Checklist: Things to buy for a new house

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After moving out of your house and into a new one, you can end up with a to-do list longer than your arm. One major component is going shopping for new home essentials. You need to carefully consider what you are bringing with you and what gaps you need to fill without going overboard. We have a feeling that right the last thing you want to do is overspend, especially if you just bought your first home.

To help narrow your focus before you hit the shops, keep reading for our list of things to buy for a new house.

Essentials by room

You don’t have to have a fully furnished home to make it livable, but there are a few furniture essentials you’ll want to start with so that you’re comfortable. Getting the essentials now will give you more time to shop around for the rest of the furniture for your house. 

If you really want to streamline the moving process and the furniture buying process, you can always offer to buy some or all of the furniture in the home you’re buying from the sellers.

Bedroom 

  • Bed
  • Mattress
  • Bedside table
  • Table lamp
  • Dresser
  • Mirror
  • Closet storage and organization: bins, hooks, 

Dining room and kitchen

  • Dining table
  • Dining chairs or kitchen counter stools
  • Sideboard or buffet
  • Dish-drying rack
  • Utensil crock
  • Utensil drawer organizer
  • Placemats

Living room 

  • Sofa or couch
  • Lounge chairs 
  • Coffee table
  • Floor lamps
  • Table lamps
  • Media console or credenza
  • Area rug

Study or guest room

  • Desk
  • Desk lamp
  • Desk chair
  • Bed
  • Bedside table
  • Accent chair
  • Book shelves

Bathroom

  • Shower curtain
  • Shower curtain rod and hooks
  • Toilet seat
  • Plunger
  • Bath mat
  • Shelving or storage

Mudroom

  • Washing machine, dryer
  • Drying rack previous owner
  • Floor mat
  • Hamper

Related: Do houses come with appliances?

Everyday household items and tools

  • Garbage cans, trash bags, and liners
  • Batteries
  • Light bulbs
  • Lighter
  • Paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Tool kit (hammer, wrench, Philips head, flat head, Allen wrench)
  • Flashlight 
  • Tape measure

Cleaning supplies

  • Dish detergent
  • Sponges
  • Wipes
  • Bleach
  • Toilet bowl cleaner
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Duster
  • Rags
  • Broom
  • Mop

Security and safety items

As exciting as it is to think about decorating a home, it’s more important to make sure your home is a safe place to live. These are a few things you’ll need to have in your new home to make it safer. 

  • Smoke detectors
  • Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Home security system
  • Surge protectors
  • Extension cord
  • Drapes or blinds
  • New door locks
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Smart doorbell 
  • Security cameras
  • First aid kit

Guaranteed your home sale— and so much more

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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Guaranteed your home sale— and so much more

On top of Orchard’s Home Sale Guarantee, we list, prep, and show your old home after you’re all moved out.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Closing Fees
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

How much can I make selling my home?

Use our home sale calculator to estimate your net proceeds.

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Estimated Net Proceeds
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Don’t navigate the market alone

Our Home Advisors are experienced local agents who know how to sell for top dollar and help win your dream home.

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Let’s match you with a real estate agent

All Orchard Home Advisors are experienced agents who know your local market inside and out. Request a consult today.

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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Estimated Net Proceeds
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Home Sale Price
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Close faster with a cash offer

Did you know cash offers are 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller? Let us help you make one on your next home.

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Other Costs to Consider
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
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Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Know what your home is really worth

Get the most accurate free home valuation — in minutes

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Closing Fees
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Other Costs to Consider
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
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Total Cost to Sell
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Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

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Orchard Home Loans shops the market to find your best rates.

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Other Costs to Consider
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
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Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Stand out to sellers with a cash offer

A cash offer is 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller. Get qualified today.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Don’t miss out on your dream home

Make a cash offer now, and Orchard will sell your old home after you move.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Your dream home is waiting for you

Tell us your must-haves to see personalized home recommendations that meet your criteria.

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Closing Fees
$0
$0
$0
$0
Other Costs to Consider
$0
Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
$0
$0
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

The stress-free way to buy and sell

With Orchard, secure your dream home before you list. Avoid home showings, rentals, and double moves.

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