New Home “Must Haves” Checklist [Downloadable] | Generation Homes NW

The Essentials

When it comes to the things you need for your new home, services like water and electricity top the list. After all, no one wants to move in and realize they forgot to ensure there’s running water. However, it might be just as unpleasant to go for that first morning shower or vital cup of coffee only to realize you forgot to purchase a shower curtain and a coffee pot. There are certain essentials you’ll need for every room in your new home. Our checklist will help you ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Living Room

As your home’s central hub for relaxation and enjoying the company of your family and friends, your living room should be a welcoming space with all the comforts of home. These living room essentials will help you make sure that you have everything you need to keep the entertainment flowing and enjoy some downtime after all the work is done.

• Surge protectors
• Extension cords
• TV mounting hardware
• Modem and router
• A designated basket for all remotes
• Coasters
• Lamps
• Throw pillows

Bedroom

After an exhausting day of moving, bedroom essentials will be the box you want to unpack first. Whether you buy these essentials or already have them on hand, ensure they’re labeled and easily accessible when the moving truck is finally unloaded. Note that this is a list you’ll need to repeat for each bedroom you need to furnish.

• Pillows
• Mattress Pad/Protector
• Sheets
• Blankets or Quilts
• Bedspread or Comforter
• Lamp
• Alarm Clock

Kitchen

Often called the heart of the home, your kitchen requires a lot to cover the many tasks that are expected of this busy room. Whether your kitchen is big or small, it requires a variety of essentials to keep everyone happy. Use this checklist to ensure your new kitchen is fully equipped from day one in your new home.

• Appliances
• Cookware
• Bakeware
• Dishes
• Glassware
• Cutlery
• Flatware
• Cooking Utensils
• Kitchen Tools
• Storage
• Cleaning Supplies
• Linens
• Oven Mitts
• Food Storage Containers

Bathroom

The bathroom is a small space that can be easily overlooked. However, it is packed with essentials everyone is sure to need right away. Your bathroom necessities should meet everyone’s needs while maximizing space and making morning routines as smooth as possible. Ensure you make these bathroom essentials easily accessible as soon as you arrive at your new home.

• Toilet Paper
• Hand Soap
• Hand Towels
• Plunger
• Shower Curtain, rod, and rings
• Bath Towels
• Shampoo, Soap, and Conditioner
• Nightlight
• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
• Bath Mat

This is a section that’s often overlooked by new homeowners. After all, it’s not like you’re building a new home. However, you will need tools to take care of general chores and repairs almost as soon as you arrive. How else will you assemble your furniture and hang pictures? Grab these essential tools before the move so you won’t be running to the hardware store as soon as you arrive.

• Hammer
• Screwdriver Set
• Stud Finder
• Pliers
• Power Drill (Possible to live without but only if you really can’t afford it)
• Tape Measure
• Step Ladder
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Light Bulbs
• Wall Screws and Hanging Nails
• Matches and Candles
• Level
• Duct Tape

Cleaning

Of course your new home is completely pristine, but moving in is a dirty job. You’ll need a variety of cleaners to keep your new home in top shape, and keeping things clean is a lot easier than getting them clean. You’ll need these cleaning essentials on hand.

• Paper Towels
• Trash Bags
• Rubber Gloves
• Cleaning Cloths
• Dishwasher Detergent
• All-Purpose Cleaner
• Window Cleaner
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Brushes
• Broom and Dust Pan
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Mop and Bucket
• Laundry Detergent

Lawn & Garden

The space outside your home is equally as important as the interior. A well-maintained landscape makes a good first impression and can even raise the value of your home. Besides, you don’t want to be the house that the neighbors think is an eyesore. Grab these essential tools to keep your outdoor space well maintained and usable.

• Lawn Mower
• Garden Hose
• Shovel
• Rake
• Hedge Trimmers

Nice To Have

Making your new house a home is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll accomplish after moving in. There are many elements that aren’t technically essentials that will help you decorate your new home. While you’re out buying the things you can’t live without, consider grabbing these items that will put you one step ahead, and add a nice touch to your new home.

Winter & Summer

Seasonal items don’t seem important until the season arrives, and you need them. Grabbing these items ahead of time will mean you already have them on hand.

• Barbecue Grill
• Trowels
• Weed Trimmer
• Pruners
• Wheelbarrow
• Leaf Blower
• Push Broom
• Snow Shovel
• Ice Melt

Patio

Outdoor living is becoming just as essential as the rooms inside the home. Your outdoor living space is a place where your family can gather without distractions, and you can entertain guests. Consider how these items will make your outdoor living space the most desirable thing about your new home.

• Patio Furniture
• Decorative Lights
• Hammock
• Planter Pots
• Patio Umbrella
• Firepit

Kitchen

Some things aren’t essential for your kitchen. However, they are really nice to have. These items can help you save space and make all your favorite foods even better.

• Water Filters
• Hanging Pot Rack
• Spice Racks
• Storage Shelves and Bins
• Special Appliances (Air Fryer, Waffle Maker, Instant Pot, Keurig)

Technology & Essentials

Modern homes rely on technology to keep occupants comfortable with little effort. These upgrades can also help you save money on utilities and other bills. To make sure your home runs in the most effective way possible, grab these nice-to-have tech items.

• Smart Light Bulbs
• Smart Plugs and Outlets
• Smart Lock
• Ethernet Cables
• Smart Home Assistant
• Smart Light Switches
• Wireless Speakers

Bedroom

Your bedroom is your oasis, and there’s no shame in splurging to make it more comfortable. Consider how these items can make your bedroom more luxurious and organized.

• Decor and Mirrors
• Black Out Curtains
• Wall Mounted TV
• Storage Bins
• Closet Organizer
• Shoe Rack

Home Office

More people are working from home than ever before. Your home office provides an organized place where you can get tasks done with no distractions. Whether you have a spare room for your office, or you’re getting creative and converting a large closet, these office supplies will help create the business space you need.

• Desk
• Computer
• Office Chair
• Rechargeable Batteries
• Filing Cabinet
• Shredder
• Printer
• Whiteboard

Decor

It’s time to get out your measuring tape and fire up your imagination. The decor you choose helps your home reflect your personal style and make your home feel like home. Remember these important home decor items.

• Potted Plants
• Area Rugs
• Window Treatments
• Display Shelves
• Entry Hall Art
• Table Linens and Placemats

New Homeowners

If you’re moving to a bigger home or to a different location, you’ll take along many of the necessities you need. However, new homeowners will need to shop for a few more essentials.

Furniture

Your new home has a lot of empty space. Making each room comfortable will require a variety of furniture purchases.

• Bed
• Nightstand
• Dresser
• Couch
• Coffee and End Tables
• Chairs
• Dining Table and Chairs

Security

Keeping your home safe is top priority. These security essentials can help you avoid damages, thefts, and potential disasters.

• Fire Extinguishers
• Smoke Detectors
• First Aid Kits
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Locks
• Safe
• Alarm System
• Security Camera

Groceries

While you might not be ready to spend a lot of time cooking, you will need certain pantry and refrigerator staples to get you through the first week. When you get settled into your new home, it’s time to make a grocery run to pick up these items.

• Bottled Water
• Soda
• Milk
• Coffee
• Packaged Snacks
• Butter
• Cooking Oil
• Lunch Meat
• Bread
• Condiments
• Cereal
• Fruit
• Canned Foods
• Frozen Meals

Pets

All the chaos related to moving can make it easy to forget all about your furry family members. As your pets get accustomed to your new home, they’ll need their own special area with pet essentials.

• Food and Water Bowls
• Crate
• Pet Bed
• Litter Box and Litter
• Food

Take a deep breath… you made it! Exciting, exhausting, but worth it! We’ve created this list to help you start early, stay motivated, and enjoy your new home right away.

Take A Deep Breath…You Made It!

Exciting, exhausting – but worth it! We’ve created this list to help you start early, stay motivated, and enjoy your new home right away.

If your heart is set on moving to Clark County, Generation Homes Northwest is here to help you create a beautiful home. As locally owned homebuilders, we bring award-winning craftsmanship and expertise to each project and collaborate with you every step of the way in settling into your forever home. With new home communities throughout Clark County, including the fastest growing areas and private settings.