Things to Buy When Moving Out for the First Time
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Moving out for the first time is a milestone you feel in your whole body. It’s exciting and a bit emotional, and it comes with that strange mix of independence and uncertainty. You finally have a place that’s yours, whether you’re renting or buying, and suddenly you realise just how many things you’ve always taken for granted. What will you need? Where do you even start?
You don’t need to buy everything on day one, and your new home doesn’t have to look perfect straight away. The aim is to build comfort room by room so the space begins to feel like your own. Below are some helpful ideas on what to invest in first and how to make those early weeks feel homely without the overwhelm.
Things you’ll need for your bedroom when moving out for the first time
Your bedroom is often the first place that truly feels like home. It’s where you unwind, rest and reset after long days. Because of that, it’s worth focusing on comfort above everything else.
Start with your bed. You need somewhere comfortable to sleep, and a decent bed is something you’ll appreciate every single day. If buying a new mattresses isn’t possible yet, a mattress topper is a great temporary upgrade that can transform how you sleep without costing much. Add some soft sheets and pillows and suddenly your room starts to feel warm instead of bare.
Light control is something people often forget until the first too-bright morning wakes them up. Curtains or blinds should be high on your list so you can sleep in peace and enjoy slow mornings when you need them.
To make the space feel like yours, bring in items that hold meaning: cushions, throws, photos, small pieces that remind you of home. Furniture depends on how much space you have. A wardrobe, dresser, bedside table or lamp can make everyday routines easier. And if your bedroom is on the small side, these clever storage solutions for small bedrooms help keep everything organised so the room feels calm instead of cramped.
Essential items for your living room in your first ever home
The living room is usually where you settle down after work, catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet evening. You don’t need to fill it immediately, but a few key pieces make a huge difference.
A comfortable sofa or armchair is one of the most important items. Pick something you can imagine curling up on. A coffee table or side tables give you somewhere to place drinks and snacks. Soft furnishings like rugs, cushions and throws help make the room feel warm and lived-in rather than sparse.
Before arranging furniture, it helps to give the living room a quick inspection, especially the high corners and ceiling edges. These areas often collect dust and webs during the moving process. A bit of cobwebs cleaning can make the space feel fresher and more welcoming before you start settling in.
Decor adds personality. Plants, prints or framed photos can turn a plain room into a space that feels like it belongs to you. Good lighting also makes a big difference, so consider floor or table lamps to create a softer evening atmosphere.
To keep things practical, a TV stand or media shelf helps keep cables tidy and gives the room more structure.
Things to buy for your kitchen when you first move out
Standing in an empty kitchen is one of the moments where reality hits: you need far more than you expected. The good news is that you can build up your kitchen slowly. Focus on what you need to cook simple meals, then expand as you go.
Start with the basics: a saucepan, frying pan, chopping board, a couple of knives, utensils and some baking trays. A kettle, fridge, freezer and oven are the core appliances. Everything else is optional until you have the budget or know you’ll use it regularly.
Plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery are must-haves. A set of storage containers or jars keeps your cupboards tidy and helps cut down on waste. Tea towels, washing-up liquid, sponges, oven gloves and a dish rack are practical essentials that are easy to overlook but make everyday life smoother.
Cooking becomes more enjoyable once you have a few ingredients on hand. Spices, oils and sauces help you experiment and learn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try growing something simple. Even one pot of tomatoes on a sunny balcony can bring a bit of joy and freshness to your meals.
Things to buy for your first ever garden
If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, even a tiny patch, it opens up new opportunities to relax, grow and enjoy fresh air. You don’t need a full garden setup immediately; start with the basics.
A watering can, gloves, trowel and rake are simple tools that help you keep the space tidy and healthy. If you have a lawn, choose a mower that suits your garden size. Small gardens often work well with electric mowers, while larger lawns may benefit from petrol versions.
For storage, consider a small shed or outdoor box to keep tools protected. And to enjoy the space, a comfortable outdoor chair or small bistro set can turn even a tiny balcony into a peaceful retreat.
If you want to grow your own produce, start with easy plants. Tomatoes and strawberries are perfect for beginners and don’t need much room. Watching something grow from a small plant into something you can eat is satisfying in a way that few other home projects are.
Handmade rustic coffee table with hairpin legs
Checklist of items for your bathroom when you move into your first home
Your bathroom may already have the basics, but there are still plenty of things you’ll need to make it functional and comfortable.
Start with towels: hand towels, face cloths and bath towels. A bath mat helps stop slipping and adds comfort. A mirror is practical for getting ready and makes the space feel larger.
Soap, toiletries, toilet roll and a toilet brush are essentials. A shower curtain is necessary if you have a shower above your bath. If the property isn’t new, you may want a fresh toilet seat for hygiene.
For storage, simple shelves or baskets help keep clutter in check. And to make the room feel like yours, add candles, soaps, small plants or framed prints. These small touches take the bathroom from basic to cosy without spending much.
Things to Start Buying Before You Move Out for the First Time
A lot of the stress around moving comes from those last few days when everything suddenly feels urgent. One of the best ways to avoid that overwhelm is to start collecting a few essentials ahead of time. Buying things slowly not only spreads the cost but also helps you feel more prepared when moving day arrives.
Start with the items you know you’ll need no matter where you’re moving. Bedding, towels, basic kitchenware and cleaning supplies are safe early purchases because you’ll use them straight away. Storing them in a box or two makes packing easier later on and means you aren't rushing around at the last minute trying to find a saucepan or a set of plates.
It also helps to stock up on the small everyday items people often forget. Lightbulbs, bin bags, washing-up liquid, tea towels, batteries and even a toilet roll or two save you from those awkward first-night moments when you realise you don’t have the basics yet. These are the things that make your first evening feel more comfortable and less chaotic.
If you’re working with a tight budget, starting early lets you look out for discounts or second-hand bargains. And when you spread the buying over a few weeks, the whole move feels much calmer and more organised.
How To Save Money on Your Moving Out Purchases
Moving out comes with plenty of little costs you don’t always see coming, so finding ways to stretch your budget makes the whole process feel less overwhelming. A few smart swaps, planning ahead and taking advantage of simple savings can make furnishing your first home far more affordable.
Find some great deals on my voucher and discount codes page and how to get free UK money page to help towards the cost of moving out for the first time when buying things!
To save even more, check out my list of apps that turn your paper receipts into cash, and also this list of the best UK cashback sites to maximise your free cashback and savings when buying things online and even in-store.
Easy-to-Forget Essentials When You're Moving Out for the First Time
When you’re thinking about furniture and big purchases, it’s surprisingly easy to forget the tiny everyday things that make a home actually work. These aren’t exciting buys, but they save you a lot of hassle during your first few days in a new place.
Small cleaning items are usually the first things people overlook. Cloths, sponges, a basic spray cleaner and bin bags make settling in much smoother. Even if your new place looks clean at first glance, you’ll almost always find a cupboard, corner or drawer that needs a quick wipe before you unpack. It doesn’t take much to make the space feel fresh and ready to live in.
Then there are the simple household basics you only notice when they’re missing. Lightbulbs, batteries, extension leads, plasters, a tape measure, scissors, and a small toolbox come in handy far more often than you’d expect. These are the things that stop you having to run out to a shop when you’re already tired from unpacking.
It also helps to have a little “first night box” that you keep separate from everything else. Put in your pyjamas, phone charger, toothpaste, a towel, some snacks, and anything else you’d want within reach if you can’t face unpacking properly until the next day. Moving out is exciting, but it’s tiring too, and having those simple comforts ready to go can make your first evening feel calmer and more settled.
Moving Out Master Checklist:
Bedroom essentials
[ ] Bed frame
[ ] Mattress
[ ] Mattress topper
[ ] Bed sheets
[ ] Duvet and duvet cover
[ ] Pillows and pillowcases
[ ] Curtains or blinds
[ ] Wardrobe or clothes rail
[ ] Clothes hangers
[ ] Bedside table
[ ] Lamp
[ ] Mirror
[ ] Optional: rug, cushions, throw, wall art, plants
Living room essentials
[ ] Sofa or armchair
[ ] Coffee table
[ ] Side tables
[ ] Floor or table lamps
[ ] TV stand
[ ] Rug
[ ] Cushions
[ ] Throw
[ ] Wall art or décor
[ ] Plants
Kitchen essentials
[ ] Saucepans
[ ] Frying pan
[ ] Baking trays
[ ] Cooking utensils
[ ] Knives
[ ] Chopping board
[ ] Plates and bowls
[ ] Cutlery
[ ] Glasses and mugs
[ ] Tea towels
[ ] Washing-up liquid and sponges
[ ] Oven gloves
[ ] Dish rack
[ ] Food storage containers
[ ] Optional: microwave, toaster, blender, coffee machine, mixing bowls, measuring cups
Garden essentials
[ ] Watering can
[ ] Gloves
[ ] Trowel
[ ] Rake
[ ] Spade or shovel
[ ] Outdoor seating
[ ] Storage box or small shed
[ ] Lawnmower
[ ] Optional: pots for growing tomatoes or strawberries
Bathroom essentials
[ ] Bath towels, hand towels and face cloths
[ ] Bath mat
[ ] Mirror
[ ] Soap tray or dispenser
[ ] Toiletries
[ ] Toilet roll
[ ] Toilet roll holder
[ ] Toilet brush
[ ] Plunger
[ ] Shower curtain (if needed)
[ ] Towel rack or hooks
[ ] Optional: candles, prints, small plants
Double floating handmade shelf
Final word
Moving out for the first time comes with a long list of things to buy, but you don’t need everything at once. Start with what makes home feel comfortable: a good place to sleep, a few kitchen basics, warm lighting, soft furnishings and the small items that make daily life easier. Little by little, the space becomes yours.
Adding a few essential items makes moving out for the first time feel calmer. Focus on the basics for your bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathroom, then add personal touches slowly so your new home feels warm, practical and comfortable.
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