This is it—the big day! You’ve just purchased a new home and are ready to embark on a new journey with purpose and clarity for the future. Generation Homes Northwest is here for you with a list of essentials for the big move!
With every box you pack—and unpack—there are opportunities to find ease inside the chaos. It starts with a simple premise: only bring what you need and love, and leave the rest behind.
From making preparations for the big move to taking care of essentials like utilities and accommodations, it’s easy to overlook the items you need to buy for your new home. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of essentials—the must-haves—for Day One in your new home. After visiting your future home for the final walkthrough, start packing with this list in hand. Day One essentials come first—and when you’re done with that—then, add the love.
This comprehensive household essentials checklist covers everything you’ll want and need in the first week of new home ownership—minus the bouquet of fresh flowers and a bottle of wine (which some say are essential touches of love not to be overlooked). While flowers and chardonnay didn’t make the ‘must-have’ list—we absolutely hope someone brings a vase of colorful stems and a bottle of bubbly to christen your new home in style.
Day One Essentials for a New Homeowner
Let’s get the boring—but absolutely essential things—out of the way first. Water and electricity top the list. Double-check that you’ve got your utilities in order! After all, on Day One, you’ll be hoping for a shower and a cup of coffee!
Speaking of showers—did you remember a shower curtain? What about toilet paper? A coffee cup? Our checklist will help you ensure you don’t miss the Day One home essentials.
Kitchen
While we’ve conducted zero scientific studies on this matter, it’s safe to say that the kitchen is the most visited, most revered room in the home for all age groups and demographics. Your move-in ready home may have beautiful granite countertops and a large seating bar—but does it contain food? Or glassware? Not yet. And that calls for action. Whether your new home’s kitchen is big or small, it requires a variety of essentials to keep everyone happy. Use this checklist to ensure your new kitchen is fully equipped from day one in your new home.
- Paper Plates / Napkins / Disposable Utensils (for your ‘unpacking’ meals)
- Dishwasher Soap
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Paper Towels
- Glassware, including mugs and stemware
- Cutlery
- Flatware
- Cooking Utensils / Trivets
- Sponges / Kitchen Gloves
- Oven Mitts
- Snacks!
- Coffee Maker / Espresso Machine
- Salt & Pepper
- Knife Set / Block
- Can Opener / Bottle Opener
- Pet Supplies: Pet food, pet bowls, pet bed
- Ice Cube Trays
Of course, there’s so much more to pack into your kitchen—but this box will help you get through crunch time.
Bathroom
If there is one priority room to pack for—it’s the bathroom. Please, for everyone’s sanity: pack TP. It’s easy to forget, but impossible to survive (happily) without. You’ll love your spouse, children, and the neighbor helping you move ever so much more if you have toilet paper on hand!
- Toilet Paper
- Hand Soap
- Hand Towels
- Plunger
- Toilet Brush and Soap
- Shower Curtain (rod and rings, too)
- Bath Towels
- Shampoo, Soap, and Conditioner
- Nightlight
- Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
- Bath Mat
- Glasses / Contacts / Contact Lens Solution
- Hair Dryer / Appliances
- Electric Shaver / Razor
- Lotions & Creams
Living Room
Outside of the kitchen, the living room is a central hub for entertainment and relaxation. It’s where most people put a couch and a TV, lamps for reading, and coffee tables for perching hot beverages. As a welcoming space for friends and family, ensuring you have the following items at hand will make the downtime so much sweeter after all the work is done.
- Phone Charging Cables
- Surge protectors
- Extension cords
- TV mounting hardware
- TV
- Modem and router
- A designated basket for all remotes
- Coasters
- Lamps
- Throw Blanket & Pillows
Bedroom
Consider your bedroom a refuge. A place of peaceful relaxation and rest.These are the first boxes to be unpacked—so that you aren’t rushing to Target for sheets and pillows at the end of the day. Label your bedroom boxes ahead of time and make sure you know exactly where they can be accessed when unloading. The result? A good first night’s sleep.
Note that this is a list you’ll need to repeat for each bedroom you need to furnish.
- Pillows
- Mattress Pad/Protector
- Sheets & Pillow Cases
- Blankets or Quilts
- Bedspread or Comforter
- Lamp
- Alarm Clock
- White Noise Machine (if desired)
- Charging cables for your phone and tablet
- Wall adapters, if necessary, for your charging cables
- Hangers
Pets
You’d never forget Fido, would you? Any move is stressful for a pet. Preparing them for change is not only a kind thing to do, but can save you vet bills, energy, and home repair costs.
- Pet Food
- Food & Water Bowls
- Dog Crate
- Pet Bed
- Litter Box and Litter, Scoop
- Favorite Blanket or T-shirt (that smells like YOU)
- Favorite Toy
- Mobile Gates
- Pet Odor and Stain Remover
Tools for your New Home
Your new home tool bag will come in handy the first month you’re living in your new home. Even in a move-in ready home, you’ll find use for a small tool bag with some fix-it-yourself solutions. Want family pictures or mirrors hung? Lightbulbs changed? Is the TV remote working? Grab these essential tools before the move so you won’t be running to the hardware store as soon as you arrive.
- Hammer
- Screwdriver Set
- Stud Finder
- Pliers
- Power Drill
- Tape Measure
- Step Ladder
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Light Bulbs
- Wall Screws and Hanging Nails
- Matches and Candles
- Level
- Duct Tape
- Pencil
Utility Room & Cleaning Supplies
No matter whether you’re moving into a brand new home or a resale home new to you, you’ll want to start out with some cleaning tools at hand. Think ahead about where you’ll want to keep your cleaning solutions—check out our Floor Plans to visualize how a variety of locations in different zones can help keep your home clean from day one.
- Paper Towels
- Paper Towel Holder
- Trash Bags
- Trash Can
- Bucket
- Rubber Gloves
- Cleaning Cloths
- Dishwasher Detergent
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Window Cleaner
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Brushes
- Broom and Dustpan
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Mop and Bucket
- Laundry Detergent
- Laundry Baskets
- Dryer Sheets
- Extra Toilet Paper
Making Your New House a Home
How do you make a new house a home? Fresh baked cookies? Hand-lettered signs? Pumpkin spice candles? Maybe it’s all of those things—or none of them at all. Your home is a special reflection of you and your family. Creating comfortable spaces is a matter of opinion, and maybe a few Pinterest lists. Browse our gallery for ideas on how to decorate your new home.
- Throw Blankets
- Decor Pillows
- Dog Beds/ Pet Beds
- Table Lamps
- Doorway Rugs (indoor/outdoor)
- Candles
- Potted Plants
- Area Rugs
- Window Treatments
- Display Shelves
- Artwork
- Table Linens & Placemats
Lawn & Garden
Did you know that a Generation Homes Northwest move-in ready home comes standard with a fully fenced and landscaped yard? Complete with sprinkler systems? It’s a benefit we love to pass along to our new homeowners, but a benefit that does come with maintenance requirements. By keeping your home’s exterior clean and in working order, you’ll sustain—or even increase—property value. Grab these essential tools to keep your outdoor space beautiful!
- Lawn Mower
- Garden Hose
- Spade Shovel
- Rake
- Hedge Trimmers
- Garbage Bags
- Recycle Bin
- Gloves
- Wheelbarrow
- Trowels
- Weed Trimmer
- Pruners
- Leaf Blower
- Push Broom
- Snow Shovel
- Ice Melt
Outdoor Living
Your patio and backyard are extensions of your brand-new home. Create a comfortable space where friends and family can gather outdoors year-round, and find that your living space has doubled! Consider how these items will make your new home’s outdoor living space the most desirable thing.
- Patio Table and Chairs
- Relaxing Chairs
- Side Tables
- Decorative Lights
- Hammock
- Planter Pots and Flowers
- Patio Umbrella
- Firepit & Wood / Propane
- Mosquito Candles / Bug Zappers
- Outdoor Blankets, Outdoor Pillows
- Exterior Lighting, Torches
- Fire Starter / Lighter / Matches
- Barbecue
- Outdoor Rug
- Music
Your Kitchen & Pantry Expanded
You didn’t really think we’d forget the toaster, did you? Never! We’ve all come to rely on our kitchen gadgets. Now that you’ve had a few days to experience your new kitchen, it’s time to bring in the second wave of must-have appliances, and can’t live without linens!
- Water Filters
- Pot Holders
- Linens (Tablecloths, Napkins)
- Toaster
- Stand Mixer
- Crock Pot
- Rice Maker
- Air Fryer
- Casserole Dishes / Baking Pans
- Muffin Tins
- Cookie Sheets / Cooling Racks
- Pizza Pans / Pizza Stones
- Pantry Basics Food Storage: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Beans, Rice, Coffee & Yeast
- Vacuum bag refills
- Air filters
- Pot Rack
- Spice Racks
- Storage Shelves and Bins
- Special Appliances (Waffle Maker, Instant Pot, Keurig)
- Bottle Openers, Can Opener
Technology
Today’s move-in ready home must have allowances for all the modern conveniences we’ve come to rely on. “What’s the wifi password?” will absolutely be the first question you’ll hear from…well, anyone.
Did you know that Generation Homes Northwest’s move-in ready homes come standard with a Ring Doorbell, an electric car charger, smart thermostats, and USB port electrical outlets? Modern living requires modern-day solutions. See how we’ve integrated these essentials into our new home builds here.
To make sure your home runs in the most effective way possible, grab these nice-to-have tech items:
- Smart Light Bulbs
- Smart Plugs and Outlets
- Extra charging cables for your phone and tablets
- Smart Lock
- Ethernet Cables
- Smart Home Assistant
- Smart Light Switches
- Wireless Speakers
Bedroom
Ready to take that bedroom to the next level? Consider how these items can make your bedroom more luxurious and organized.
- Decor
- Full-Length Mirror
- Curtains or Shades
- Wall Mounted TV
- Storage Bins
- Closet Organizer
- Shoe Rack
- Book Shelf
- Hamper
Home Office
Your new home may have a designated place to do business. A den, a home office, a kitchen desk—these days, people are looking for flexibility in their work lives, and reaching for a work-life balance that makes sense. Does your home have an office? Many Generation homes Northwest plans include these essential spaces.
Whether you’re working from home or providing a space for your children to complete homework, you’ll need certain things to stay organized and online.
- Desk
- Computer or Tablet
- Office Chair
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Filing Cabinet
- Shredder
- Printer
- Whiteboard
- Charging station
- Charging cords
- Charging block
- Phone and watch charger
- Wifi router
- Desk light
- Clock
- Pens & Pencils
- Scratch Pad
- Printer Paper
New Homeowner Necessities
Do you have that ‘new homeowner’ feeling? It’s the buzz of knowing where you belong, the pride in making a worthy investment, and the contentment of settling into your home. New homeowners—we applaud you! This is the beginning of a beautiful future.
Furniture
Welcoming guests begins with just one essential furniture set: a table and chairs. This, the hallmark of friendships for millennia, is all you’ll really need to begin with—but take note of some other comforts you can look forward to:
- Bed Frame
- Nightstands
- Side Tables
- Table Lamps
- Buffets
- Hutch
- Wardrobes
- Bench
- Dresser
- Couch
- Ottomans
- Wine Rack
- Bar Cart
- Coffee and End Tables
- Chairs
Security
Keeping your home safe is a top priority!
Did you know that some home insurance companies require security measures to be taken (such as door cameras) before offering coverage? These security essentials can help you avoid damages, thefts, and potential disasters—and might even lower your home insurance:
- Fire Extinguishers
- Smoke Detectors
- First Aid Kits
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Locks
- Fireproof Safe / Gun Safe
- Alarm System
- Security Camera
Your Clark County Dream Home
Take a deep breath … you made it!
Exciting, exhausting – but worth it! We’ve created this list to help you start early, stay motivated, and enjoy your new home right away.
Are you moving to Clark County? Generation Homes Northwest is here to help you create a beautiful home. As locally owned homebuilders, we bring award-winning craftsmanship and expertise to each project and collaborate with you every step of the way in settling into your forever home with new home communities throughout Clark County, including the fastest-growing areas and private settings. Check out this link to our home plans to find a new home near you.
