The most stressful part of your move is over with, but now you need to make your new house a home. There are various items you may want or need to purchase to ease this transition for your family.
Out with the old, in with the new
After moving into your new home, you will undoubtedly want to change some things. There are several items you should invest in for your safety and privacy, as well as a few that may just help you settle into your new environment.
- Replace the locks and keys. Chances are that the family who previously lived in your house gave sets of keys to extended family, friends and perhaps even some neighbors as a precaution. So, for your own peace of mind, you'll want to replace the locks on the doors and/or get some new keys.
- Buy window coverings that suit your needs. There are plenty of options to cover your windows for privacy. You can purchase all new drapes or curtains, or you can resort to cheaper temporary solutions such as vinyl or pleated paper blinds.
- Get new appliances. If your new home isn't fully equipped with appliances or if it's full of old machines, you may want to invest in brand new equipment for your home and kitchen. This includes a refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
- Populate rooms with fresh, new furniture. Many people bring their old furniture to their new houses, but some don't want to be hassled with this during their move. So, if you are ready to part ways with the old couches and tables, then maybe it's time to invest in brand new furniture as well.
Do it yourself
Even if you're not the DIY-type, you'll still want a full range of tools for emergencies. After all, you can't call a repair person for every problem you encounter. Eventually, you'll want to learn how to do some of the repairs yourself. Here are some useful tools to purchase after your move is complete:
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Set of screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Drill and drill bit set
- Saw
- Electrical tape
- Paint brushes
- Screws and nails
- Extension cords and power strips
Think outside the box
Now that you've taken care of everything inside your new home, it's time to address the issues outside.
- Have a plan for landscaping. If you have a substantial amount of yard space in the front and/or back of your house, consider landscaping options. You can hire a landscaping service to perform the essential duties around your home, or you can go ahead and purchase gardening tools. If you choose the latter, start with a decent lawnmower and perhaps even weeding and edging supplies. A hose is also vital to your landscaping efforts.
- Purchase some outdoor furniture. If appropriate for your new yard, furnish your patio or backyard with tables and chairs, as well as umbrellas for the rainy or sunny weather.
- Invest in a grill. It's always good to have a grill, especially if your family lives off of steak, grilled chicken, burgers and hot dogs. Grills are also great for company, whether you're hosting a barbecue or entertaining your children's friends.
- Plan for extreme weather. If you've moved to an area that gets a lot of snow, prepare for a rough winter. You'll definitely want snow shovels to clean your sidewalks and walkways, and if your budget will allow it, it's smart to invest in a snowblower.
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