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What to Buy First After Closing on a House
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items Buying the house is only the beginning. Before the furniture, decor, and fun upgrades, there are a few practical things that make a new house safe, functional, and move-in ready. These are the first purchases I’m prioritizing after closing—from appli...
Sections
6
Safety First
Homeowner Basics
Kitchen Essentials
Laundry Setup
Privacy & Window Coverings
Comfort & Everyday Upgrades
Safety First
The not-so-glamorous purchases that should be in the house from day one.
Buy one for each level of the house
First Alert Home 2-A:10-B:C Commercial/Residential Rechargeable Fire extinguisher
10-year battery backup for smoke + carbon monoxide protection. Check your existing alarms first and add or replace where needed.
Kidde 10 Year Battery Powered Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with Voice Alerts 30CUD10-V
Keep this one in the kitchen specifically for cooking oil and grease fires.
Kidde Fire Extinguisher for Kitchen, Residential, Single-Use, 711A
Keep one plugged in on each floor—it automatically turns on during a power outage, so you’re not searching for a flashlight in the dark.
Energizer WeatheReady 40 Lumens Light: Impact-Resistant LED Flashlight, Battery Included, 3-Hour Run Time, White
A powerful rechargeable flashlight to keep on hand for outages, emergencies and homeowner projects.
Energizer Vision HD Metal Rechargeable LED Flashlight, Bright 1,200 Lumens, Mini Light Includes USB Charging Cable, Durable Body, for Camping, Emergency, Hunting and Running
Every home needs a reliable flashlight for power outages and emergencies. I prefer a battery-powered option so I can keep spare batteries on hand and never have to worry about whether it’s charged.
Maglite ML300L LED 3D Flashlight Eco Mode
Tip: store the spare batteries next to the flashlight rather than installed in it for years, which reduces the risk of an old alkaline battery leaking and damaging the light.
Duracell Coppertop D Batteries, 10 Count
An inexpensive layer of protection against a very expensive problem! I’m placing leak sensors near major water sources throughout the house so I can get an audible alarm and phone notification if water is detected—even when I’m not home.
Water Leak Detection Starter Kit: Hub & Four Water Leak Sensors 4
Homeowner Basics
One of my first homeowner tools! A cordless drill makes everything from hanging blinds and assembling furniture to everyday DIY projects so much easier.
CRAFTSMAN V20 RP 20-volt 1/2-in Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill 2 -Batteries Included, and Charger Included
Every homeowner needs one! A sturdy 3-step ladder is perfect for changing filters, reaching detectors, hanging blinds and tackling everyday projects around the house.
Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro-Grade Steel Step Stool, 300 lbs. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating (9ft. Reach Height) GLHD-3
A good basic tool kit is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you own a house. This covers the everyday hand tools for small repairs, assembly and projects around the house.
CRAFTSMAN 57 Piece Mechanics Tool Set/Home Tool Set (CMMT99447)
A must before you start ordering anything for the house! I’m using this to measure everything from appliances and blinds to furniture and room dimensions. The auto-lock makes measuring by yourself so much easier.
Stanley FATMAX 25 ft. x 1-1/4 in. Auto Lock Tape Measure FMHT33338L
A garden hose is one of those things apartment living doesn’t prepare you to need! I wanted a durable, lightweight option that resists kinking and can hold up for years of watering, washing and everyday outdoor use.
5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose
Not all power strips are surge protectors! I wanted a heavy-duty option with high-level surge protection for expensive electronics like TVs, computers and other devices.
Tripp Lite Isobar 8-Outlet Surge Protector, 12 Ft. Cord With Right-Angle Plug, 3840 Joules, Diagnostic Leds, Metal Housing
Kitchen Essentials
Before the cookware and kitchen gadgets, make sure you have the appliance you actually need to make the kitchen functional.
Measure your refrigerator opening before ordering—including width, height + depth, and leave room for the doors to open fully.
Frigidaire 28 in. 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Look, ENERGY STAR FFHT1822UV
Laundry Setup
Everything needed for an at-home laundry setup, including the appliances and easy-to-forget installation essentials.
Before ordering, measure the laundry space and confirm whether your home has an electric or gas dryer hookup—and check which cords, ...
My top pick! A spacious top-load washer with an impeller for a little more room inside the drum and a gentler wash without a center agitator.
GE 4.5 Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Top Load Washer with Deep ...
A great alternative if you prefer a traditional agitator. Same 4.5 cu. ft. capacity with a center agitator for a more traditional wash setup.
GE 4.5 cu. ft. Top Load Washer in White with Dual Action Agitator and Cold Plus, Sanitize with Oxi GTW485ASWWB
My top-pick dryer to pair with the impeller washer. Simple, spacious and designed for long venting configurations.
GE - 7.2 Cu. Ft. Electric Dryer with Long Venting up to 120 Ft
The matching dryer for the agitator washer. Auto Dry monitors temperature to help prevent over-drying.
GE 7.2 cu. ft. vented Electric Dryer in White with Auto Dry and Extended Tumble GTD48EASWWB
An easy-to-forget laundry essential! Place one underneath the washer to help contain leaks or overflow and protect the flooring below.
CAMCO Plastic Washing machine drain pan ( Gray )
Privacy & Window Coverings
Because moving into a brand-new house with completely uncovered windows is not the move.
Classic cordless faux wood blinds for privacy from day one. Measure every window individually before ordering—even windows that look identical can vary slightly.
Home Decorators Collection White Cordless Faux Wood Blinds for Windows w/ 2 in. Slats-33.125 in. W x 54 in. L (Actual Size 32.625 in. W x 54 in. L) 10793478539208
For wider windows—measure the inside of your window frame carefully before ordering to make sure you get the right fit.
Home Decorators Collection White Cordless Faux Wood Blinds for Windows w/ 2 in. Slats-54.125 in. W x 72 in. L (Actual 53.625 in. W x 72 in. L) 10793478557486
Comfort & Everyday Upgrades
Practical upgrades that make the house more comfortable and functional from the beginning.
Downrod option for higher ceilings. The solid wood blades give it a warmer, more elevated look than a basic builder-style fan.
LINJO Modern 52 in. Indoor Black 3 Solid Wood Blades Downrod Standard Ceiling Fan with Reversible DC Motor and Remote Included WZ-A298-H
My pick for the living room. I love the black + wood combination, and the smart controls make it an easy everyday upgrade.
Smooth Indoor or Outdoor 3-Blade 52in Smart Ceiling Fan
Flush-mount option for ceilings under 9 ft. I love the black + warm wood combination for an elevated, modern look.
Sofucor 52 in. Standard Indoor/Outdoor Wood Black Flush Mount Ceiling Fan with Light and Remote Control S-52K077-BKHTM
Great for bedrooms and living spaces to help filter dust, allergens and other airborne particles—especially helpful when settling into a new home.
Levoit Core® 400S-P Smart Air Purifier
Don’t forget the replacement filters! I like keeping an extra on hand so I’m not waiting for one when it’s time for a change.
LEVOIT Core 400S-P 9.65 in. x 10.35 in. x 9.65 in. 3-Stage Filtration Air Purifier Filter (1-Pack) HEACAFLVNUS0051
One of my favorite easy bathroom upgrades for filtered shower water. I especially love this for my hair + skin care routine.
Jolie Filtered High Pressure Showerhead, Steel
Replacement filter for the Jolie showerhead—an easy one to keep stocked so I can change it on schedule.
Jolie Shower Filter Replacement