What to Buy as a New Homeowner

Renting is simple. You don’t really need to own much, aside from your personal possessions, a couch and maybe a TV. And that’s only if your place isn’t already furnished. But once you become a new homeowner, you need to start spending a lot more on possessions. True, you needn’t spend TONS, but you do need to increase your spending. Even if you buy a turnkey property with furniture included, there are lots of, as the Brits would say, ‘bits and bobs’ to buy.

The following article shares the most common things new homeowners should buy. Knowing about these will help you budget and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Let’s get started:

New Homeowners Need Spare Keys, Keypads And/Or Smart Phone Access

Spare keys. The house may not come with as many keys as you’d like. Or perhaps you’d feel safer putting in new locks and keys. Either way, you’ll probably need more keys made. New locks and keys can be added quickly with usually just a screwdriver and a quick drive to a locksmith if you are getting lots of multiples made. Actually, most stores do this. Note: Make sure all the keys line up to the house. It can be very frustrating when you ask someone to watch your cat while you’re away and you must tell them which keys open up which doors. Also make sure your new keys work. I’ve had it happen before where the locksmith uses a key that’s too short.

Or perhaps you’re done fiddling with keys. You’ve decided to move into the 21st century. Then consider getting one of the increasingly affordable smart entry systems. These systems can be installed without any home modifications. And you only need your smartphone to unlock the house. It’s super simple and very convenient. Plus, you’ll never again forget your keys as I’m pretty sure you never leave the house without your phone. It’s pretty cool technology that’s becoming cheaper by the day.

For an in-between solution, you can get keypads. These are fairly easy to install and even easier to program. Remember, when you own your own home, you’re in charge of security and ease of access. Putting a little money into this area offers a lot of peace of mind and convenience.

Need Homeowner’s Need to Look into Getting More Furniture

Second, you’ll need furniture if the house isn’t furnished. This can really add up. When you’re renting, you may have only purchased (or been given) a bed, couch, dresser and other simple items. When you become a new homeowner, you’ll need many more things and for many more rooms. You may need end tables, mirrors, washer/dryer set, appliances, rugs, patio furniture and more.

Outfitting an entire home can cost into the tens of thousands easily. That’s probably why you see older people with the same bedroom set as when they moved into the house. Remember to shop sales and consider buying some items used. These two strategies alone can save you thousands in move-in costs.

Every New Homeowner Needs Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are also something else to buy. You’ll likely have many more things to clean as an owner than you did as a renter. Think brooms to sweep the garage and driveway, mops and even a Roomba. And you’ll need to buy more quantity probably than when you were a renter. And you’ll want to. You’ll likely have more storage space which means you can shop at stores like Sam’s Club or Costco to save money while stocking up. This may sound like a burden but not having to shop so much can be fantastic. Stock up to save time and money. Costco is better than Sams Club if not for their sweet return policy and excellent customer service.

Do you have even dishware in the new place?

What about dishware? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to become a great cook but just haven’t had the space. I understand. I’ve worked in a commercial kitchen and cooking definitely becomes a lot easier when you have the proper space and tools. Now that you have your own house, let the serious cooking begin! It takes a lot to outfit a kitchen: pots, pans, can opener, utensils, flatware, dishes and even fancier things like grills, coffee makers, a blender and more.

Are your ready to tackle your new yard?

Yard tools. When you buy a house, you’ll probably have a yard. If so, you’ll need to buy tons of things if you plan on maintaining your outdoor space yourself: rakes, water hose, water hose attachments like sprinklers and nozzles, shears for trimming bushes and more.

Do you want to do things like mowing and snow removal yourself? If so, you’ll need the proper equipment. A riding mower can cost as much as a used car. Snowblowers can get up there in price as well. To save money on operating costs, consider going electric. It’s also convenient not having to go out and get fuel. Note: Buying lawnmowers in the fall and snowblowers in the Spring is a fantastic and simple way to save money. As with most things in life, timing is ever so important.

Most Homeowners Get into DIY

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You’ll also probably want to do more DIY projects as a homeowner. That means there are tons of things to buy: paints, hand tools, miscellaneous supplies, etc. DIY turns anyone from a minimalist to a hoarder if you’re not careful. What kind of things would you like to DIY? Working on your car? Building a wooden boat? Refinishing furniture? The possibilities are endless.

Furthermore, you’ll receive a lot of gifts that you may not even want. Most people keep these for all of eternity until eventually their grand kids have to dig them out of the attic. Instead, make sure your friends know what you like and what you may not like. Encourage them to give gifts like savings bonds to the kids or gift certificates to Bed, Bath & Beyond. Keeping things out of guilt helps no one. But regardless, you will still receive gifts that you will keep. Though these items don’t cost anything to buy, consider what they will cost if you have them around: they will take up space which may make you think you should buy a larger home and some appliances will require you to spend money using them whenever the gifter visits.

Give Your New Home Some Though Before Making Extra Purchases…

As you can see, it’s easy to see how the average American home has tens of thousands of possessions inside. Now, here are a few tips to keep the clutter from getting out of hand.

Think, “Would I buy it today?” If you wouldn’t buy it today, it’s best not to own it. It’s wise to get familiar with Craigslist as well. Schedule a day each month perhaps to look over what you don’t use anymore and what you can sell. eBay works as well but requires more time and patience. Don’t focus so much on getting top dollar for your items. This makes selling a struggle as you may have to relist, negotiate and you may find selling things to bothersome.

Keep Things in Perspective

We all need stuff. Belongings enhance life. But possessions also costs money, of course. With this in mind, get what you need and desire. But once the love is lost, sell it on. Then take that money and put it into any number of financial vehicles. Personally, I like to max out my Roth IRA each year. Maybe you’d like to contribute more to a health savings account. Or maybe a college savings fund. Or maybe you would get the most happiness from buying a boat. Money is best not tied up in too many possessions that bring too little happiness.

Enjoy living the (sensible) American dream!