Things to buy for your first home

Moving can be an exciting but daunting endeavour, especially if you’re going from a flat or a single room to a full house. Therefore, budgeting for and prioritising the purchase of essentials is a very helpful task ahead of the big day. Here are a few of the most important items to have after you move, even if you buy nothing else for a while!

1. A microwave

Between unpacking and settling in you may not have much time to cook in your first few weeks. A microwave is essential for those quick and easy meals, and reheating takeaways!

2. A WI-FI router 

To fully hit the ground running in your new home, you’ll want to have Wi-Fi set up. This can take several weeks to arrange, so make sure that you contact your broadband provider as soon as you know your move-in date. Even if you don’t need home Wi-Fi for work, being connected has very few downsides!

3. A comfortable mattress

One of the most important things you can buy for yourself is a good mattress.

Save your back some aches and pains by investing in a comfy mattress that’ll stand the test of time. Browse shops like IKEA and Bensons for Beds to make sure you get the best one for you, whether that’s soft, firm, or memory foam.

4. Curtains

Curtains will likely be high on your list after moving in. Curtains can be a great way to express your personal style, and stores like B&Q and IKEA offer wide selections of colours and patterns to spruce up your home.

5. A set of pots and pans

No kitchen would be complete without its own set of pots and pans, as they are essential for most recipes! We also recommend getting them non-stick as this will save you a lot of time and effort once the cooking is done and they need to be cleaned. 

6. A first aid kit

If you’ve never had a first aid kit before, your first home is the perfect place to start. Activities such as moving large furniture and drilling curtain rails into walls comes with their own risks, and having antiseptic cream and plasters on hand will save you a frantic dash to the shop in the event of an unfortunate mishap. 

7. Cleaning products

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore - your first home is a great chance to express yourself with brands and scents you like. Try out a few different options to discover your favourite cleaning products or buy a variety you can rotate to keep things new and exciting. 

Alongside this, to prevent dust from building up in your home, a vacuum cleaner is essential from day one. If you have children or pets, it’s good to aim to hoover your house about twice a week, if not more. 

10. Mirrors

To keep yourself and those living with you looking their best, mirrors are an important addition to every home. You can get by with one in each bathroom, but a full-length mirror in the bedroom or the hallway is also nice to have when planning any outfits. Mirrors can also be lovely decoration pieces, helping your rooms feel airier and more lived in. 

Check out our blog for more advice about moving and decorating your first home.