The ultimate checklist: 60 essentials to get your home ready when you move.

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60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Whether you’re moving into an apartment, condo, cottage or house, you’ll want to be up and running quickly when you arrive. That means making sure you have the right essentials so you can start settling in as soon as your movers leave. The moving experts at AMJ Campbell put together this ultimate checklist of 60 essentials to bring when moving homes.

Getting your place clean.

Before you unpack, you’ll want to clean. Even if the previous occupants left your home move-in ready, you’ll want to reclean the kitchen and bathroom. Items you’ll need to clean your place include:

  • Broom
  • Mop
  • Paper towels
  • Soft cloths or sponges
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Glass and mirror cleaner
  • Vacuum
  • All-purpose cleaner for tub, shower, tiles, floors
  • Garbage bags
60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Making over your home into your own.

Is your new décor not your vibe? Make it over into your own. DIY doesn’t have to be expensive; all it takes is a few essential supplies:

  1. Paintbrushes and rollers
  2. Painter’s tape
  3. Ladder
  4. Paint tray
  5. Primer and paint
  6. Plastic tarps to protect the floor
  7. Stain to retouch wood
  8. Drawer and cupboard liners
60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Arming yourself for future home repairs.

Why call a handyman for simple repairs? First, stock up on staples when on sale. Second, have basic tools available. Third, put some effort in and you’ll be glad you did. 

Getting your kitchen chef-ready.

Whether you’re a budding cook or a well-seasoned one, you’ll want to outfit your kitchen with the essentials. To do this, have at least the following on hand:

  1. Hammer
  2. Nails and screws of various sizes
  3. Screwdriver with detachable heads
  4. Pliers
  5. Wrench
  6. Tape measure
  7. Level
  8. Picture wire
  9. Light bulbs
  10. Toilet plunger
  11. Snakes to unclog drains
  12. Flashlight
  13. Fire Extinguisher
  14. Smoke and CO2 detectors
  15. Different size batteries 
  1. Saucepans and pots
  2. Dishes and cutlery
  3. Colander
  4. Glasses & cups
  5. Measuring cup and spoons
  6. Dish towels, cloths and sponges
  7. Toaster, kettle, coffeemaker, hand blender
60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Let there be linens.

If you’re moving from another home, be sure to pack these items. Alternatively, if you’re starting from scratch, purchase these: 

  1. Pillows
  2. Duvet or comforter
  3. Sheet sets
  4. Towels and bathmat
  5. Blankets
60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Essentials for your WC or loo (aka the bathroom). 

This is a great opportunity to start fresh. Definitely visit your local dollar store for the following:

  1. Shower curtain, rings and rod (unless you have a shower door)
  2. Shower caddy
  3. Garbage can
  4. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste and other toiletries 
  5. Toothbrushes and holders
  6. Hand soap
  7. Toilet paper
60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Storing it in style.

Before you move, go through your things and and donate anything you haven’t used in a while to a worthy cause like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. Finally, have the following items on hand to organize your stuff:

  1. Hangers
  2. Cool baskets 
  3. Shoe racks
  4. Hooks
  5. Storage bins and boxes
  6. Filing cabinet (if you work from home)
  7. Shelves (make a great display!)
60 essentials to get your home ready when you move

Moving with kids or pets? Think about what things you need daily to create your list. Also, don’t forget to arrange to have your utilities (water, phone, electricity, cable) turned on, fill out your address forward card from the post office and have your internet connection ready to go. Have a question about your move? Ask the moving experts at AMJ Campbell!

Here are some additional articles with useful tips for settling into your new home.