Home | Home Safety | 20 Things You’ll Need for Your First Home
By Cathy Habas
Nov 13, 2023
9 min read
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Congratulations on buying your first home! I'm right there with you—I made the leap into homeownership at the tail end of 2020.
You probably accumulated plenty of "stuff" before buying your very first home, so I'm not going to tell you to buy plates and a frying pan. Instead, I’ve listed things you need for protecting your first home, plus some practical items you'll need sooner than later.
Don't forget to check out our Housewarming Gift Guide too.
Don't Miss Holiday Sales!
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, but you can still find great holiday deals to help you save some cash during holiday shopping!
🔥 Plus, check out our SafeWise Deals page for discounts on home security and safety gadgets from some of the best names in the biz!
1. Home security system
Your home should always feel like a safe haven, and a home security system helps keep it that way. Think beyond burglaries: the best home security systems can also protect your home from fire and water damage. Some also offer up a ton of convenient home automations.
Now that you're a homeowner, you've unlocked a whole new level of home security. The biggest names in the biz—namely Vivint and ADT—install hardwired equipment and therefore require homeownership. But you can still go the DIY security route.
Our top picks: Vivint & SimpliSafe
Professional home security
Vivint
4.5
Pro monitoring starts at
$29.99
/mo
🔥 Early Black Friday deal: Get a free Doorbell Camera Pro + $50 Gift Card.* Use code: DBC50GC
* With system purchase. Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
DIY home security
SimpliSafe
4.25
Pro monitoring starts at
$19.99
/mo
🔥 60% off with Fast Protect™ monitoring for Veterans Day.
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
2. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Your new home should already have smoke detectors installed, but it's up to you to make sure they work and are installed in all the right places.
Even if you don't need to install extras, consider replacing a few of the existing alarms with smart smoke detectors. These connect to Wi-Fi and can let you know there's a problem even when you're not home to hear the beeps.
Don't stop with smoke alarms, though. Grab carbon monoxide detectors and radon detectors while you're at it. And if your home uses natural gas, it doesn't hurt to have a gas leak detector on hand too.
Our top picks: Google Nest Protect & First Alert Onelink
Smoke and CO alarm
Google Nest Protect
$119.00
*Info current as of post date. Readfull disclaimer.
Smoke and CO alarm
First Alert Onelink
$169.57 (sale price)
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Readfull disclaimer.
3. Video doorbell
Now that you’re in charge of your castle, you can benefit from knowing who’s at the door—even when you’re not home. A Wi-Fi enabled smart doorbell lets you see when that important package is delivered, when the kids get home from school, and who dares knock during the dinner hour.
Our recommended video doorbells
Best overall
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Best value
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
4. Fire extinguisher
Smoke alarms aren’t the beginning and end of fire safety—you also need to be sure your new home is equipped with a fire extinguisher and that you know how to use it.
My stove caught fire within my first year as a homeowner. Luckily, I was right there when the flames erupted and I had an extinguisher within easy reach. Dinner was ruined, but it could've been so much worse if I hadn't been prepared.
Our recommended fire extinguishers
Best for reliability
Amerex B402
$68.00 (sale price)
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Heavy-duty kitchen fire extinguisher
Amerex B260
$273.00
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
5. Home generator
This one's a bit of a splurge, especially if your bank account feels a little flimsy after the downpayment. But you'll be happy you thought ahead and got a home generator if your new town is prone to bad weather events like ice storms.
Powering a space heater and the fridge can be just enough to keep you and your family comfortable while you wait for the electrical crews to finish up.
Our recommended generators: EcoFlow and Honda
Overall best for homes (solar)
EcoFlow Delta Pro
$4,199 (sale price)
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Best portable gas generator
Honda EU2200iTAG
$1,299.00
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
6. Lockbox or safe
It’s smart to purchase a home safe or lockbox to hold important documents—like the title to your new home—and other valuables. Make sure you choose one that is both waterproof and fireproof.
Depending on what you need to keep safe, you can find a box or safe starting at around $30 to safeguard crucial documents like birth certificates, banking records, and other sensitive information.
Best overall
SentrySafe SFW123GDC
$286.99
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Best budget safe
AmazonBasics Keypad Safe
$119.99 (sale price)
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Chances are you’re not the first person to call your house home. The safest way to ensure random keys to your front door aren’t floating around in the world is to swap out your current door lock for a new one.
You can make a straight trade for a standard lock, add a new deadbolt, or upgrade to an electronic keyless lock. Smart locks get rid of lost keys all together so you'll never be locked out of your home.
Our recommended door locks
Best smart lock
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Best for security
Medeco Maxum
$199.99
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
8. Water leak sensor
From one new homeowner to another, let me just say . . . don't skip this one.
I had no idea water was such a pain in the you-know-what until I was responsible for my very own house. It's very hard to detect a water leak until it is right in front of your face—and at that point you might be dealing with rot, mold, and general yuck.
For example, when my sewer line backed up, there was a waterfall in my crawlspace. I didn't notice right away because I'm not in the habit of going under there. And it was a surprisingly quiet waterfall.
Water leak sensors tell you there's a problem before it gets out of hand. Put them in areas where you hardly ever look: under the tub, sink, garbage disposal, washing machine, and dishwasher; in the crawl space under major plumbing and sewer lines; near the drains in your basem*nt; and literally anywhere else you could possibly imagine water dripping or collecting.
Our recommendations: Resideo and Flo by Moen
Best overall
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Best sensors
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Conduct a home safety and security assessment
Print out our handy checklist to bring with you from room to room:
9. Extra cabinet locks and baby gates
If you've got a toddler, take stock of your babyproofing gear and buy extras if needed. For example, you might need a baby gate for the top of the stairs in your new home or an extra pack of cabinet locks to secure all the doors in your new kitchen.
Our recommended cabinet locks and baby gates
Best cabinet locks
Wappa Baby Safety Cabinet Locks
$12.99 (sale price)
Amazon.com list price as of post date. (See full disclaimer.)
Best gate for stairs
Toddleroo by North States
$64.99 (sale price)
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
10. Security cameras
Keeping an eye on your home—and your loved ones or pets—feels even more important once you’re a homeowner. Security cameras can provide extra comfort, especially when you’re getting used to a new neighborhood and routine.
Our recommended home security cameras
Best overall
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Best budget cam
Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
11. Drapes or blinds
To make sure your first impression on the neighbors isn’t an awkward sighting of you in your skivvies, invest in window coverings for your new home. Plus, curtains are a quick way to add coziness, cut down on drafts, and prevent potential burglars from checking out your stuff.
If you have pets or kids (or plan to), we recommend cordless shades and blinds. Traditional pull cords represent a strangulation hazard.
Some options to consider
Affordable blackout curtains
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Readfull disclaimer.
Chic cordless shades
Arlo Blinds Roman Shades
$52.99
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Readfull disclaimer.
12. Tool kit
In order to fix things around the house, you need the necessary tools at your fingertips. It’s just not practical to borrow a tool from your neighbor every time something needs fixing. (Plus, you don’t want to become the Homer Simpson of the neighborhood.)
Some options to consider
Tool kit
Craftsman Home Tool Kit
$58.19
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Cordless drill
Black+Decker Cordless Drill
$49.00 (sale price)
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
13. Flashlights and work lights
Now that you’re a homeowner, you’re also a handyman, plumber, and the person who has to investigate weird noises in the attic or crawl space—like when a cat gets locked in your crawl space and mysterious meows follow you all day and night. (True story.)
It’s smart to get a couple heavy-duty flashlights and keep them somewhere handy so you can find them when you need them. In addition, I highly recommend a headlamp and a standing work light. We've used both countless times in our home repairs.
Some options to consider
Rechargeable headlamp
Rechargeable work light
14. Lawn mower
Your new neighbors (and perhaps your new Home Owner's Association) might not be pleased if you let the grass grow wild because you forgot to budget for a lawn mower.
And while it seems like a weird thing to buy online, you can definitely get one shipped to your door. Even riding lawnmowers can be delivered.
Or, sign up for a lawn mowing service while you get settled. It'll take some of the pressure off you while you figure out what to do. Another option is to approach your new neighbors and offer to pay them to borrow their mower.
Some options to consider
Electric mower + weed wacker
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Electric mower
Black+Decker 20-inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
$210.91 (sale price)
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Other items you'll want on moving day
You might already have these things on hand from your days as a renter. But if you borrowed them from your roommates or parents, it's time to get your own.
15. Cleaning supplies
My home was pretty clean when I finally turned the key and walked in as A Homeowner. But I was grateful to have cleaning supplies at the ready when I saw that the kitchen drawers had some greasy goo inside.
If you don't have a stockpile of sprays and scrubby brushes yet, check out our recommended all-natural cleaning products to avoid sending volatile organic compounds into the air of your lovely new home.
16. Shower curtain
We’re back to getting caught in a state of undress—don’t do it. In order to take a shower with privacy, and without flooding the bathroom, you need to remember to pick up a shower curtain, liner, and hooks.
And the bonus is that this can be a fun purchase; there are so many decorative shower curtains to choose from. My fave is the snorkeling beagle shower curtain.
17. Plunger
While you’re thinking about the bathroom, you may as well add a toilet plunger to your shopping list. You don’t want to discover you’re missing one when the need arises. Save yourself future stress and make sure you have one handy in a restroom emergency.
Speaking of bathroom must-haves, don't forget to put toilet paper and soap in the bathroom right away.
18. Batteries
It might seem obvious, but batteries are a must-have for every home. Get the big ones for your flashlights and stock up on AA and AAA batteries for all the remotes and other gadgets that make modern life so convenient. Everything from remote controls to LED lights rely on fresh batteries, and no one wants to be caught unprepared when the batteries run out.
19. Light bulbs
Even if there are already bulbs in your home’s fixtures, you need backups for when those lights start burning out—and they always seem to do it at the same time. Stock up on energy-efficient bulbs.
Or take it one step further with smart lightbulbs that you can set to turn on and off at designated times and control remotely through your computer or smartphone. Smart lighting increases convenience and security, uses less energy, and saves money on monthly power bills and replacement bulbs.
20. First-aid kit
Make sure you don't bury your first-aid kit when packing up and moving. Keep it handy just in case someone pulls a muscle or gets a cut.
This is also a great time to beef up your first-aid kit if you've historically relied on your roommate's supply of bandaids or your mom's collection of remedies.
Related articles on SafeWise
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Safewise.comutilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.
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As an expert in home security and safety, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the essential concepts discussed in the article "20 Things You'll Need for Your First Home." My expertise spans various aspects of home security, including alarm systems, fire safety, smart devices, and overall home protection.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
-
Home Security System:
- Expert's Insight: A home security system is crucial for safeguarding your new home. It goes beyond burglary protection, offering features like fire and water damage prevention.
- Top Picks: Vivint and SimpliSafe are recommended, providing professional and DIY security options.
-
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
- Expert's Insight: Ensuring functional smoke detectors and adding smart smoke detectors enhances safety. Carbon monoxide detectors are also essential for homes with gas appliances.
- Top Picks: Google Nest Protect and First Alert Onelink are recommended for smoke and CO alarms.
-
Video Doorbell:
- Expert's Insight: A Wi-Fi-enabled smart doorbell adds an extra layer of security, allowing you to monitor your doorstep remotely.
- Top Picks: Nest Doorbell (Battery) and Ring Video Doorbell are suggested for their overall performance and value.
-
Fire Extinguisher:
- Expert's Insight: Fire safety extends beyond alarms. A fire extinguisher is a must-have tool for immediate response in case of a fire.
- Top Picks: Amerex B402 and Amerex B260 are recommended for reliability and kitchen use.
-
Home Generator:
- Expert's Insight: A home generator is a valuable investment for areas prone to power outages, ensuring comfort during adverse weather events.
- Top Picks: EcoFlow Delta Pro and Honda EU2200iTAG are highlighted for their solar and portable capabilities.
-
Lockbox or Safe:
- Expert's Insight: Safeguard important documents and valuables with a fireproof and waterproof home safe or lockbox.
- Top Picks: SentrySafe SFW123GDC and AmazonBasics Keypad Safe are suggested for overall and budget-friendly options.
-
New Door Lock:
- Expert's Insight: Upgrading door locks is essential for security. Smart locks eliminate the risk of lost keys.
- Top Picks: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Medeco Maxum are recommended for smart features and security.
-
Water Leak Sensor:
- Expert's Insight: Water damage can be hard to detect. Water leak sensors prevent potential issues by signaling problems early.
- Top Picks: First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Detector and Flo by Moen Smart Detector are highlighted for their overall performance.
-
Extra Cabinet Locks and Baby Gates:
- Expert's Insight: If you have toddlers, additional cabinet locks and baby gates are essential for childproofing your new home.
- Top Picks: Wappa Baby Safety Cabinet Locks and Toddleroo by North States gates are recommended.
-
Security Cameras:
- Expert's Insight: Security cameras provide added peace of mind. They are especially valuable in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Top Picks: Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Wyze Cam v3 are suggested for their overall performance and budget-friendliness.
These recommendations, based on my expertise, cover a comprehensive range of home security and safety essentials for new homeowners. Implementing these measures will contribute to a secure and well-prepared living environment.