1. Keys and Locks. The first thing you should do is re-key or change your door locks. Contractors, neighbors, friends and coworkers all might have a set of keys to your house. Even new home builders give out keys to contractors. Change the locks and install deadbolts.
Some websites say that the easiest solution is to remove the locks from your doors and take them to your local hardware store to re-key. This only works if you have a receipt that the locks were bought from the same store. Most new owners don't have those receipts, of course. In that case, Home Depot and Menard's will refuse to re-key. You can buy a re-key set ($15) but those are brand-specific and difficult to use (YouTube how-to videos are 10-minute each).
You can buy all new locks. That's expensive only for the front door (Schlage locks are $89 to $200). You can call a locksmith to change the locks for you but that is usually even more expensive than buying the locks. If you ask a friend to stay in the house, you can take the locks to the locksmith.
Ideally, buy:
- 2 matching locks and deadbolts for 2 doors (look at the number printed on the package - it should be the same). Atlas costs $35 for 2+2 locks. Others are more expensive
- 1 front door set ($100).
You can change only the locks and leave the rest of the installed hardware in place.
2. Lawnmower. Consumer Reports reviews are helpful when comparing brands and will suggest a "Best Buy" in lawnmowers for you.
3. Garden Supplies. Every house needs a garden hose. Also, buy an adjustable sprayer heads or lawn sprinklers at Target or in the gardening department at The Home Depot. Don't forget about trowels, shovels, rakes, hoes, a watering can, and wheelbarrow or wagon.
4. Tools and Repair Items. Every home needs a well-stocked tool box. Essential items are:
Hammers: Ball and Claw
Screw drivers: Flathead and Phillips
Hacksaw
Pliers
Plumber's Wrench
Basin Wrench
Small Drill and Drill Bits
Nail Driver
Staple Gun
Tape Measure
Other essentials:
Paint Brushes: one-inch to 4-inches
Paint Scraper with steel brush for cleaning paint brushes
5-Gallon Container for mixing paint
Paint Screen
Paint Roller and Sleeves
Drop Cloths or plastic sheeting
Electrical Tester
Wire Nuts
Assorted Screws and Nails
Assortment of Sandpaper
5. Outdoor Entertaining: Lawn chairs, patio furniture, umbrella, a barbecue grill. A nice starter grill is a Weber charcoal grill, and it's very inexpensive
6. Snow Removal Equipment. Apart from clearing the driveway, remember the sidewalks and front steps. Buy flat- and curved-snow shovels, ice-chippers and a bag of salt or sand.
7. Window Covers. You can choose from blinds, drapes, Roman shades, scarves, toppers, curtains, honeycombs, sheers or shutters.
If your budget is low, buy self-adhesive paper blinds with clips. Peel off the adhesive covering and sticking the top of the blind to the underside at the top of your window. You can fold them up and clip when you want to open them At $5, they are a temporary solution.
8. Appliances: Cooktop / Range, Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer.
9. Linens, Towels and Floor Coverings, towels for the bathroom. Floor mats for the bath or area rugs for your larger rooms.
References:
Things to Buy After Buying a Home - Stocking the Home for First-Time Home Buyers - Home Start-Up Budget http://bit.ly/XPiAfy
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