Things to buy for a new house

Buying a property, whether it’s your first time or not, is an exciting experience like no other. You’ve found your dream home, made an offer and crossed your fingers that your offer will be accepted. Finally, the keys are in your hand, and you’re probably thinking of all the different things to buy for a new house and kit it out – but where do you even start? Thankfully, we’ve created this guide which explains everything you’ll need to spruce up your home.

Redecorating a shared ownership property

If your home is a Shared Ownership property, did you know that you can decorate as you please? Whether you want to go wild and paint each room a different colour or create a gallery wall of all your favourite photos – it’s your choice! Just keep in mind that if you’re thinking of doing anything more than decorating those walls and a bit of DIY, you’d need to speak to your housing association to discuss your plans. For example, these could be improvements like fitting a new kitchen or bathroom suite. And if you’re looking to make any adaptations/alterations, for example swapping out a washing machine for a new one, make sure to check the terms of your lease first.

Things to buy for your kitchen

Imagine you’re throwing your first party – everyone is loving your new home – until you go to pop open a bottle of bubbly, only to find you don’t own a bottle opener! Don’t worry though, our kitchen essentials checklist will make sure you’re prepared for every occasion. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home!

1. Basic furniture

• Kitchen table and chair
• Bin
• Kettle
• Toaster
• Microwave

 2. Cooking in the kitchen

• Can opener
• Baking tray
• Set of knives
• Measuring jug
• Chopping board
• Ladles, spatulas and wooden spoons
• Oven gloves
• Tea towels
• Mixing bowls
• Sieve
• Selection of pots and pans
• Vegetable peeler
• Bottle opener

 3. Eating and drinking

• Placemats
• Selection of serving dishes
• Selection of bowls e.g. large salad bowl, fruit bowl and soup bowl
• Selection of cutlery
• Selection of glasses e.g. drinking glasses and wine glasses
• Selection of cups and mugs
• Selection of plates e.g. dinner plates, side plates and large serving plate

 4. Keeping the kitchen clean

• Cleaning cloths e.g. wiping cloths, sponges and scourers
• Cleaning products e.g. washing up liquid, floor and window cleaning detergent, kitchen and bathroom cleaning spray and general disinfectant
• Sweeping brush
• Dustpan and brush
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum cleaner

Things to buy for your bathroom

Most of the time, your bathroom in your new home will already be kitted out with all the home essentials furniture, like a shower/bath, sink and toilet. Aside from that, these are the things you need for a new house and its bathroom:

1. Bath/shower

• Shower curtain and shower rings to hang it from, or a squeegee if you’ve got a shower screen
• Towels e.g. bath towels, hand towels and face cloth
• Towel rack
• Bathmat
• Shower supplies e.g. loofa, shampoo, conditioner and bodywash

 2. Toilet

• Toilet brush
• Plunger
• Toilet roll and toilet roll holder
• Hand soap

 3. First aid kit

• Plasters
• Bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Thermometer
• Small scissors
• Tweezers

 4. Cleaning products

• Bleach
• Bathroom spray
• Glass cleaner
• Limescale remover

Things to buy for your living room

When it comes to the living room, it can be tricky to separate wants from needs. However, that’s not to say that this area of the home should be overlooked by any means. Whilst throws and cushions may not seem essential right now, you’ll soon miss the comfort they bring to your family and guests. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to spruce up the living room:

• Sofa
• Cushions
• Coffee table
• Curtains/blinds, curtain rod/brackets
• Light fixtures
• TV, and if you need one, a TV stand/bracket
• WiFi router

If you want to make your house feel like a home, the following aren’t necessary, but they’re great ways to add a personal touch to your living room:

• Art, photographs and prints
• Plants
• Candles
• Ornaments
• Throws
• Rug
• Bookcase

Things to buy for your bedroom

The main thing you’ll need in your bedroom is a bed – but that’s a given! Slumber in peace knowing all your essentials are at hand for cosy night-time snoozing with this list of household items needed for a new home:

• Mattress
• Bedlinen (top tip – check the size of your mattress before splurging!)
• Duvet and pillows, plus duvet cover and pillowcases
• Throw and cushions for bed (optional)
• Bedside table
• Bedside lamp
• Chest of drawers
• Wardrobe, plus hangers for clothes
• Mirror
• Curtains/blinds, curtain rod/brackets
• Storage boxes
• Laundry basket
• Desk and chair (if you’re WFH!)

Extra special decorating touches

If you’ve splurged your budget on essentials like a toilet roll holder or fancy new set of pots and pans, here are some simple ideas to add to your new house shopping list:

• Scented and coloured candles are a frugal way of making your space look cosier and more ambient.
• It’s without doubt that flowers can add heaps of life and brighten up any room without costing a fortune.
• If pieces of furniture in your home need a little soul injecting into them – cushions and throws will do the trick.
• Prints are a great alternative to expensive paintings/artwork, and you’ll be able to bag stylish ones in most markets. Plus, they’ll help you put a personal stamp on your new home in a thrifty way.
• If you’re partial to a little photography, why not blow up a favourite photo to a bigger size and hang it up as decorative piece? Simple and cheap!
• Up-lighting lamps will be your best friend if the room in question is on the smaller side, as they give the illusion of height.
• You can make your home look bigger with something as simple as dotting mirrors around the property. And best of all, you can buy them at a relatively cheap price from second-hand furniture shops.

Furnishing a home on a budget

When it comes to buying a property, there are lots of associated costs that you may not have thought about. If this is the case, you may be wondering of ways to keep furnishing costs low but still make the most of your new home. Fortunately, we’ve got the best top tips to help you out:

1. Consider auctions

Lots of people auction off furniture at prices that won’t break the bank. Of course, the furniture may not be brand new, however it’s a fantastic way of snapping up a bargain. Plus, you may even end up finding unusual bits and bobs that you won’t have seen anywhere else – and what’s better than a new home? One that’s personalised and unique to you!

2. Second-hand shops are your best friend

Second-hand shops will have lots of great finds and bargains, and it also means your furnishings will have real character and personality. There are also charity shops that specialise in furniture specifically if you’re looking for something a little more bespoke.

3. Online bargain hunting

Online shopping opens up another world of possibilities with people selling furniture for majorly discounted prices. So, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any adverts! Try websites like Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace for unwanted/second-hand furniture. But don’t forget to always check that you’re buying from a reputable seller!

4. Keep an eye out for sales

Throughout the year furniture, curtain, carpet and homeware shops will hold plenty of sales, so keep a lookout for these juicy discounts.

5. Ask friends and family

Ask your friends and family to keep you in the loop if they ever decide to get rid of any of their furniture. Rehousing spare or unwanted furniture is a great way to give furnishings a new, loving home!

To start with, you’ll only need the bare essentials to get by. However, nothing quite beats the feeling of having your shiny new home fully kitted out with all the things that make it a proper home. Whilst our things to buy for a new house checklist may seem like a lot, don’t forget there are ways to make the journey budget friendlier. Friends and family may be prepared to pass on bits and bobs they no longer use, as well as keeping your eyes peeled for bargains, will make the move to your new home much more smooth sailing.