This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Ready to start shopping for your first ever property? Get organised with a room-by-room first home checklist covering all the essentials!
As someone who’s currently prepping to move into their first property (whenever that may be!), I’ve created a pretty in-depth first home checklist.
This is whittled down to the absolute ESSENTIAL, can’t-live-without home goods. Decorative items, such as string lights, photo frames, and house plants, you’ll probably invest in once you’ve nailed your “canvas”.
So, let’s dive in!
The Ultimate (No Strings Attached) First Home Checklist PDF
There’s nothing like checking off items with good ol’ fashioned pen and paper, right? You can download and print this super handy first home checklist PDF for *free*. It covers all the basics or “non-negotiables” you’ll need right when you move into your first property. Trust us, it’ll be a real life saver.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT YOUR FREE FIRST HOME CHECKLIST PDF!
6 Tips to Consider When Creating Your First Home Checklist
1. Never Buy the First Thing You See
There are SO many home decor stores out there that surprisingly sell very similar items (funny, right?).
If you know the item you’ve fallen in love with is from a notoriously expensive store, take your money elsewhere. This is the season of the dupes, meaning almost everything can be found for way cheaper if you look around for it.
2. Take Advantage of Holiday Sales
Ready to make a big purchase like a vacuum, coffee machine, or TV?
Once you’ve established the *cheapest* place to buy your items, stick around to see if they go on sale. Trust us, you’ll kick yourself if you splash the cash only to find the item you wanted is £100 less in a couple of weeks.
Here are the biggest and best holiday sales to look out for:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Final weekend of November)
- Christmas Period (October – December)
- New Years (January – March)
3. Think About What You Couldn’t Live Without
What do you use every single day that you’d be lost without? Whether it’s on this list or not, it’s clearly one of YOUR first home essentials. So, take this first home checklist with a pinch of salt and customise it to fit.
Our printable PDF includes blank spaces for you to add onto our basic list!
4. Shop in Alternative Markets
Why pay for brand new home essentials when you can get them second hand (sometimes even for free!)?
When it comes to purchasing furniture, such as coffee tables, bar stools, and even bed frames, you can pick up a real bargain on Facebook Marketplace. Don’t forget to check your local charity stores, too, as well as Gumtree if you’re in the UK.
5. Spread Out the Costs
It’ll feel like a real blow to your bank account if you buy EVERYTHING you need at the last minute.
So, start chipping away at your first home checklist months (even years!) before you plan to flee the nest to avoid that undeniably heart-sinking feeling.
6. Remember That Perfecting Your Home is a Journey
Trying to buy absolutely EVERYTHING before you move into your new home? Take it from us – it just won’t happen.
Of course, you’ll need the essentials in this post. But the majority of what will become your cosy little haven is what you’ll buy when you’re all settled in. Seriously, you’ll have so much more clarity on what you want to fill your space when you actually move in anyway.
Psst… looking for super useful housewarming gifts for a new homeowner? Here’s our pick of the most practical first home gifts!
The Best Room-by-Room First Home Checklist
Essentials for the Entryway
Let’s start with the first thing you see when you enter your new place – the entryway. This is possibly the easiest room to buy for as far as the essentials.
1. Doormat
An absolute must-have for ridding shoes of damp and dirt, consider a doormat the very first thing you need to put out in your new home.
2. Console Table
What’s the one thing you can never find when you’re just about to leave the house? Your keys, obvs. That’s why a console table (especially one with drawers!) is a brilliant item to add to your first home checklist.
3. Wall Hooks
Whether hanging your coat, an umbrella, or your shopping bag, wall hooks help you keep your entryway free of clutter.
4. Mirror
How many times have you gone to head out the door only to hit rewind and check your outfit before you go? A large mirror is a must above your console table, and also helps to brighten a dingy entryway!
Essentials for the Kitchen
1. Cooking Essentials
Let’s be real – the first few nights in your new place will probably consist of takeout food, and who could blame you? But you still need to bear these cooking essentials in mind when studying your first home checklist!
- Pots & Pans (a starter set is a brilliant idea!)
- Baking Sheet
- Utensils
- Chopping Boards
- Measuring Jug
- Knife Set
- Mixing Bowls
- Tupperware
- Oven Gloves
- Veg Chopper
- Sieves
- Strainer
- Grater / Peeler
- Scissors
2. Dining Essentials
When you’re done eating from takeout boxes, we know you’ll be glad we added these must-have dining essentials to our first home checklist!
- Plates, Bowls & Dishes
- Mugs
- Glasses
- Cutlery
- Coasters & Placemats
3. Electrical Essentials
You can’t forget about the kitchen gadgets. Whether you’re always bagging the newest and hottest tech goods, or you prefer good ol’ fashioned classics, they’ll certainly complete your culinary setup.
- Toaster
- Kettle
- Meat Thermometer
- Coffee Machine
- Microwave
4. Other Essentials for the Kitchen:
- Waste Bin
- Dish Rack
- Kitchen Towels
- Tea, Coffee & Sugar Containers
Does your new place have a pantry? Keep the space in shape from the get-go with our pantry organisation tips!
Essentials for Cleaning
Does anyone else get giddy about the very thought of cleaning products? Watching those ever-loved “Sunday reset” videos on TikTok definitely motivates us to keep our new home in tip-top condition.
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Carpet Steam Cleaner
- Dustpan & Brush
- Dish Sponges
- Microfibre Cloths
- Jay Cloths
- Antibacterial Wipes
- Disinfectant
- Bin Bags
- Washing Detergent
- Softener
- Dishwasher Tablets
- Washing Up Liquid
Essentials for the Living Room
Yep, it may look like we’re pointing out the obvious with these living room essentials. But when there are so many things on your first home checklist, sometimes a little reminder is necessary.
- Sofa
- Accent Chairs
- Coffee Table
- Rug
- Decorative Cushions
- Throws / Blankets
- Sideboard / TV Console
- Curtains
- TV
Essentials for the Bedrooms & Closets
Again, you’ve likely already thought of these items for your new home checklist, but it’s best to double check!
- Bed Frame
- Mattress
- Pillows
- Mattress & Pillow Protectors
- Fitted Sheets
- Duvet
- Bedding
- Nightstand / Bedside Table
- Lamps
- Hangers
- Blankets
- Chest of Drawers
- Rug
- Curtains
- Mirror
Essentials for the Bathroom
Don’t worry, we’re almost there! Now, we’re into the nitty-gritty of the bathroom essentials. Let’s just say this, you’ll be pretty stuck without #1.
- Toilet Paper
- Toilet Paper Holder
- Accessory Set
- Towels
- Mirror
- Shower Curtain
- Laundry Bins
- Bath Mat
- Shower Caddy
Want to make your new bathroom feel like a luxury spa? We’ve already compiled the most trendy decorative accessories!
Miscellaneous Essentials
By now, you should have all the everyday items covered on your first home checklist. But there are a few more must-haves that you’ll be thankful you invested in before making the big move!
- Toolkit
- Spare Light Bulbs (trust us!)
- First Aid Kit
- Torch
- Security Bar
- Extension Cords