First-time moving stress? Here’s what to buy

Moving out for the first time is a very exciting life event, and there’s nothing quite like sitting in your new home and realising that it’s all yours. But, then you realise that you don’t have a pot to cook in, or a hoover – or even bedsheets. A reality of moving is that there are heaps of little (and big) things that you need, even if the place is furnished. So, how do you make sense of it all? 

Well, no worries; we’ve put together this handy list to help you buy (or bring with you) all the little things you need to reduce moving stress and make your big day the warm memory it should be. 

Make sure you have a moving checklist ready before your move!

Kitchen

Moving is hungry work. We’re not talking about stocking your kitchen with the finest appliances and foods, but instead, having the basics to make sure when you’re hungry, you’re able to prepare something – and clean up as well.

• Kettle, for those essential cuppas and coffees. And mugs of course
• Microwave (quick cooking when you’re in a pinch 
• Pots, pans, plates, bowls, chopping board, mixing bowl and oven dish. 
• General cutlery, a large knife for chopping, scissors and a spatula
• Cleaning materials: washing up liquid, cleaning rack, kitchen towels, brush, and sponge.
• Bin and bags 

Bathroom

Everyone needs to pamper themselves and enjoy basic hygiene in their new pad. Here’s what you need:

• Cleaning materials: bathroom cleaner, air freshener, mop
• Small bin and bags.
• Shampoos and conditioners 
• Towels and bath mat 
• Hairdryer
• Toilet paper 

Bedroom 

Your refuge from all that moving stress. Here’s what you need to make sure you’re able to get that all-important rest.

• Sheets: one set to start (as long as you can trust yourself to wash them regularly). 
• One or two pillows
• Duvet and duvet cover
• Lamp for the bedside
• Storage: Plastic organisers, under-bed containers, draws
• Hangers for the closet
• Laundry hamper

Food

After all of that, you don’t want to be caught without anything to eat. Here are some simple kitchen staples to get you started before a proper shop:

• Teas and coffees
• Beers and wine (very important)
• Dried foods, cereals, nuts, bread and fruit
• Milk, butter and eggs
• Salt, pepper, sugar and spices
• Cooking oil
• Frozen foods for quick wins when you don’t have energy

Other bits

And finally, here are the extras which will come in handy at some point:

• Extension cables and adaptors for your gadgets
• Lightbulbs
• First-aid kit with plasters and basics
• Houseplants (can really help make space nicer)
• Pictures, paintings and posters
• Iron and ironing board
• Hoover and hoover bags
• Pens, paper, pencils, scissors

So, there you have it – and these are just the basics! It may look like a lot, but trust us, they will all come in handy.

We recommend printing this out and using it as a checklist to make sure that your moving day doesn’t end up being a stressful day. Good luck, and congrats on getting your first place!

If you need professional assistance, don’t forget to check out our movers and packers service for affordable pre-packing help.