Checklist: What you need to furnish your first home
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of moving into your own space...until you realise you don’t even have a fork for eating your celebratory takeaway. Avoid the first-home struggle by following this ultimate checklist of must-haves for every room. So you can get your place fully stocked, and settle in stress-free.
First home checklist: Kitchen
Your kitchen is about to be the heart of your home (or at least the place where snacks live). Stock up on these essentials:
- Pots and pans (frying pan, saucepan, stockpot)
- Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs, whisk, peeler)
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Kitchen knives
- Chopping board
- Plates
- Bowls
- Mugs
- Glasses (for water, wine etc)
- Baking trays and oven dishes
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Dining table
- Dining chairs
- Can opener and bottle opener
- Dish rack or drying mat
- Food storage containers
- Bin and bin bags
- Cleaning supplies (sponges, dish soap, surface cleaner)
- Toaster
- Kettle
- Coffee machine
- Microwave (if not included)
- Cooker (if not included)
- Fridge and freezer (if not included)
- Oven mitts
- Tea towels
- Washing machine (if not included)
First home checklist: Bathroom(s)
Keep your bathroom clean and relaxing with these must-haves:
- Towels (hand, bath, guest)
- Shower curtain (if needed)
- Toilet brush and holder
- Bath mat
- Toilet paper and holder
- Soap and soap dish/dispenser
- Toothbrush holder
- Shower caddy (for organizing toiletries)
- Mirror (if not built-in)
- Laundry basket
- Storage for toiletries
- Plunger
- Squeegee for shower glass (if applicable)
- Air freshener
First home checklist: Bedroom(s)
Whether it's your master bedroom, the kids’ bedrooms, or a space for guests, these items will turn any empty space into a cosy oasis:
- Bed frame (or a sofa bed for a guest bedroom)
- Mattress
- Bedding (duvet, sheets, pillows, pillowcases)
- Wardrobe or clothing rack (if no built-in storage)
- Bedside table(s)
- Bedside lamp
- Mirror
- Clothes hangers
- Curtains or blinds
- Pendant light shade
- Console table or sideboard for getting ready
- Cushions
- Throws
The First home checklist: Hallway
First impressions matter, so let’s make your entryway shine.
- Shoe rack
- Coat hooks or stand
- Console table (for keys, mail, etc)
- Armchair or bench (for putting on shoes)
- Mirror
- Doormat
- Curtains or blinds
- Pendant light shade
First home checklist: Living room
This is where you’ll chill, binge-watch and entertain—so make it comfy!
- Sofa
- Armchair or occasional chair
- Footstool
- Coffee table
- TV and TV stand (if needed)
- Bookshelf or storage unit
- Rug
- Floor or table lamps
- Curtains or blinds
- Side tables
- Cushions
- Throws
- Home decor (plants, wall art, candles)
- Pendant light shade
- Dog bed (for your furry friend)
First home checklist: Home office
If you’re setting up a home office, you’ll need these basics.
- Desk
- Ergonomic desk chair
- Desk lamp
- Shelves or sideboard
- Laptop/computer
- Printer (if needed)
- Pendant light shade
- Stationery (notebooks, pens, etc.)
- Extension cord
- Sofa bed for guests
- Curtains or blinds
First home checklist: Garden (if you have one)
Make the most of your garden, patio or balcony.
- Outdoor furniture (table, chairs—maybe even a hammock?)
- Hose or watering can
- Lawn mower (if needed)
- Rake
- Trowel
- Planters and pots
- Outdoor lighting
- Barbecue (if you fancy)
- Storage shed or box (if needed)
Other stuff you need for your home
These don’t fit into a specific room, but trust us, you need them:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop
- Long-handle brush
- Dustpan and brush
- First aid kit
- Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdriver set, pliers)
- Light bulbs
- Batteries
- Extension cords
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector (if not already installed)
- Step ladder
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener
- Iron and ironing board
- Clothes drying rack
- Security locks (if needed)
- Matches
- Torch and candles (for emergencies)
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