New Home Checklist: What You Need Before Moving In
Move in with the essentials.
Whether you’re moving into your very first home or upgrading to a larger space, ensuring you have new home essentials makes for an enjoyable first few weeks. Keep reading for our new home checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
New Home Checklist
Use our checklist to quickly take inventory of what to bring to your new home first. We've listed the essentials for setting up your fresh space as a new homeowner.
Browse your move-in must-haves room by room, or skip to a specific room:
The Kitchen
The Bathroom
The Living Room
The Bedroom
The Dining Area
The Home Office
The Kitchen
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- Dinnerware: Skip paper plates by moving in with dinnerware. Dishware cuts down on trash and allows you to eat in style in your new home.
- Cookware: Whether you are starting fresh or adding to an existing set, cookware gets you through everyday cooking after your move. Opt for a full premium set, or simply a few pots and pans until you’re settled. Browse our guide on Best Cookware Sets to find one that fits your needs.
- Flatware: Enjoy your move-in meals with real silverware. Flatware sets help you feel settled and keep the trash from piling up with plastic alternatives.
- Cooking Utensils: When cooking the first meal in your new home, you’ll need utensils to stir, flip, or fry. Utensils like spatulas, tongs, and slatted spoons will make you feel like a chef in your new kitchen.
- Oven Mitts: Oven mitts are essential when it comes to cooking and preventing burns. Choose mitts that match your kitchen colors so they fit in with your decor.
- Coffee Maker: Nothing fuels you as you settle into your space like a morning cup of joe. A coffee maker ensures your mornings are more enjoyable and gives you the jolt you need to get you through the day.
- Toaster: Small in size, a toaster can be easily packed. A toaster lets you quickly prepare toast or a frozen waffle so you can enjoy breakfast on the go.
- Kitchen Towels: Kitchen towels are great to have on hand for quick spills or drying dishes. Place them on a hook or display them on your new oven handle.
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- Shower Curtain: Without a curtain, water splashes onto the bathroom floor and you may feel a draft while trying to enjoy your shower. Don’t forget to pair your shower curtain with hooks and a rod for easy installation.
- Towels: Towels are a bathroom essential. From washcloths to bath towels, stock up on different sizes for all your needs.
- Bath Mats: Stay cozy underfoot as you exit the shower with a bat mat. Not only does a bath mat prevent slipping, but it adds a decorative touch to your new bathroom.
- Trash Can: Keep a small trash can in the bathroom to throw away items like tissues or wrappers. A handy bathroom trash can ensures you won’t have to exit the area to throw anything away.
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- Sofa: A sofa allows you to sit back and relax in your new living room. From loveseats to sectionals, there are options for families of every size.
- TV Stand: A TV stand not only gives your television a space to sit, but it provides you with storage for a cable box, movies, and accessories.
- Coffee Table: Coffee tables let you set down snacks and drinks while you unwind and watch TV on the sofa. Plus, they add a decorative touch to your new living room.
- Area Rug: Protect the floors of your new home by adding an area rug. Not only are area rugs functional, but their color and texture dresses up any space.
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- Nightstand: Place a nightstand next to your bed for all your nightly essentials (like a glass of water or your phone) to keep them within reach. For symmetry, add a nightstand on either side of your bed. Opt for a matching dresser for a cohesive look to store your everyday clothing.
- Table Lamp: Light up your room by placing a lamp on your nightstand. Table lamps offer softer lighting, perfect for those who love to read before bed.
- Clothes Hangers: Hangers are often forgotten about when moving, but they are essential to have on hand when organizing your new closet.
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- Dining Table & Chairs: Have a designated place to enjoy meals by adding a dining table to your space. A dining table and chairs keep you from eating meals on the floor after moving, making them an essential part of any new home.
- Area Rug: Add an area rug under your dining table to protect new floors from scuffing. Not only do area rugs provide protection, but they add a decorative touch to the dining room.
- Tablecloth: Spice up your dining room with a new tablecloth. Tablecloths protect your table from spills and can be switched out depending on taste or season. Coordinate the color with your placemats to create a cohesive look.
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- Desk: Create a space in your home office to promote productivity and get work done. Desks are an essential piece of your home office and are often the room's main focal point. Choose a desk that fits your working needs as well as your aesthetic. Read our Desk Buying Guide to help you find the best desk for your needs and every aesthetic.
- Desk Chair: The perfect workspace includes a comfortable desk chair for completing all your tasks. Read our guide on The Best Desk Chairs for Making WFH Comfortable for guidance on finding the right chair for you.
- Extension Cord: Office electronics tend to have multiple cords, and you may find yourself a few inches (or feet) away from the electrical plug. Opt for extension cords to place your electronics wherever you’d like. Add in-cord organizers to keep your cords looking neat and organized.
- Filing Cabinet: Keep paper clutter from piling up with a filing cabinet. Filing cabinets allow you to create an organized system for your paperwork, and their flat surface on top creates a place to showcase decor in your new home office.
Now that you know which new home essentials to look for, it's time to shop!



