So, you’re looking to buy or build your first home – and there’s a lot to get organised. We know how daunting it can be, so we’ve put together the ultimate checklist for you to use when you’re looking to move into your first home.
Instead of bulk buying from the likes of Kmart or IKEA the day you’re moving in, it’s worthwhile planning ahead and buying some of the necessities in advance. Not only will this reduce impulse buying down the track, but it will also help alleviate some of the financial stress of buying everything at once.
Downloadable First Home Buyer Checklist: First Home Buyer Checklist PDF (100KB)
Step One: Start collecting essential items while still living at home. If you’re almost ready to leave the nest, grab yourself some packing boxes and start gradually purchasing the below items. We’ve broken it down for you room by room to simplify the process.
Kitchen
Cutlery Set (Knives, Forks Spoons)
Crockery Set (Bowls, Plates, Mugs)
Glassware (inc. Wine Glasses)
Chopping Boards
Saucepans
Frypans
Knife Block Set
Measuring Cups
Mixing Bowls
Salad Bowls
Grater
Peeler
Tuppaware Containers
Oven Trays
Baking Tins
Colander
Oven Mit
Salt/Pepper Shakers
Cannisters
Rubbish Bin
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Ice Cube Trays
Spatula
Tongs
Salad Servers
Wooden Spoon
Rolling Pin
Whisk
Cooling Rack
Platters
Kitchen Scoop
Drying Rack
Tea Towels
Bathroom
Bath Towels/Sheets
Hand Towels
Face Washers
Bath Caddy
Shower Caddy
Toilet Roll Holder
Toilet Brush
Draw Dividers
Toothbrush Holder
Soap Dispenser
Rubbish Bin
Bathroom Scale
Bedroom
Pillows
Duvet
Sheet Sets
Duvet Cover
Mattress Protector
Coat Hangers
Door Hooks
Mirror
Accessory Organiser
Underbed Storage
Laundry
Laundry Basket
Clothes Horse
Ironing Board
Laundry Hamper
Pegs
Everything Else
Dust Pan & Brush
Broom (Indoor & Outdoor)
Cleaning Cloths
Sponges
Matches/Lighter
Candles
Extension Cords
Power Boards
Rake/Shovel
Ladder
Scissors/Tape
Welcome Mat
Paper/Pens
Mop
Buckets
Duster
Toolkit
Nails
Wall Hooks
First Aid Kit
Batteries
Hose
Clock
Tape Measure
Decorative
Cushions
Throw Blankets
Storage Tubs
Vases
Art/Prints
Photo Frames
Plants/Pots
Rugs
Step Two: Research electronics both online and in-store. Read their reviews, assess the warranties and plan your purchases for when you are ready to move in.
Electronics
Kettle
Toaster
Blender
Coffee Machine
Electric Mixer
Sandwich Press
Television
Soundbar
Fridge
Microwave
Washing Machine
Dryer
Printer
Iron/Steamer
Lawn Mower
Step Three: Buy your key furniture pieces. Take your room measurements and head down to your local homemaker centre! Keep in mind that most furniture items will need to be custom made or ordered in advance. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for – ask if they can have it delivered the day or week you move in!
Furniture
Kitchen Stools
Dining Chairs
Dining Table
Sofa & Ottoman
TV Unit
Storage Unit
Bed
Bedside Tables
Tallboy
Desk & Desk Chair
Coffee Table
Side Tables
Shelving
Lamp
Step Four: It’s time to move in. Your first grocery shop is going to be a little pricey – but once you’ve purchased all the essential items, your future shopping trips will be far less expensive. While you’ll be eager to fully stock your fridge and pantry – here are some additional staples that you’ll need to purchase:
Grocery List
Hand Soap
Shampoo & Conditioner
Soap/Shower Gel
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Razors
Toilet Paper
Room Freshener
Tissues
Paper Towel
Dishwashing Detergent
Sponges/Dishcloths
Washing Powder/Liquid
Dishwasher Tablets
Multipurpose Cleaning Spray
Window Cleaner
Multipurpose Wipes
Insect Repellent/Insecticide
Napisan
Bleach
Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
Throat Lozenges
Downloadable First Home Buyer Checklist: First Home Buyer Checklist PDF (100KB)
If you're a first home buyer looking for more information, head over to our First Home Buyer page for a range of helpful resources to help you on your way to building your dream home.