Buying your first home is exciting, but the first week after closing comes with a lot of small things you’ll need. This list covers the first time homeowner essentials and move-in day must haves most people forget to buy.
Buyers should change locks immediately after closing. Smart locks also make it easy to give access to family or contractors.
Schlage - Smart Locks - The Home Depot
Needed for breakable items
Pratt Retail Specialties 3 in. x 5 in. Fragile Moving Labels ...
1440 Count Home Moving Labels,24 Rolls Different Color Coding Moving Labels for Boxes Stickers + Fragile Moving Stickers
Printholic 1440 Count Home Moving Labels, 24 Rolls
CARTMAN 39 Piece Tool Set
Every homeowner needs basic tools for quick fixes, hanging items, and small repairs.
Many first-time buyers don’t realize homes should have fire extinguishers in kitchen and garage
Home 1-A:10-B:C Class ABC 2.5 lb. Fire Extinguisher ...
Alerts you if there’s a leak under sinks, near the water heater, or by the washer.
Water Leak Detectors
Perfect for mounting TVs, shelves, and wall decor safely.
Franklin ProSensor M150 Stud Finder 9-Sensors
Helps new homeowners save money on energy bills.
Nest T3017US Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen
Helps homeowners monitor packages and visitors.
Ring - Doorbell Cameras
Perfect for keeping closing documents, warranties, and manuals together.
Document and File Moving, Storage, Organization Box (3 ...
Even if detectors are installed, replacing them gives peace of mind and ensures everything works properly.
First Alert 10-Year Battery-operated Photoelectric Smoke Detector (2-Pack ...
Different homes use different bulb types. Having extras ready saves multiple trips to the store the first week
Light Bulbs at Lowes.com
You’ll need this immediately for hanging pictures, assembling furniture, or tightening loose hardware
Home Tool Kits
Replacing HVAC filters when you move in helps with air quality and keeps your system running efficiently
Air Filters
Protects electronics and gives you extra outlets in rooms where there aren’t enough
Surge Protectors
Not glamorous, but every house needs one. It’s better to have it before you need it
Plungers
Most buyers like to wipe down cabinets, counters, and shelves before unpacking.
THE PINK STUFF 500g Miracle Cleaning Paste All Purpose Cleaner
Perfect for closets, hallways, and under cabinets where lighting is limited. These are one of the easiest upgrades to make a home feel more functional without hiring an electrician.
LUTEC 72W 7500LM LED Motion Sensor Light
Quickly removes hair and debris from bathroom and kitchen drains before they turn into expensive plumbing issues
Drain Snakes
safe place to store closing documents, passports, and other important paperwork
Home & Office Safes
Essential for changing light bulbs, reaching cabinets, and completing small home projects.
Ladders & Step Stools
A must-have for power outages and emergency situations.
Flashlights
Perfect for powering devices in rooms where outlets aren’t conveniently located
