New Home Buyer? 5 Must Have Essentials for You!

By Jasmine Fitzroy Posted in LIFESTYLE

Shopping for and buying a new home is not for the faint of heart. It can be challenging to keep up with everything you need to accomplish as a new home buyer, and that is just to get to the closing table.

You probably made all sorts of lists while you were approaching your closing date and getting ready for your big move. Do you have the right paperwork? What about that last inspection? Are the utilities turned on? Will your furniture fit in the dining room?

Just like anything else, you are probably going to need a few additional things to make your life easier and safer once you move in. Here are five essentials that you should put on your list as a new home buyer.

1. Window Treatments

Unless your home is incredibly secluded or already has window treatments from a previous owner, you will want to purchase some to add privacy to your indoor space. If you are custom-ordering these, you may wish to do so well before move-in. You have several options:

Blinds

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Sure, blinds can be unruly and collect dust, but there are a ton of options in blinds for your home. From vertical to horizontal blinds and materials ranging from wood to vinyl to aluminum, these are versatile window treatments. They also do not retain a lot of moisture and are simple to clean. But, depending on your window sizes, you might need to place a special order.

Curtains

Curtains and drapes are another popular choice for many rooms in a home. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, fabrics, and lengths. Curtains will only partially filter light, but drapes are heavier and will generally block out all light. No matter which option you choose, do not forget to purchase the right hardware to hang your window treatments.

Shades

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Shades are sized to fit exactly within your window frame, and they can be lifted up or down. They can be made from fabric or other materials and are a versatile and affordable option for privacy. They are most popular in kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Home Security Measures

Whether your home is brand new or new to you, it is a good idea to take some action that will make it as secure as possible. It is difficult to know how many people might have had access to the home in the past, including building contractors, so there are several things you can do to avoid unwanted intrusions.

New Door Locks

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The best way to ensure that random keys to your front door do not become a problem for your family is to change your locks. The most economical solution is to have a locksmith re-key your locks.

You can also upgrade to a new lock or get rid of keys entirely with an electronic keyless lock. An excellent choice for a new keyed lock is the Schlage B60N636 Deadbolt.

If you want a keyless lock, check out the Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256). This smart lock offers a backlit touchscreen keypad and is compatible with Alexa, Google Assist, and more.

Home Security System

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Keeping an eye on your new home, whether you are there or not, is vital once you’ve invested significant time and resources into becoming a homeowner. You have several options.

You can choose a traditional home security system such as ADT or SimpliSafe. A salesperson will give you a quote, a technician will install the equipment, and you may or may not have to sign a contract for monthly monitoring services.

There are also DIY solutions like Frontpoint or the Blink home security camera system. You install the equipment and connect it to an app. There may be extra charges for home monitoring services.

Wireless Doorbell

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If your home security system does not tell you who is at your front door, you’ll probably want to invest in a video doorbell. These are particularly useful for avoiding solicitors and tracking home package deliveries.

There are several popular options, including the Ring Smart Doorbell from Amazon and the eufy WiFi Doorbell that promises no monthly fees.

3. Home Safety Devices

When you are a homeowner, you have a responsibility to keep your family and any guests safe. You have taken the right first steps with home security measures, but what about inside your home? If a fire starts or there is a gas leak, will you be prepared?

Fire Extinguishers

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Every home should have a fire extinguisher or several in easily accessible locations. One should be in your kitchen, where most home fires start.

Smoke Detector

Most homes have working smoke detectors and alarms to comply with code regulations. If you are not sure that yours work, have them tested and/or replaced before you move in. Most modern smoke detectors have a 10-year battery.

CO Detector

It’s also a good idea to invest in a CO detector that will alert you of high levels of carbon monoxide in your home. Since this is generally not detectable by humans, an early warning device could save lives.

4. Keeping It Clean

Do not wait until after you move in to stock up cleaning supplies. Even though most homebuyers do a final walkthrough before closing, many find that the home is not as “move-in ready” as they would have hoped.

You might need to do some additional cleaning just before moving in. Even if you do not, you will want to have the right cleaning supplies on hand to keep your new home looking its best.

Cleaning Products.

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You may already have a list of your favorite cleaning products that you can collect and bring along. Some of the necessities you should put on your list include:

• Glass cleaner
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Disinfectant for the bathroom and kitchen
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Sponges and rags
• Paper towels

Vacuum Cleaner

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Even if you do not have carpet, you’ll likely find use for a good vacuum cleaner. They can clean up loose debris on floors before mopping and are handy when you have large rugs. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, a vacuum is a necessity.

The type you get and how much you spend can vary greatly. You can get a small vacuum for about $50 or a robotic one like the Roomba that runs much more.

Broom, Dustpan, and Mop

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A broom and dustpan are essentials for small cleanups in your home. Depending on your needs, you can get a full-size broom or a small handheld one. You will also want to purchase a quality mop to use on your bathroom and kitchen floors. If you have wood, laminate, or luxury vinyl tile flooring, something like a Swiffer WetJet could be an excellent choice.

5. Basic Home Maintenance Tools

When you own a home, things are going to break. Unless you have a certified handyman on the payroll, you will save a ton of time and money if you can figure out how to maintain and fix a few things on your own.

Even on moving day, you might need to tighten a few cabinet hinges or replace a window lock. It will be helpful and a time-saver if you have the right tools on hand to get the job done quickly. Here is what you will need at a minimum:

Adding a bunch of items and tasks to your to-do list just after closing on your home might be necessary, but do not forget to take a moment to relax and remember why you went through this lengthy process.

Moving into a new home does not have to be all business. Spend some time setting up your favorite knick-knacks, family photos, and making the space your own.