What to Buy Before Moving In—and What to Get LaterPurchasing a new home is exciting, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. A first home often signifies a new chapter in your life, and there’s a lot of preparation involved with flying the nest—especially those starting from scratch when it comes to purchasing furniture, appliances, and more. To help simplify this process, we’ve put together a few tips on what to buy before and after moving into your new home.
5+ Months Before Moving In: Purchase Small, Easy-To-Store Pieces
There are a lot of small accessories and appliances that contribute to how well a home functions, from cutlery and cups to toasters, coffee machines, toothbrush holders, and soap pumps. The good news is that pieces like this are relatively inexpensive (especially if sold in sets) and are easy to stash away until needed, which makes them a great investment months prior to moving into your new home.
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MONTHS TO GO CHECKLIST
KITCHEN
- Coffee machine
- Cups and mugs
- Cutlery
- Cutting board
- Glasses/cups
- Dish rack
- Dish soap
- Paper towel holder
- Placemats
- Paper towels and basic cleaners
- Spice rack
- Serving spoons and forks
- Tervis/cups
- Toaster
BATHROOM
- Bath rug
- Bath and hand towels
- Soap dish
- Soap pump
- Toothbrush holder
- Wastebasket
BEDROOM
- Blankets and comforters
- Pillows
- Pillow covers
- Duvet covers
1–3 Months Before Moving In: Start Looking at Staple Furniture Pieces
Larger furniture pieces—like a bed, sofa, stove, or fridge—are ones you can’t go without in a home. If you aren’t bringing your old furniture or appliances with you, start browsing for new ones now. Depending on what the retailer has in stock, it may take weeks (or sometimes months) until the piece arrives at your doorstep. Some retailers have taken to showing what they have available online, including estimated shipping dates for items that will need to be ordered in. Just don’t forget to check the room measurements in your home floor plan package to ensure that your new purchase will fit comfortably into the space.
Don’t forget: Set up your service providers
No one wants to move into a home with no cable or internet connection, so it’s a good idea to start looking into service providers now. Do the research on several companies to compare pricing and see which one will best suit your needs, then schedule your installation appointment at least 2–3 weeks in advance of your closing date to ensure your services are activated in a timely manner.
A FEW MONTHS TO GO
START LOOKING INTO
KITCHEN
- Fridge
- Stove
- Dining table
- Dining chairs
BEDROOM
- Armoire
- Bed or headboard
- Dresser
- Mattress
- Nightstands
LIVING ROOM
- Accent chairs
- Coffee and accent tables
- Floor rug
- Sofa or sectional
- Table lamps
- Television
- TV stand or media console
DINING ROOM
- Dining chairs
- Dining table
- Buffet and accessories
After Moving In: Cozy Up Your Space
The most exciting part of furnishing a new home is undoubtedly decorating it. And while decorative accents are what add personality and bring a space to life, these pieces aren’t home essentials, so don’t fuss filling your home with them right away. Build your collections out overtime, and mix in cool store-bought pieces with sentimental accents—including family photographs and heirlooms—and cool finds, like souvenirs picked up from travels abroad.
AFTER MOVING IN CHECKLIST
DECORATIVE ACCENTS
- Artwork
- Baskets
- Botanicals and plants
- Candles
- Candle holders
- Clocks
- Curtains
- Decorative bowls
- Display shelves
- Mirrors
- Picture frames
- Poufs
- Sculptures
- Trays
- Throw pillows
- Throw blankets
- Vases
- Wall decor
Discover the best design apps to help you furnish your home and explore our list of must-have household items that new homeowners often forget—so you can feel more prepared, organized, and excited to make your space truly yours.