The Essentials You Need if You are a First Time Home-Buyer

If you are buying a house for the first time, CONGRULATIONS first of all! That's a big milestone. Being righfully excited, you might be planning major renovations or small updates. However, before diving into these projects or shopping trips, it's important to prioritise essential items—both basic necessities and big purchases—that every home will eventually require.

For the Kitchen:

Let's start with the kitchen. Setting up your first kitchen can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially with so many tools and gadgets to choose from. Here’s a list of kitchen essentials everyone should have when moving into their first home. 

First things first, a washable rug! A washable rug in the kitchen is a practical and stylish choice. It's easy to clean—just toss it in the washer—making it more hygienic and durable for high-traffic areas. With affordable and versatile options available, you can easily update your kitchen’s look. Plus, the non-slip backing adds safety, while the soft texture provides extra comfort when standing for long periods.

Cookware & Bakeware:
- Non-stick frying pan** and **saucepan** (with lid) for everyday cooking.
- Large pot for bigger meals like pasta or soups.
- Baking sheet for roasting veggies or baking.
- Oven-safe dish** for casseroles and baked meals.

Utensils:
- Spatula, tongs, wooden spoon, and ladle for stirring, flipping, and serving.
- Whisk, peeler**, and can opener for prep tasks.
- Measuring cups/spoons for accurate cooking.

Knives:
-Chef's knife for chopping, paring knife for small tasks, and bread knife for slicing bread.

Cutting Board:
- A cutting board to protect your counters—one for veggies, one for meat.

Storage:
- Food storage containers for leftovers and cling film for wrapping food.

Appliances:
- Kettle, toaster, blender, and microwave for convenience.

With these essentials, you'll be ready to cook and organize your kitchen with ease. Also, if your new home lacks a formal dining room or you intend to use the dining room as a multi-purpose space, consider selecting the right furnishings and accessories to create a designated dining area within the kitchen.

For the Bedroom

Some might not prioritize buying a quality mattress initially, choosing instead to upgrade after settling in. However, this often leads to the wastefulness of mattress shopping twice—not only wasting money but also adding another big and heavy item to the local landfill.

Bedding & Comfort:

- A comfortable mattress and bed frame to set the foundation.
- Sheets, pillowcases, a duvet or comforter, and pillows for a good night’s sleep.
- An extra blanket for added warmth and layering.

Furniture & Storage:
- A bedside table for keeping things like a lamp or your phone within reach.
- A wardrobe or dresser for clothing storage, plus hangers to keep things organized.
- Consider under-bed storage for extra linens or out-of-season clothes.
- A mirror, ideally full-length, to help you get ready.

Lighting:
- A bedside lamp for softer lighting when winding down.
- Overhead lighting or a floor lamp to brighten the room.

Decor & Personal Touches:
- Curtains or blinds for privacy and light control.
- Wall decor or artwork to give the room a personal touch.
- A rug to add warmth and comfort underfoot.
- Plants to bring a touch of nature and freshness.

For the Hallways

Furniture & Storage:

• Console table or hallway table for keys, mail, or decorative items.
• Shoe rack or storage bench to keep shoes organized and tidy.
• Coat rack or hooks for jackets, hats, or bags.

Decor & Aesthetic:

• Mirror to create the illusion of more space and for last-minute checks before leaving the house.
• Rug or runner to add warmth, texture, and comfort to the floor.
• Wall art or framed photos to give the hallway personality and make it feel more inviting

Also, a smoke detector should be installed in every bedroom, in hallways just outside sleeping areas, and at both the top and bottom of stairways. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside sleeping areas, at least 4.5 meters from bedroom entrances, and near attached garages for optimal safety.

FAQ

Essential Items for a New House

What to bring to a new house?

• Cleaning supplies: Broom, mop, all-purpose cleaner

• Basic tools: Screwdriver set, hammer, measuring tape

• Kitchen essentials: Plates, utensils, pots, pans

• Bathroom necessities: Toilet paper, shower curtain, towels

• Bedding: Pillows, sheets, blankets

What essentials do you need to live?

• Food and water

• Shelter (your new house)

• Clothing

• Basic hygiene products

• Means of communication (phone, internet)

Setting Up Your New Home

How to set up a new house?

1. Clean thoroughly before moving in

2. Set up utilities (electricity, water, internet)

3. Unpack essentials first (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen)

4. Organize room by room

5. Install security measures (locks, alarms)

How can I bring good luck to my new house?

• Perform a house blessing ceremony

• Hang a horseshoe over the front door

• Place plants around the house for positive energy

• Use feng shui principles in arranging furniture

Moving Tips and Tricks

How to pack a house in 30 days?

1. Create a moving checklist

2. Start with least-used rooms

3. Pack non-essentials first

4. Label boxes clearly

5. Donate or sell unused items

What is traditional to bring to a new home?

• Bread and salt for abundance

• Candles for light and warmth

• Honey for sweetness in life

• Coins for prosperity

What is the first thing to do when you enter a new house?

• Open windows to let in fresh air

• Perform a cleansing ritual (sage smudging, prayer)

• Turn on lights in each room

What is lucky for a new home?

• Houseplants for growth and prosperity

• Wind chimes to ward off negative energy

• Lucky bamboo for good fortune

How to start packing up a house?

1. Declutter and organize

2. Gather packing supplies

3. Start with out-of-season items

4. Pack room by room

5. Label boxes with contents and destination room

How to pack for a move in one week?

1. Create a priority packing list

2. Use clothes and linens as padding

3. Pack an essentials box for first night

4. Hire professional help if needed

5. Don't aim for perfection, focus on completion

Why do you bring rice and salt to a new home?

• Rice: Symbolizes abundance and fertility

• Salt: Represents purification and preservation of life

How to get ready to move?

1. Notify important parties of address change

2. Schedule utility transfers

3. Arrange for professional movers or rent a truck

4. Begin packing non-essentials

5. Plan for pet and plant transportation

How soon should I start packing for a move?

• 6-8 weeks before the move date for a typical household

• Start earlier if you have a large home or many possessions

What to do when you move into a new house in Islam?

1. Recite Bismillah before entering

2. Perform two Rak'ah prayer

3. Make dua for blessings in the new home

4. Give charity to express gratitude

How to pack a box for moving?

1. Use appropriate size boxes

2. Place heavier items at the bottom

3. Fill empty spaces with packing paper

4. Don't overpack - keep boxes liftable

5. Seal securely and label clearly

What do you give for good luck in a new home?

• Pineapple: Symbol of hospitality

• Broom: To sweep away bad luck

• Olive oil: For peace and abundance

• Rosemary plant: For purification

What to bring to a new home for good luck feng shui?

• Crystals: For positive energy

• Mirrors: To deflect negative chi

• Water fountain: For wealth and prosperity

• Lucky bamboo: For good fortune

How do I move into a new home?

1. Deep clean before moving in

2. Set up utilities and change address

3. Unpack essentials first

4. Meet neighbors and explore the area

5. Gradually organize and decorate

How long does it take to move into a house?

• Small apartment: 1-2 days

• Average family home: 2-3 days

• Large house: Up to a week

• Full settling in: Several weeks to months

How to pack a house quickly?

1. Create a system (color-coding, room labels)

2. Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes

3. Leave items in drawers, wrap with plastic

4. Pack similar items together

5. Don't empty bookshelves, wrap and move as-is

How to do packing for shifting house?

1. Start early and pack room by room

2. Use quality packing materials

3. Label boxes clearly with contents and room

4. Pack a separate box of essentials for first few days

5. Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting

How to pack for a move in one day?

1. Focus on essentials only

2. Use suitcases and duffel bags

3. Wrap breakables in clothing or linens

4. Leave clothes on hangers, group in garbage bags

5. Ask friends for help to speed up the process

What is the feng shui before moving in a new house?

1. Clear the energy with sage or bells

2. Open windows to let chi flow

3. Place a water feature near the entrance

4. Arrange furniture to promote good energy flow

5. Hang a mirror opposite the front door

When should I start packing to move?

• 6-8 weeks before moving day for thorough packing

• 4 weeks minimum for a more rushed process

• Start with seasonal items and rarely used possessions

How to move a house efficiently?

1. Create a detailed moving plan

2. Declutter before packing

3. Use a labeling system for boxes

4. Pack an essentials box for each family member

5. Hire professional movers for large or valuable items

What do I need if I live alone?

• Basic furniture: Bed, table, chairs

• Kitchen essentials: Cookware, dishes, utensils

• Cleaning supplies

• First aid kit

• Basic tools for minor repairs

How much money to live alone?

• Varies by location and lifestyle

• General rule: Rent should be 30% of income

• Budget for: Utilities, food, transportation, savings

• Emergency fund: 3-6 months of expenses

What are the top 5 things you need to live?

1. Shelter

2. Food and water

3. Clothing

4. Healthcare

5. Source of income

What is good luck to bring to a new home?

• Sage for cleansing

• Candles for light and warmth

• Plants for growth and life

• Wind chimes for positive energy

• Salt for purification

How do I move into a house?

1. Plan and organize before the move

2. Clean the new house thoroughly

3. Set up utilities and change address

4. Unpack essentials first

5. Gradually settle in and make it home

What to measure before moving into a house?

• Doorways and staircases for furniture

• Windows for curtains or blinds

• Rooms for furniture placement

• Appliance spaces in kitchen

• Storage areas for organizational needs

What do people need to buy every day?

• Food (groceries, fresh produce)

• Personal hygiene items

• Cleaning supplies

• Transportation (gas, public transit fare)

• Miscellaneous household items

What are the basic things we need to live?

1. Air

2. Water

3. Food

4. Shelter

5. Sleep

6. Clothing

7. Basic healthcare

What are essential goods?

• Food and water

• Clothing

• Shelter materials

• Hygiene products

• Basic medical supplies

• Communication devices

What are the necessities of everyday life?

1. Nutritious food and clean water

2. Safe housing

3. Adequate clothing

4. Personal hygiene items

5. Transportation

6. Communication tools (phone, internet)

7. Healthcare access

What should I redo my house first?

1. Paint walls for a fresh look

2. Update lighting fixtures

3. Refresh flooring if needed

4. Renovate kitchen or bathroom for biggest impact

5. Improve curb appeal with landscaping

How do I style my first house?

1. Define your personal style

2. Start with a neutral base

3. Invest in quality, versatile furniture

4. Add color with accessories and art

5. Incorporate plants for life and freshness

6. Layer textures for depth and interest

7. Personalize with meaningful decor items