What You Did Not Know You Needed For Your New Home

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting, rewarding experiences in an adult's life. There's nothing like finding the perfect house and knowing that it belongs to you. But moving is also one of the most stressful experiences in an adult's life as well. Moving into a new home heralds change. It's the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It also involves a whole lot of work.

Having a plan before you begin the moving process will help the move to go smoothly and minimize your stress. Here's a list of potentially-forgotten things you'll need in your new home. These few items will help immensely with the hassle of moving.

1. A combination paper and plastic trash bin

Recycling policies vary from area to area. Some places ask residents to separate their recycling from their trash and bring both bins to the curb. Some places still use physical dumps, and transportation of both trash and recycling must be done by car. Regardless of the method of trash pickup, having a separate bin for your recycling will make it much easier to sort your disposables come trash day.

2. Peel and stick hooks

These plastic, reusable hooks use sticky suction technology to adhere to walls. They don't damage paint or plaster. Unlike tacks, they don't create holes in the wall. They're also stronger and more versatile than tape. Having a few of these hooks on hand will help you organize your space - hanging pans in the kitchen, hanging paintings in the living room, or hanging towels in the bathroom.

3. Small area rugs

Rugs can add personality to a room without the hassle of installing full carpeting, but area rugs are particularly important. Placing a small area rug in front of the entrances to your house will give people a place to wipe their feet and take off their shoes. It'll keep your floors cleaner in the long run.

4. A carpet cleaner

Your carpeted rooms will still absorb dirt, regardless of how many area rugs you have. Getting a steam carpet cleaner will help you restore the carpeting. Steam cleaners work by pulling dirt up from several layers of the carpet. They dig deep to easily erase years of dirt and grime. The best time to use a steam cleaner is before you move your furniture into the house.

5. Basic organizational tools

Before you can move your things into the house, you'll need places to put them. Maximize your large spaces by bringing in tables and bookshelves. You should use organizational tools for specific areas of your home as well. A dish drying rack will save you time and hassle, as will clothes hampers, labeled drawers, and towel racks.

6. Cleaning supplies

It's easy to overlook basic cleaning supplies when moving into a new home. But it's important to remember that you're responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a large area now. Make sure to invest in paper towels, rags, and cleaning sprays. You'll need laundry detergent and dish soap. You'll also need sponges and soap for the bathroom.

7. Extension cords

Don't forget to pack extension cords! There's nothing more frustrating than being unable to find an outlet close enough to your furniture. Extension cords make the logistics of furniture setup far easier to manage. They're also essential to any outdoor electronics or parties.

8. Light and energy sources

You'll need light bulbs for your new home - even if all the lights work, having spares is always helpful in a pinch. Candles, flashlights, and batteries are all essentials in case of a power outage. If you live in an area prone to winter storms, hurricanes, or other hazardous weather situations, keep an emergency kit on hand just in case. LED bulbs will last longer and shine brighter than conventional incandescent bulbs, but they have a higher up-front cost.

9. A fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm

Your home should come with fire and carbon monoxide alarms, but you should test them as soon as possible. If they don't work, don't waste any time replacing them.