, like canned food and other items, you should just worry about taking care of these two items:

• Emergency kit with a flashlight, candles, matches, blanket, bottles of water, etc.
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms and /carbon monoxide detector

Outdoor

If you’re lucky enough to live in a fully maintained community, you can check this one off your list and carry on. Otherwise, what your immediate needs look like for a new house will depend heavily on the time of year it is. Here are a few outdoor basics that you should ensure you have:

• Lawnmower
• Rakes
• Gardening supplies
• Snow shovel

Indoor

Moving into a new house means you get to put your stamp on things, but before you get to the fun part and start to decorate, there are some items that need to be on your “can’t wait” list:

• Window treatments
• Lighting – table lamps and floor lamps
• Light bulbs for various fixtures
• Shower curtains and/or shower rods

Laundry

While laundry may not seem like a pressing concern on moving day, it’s likely that you’ll need to deal with some laundry — sooner rather than later. We suggest you have these items on hand:

• Laundry supplies including detergent, fabric softener
• Ironing board and iron
• Hangers
• Laundry hamper or baskets

Miscellaneous

When you move into your new house, it’s pretty likely you’ll need a whole bunch of little things you didn’t even think to buy:

• Extension cords
• Power cords
• Picture hangers
• Storage solutions

Decor for Your Space

Now, you’re probably wondering, where’s all the fun stuff, like cute throw pillows or a fabulous piece of art?

Of course, your new house is going to need to be decorated, but design experts often recommend living in your house for a while before you run out and buy a whole bunch of new decor.

You need to learn how the space will best be used and how your day-to-day flow works for each space.

Sure, you may have had your eye on a gorgeous sofa thinking it would look so great in your new living room, but once you’re there and living in the space, you might just realize that amazing couch is just going to be too big.

If you decide you just can’t wait before buying some pieces, here’s what we recommend focusing on in the short-term:

• Bedding
• Towels
• Lighting
• Side tables
• Baskets
• Plants and flowers
• Books and art objects
• Throw pillows

All of these are smaller items that can help make your home feel more like you as well as inject color into the space without it being permanent.

Moving is an exciting time, but using the above list of things to buy for your brand new home, you’ll be better prepared and avoid surprises! For more ideas, check out our previous blog, How To Decorate Your New Home Like a Pro.