Furniture Shopping Checklist: Must-Have Items For Your Home

It’s always exciting to move into a new home. However, you must complete many tasks when doing so. For example, ensure you have essential items so you aren’t running around trying to buy things while also unpacking. How can you prevent this from happening?

Table of Contents

Create a List

Develop a list of essential items for each room in the home. Purchase these items before the move. If you want to save money on moving fees, consider having them delivered to the house the day you move in. However, make certain someone is there to accept the items. You don’t want to arrive at the new home only to find someone has made off with these purchases. When shopping for new furniture and other goods for the home, which items should you prioritize?

Kitchen Items

Before moving, make certain you have silverware and dinnerware for meals. It never hurts to pick up paper plates and disposable silverware for the first day or two in the home. You also need pots and pans along with bowls and other items needed to prepare meals. Have one sharp knife handy for food prep and a bottle or wine opener for drinks to celebrate the big move.

Living Room

People need somewhere to sit. Start with a sofa for the living room and blinds or curtains, so people can’t see into the home. A TV is nice, so you can relax and unwind after packing, and ensure you have easy access to table lamps or a floor lamp to illuminate the room. A coffee table is also nice to have.

Dining Room

A dining room table is a major investment, so you don’t want to make any mistakes when purchasing this item. If finding the right table for the new home has been challenging, consider buying food trays to use temporarily. Once you have the table, you can look into storage cabinets for dinnerware and other frequently used items.

Bedrooms

Any bedroom used by a family member needs a bed at a minimum. This bed might be nothing more than a mattress on the floor initially. Once the bedframe arrives, the room can be set up. Consider purchasing bedside tables, a wardrobe, a dresser, and a dressing table. The only essential item though is the bed when you first move in.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms don’t have much furniture, if any. If you need additional storage space, consider buying a cabinet. Other than that, you need a shower curtain, towels, and basic hygiene items.

Home Office

Many people work from home today. If your job has opted to have you go remote, you’ll need a desk and chair. Look for ergonomic pieces, so you are comfortable as you carry out your duties. A filing cabinet is also nice to have and look into buying a pull-out bed if you may use the room for guests.

Setting a Budget

Every person will need to establish a budget for furnishings. Only you know how much money you have left after the move. Determine which items are essential and focus on getting those first. Once you have these items, see how much money is left. Next, create a monthly budget taking all expenses into account. Figure out how much can be put aside each month for new furnishings. Ask family and friends if they have items you need. Use those items until you can buy new furniture, so you don’t need to settle for less than what you want.

Always prioritize quality over quantity when purchasing furniture. Buying lower-quality pieces will cost you more in the long run. When you find and purchase quality pieces that suit the residence, the house will feel like home.