7 Things You'll Need for your First Home

Most people know that when you buy a home, you need things like furniture and appliances. But there are also some other items that you may not think of right away that you'll need for your first home. Here are 7 things you'll need for your first home, beyond the obvious essentials.

1. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Along with home ownership comes the responsibility of keeping everyone inside safe. One of the first things you should do is make sure you’re prepared in the event of a fire and have operational smoke detectors in all the right places.

But don’t stop there; carbon monoxide can be an even more prevalent threat to your well-being, so be sure you invest in a CO detector as well. There are even two-in-one detectors that can detect both threats.

2. New door lock

Chances are you’re not the first person to call your house home. The safest way to ensure random keys to your front door aren’t floating around in the world is to swap out your current door lock for a new one.

You can make a straight trade for a standard lock, add a new deadbolt, or upgrade to an electronic keyless lock. Smart locks get rid of lost keys all together.

3. Tool kit

In order to fix things around the house, you need the necessary tools at your fingertips. It’s just not practical to borrow a tool from your neighbor every time something needs fixing. (Plus, you don’t want to become the Homer Simpson of the neighborhood.)

4. Flashlight

Now that you’re a homeowner, you’re also a handyman, plumber, and the person who has to investigate weird noises in the attic or crawl space. It’s smart to get a couple heavy-duty flashlights and keep them somewhere handy so you can find them when you need them. 

5. Welcome mat

Find a front door mat that shows off your personality and keeps mud and other detritus from crossing the threshold.

Have fun picking out a doormat for your new home, but don’t forget about safety. Make sure the welcome mat (and any other area rug) doesn’t turn into a tripping hazard. Secure rugs with rug pads or grippers.

6. Hangers

All that new closet space is like a dream come true, but you need the right supplies to make your dream function properly. Be sure to stock up on hangers—basic plastic ones come in a variety of colors, or you can upgrade to wooden or bamboo hangers.

7. Lockbox or safe

It’s smart to purchase a lockbox to hold important documents and other valuables. Make sure you choose one that is both water and fireproof. Depending on what you need to keep safe, you can find a box or safe starting at around $20 to safeguard crucial documents like birth certificates, banking records, and other sensitive information.

Congratulations on your decision to buy a home! It’s an exciting time and there are a few things you’ll need to get started. Have you thought about these essentials?  These items may seem like common sense, but they can be easy to forget when you’re caught up in all the excitement of buying your first place. Make sure you have everything taken care of before you move in so that the process goes as smoothly as possible. We wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life!