Back

5 new home essentials you'll need

Jun 03, 2025
5 new home essentials you'll need
Buying a new home is exciting, but it comes with a checklist. Here are the essential items you'll need to turn your new property into a functional home.

Key takeaways

• Curtains and blinds: Create a cosy sanctuary with window dressings that offer privacy and a good night’s sleep. Consider neutral colours if you’re undecided on long-term colour schemes.
• Kitchen essentials: Beyond integrated appliances, don’t forget those personal touches – a kettle for morning brews, cutlery for your first home-cooked meals and cleaning essentials to keep your space sparkling.
• Living room must-haves: This is where lots of memories will be made in your new home. A comfortable sofa is key to relaxation, while setting up your TV and Wi-Fi early ensures you feel connected from day one.
• Garden accessories: Your outdoor space is full of potential. A quality lawnmower will keep your new lawn pristine, while a shed provides storage for garden essentials.
• Bedroom essentials: There’s nothing like retiring to your bedroom after moving day. A comfortable mattress, soft pillows and a cosy duvet transform a bedroom into your personal haven.
 

Curtains and blinds

Privacy and comfort are key when you first move into your new home, which is why we recommend getting your curtains or blinds up as soon as possible.
 
Some homeowners love a cohesive look with matching window dressings throughout the home, while others enjoy varying the design in different rooms. You’ll also have to decide whether you want ready-made or made-to-measure curtains.
 
If you’re not sure about your long-term colour scheme, consider starting with neutral blinds. This gives you a versatile foundation that you can adapt in the future.
 
Depending on your developer, you may be able to access your property a few days before completion, allowing you to measure or install your curtains and blinds.
 

Kitchen essentials

One of the joys of moving into a new build property is that you’ll often get integrated appliances, like a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
 
However, there are a few smaller items you may want to buy in advance that will help make your new house feel like a home from day one. In family homes, a good-sized kitchen bin is essential. Stock up on bin bags in advance and keep them accessible – with all the unpacking you’ll be dealing with, you’ll appreciate having these ready to go.
 
To help you settle in smoothly, we suggest putting together a box of kitchen essentials. This might include:
 
• A kettle.
• Mugs.
• Teabags and sugar.
• Cutlery and plates.
• Glasses.
• Kitchen utensils (can opener, bottle opener, sharp knives, etc).
• Chopping board.
• Tea towels, cleaning cloths and sponges.
• Saucepans.
 
You might already have some items, but you will need to buy others. For example, a chopping board might seem insignificant on move-in day, but it'll prevent damage to your new worktops! 
 
A mop and vacuum cleaner should also be at the top of your ‘must-buy’ list. Having these on hand when you move in allows you to give your new home a thorough clean before and after unpacking.
 

Living room must-haves

If you’re considering getting a new sofa, now is the ideal time to start planning. Measure your living room to ensure you choose a sofa that fits the space. Many sofas are made to order, with a typical wait time of around nine weeks. By ordering in advance, you could have your new sofa just days after you move in.
 
Many homeowners want to feel connected and comfortable in their living space, which is why setting up your TV and Wi-Fi is often a top priority. We recommend contacting your TV and broadband provider ahead of moving day to ensure everything is ready when you arrive. This way, you can quickly settle in, unwind, or get straight to work from your new home. Don't forget to have a TV stand or bracket on hand!
 
Some of the most enjoyable items to buy are accessories, as they allow you to add personality to your living room. From cushions to throws, ornaments and candles, these little details can completely change the room’s atmosphere. You could even pick up some photo frames in advance and fill them with your favourite memories, adding a personal touch to your new home immediately.
 

Garden accessories

When you buy your new build home, the garden is a blank canvas. You could choose to have a patio or decking, a trampoline or swing for children, or even a fenced-off area for pets. 
 
If you’ve not had a garden before, there are a few essentials you’ll need. We recommend investing in a lawnmower to cut your grass. However, keep in mind that with new turf, patience is key. Let it grow to 3-5 cm before your first cut.
 
Most homeowners install a shed to store their lawnmower, bikes, tools and other outdoor equipment. Although not strictly for outdoor jobs, a toolbox should be high on your priority list. You’ll need it for those first home projects – assembling furniture, hanging artwork, and making your space your own.
 

Bedroom essentials

There’s nothing quite like retreating to a cosy bedroom in your new home. It’s important to have this personal sanctuary ready from day one to help you feel settled. Invest in a comfortable bed with a high-quality mattress, pillows and duvet, as well as soft bedding. This will help you enjoy a restful sleep from your first night.
 
To make your bedroom truly feel like home, we also recommend purchasing these items:
 
• Bedside tables.
• Lamps.
• Wardrobe.
• Clothes hangers.
• Chest of drawers.
• Laundry basket.
• Mirror.
 
Our top tip when moving into your new build home? Write a shopping list and tick items off as you gradually bring your new home to life! You don’t have to rush to buy everything at once – creating a space you love is a work in progress that takes time. 
 
Plus, it can be costly to furnish and decorate a home, especially if you’re a first-time buyer starting from scratch. If friends and family want to buy you a moving in gift, you could ask them to purchase some of the essentials on your list, or for a gift voucher for a homeware store. 
 
Browse our new homes for sale in London to start your homebuying journey today. Call or visit our Sales Advisers to learn more. 
 
 

Related Articles