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Moving home

54 Must-have Essentials for a Smooth Move-in and Functional New Home

Time to read: 5 minutes

Contents
  1. Living Room Essentials
  2. Furniture
  3. Entertainment
  4. Lighting
  5. Bedroom Essentials
  6. Bedding
  7. Kitchen Essentials
  8. Appliances
  9. Cookware and Utensils
  10. Tableware and Storage
  11. Bathroom Essentials
  12. Toiletries and Personal Care
  13. Storage and Organisation
  14. Tools and Equipment
  15. Cleaning Supplies
  16. Outdoor Essentials
  17. Home Security
  18. Putting Things in Self Storage

Moving into a new house can be both exciting and overwhelming. You must pack your belongings, arrange the move’s logistics, and consider many other things. One essential aspect that many movers often need to remember is ensuring they have all the necessary items for their new home (understandably so- it’s easy to forget to get things for your new home amidst clearing out your old house). This comprehensive guide will take you through the essential items needed for each room in your new home to make the transition smoother.

A picture of a door mat with Home Sweet Home written on it
New home essentials
  • Living Room Essentials
  • Bedroom Essentials
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Bathroom Essentials
  • Tools and Equipment
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Outdoor Essentials
  • Home Security
  • Putting Things in Self Storage

Living Room Essentials

The living room is the heart of your home, where you can relax, entertain guests, and spend quality time with your family and friends. To make this space cosy and functional, there are a few essential items you should have:

Furniture

  • Chairs: Invest in a few chairs that will be necessary during those initial days of the move-in (if you want to stay away from sitting on the floor all the time). You can look for accent furniture that can be built into your relaxation nook later. 
  • Tables: Like the chairs, you should invest in a good quality centre table or side table to avoid buying another one later.

In case you’ve moved into a smaller home, or have furniture you don’t think you’ll be using in the near future, you might want to consider furniture storage.

Entertainment

  • Internet modem and router: Ensure a reliable internet connection for streaming, browsing the web, and staying connected.
  • Surge protectors and extension cords: Safeguard your electronic devices from power surges and ensure access to power outlets.

Lighting

Lamps or Lightbulbs: This is extremely important to avoid sitting in a dark home on your first night in.

Bedroom Essentials

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, where you can retreat and recharge. To create a comfortable and functional space, consider the following essentials:

Bedding

  • Mattress and bed frame: Invest in a comfortable mattress and a sturdy bed frame that suits your sleeping preferences.
  • Pillows and pillowcases: Choose pillows that properly support a good night’s sleep.
  • Sheets and blankets: opt for soft and breathable materials that suit the climate in your area.
  • Dresser or chest of drawers: Provide storage space for your clothes and personal belongings.

Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen is the heart of every home, where delicious meals are prepared and shared. To set up your new kitchen, make sure you have the following essentials:

Appliances

  • Refrigerator
  • Stove or cooktop
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher: Unless your new home already has a dishwasher- it’s wise to invest in a dishwasher. It’ll save time and effort taking care of the dirty dishes.

Cookware and Utensils

  • Pots and pans: Invest in a good set of pots and pans in various sizes to cover all your cooking needs.
  • Knives and cutting board: Essential tools for food preparation and cooking.
  • Utensils: Have a spatula, tongs, whisk, and other cooking utensils on hand.

Tableware and Storage

  • Plates, bowls, and glasses: Stock on durable, versatile tableware for everyday use.
  • Cutlery: Ensure you have enough forks, knives, and spoons for your household.
  • Food storage containers: Keep your leftovers fresh and organised.
  • Cleaning supplies: Dish soap, sponges, and scrub brushes are essential for maintaining a clean kitchen.

Bathroom Essentials

A picture of bathroom organisers in the drawer.

The essentials for a functional and well-equipped bathroom include a space for relaxation and personal care. Here’s what you’ll need:

Toiletries and Personal Care

  • Towels and washcloths 
  • Hand soap and lotion 
  • Bath mat
  • Toilet paper and holder
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

Storage and Organisation

  • Bathroom cabinets or shelves
  • Medicine cabinet or first aid kit: Keep essential medications and first aid supplies easily accessible.
  • Trash can

Tools and Equipment

As a homeowner, having a basic toolkit is essential for minor repairs and maintenance tasks. Consider having the following tools on hand:

  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver set
  • Pliers
  • Power drill
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Flashlight
  • Step ladder/ step stool

Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your new home clean and tidy is essential for a comfortable living environment. Stock up on the following cleaning supplies:

  • All-purpose cleaner: Versatile for cleaning various surfaces.
  • Glass cleaner: Ensures streak-free windows and mirrors.
  • Disinfectant wipes: Convenient for quick cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Broom and dustpan: Essential for sweeping and collecting dirt and debris.
  • Vacuum cleaner: Keeps your carpets and floors clean and free of dust and allergens.
  • Mop and bucket: Ideal for cleaning hard floors and maintaining their shine.
  • Toilet brush and cleaner: Essential for keeping your toilet clean and hygienic.
  • Laundry detergent: Choose a detergent that suits your laundry needs.

Outdoor Essentials

The outdoor space of your new home is just as important as the interior. If you have a yard or an outdoor area, it’s crucial to maintain them. Consider the following essentials:

  • Lawnmower
  • Garden hose
  • Rake and shovel 
  • Pruners and gardening tools

Home Security

This is an image of a home security camera and a phone with images captured from the camera

Owning a home is a huge accomplishment, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring its safety and security. The last thing you want is to lose the sense of security and comfort in your home. That’s why taking proactive measures to protect your property is crucial. Doing so safeguards your investment and ensures your family’s safety. Consider the following actions to keep your new home secure.

  • Home security system: Invest in a comprehensive security system that includes cameras, motion sensors, and a central control panel.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Install detectors in strategic locations to detect smoke and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
  • Video doorbell: Monitor who is at your door and communicate remotely with visitors.
  • Fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible in case of emergencies.
  • New door lock: Change the locks on your doors to ensure the security of your home.

Putting Things in Self Storage

If you have extra belongings or require temporary storage while moving, consider using self storage facilities. Self storage offers a secure and convenient solution for storing items you may not need in your new home yet. Whether it’s furniture, seasonal items, or sentimental belongings, self storage frees up space in your living area and keeps your belongings secure.

Moving to a new house is a significant milestone that requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition. To make your new living space comfortable and functional, it is essential to have all the essentials. This comprehensive guide will help you prioritise security, organisation, and personalisation to create a welcoming ambience in your new home. Happy moving!

Looking for convenient, secure self storage near you? We have stores across the UK, including Leeds, Manchester, Lincoln, Northampton, and many more. Whether you’re decluttering, moving home, or just need extra space, we have a solution to suit you. To find the one best suited to your needs, use our size guide and online Size Estimator and get an instant quote today.

Ready Steady Store
Storage Unit Size Guide
Quick Reference
9–15
sq ft
Small Storage Unit

Secure storage for documents, boxes and smaller items you need to access occasionally.

Archive boxes Suitcases Seasonal items
25
sq ft
Studio / Small 1-bed

Conveniently fits the contents of a studio or small 1-bedroom flat, without bulky furniture.

Single bed Wardrobe items Desk & chair
⭐ Most popular
50
sq ft
1–2 Bedroom Flat

Reliably fits a sofa, double bed, wardrobe and around 20 boxes - our most-booked size.

Double bed Sofa Wardrobe ~20 boxes
75
sq ft
2–3 Bedroom House

Accessible storage for most contents of a family home, including larger furniture pieces.

King bed Dining set Multiple wardrobes
100
sq ft
3–4 Bedroom House

Friendly, flexible storage for larger homes - white goods, garden furniture and full room sets.

White goods Garden furniture Full house contents

Helpful tip: Most of our storage units are at least 8ft high - stack your items and furniture to make the most of the height and keep your costs down.

Karishma Darji

Head of Central Operations & Marketing, Ready Steady Store

Karishma is Head of Central Operations & Marketing at Ready Steady Store, bringing over 10 years’ experience in the UK self storage industry. She oversees central operations, process strategy, customer experience, and digital performance across multiple self storage locations nationwide, ensuring customers have access to affordable, secure, and easy-to-use storage solutions.

Her work is closely informed by real customer behaviour and day-to-day store operations, helping ensure all advice and guides are practical, transparent, and relevant.

Making it as easy as possible

Exclusive Enterprise Van Hire for our customers

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We've teamed up with Enterprise to bring our Ready Steady Store customers an exclusive deal. Book via our link and enjoy a 5% discount on live prices for van hire, making your move easier and more affordable.

  • Exclusive customer savings - 5% off live Enterprise hire prices
  • Flexible 24-hour hire periods to suit your schedule
  • Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your nearest Enterprise branch
Find out more

Secure storage for your belongings, around the clock

At Ready Steady Store, security is built into everything we do. Our stores are designed to help protect your belongings while giving you complete peace of mind, whether you're storing for the short or long term.

These measures are in place to help deter unauthorised access and provide safer storage for our customers.

Our security features typically include:

  • 24/7 CCTV monitoring
  • Smart locks for controlled, secure unit access
  • App-controlled entry, so only authorised users can enter

Expert insight from our store teams

Customers often underestimate how important access control and good lighting are when choosing self storage. Our teams regularly highlight these features as key reasons customers choose Ready Steady Store.
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  • 24/7 CCTV
  • Smart locks
  • App-controlled entry

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Our sustainability commitment

With climate change now at the forefront of most people’s minds, action needs to be taken. At Ready Steady Store we’re already taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint, a major factor in combating climate change.

Our latest tree planting initiative will see us reduce our footprint even further. That’s because trees absorb CO2, so they’re a great way to minimise the harmful effect of CO2 emissions on the environment. And with more trees planted, the closer we’ll be to achieving a carbon-neutral Britain, along with our goal to become a carbon-neutral business.

We’re doing everything we can to help create a sustainable future for the planet, and now you can help too. All you have to do is leave us a Google Review, and for every one posted we’ll plant a tree with our partner more:trees.

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Help Us Raise Money for the Alzheimer’s Society

This year, we’re proud to support the Alzheimer’s Society—our chosen charity partner—by committing to raise £5000 to help fund vital research and support services for those affected by dementia.

We’ve made fantastic progress with cake sales, sponsored walks, and other team-led activities. You can follow our journey and check in on our progress via our JustGiving page.

Want to help?

You can make a difference by donating just 50p Or feel free to give more, share the link, and encourage friends and family to get involved.

Together, we can make a real impact for people living with dementia.

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Moving house? Making space? We’ve got you covered for all the essentials you’ll need in our box shop.

Page last updated: February 28th, 2026

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