moving into your first home

**frugal.lass** · 05-31-2011, 11:51 AM

I tried searching to see if there were any threads that had similar topics without any luck. It could be my searching skills though so if anyone knows of a similar thread, point me in its direction.

I'm in the process of buying a home (the offer was accepted pending financing and home inspection conditions). I've been approved for a mortgage and have calculated my closing/moving-in costs. After everything's all said and done, I'll still have about $4500-5000 in savings that will act as my EF.

My question is about those things that first time home buyers need to acquire but might not think about until they realize they don't have them. I'm trying to think of things I've not needed up to this point due to living in apartments that I WILL need once I move into my townhouse. Things like a lawnmower, tools (although I'm fuzzy on *which* tools), a shovel come winter...There are things I know I'll want (like a BBQ for my deck!) but I really just want a list of things that I'll NEED...the wants will have to wait.

**skybluepink79** · 05-31-2011, 12:16 PM

hammer,flat and phillips screwdriver extra light bulbs,gas can for the lawn mower small lader. also have bthe power turned before you move in they had hard time find our house wouldnt be fun to move in with no lights the first few days. have the furnace cleaned even if the sellers say it was just done friends had a fist size whole in theirs leeking co2 and the sellers had receipt for haveing checked the las 5yrs when they found it it had been there for a while.

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-31-2011, 12:35 PM

I think there was a similar question once; I can remember people listing tools for new home owners, but I can't recall when or what the thread was called. I'll post a link if I find it.

For tools, other than a screwdriver to put your furniture together (which you probably already have), don't buy any until a project comes up where you actually need something. It is much easier to acquire the tools you need as you need them, rather than try to anticipate what you might need in the future.

Don't do that for the shovel though! Buy your snow shovel as soon as they go back on the store shelves so that you have it before it snows. Put that off and you risk getting snowed in.

You'll need a lawn mower - type depends on the size of your lawn. You'll likely want a weed trimmer to do the edges, and/or the dandelions that are too tough for the mower. Other gardening tools you can acquire over time as you need them.

As far as general items when you move in - bring a roll of toilet paper, a box of lightbulbs, and a shower curtain.

**monkeywrangler71** · 05-31-2011, 01:48 PM

Just a note on screwdrivers, if you don't have any already it's easiest to buy a set that includes all different shapes and sizes, as all the screws in the house don't usually match. Just make sure it is a Canadian set or it will likely be missing the Robertson (square) screwdrivers.

**Ceashels** · 05-31-2011, 02:05 PM

Here are some of the older threads about home ownership. You may also want to search threads dealing with winterizing and organization as there are hidden jewels of information that are perhaps seasonal.

I did not skim through all of the posts in the threads but it may help you find some information you are seeking.

Buying first home questions?

Need first time home buyer tips, tricks, advice, and anything else you got for me!

Our Costs for Home Ownership and Re-Sale

Buying a home question

Home Financial knowledge

**frugal.lass** · 05-31-2011, 02:40 PM

Ceashels, thanks so much!!

I don't know why but I can never seem to get the search function to pull up threads that I KNOW I've seen somewhere. I knew there were a bunch of threads about this topic but I kept getting random search results. I'll read through them now!

**low-1** · 05-31-2011, 03:02 PM

Monkeywrangler, I was going to mention the good old Robertson as well, best damn screwdriver drive of all time!!

**oheoh's momma** · 05-31-2011, 07:38 PM

a rake, a shovel, comfortable porch furniture, a water hose if u have flowers and one of those things that is unisex for hooking the water hose to the sink.

**FLgal** · 05-31-2011, 09:55 PM

I move often...and here is the list of things I ALWAYS have to buy again.

Light bulbs
new trash cans (bathroom/kitchen/outdoor)
shower curtain pole
new door mat(new house...new mat)
curtains or blinds if the house lacks
ice trays
utensil tray for silverware

I'll add more if i think of anything.

Congrats to you!!!!

**mndtrp** · 06-01-2011, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

For tools, other than a screwdriver to put your furniture together (which you probably already have), don't buy any until a project comes up where you actually need something. It is much easier to acquire the tools you need as you need them, rather than try to anticipate what you might need in the future.

When I moved into my house, I went with a friend to Home Depot and signed up for their credit card. 12 months no interest, 10% discount, and I picked up all of the tools I thought I would need. Saws, shovels, rake, drills, etc. I planned the payments to pay off the card in 10 months, and then used all of those tools within the first year of living there. I found this to be better than needing a tool, but not having it. There were a few tools that I had to pick up here and there, but not many. I only recommend this course of action to people that have enough to cover the bill already, and are capable of handling another credit card.

As far as recommended tools, it also depends on what you are planning on doing with your house. Is it a fixer-upper, or a new house that won't need any major projects? If it's new, you could probably get by without a circular saw or jigsaw. A screwdriver set, socket set, and maybe a wrench set would get you through most simple repairs. Crescent wrenches are quite helpful, an A-frame ladder, snow shovel, leaf rake. Depending on the landscaping, manual hand trimmers for shrubs, a spade or gardening shovel, maybe a hose.