Renting a House? Here’s What You Need

Congratulations on signing your lease and getting ready to move into your new house! It's an exciting time, but if you have never rented a home before and have only lived in apartments, you may wonder what you need for a home versus an apartment. Below, you will find a list of essentials and some non-essentials to make your home feel like yours.

First, make a list of what you already have and what you will need to purchase before moving in. Living in a house, you've got a lot more space than in an apartment. It's great, you can spread out, have extra rooms for guests, maybe even an office or a game room. But remember, more space means you'll likely need more furniture to fill it up. But furniture is often the most expensive and time-consuming item to purchase. If you're on a budget or just starting out, check out second-hand options or online marketplaces for discounted furniture. You can also opt for minimalistic living and only buy the essentials, adding more pieces as you go.

1. Kitchen Essentials: This includes items like a microwave, a kettle, pots and pans, dishes, cutlery, glasses, mugs, and a garbage can. You might also find a toaster, a blender, or a coffee maker helpful. If you have the space, consider buying a dining table where you can eat your meals, host get-togethers or use as a workspace if you work from home.
2. Bathroom Essentials: You'll need items like a shower curtain, bathmat, towels, and toiletries. Also, a small trash bin and toilet brush are handy to have. Purchasing shower and toilet cleaner and a plunger is a good idea for cleaning your bathroom.
3. Bedroom Basics: A comfortable mattress is crucial, along with pillows, bed sheets, and blankets. A bedside table and lamp can also be helpful for evening reading.
4. Living Room Items: You may want a TV, couch, or armchairs for various comfortable seating options. Other items could include lamps for additional lighting and a coffee table for convenience. Don't forget to add personal touches like throw pillows and wall decor to make the space your own.
5. Laundry Supplies: If your house rental comes with a washer and dryer, you'll need laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets and possibly an iron and ironing board or steamer if you want to make sure your clothes aren’t wrinkled.
6. Cleaning Supplies: To keep your house neat and tidy, you'll need basic cleaning supplies such as a vacuum cleaner, mop and bucket, broom and dustpan, rags, or paper towels.
7. Miscellaneous Items: This could include items like a Wi-Fi router, a toolbox for minor repairs, a first-aid kit for emergencies, a fire extinguisher, and a flashlight. For privacy, be sure to grab blinds or curtains for your bedroom and living room.
8. Outdoor Essentials: If your new home has an outdoor space, you'll want to make the most of it. For patio furniture, consider durable pieces that can withstand the elements, such as a patio table and chairs or perhaps a hammock for those lazy weekend afternoons. If you have a lawn, a lawnmower is essential to keep it neat and presentable. A grill can transform your outdoor area into an entertainment spot, perfect for those warm evenings with friends. Don't forget about outdoor lighting for those cozy nights under the stars.
9. Other Essentials: Be sure to stock up on things like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, toothpaste, batteries, and garbage bags to ensure you won’t run out of something when you need it most.

Since houses usually require a bit more maintenance than apartments, having a set of tools at your disposal is a good idea. Things like a hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, a drill, and a ladder can save the day when small repairs pop up.

But before you make any repairs, ensure you don't violate your lease agreement by doing repairs without your landlord's approval. Check your lease terms or contact your landlord before making any repairs. If you’re not interested in making repairs or maintaining your lawn, ask your landlord if they know of a lawn service and/or handyman. But it will be more affordable to do the work yourself.

Lastly, remember that heating and cooling a house can cost a bit more than an apartment because of the larger space. Investing in energy-efficient appliances and smart home devices, like a programmable thermostat, can help keep those utility bills manageable.

Moving from an apartment to a house is a big step but ensuring that your new home is equipped with these essentials will smooth your transition and enhance your living experience. Remember, curating your space should not be a rushed process. Take your time to find pieces that bring you joy and comfort. Gradually, your house will transform into a home, an inviting space that reflects your taste and personality.