Moving into your first home can feel overwhelming but most of all exciting. There is a lot to consider, especially when it is your first home. You may be thinking…what do I have to organise? What do I need to prepare? and of course, what do I need to buy or have before moving in? Don’t stress, the team at Lofty Building Group have compiled a checklist of what you need to buy before moving into your first home; including all the generic household items you often take for granted and you don’t know you need it until you haven’t got it.

PREPARATION IS KEY

It may not be financially viable to purchase household items all at once after you have already moved in or just about to move into your new home. Not only in terms of the costs involved, but it can be stressful having to purchase everything you need right before moving in. Most people know in advance of their plans to move out into their first home and therefore we suggest getting in early whilst still living in your old home/family home or taking advantage of any sales. This means purchasing and collecting essential household items in the time leading up to moving out. Necessary kitchen items such as cutlery and crockery but also bathroom and bedroom items can all be pre purchased and stored until ready for use. Kmart will no doubt become one of your best friends!

NOW FOR THE CHECKLIST

#1 KITCHEN

• Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
• Crockery (plates, bowls, mugs, cups)
• Fry pans
• Saucepans
• Glassware
• Chopping boards
• Tupperware containers
• Larger knives for meal preparation
• Larger bowls (salad bowls and mixing bowls)
• Oven trays
• Colander
• Utensils (tongs, spatula, serving spoons, ladle, grater, vegetable peeler)
• Serving bowls / platters
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Tea towels
• Food storage containers
• Rubbish bin
• Clock

#2 BATHROOM

• Hand towels
• Bath towels
• Soap dispenser
• Shower rack for soap bottles
• Rubbish bin
• A mirror
• Bath / shower mat
• Bath caddy
• Bathroom scales (not a necessity)
• Organiser drawers / shelves
• Toilet brush
• Toilet brush holder
• Toilet paper holder

#3 BEDROOM

• Mattress protector
• Bed sheets
• Quilt
• Quilt cover
• Pillows
• Mirror
• Coat hangers
• Jewellery and accessory hanger / organiser

#4 LAUNDRY

• Laundry basket/s
• Laundry hamper
• Indoor clothes drying rack/airers
• Pegs
• Ironing board
• Broom and Dustpan
• Mop

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

• Cleaning cloths
• Matches / lighter
• Torch
• Candles
• Scissors
• Tape
• Pens and paper
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Tape measure
• Sewing kit
• Extension cords
• Power boards
• Ladder
• Batteries
• Hose

APPLIANCES + ELECTRONICS

Whilst some appliances and electronics are not essential household items, many homeowners have them. Here’s a list of the most common appliances to consider purchasing before you move into your first home:

• Fridge
• Freezer
• Oven
• Microwave
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Sandwich press
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Iron
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Dustbuster
• Printer
• Television
• Soundbar
• Speaker
• Lawnmower

FURNITURE

Furniture items to consider purchasing for your first home include:

• Dining table
• Dining chairs
• Bed
• Bedside tables
• Tallboy
• Couch
• Coffee table
• Lamps
• Desk
• Desk chair
• Shelves
• Storage containers
• Entertainment unit

Some other considerations of things you may need to organise prior to moving into your first home include:

• Internet connection and service provider
• Electricity and/or gas
• Water
• Home & Contents insurance
• Have spare keys cut
• Change your address on all necessary documents / channels

So there you have it…what an exciting journey you have ahead of you. Whilst all these items are not essential, this checklist provides a broad insight into items you MAY need. All you have left to do is purchase your groceries, but we’ll leave that up to you. Happy moving!