Home Essentials List: 100 Items You Need to Buy Before Moving In

Moving into your first home and being a first-time homebuyer is a huge milestone—equal parts exciting and overwhelming. As the boxes stack up and the keys finally land in your hand, one question inevitably follows: What do I actually need to live here comfortably? That’s where a well-planned home essentials list comes in.

Whether you’re moving into a spacious starter home in Reston, VA, a cozy apartment in Rocky Mount, NC, or a new rental house in San Antonio, TX, our room-by-room checklist is here to make sure you’re fully prepared to settle in and start this new chapter stress-free.

In this article:
Entryway
Living room
Bedroom
Kitchen
Bathroom
Laundry room
Heating and cooling
Security essentials
Organizational tools
Tools and useful items

Entryway

Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home, yet it’s often the most overlooked space when taking a look at a home essentials list. As home organizer Stephani Lipford of A Peaceful Home puts it, “When you first move in, create a simple landing zone at the entry, it’s one of the most overlooked essentials for a new home. A good doormat, a small bowl for keys, and a well-placed hook can bring both order and ease to your daily rhythm.” With just a few thoughtful touches, your entryway can instantly feel welcoming and organized.

• Doormat (indoor or outdoor, or both)
• Key bowl or tray
• Wall hooks or coat rack
• Shoe rack or mat
• Small bench or seat (optional but helpful)
• Mirror (great for quick checks and brightening the space)
• Catch-all basket or organizer (for mail, bags, or umbrellas)

Living room

The living room is often the heart of a new home—a place to relax, entertain, and unwind. When you’re starting fresh, it’s important to focus on the essentials that bring both comfort and function to the space. Here’s a streamlined home essentials list to help you set up a cozy and practical living room from day one.

• Sofa or couch
• Coffee table
• TV and TV stand
• Lighting (floor or table lamp)
• Area rug
• Curtains or blinds
• Throw pillows and blanket
• Power strip or extension cord
• Remote control caddy or storage box

Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a restful retreat, a space that promotes calm, comfort, and good sleep. When setting up your first home, focus on the foundational items that will help you create a cozy bedroom. From the right bedding to simple storage solutions, these essentials will make your bedroom feel complete from the very first night.

• Bed frame
• Mattress
• Pillows
• Sheet set and duvet or comforter
• Nightstand
• Lamp or bedside lighting
• Curtains or blinds
• Mirror (optional but useful)

The closet

A thoughtfully organized closet can save time, reduce stress, and maximize space. Jay Corder Architect notes, “Spending time carefully considering your storage needs in terms of fixtures will pay huge dividends. Personally, I love Elfa shelving where it’s behind doors or in a back room. It can be pricey but it’s highly durable and provides you ultimate flexibility.” Whether you go for a full system or just start with the basics, a smart setup is worth it.

• Hangers (a mix of standard, non-slip, and specialty)
• Shoe rack or organizer
• Hanging storage shelves
• Drawer bins or baskets
• Over-the-door hooks or organizers
• Full-length mirror (if not in bedroom)
• Closet light (battery-powered if no built-in light)

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, even if you’re not a gourmet chef. In your first kitchen, focus on the tools that will help you cook, store food, and keep things clean. With just a few well-chosen basics, you’ll be ready to handle everyday meals, snacks, and even the occasional dinner guest.

Cooking and prep

• Pots and pans, (at least one skillet and one saucepan)
• Cooking utensils (spatula, spoon, tongs, whisk)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Oven mitts or pot holders

Dining

• Plates, bowls, cups, and glasses
• Forks, knives, and spoons

Cleaning

• Dish soap and sponge
• Dish rack or drying mat
• Trash can and liners
• Paper towels and holder

Other essentials

• Microwave or toaster oven (optional but helpful)
• Food storage containers
• Can opener and bottle opener

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in any home, and having the right items in place from day one can make a big difference. Whether you’re getting ready in the morning or winding down at night, a well-stocked and organized bathroom adds comfort and convenience. Focus on functional basics first, then add storage and personal touches as you go.

• Shower curtain, liner, and hooks
• Bath towels and hand towels
• Bath mat or rug
• Toilet brush and plunger
• Toilet paper and holder
• Soap dispenser or hand soap
• Toothbrush holder or cup
• Trash can
• Storage caddy or shelves
• Mirror (if not built-in)

Laundry room

Laundry might not be the most glamorous part of homeownership, but having the right essentials in place makes it a whole lot easier to manage. With this home essentials list and the right tools on hand, you’ll spend less time hunting for supplies and more time with fresh, clean clothes.

• Laundry basket or hamper
• Detergent and dryer sheets
• Drying rack or clothesline
• Iron or steamer
• Stain remover and lint roller

Heating and cooling

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is about more than comfort, it’s about health, safety, and protecting your space. “Air conditioning isn’t just a luxury in warm climates, it’s a necessity,” states Tiara Weethee at Smith Services Heating and Air Conditioning. “Beyond comfort, a good AC system can help control humidity and even protect your home from mold and mildew.” Whether you’re in a hot or cold climate, having the right heating and cooling essentials can make a big difference in your quality of life at home.

• Portable fans or box fans
• Space heater (with safety features)
• Window or portable air conditioner (if no central AC)
• Programmable thermostat
• Air filters (for HVAC systems)
• Humidifier or dehumidifier (depending on climate)
• Insulating curtains or window coverings
• Weather stripping or draft stoppers (for windows and doors)

Security essentials

Ensuring the safety and security of your home is necessary from day one. With the right home security items, you can have peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Matt from Las Vegas Tech Pros advises, “Home essentials list security items include smart door locks and strong window locks, as they are the first line of defense against intruders. Installing a security system with a doorbell camera plus additional security cameras adds an extra layer of protection.” 

• Window locks or security bars
• Security cameras (indoor and outdoor)
• Doorbell camera
• Window sensors or contact alarms
• Motion-sensor lights
• Alarm system (smart or traditional)
• Security signs or stickers (to deter potential intruders)
• Fire and carbon monoxide detectors (ensure they are working and have fresh batteries)
• Smart door locks

Organizational tools

Organizing your new home is key to creating a space that’s both functional and stress-free. While it can seem overwhelming at first, the right tools can help you streamline your space and keep everything in its place. “I highly recommend a label maker as an essential tool for any home essentials list,” suggests professional organizer Halie O’Farrell of Halo Organizing. “It’s a simple but powerful tool that helps create systems that are easy to maintain, especially when setting up storage in places like the kitchen, garage, closets, or pantry.” With the right organizational tools, maintaining order in your first home becomes a lot easier.

• Label maker
• Storage bins or baskets
• Drawer organizers
• Over-the-door hooks
• Shelf dividers
• Closet organizers (hanging shelves, shoe racks, etc.)
• Magazine holders or file boxes
• Utility shelving (for garage or pantry)
• Tension rods (for under-sink or closet storage)
• Extension cords or surge protectors

Tools and useful items

When settling into a new home, there are essential tools and items that often go unnoticed until you find yourself in need of them. As Bracha Hurwitz from Clear Home Florida puts it, “These are the things that you don’t think about until you desperately need them and don’t have them. A basic toolkit, a step stool, spare batteries, and a first aid kit might not be the ‘fun’ purchases, but they’re the ones you’ll be very grateful to have.” 

And for a modern touch, Vasile Turcan of Smart Glass Technologies highlights the importance of tech solutions, saying, “Smart glass is a sleek, high-tech solution that lets you control your privacy with the touch of a button. It adds a layer of security by keeping prying eyes out from your property.” These practical items and tools will make your new home safer, more efficient, and ready for anything.

• Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, etc.)
• Allen keys (for furniture assembly)
• Step stool or small ladder
• Spare batteries (for remotes, smoke detectors, etc.)
• First aid kit
• Tape measure
• Scissors and tape
• Folder or file box for important documents
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Utility knife or box cutter
• Smart glass (for added privacy and security, optional)

Home essentials list: Items to consider

Moving into your first place is a big deal, and having a reliable home essentials list can make the transition smoother and a lot less stressful. While it’s tempting to try and get everything at once, remember that building a home takes time. Start with the basics, prioritize what you truly need, and add the rest as you go. Before you know it, that new house or apartment will feel like home—organized, comfortable, and totally your own.

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