Your new home essentials checklist

As your move-in date gets closer, you might catch yourself pacing the homeware aisles, eyeing up stacks of plates, checking out bundles of bedding and wondering how many cushions you’ll actually need. 

But before the planning turns into impulse buying, we’ve put together a helpful guide of new home essentials to keep things simple. From the basics you’ll want ready on day one to the little extras that make your new Gleeson home feel lived-in and comfortable, this checklist has everything you need for a well-prepared start in your new space. 

Even if you’re planning for the first night to include pizza boxes and plastic cups, you’ll still want the basics ready for breakfast, hot drinks and simple meals.  

Think about the things you reach for every single day without even noticing, like a mug for your morning cup of tea, a bowl for cereal, a board for chopping vegetables. Having these essentials ready to unpack will make your first few days feel far smoother and help you feel right at home from day one.

Kitchen essentials checklist:  

• Plates 
• Bowls 
• Glasses 
• Mugs 
• Cutlery 
• Kettle 
• Microwave 
• Chopping boards 
• Colander 
• Measuring jug 
• Tea towels 
• Bin 
• Bin bags 
• Foil, cling film and food containers 

Once the basics are ticked off, start to buy some of the other things that make every day cooking straightforward. A couple of good-quality pans and trays will cover most meals, from quick weeknight dishes to weekend recipes you’re excited to try in your new kitchen.

You don’t need a huge collection straight away either, as you can build these up as you go. You just need to make sure that you have a couple of reliable pieces that make cooking feel convenient, rather than a chore.  

Cookware checklist:  

• Frying pan 
• Saucepans 
• Baking trays 
• Utensils (spatula, tongs, ladle, wooden spoon) 
• Mixing spoons 

Before you move into your new home, make sure to stock up on things like towels, toiletries and a few simple accessories. This is one of our top moving home tips as it means you can slip straight back into your usual routine after moving day, without having to hunt for the basics. 

Bathroom checklist:  

• Bath towels 
• Bath mat 
• Toilet brush 
• Bathroom bin 
• Shower curtain (if needed) 
• Toiletries 
• Toilet roll 

After a long day of carrying boxes, adjusting furniture and sorting out utilities, having everything you need in your bedroom can help your new home feel relaxing and familiar straight away.

Consider investing in bedding that feels good quality and suits your preferences. The right pillows, a duvet that’s the right weight and a soft blanket go a long way in making your new home feel welcoming before you’ve even unpacked the rest of the room. 

Bedroom essentials checklist:  

• Duvet 
• Pillows 
• Bed linen set 
• Mattress protector 
• Bedside table essentials (charger, lamp, water bottle) 

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep track of your belongings and avoid the temporary chaos that comes with moving boxes around, think about investing in a handful of well-chosen storage pieces. 

Hangers, baskets, drawer dividers and under-bed storage can help you shape a neat and organised space right from the start. It also gives you a bit of extra breathing room while you decide how you want each room to look and function long-term. 

Storage essentials checklist:  

• Hangers 
• Storage boxes or baskets 
• Washing basket 
• Under-bed storage 

One of the most useful things you can prepare ahead of moving house is a cleaning and utility kit. Having these everyday new home essentials ready can ensure that wiping down surfaces, assembling furniture and replacing a bulb is much easier.  

Try and put together a small toolbox, some cleaning sprays, a few cloths and those easily forgotten items like batteries and lightbulbs as this ensures that you’re ready to take on anything without needing to dash out mid-task. 

Cleaning and utility essentials checklist:  

• All-purpose cleaner 
• Bathroom cleaner 
• Glass spray 
• Disinfectant wipes 
• Mop and bucket 
• Broom and dustpan 
• Vacuum cleaner 
• Cloths and sponges 
• Batteries 
• First aid kit 
• Small toolkit (screwdrivers, hammer, tape measure) 

Looking for more moving home advice? Check out our other moving home guides here for tips, checklists and helpful insights to make settling into your new Gleeson home even easier.