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1. Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners and flood insurance (especially if you are in a flood zone) is essential to have before moving in. Unless you are paying in cash, mortgage companies won’t give you a loan without it. Your house will likely be the most expensive asset you ever purchase. Make sure you have complete coverage from an insurance carrier that has a strong reputation and financial stability. Work with an agent you can trust that will explain what is and isn’t covered, so you understand completely.

2. Utilities

Before you move in, call your local utility companies and make sure to set up accounts for water, gas/oil, electricity, cable, and internet. Schedule them to turn on the day you close on your house.

3. Safety Essentials

Besides insurance, which will prevent any financial disasters, these are the essential items you need to buy to keep your family safe.

• New Locks and Keys: Between contractors, repairmen, renters, and family, you never know how many copies of the keys to your house are floating around out there. Within the first week, you should replace all the locks in your house and create copies of the new keys. I would recommend using the same key for all locks to make life easier.
• Fire Safety: Fire extinguisher, Smoke detectors, Carbon monoxide detectors (learn exactly where to put carbon monoxide detectors), Fireproof safe, Flashlight and batteries, Extension cords, Surge protectors
• First Aid and Medical Supplies: You never know when an accident will happen, or when you will feel sick.It’s not always easy or convenient to run to the store and pick up medicine and first aid items.

3. Cleaning Essentials

Cleaning Agents and cleaning supplies: From a broom and dustpan to sponges and toilet bowl cleaner, you want to stock up on everything you’ll need to keep your new abode spick and span.

4. Essential Tools

Whether you are handy or not, you’ll need some basic tools to fix minor things around the house, hang pictures, and put together furniture. These are the essential tools you need to keep the household running smoothly. Hammer Adjustable wrench Screwdrivers, Pliers Utility knife Level Allen wrenches Scraper/putty knife Tape measure Chisels A variety of hardware (nails, screws, bolts, etc.) Tape (duct and electrical) Stud finder Paintbrushes Sandpaper Cordless drill.

5. Essential Furniture

When it comes to furniture, the only real essential item is a mattress. The rest of these items could technically wait, but most likely, you’ll want to have them within the first 2 to 4 months. Tip: Taking a patient approach and not buying all your furniture at once will allow you to figure out your style slowly but, more importantly, it will enable you to spread out the financial burden over several months.