With so much to pack and purchase before you move into a new home, you may forget the most important everyday items like cleaning products and basic tools.  If you’re moving into your first place and/or out of your dorm room or childhood home, there’s a good chance that you take for granted the supplies which are easily accessible right now.  You don’t want to be without them!  But what are they, anyway?  We’ve compiled this list of the most essential items you need to create a well-stocked household.

Tools for Fixing and Adjusting

If you bought or rented your new home from a handy, conscientious person, most likely everything is in good order.  However, there are still come cleaning supplies needed for your new home to fix broken or out of whack during a move and from general wear and tear.

Here are the tools for repairing and cleaning supplies needed for your new home:

  • Screwdriver (Philips and Flathead)
  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife/box cutter
  • Hammer
  • Variety of basic nails and screws
  • Putty knife (to scrape the gunk off mirrors, etc.)
  • Pliers
  • Wrench
  • Plunger
  • Extension cords
  • Flashlights
  • Light bulbs
  • Candles
  • Matches/lighter
  • Chargers
  • Batteries
  • Ladder/stepstool
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Scissors
  • Pens/pencils
  • Paper
  • Duct/masking/Scotch tape
  • Rubber bands
  • Paper/binder clips
  • Basic sewing kit
  • Shovel
  • Hoses
  • Lawnmower

Basic Cleaning Supplies for Moving Out

When moving in somewhere new or moving out, there are plenty of cleaning supplies you’ll need. You don’t want to leave a place dirty or move in unprepared to clean. There is a long list of cleaning supplies for moving out or moving in that you’ll want to have.

Even if the person who lived in your home before you immaculately scrubbed it down, it’s best to give the house a basic cleaning.  Many people forget to bring or purchase the necessary cleaning supplies needed for a new home.

The last thing you want to do once you’ve moved in is to run back out to the store because you failed to bring dishwashing detergent.

Scan this list for the most common cleaning supplies needed to maintain a happy home:

  • Magic Eraser
  • Rubber gloves
  • Laundry detergent/bleach
  • Dishwashing liquid/detergent
  • Handwashing soap
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Various cleansers for grease
  • Wood and glass sponges
  • Bucket and mop
  • Scrub brush
  • Old toothbrush (good for grout)
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Microfiber sweeper
  • Vacuum cleaner (if you have carpets)
  • Dishcloths
  • White vinegar (to use as glass cleanser)
  • Baking soda (to freshen up carpets/scrub stubborn stains)

Basic Medical Supplies

A cut or scrape can creep up when you’re hard at work settling into your new place.  You also could develop an illness from your resistance being compromised by the stress of a move.

Bring these supplies along for unexpected emergencies:

  • First aid kit including a pain reliever
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Cold medicine
  • Antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments
  • Bandages and gauze
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Cold pack
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers

Kitchen and Bathroom Essentials

One of the most commonly forgotten items when moving is toilet paper.  Stock up, so you’re not stuck.  If you’ve been living on takeout between moves, now’s the time to don your apron, fire up the stove or microwave and get cooking.

Don’t forget to bring kitchen and bathroom essentials like these:

  • Toilet brush/cleanser
  • Bathroom cleanser
  • Shower curtain/liner/rings
  • Paper towels/napkins
  • Plates/cups/silverware
  • Pots and pans
  • Can and bottle openers
  • Spoons/tongs/spatula/peeler
  • Basic knife set
  • Oven mitt
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Stove cleanser

Storage Support

Once you unpack your boxes, you’ll want to organize your belongings in drawers and cabinets throughout the house.  However, extra and portable storage units will be needed to supplement available space in your place including hangers, a laundry basket, basic Tupperware/Rubbermaid/comparable set for storing leftover food, garbage/Ziploc-type bags/plastic wrap.

  • Hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Basic Tupperware/Rubbermaid/comparable set for storing leftover food
  • Garbage/Ziploc-type bags
  • Plastic wrap