This story is part of Home School, our complete guide to making your first home your own. We share firsthand and expert advice on everything needed to make your first home the best. To learn more tips for settling into a new space, check out our full guide here. As a first-time homeowner, you may be excitedly planning major renovations, minor cosmetic changes, or just decorating with new furniture and home accessories.
Before starting any plans or shopping sprees, consider prioritizing certain items that every home needs. We asked pros to share the best home essentials for a first home. Meet the Expert: Wendy Glaister is the principal of Wendy Glaister Interiors. Laurel Vernazza is the chief marketing officer and director of content for The Plan Collection. Zachary Robert Ronca is a real estate agent for Brown Harris Stevens. For the Bedroom: Wendy Glaister suggests new homeowners first invest in a great mattress, emphasizing the importance of sleep. Many new homeowners don’t prioritize this at the start and opt to shop for a better mattress later. This is a waste of money and adds to landfill. Laurel Vernazza recommends proper window treatments like blackout shades for sleep and privacy. A bedside end table or nightstand is also essential. People underestimate how useful they are. Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas and designer tips! For the Kitchen: A basic set of cookware, including a pot, pan, cooking utensils, knife set, and cutting board, is necessary. Even if you rely on takeout and microwave meals, there will be times when you need to cook. The cutting board can prevent countertop damage. If your home doesn’t have a formal dining room, consider purchasing furnishings and accessories to create a dining space in the kitchen. ‘Everyone has to eat somewhere, so a properly equipped dining area is essential,’ Vernazza says. This can be a breakfast nook if your kitchen is large enough or on the kitchen island or peninsula.Expect to purchase a solid table (if not using kitchen counter), comfortable chairs or counter stools, and tableware like plates, drinking glasses, and utensils depending on space and layout.
Safety is crucial in every home. Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level, including attic and basement. A smoke detector should be in each bedroom, hallways outside sleeping areas, and top and bottom of stairways. Carbon monoxide detectors should be outside sleeping areas at least 15 feet from bedroom entrances and near attached garages. Avoid setting detectors in dead-air spaces, damp areas like bathrooms and areas near windows, vents, and ceiling fans as these can interfere with sensors. Invest in combined smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and follow instructions for best placement. For closets or utility rooms, in addition to cleaning supplies, have a tool for picking up dust and particles. A broom and dustpan, plug-in vacuum, or chargeable cordless hand or stick vacuum is recommended. Zachary Robert Ronca, a real estate agent at Brown Harris Stevens Miami, feels cordless is best due to portability and convenience. He also recommends Swiffer tools including mop or sweeper, duster, and Wet Jet as they are affordable, compact, and effective for keeping floors and surfaces clean. In new homes, have an extension cord or two as electric outlets may not be ideally located. A power strip with surge protection is also essential in areas where more than two outlets are needed like living room for TV, gaming station, streaming system, WiFi router, and external speakers. New homes often require handiwork and finishing touches. A small basic toolkit is recommended. Glaister suggests having it as you never know when a quick minor repair is needed. Ronca agrees and says homeowners should have at minimum a screwdriver, hammer, and measuring tape. Measuring tape is crucial for planning furniture placement and room decor. Hammer is versatile for minor home improvement tasks like pulling nails, hanging frames, breaking items, and chiseling. Screwdriver is must-have for removing unwanted screws from walls and for assembling or disassembling furniture.When moving into your first home, it’s essential to have certain items that will make your life easier and more comfortable. According to professionals, here are the nine essentials everyone needs for their first home: 1. A sturdy bed frame and comfortable mattress for a good night’s sleep. 2. A reliable set of cookware for preparing meals. 3. Basic kitchen utensils for everyday cooking tasks. 4. A set of dinnerware for serving meals. 5. Essential small appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. 6. A vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies for maintaining a clean home. 7. A set of bath towels and bath essentials for personal hygiene. 8. A well-stocked first aid kit for emergencies. 9. A basic tool kit for minor home repairs and maintenance. These items will not only help you settle into your new home but also ensure that you are prepared for the various challenges that come with homeownership.
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