Checklist: What you need to furnish your first home

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of moving into your own space...until you realise you don’t even have a fork for eating your celebratory takeaway. Avoid the first-home struggle by following this ultimate checklist of must-haves for every room. So you can get your place fully stocked, and settle in stress-free.

First home checklist: Kitchen

Your kitchen is about to be the heart of your home (or at least the place where snacks live). Stock up on these essentials:

• Pots and pans (frying pan, saucepan, stockpot)
• Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs, whisk, peeler)
• Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
• Kitchen knives
• Chopping board
• Plates
• Bowls
• Mugs
• Glasses (for water, wine etc)
• Baking trays and oven dishes
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Dining table
• Dining chairs
• Can opener and bottle opener
• Dish rack or drying mat
• Food storage containers
• Bin and bin bags
• Cleaning supplies (sponges, dish soap, surface cleaner)
• Toaster
• Kettle
• Coffee machine
• Microwave (if not included)
• Cooker (if not included)
• Fridge and freezer (if not included)
• Oven mitts
• Tea towels
• Washing machine (if not included)

First home checklist: Bathroom(s)

Keep your bathroom clean and relaxing with these must-haves:

• Towels (hand, bath, guest)
• Shower curtain (if needed)
• Toilet brush and holder
• Bath mat
• Toilet paper and holder
• Soap and soap dish/dispenser
• Toothbrush holder
• Shower caddy (for organizing toiletries)
• Mirror (if not built-in)
• Laundry basket
• Storage for toiletries
• Plunger
• Squeegee for shower glass (if applicable) 
• Air freshener

First home checklist: Bedroom(s)

Whether it's your master bedroom, the kids’ bedrooms, or a space for guests, these items will turn any empty space into a cosy oasis: 

• Bed frame (or a sofa bed for a guest bedroom)
• Mattress
• Bedding (duvet, sheets, pillows, pillowcases)
• Wardrobe or clothing rack (if no built-in storage)
• Bedside table(s)
• Bedside lamp
• Mirror
• Clothes hangers
• Curtains or blinds
• Pendant light shade
• Console table or sideboard for getting ready
• Cushions
• Throws

The First home checklist: Hallway

First impressions matter, so let’s make your entryway shine.

• Shoe rack
• Coat hooks or stand
• Console table (for keys, mail, etc)
• Armchair or bench (for putting on shoes)
• Mirror
• Doormat
• Curtains or blinds
• Pendant light shade

First home checklist: Living room

This is where you’ll chill, binge-watch and entertain—so make it comfy!

• Sofa
• Armchair or occasional chair
• Footstool
• Coffee table
• TV and TV stand (if needed)
• Bookshelf or storage unit
• Rug
• Floor or table lamps
• Curtains or blinds
• Side tables
• Cushions
• Throws
• Home decor (plants, wall art, candles)
• Pendant light shade
• Dog bed (for your furry friend)

First home checklist: Home office

If you’re setting up a home office, you’ll need these basics.

• Desk
• Ergonomic desk chair
• Desk lamp
• Shelves or sideboard
• Laptop/computer
• Printer (if needed)
• Pendant light shade
• Stationery (notebooks, pens, etc.)
• Extension cord
• Sofa bed for guests
• Curtains or blinds

First home checklist: Garden (if you have one)

Make the most of your garden, patio or balcony.

• Outdoor furniture (table, chairs—maybe even a hammock?)
• Hose or watering can
• Lawn mower (if needed)
• Rake
• Trowel
• Planters and pots
• Outdoor lighting
• Barbecue (if you fancy)
• Storage shed or box (if needed)

Other stuff you need for your home

These don’t fit into a specific room, but trust us, you need them:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop
• Long-handle brush
• Dustpan and brush
• First aid kit
• Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdriver set, pliers)
• Light bulbs
• Batteries
• Extension cords
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector (if not already installed)
• Step ladder
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener
• Iron and ironing board
• Clothes drying rack
• Security locks (if needed)
• Matches
• Torch and candles (for emergencies)

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