Essential Items You Should Have for Your New Home

If you bought a bare property, the next step is to shop for the essential items that you and your family will need once you move in. This task can be overwhelming, but it would be helpful to stay organized by creating a checklist of the most important things you need to prioritize. Here, we will go through some must-have appliances that will keep your household up and running.  

Refrigerator 

A place to store all your perishable goods and food should be at the top of your list. Improperly kept food can lead to a build-up of bacteria that can cause serious health risks to you and your family. There are many types of refrigerators in the market, and they come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Below are some of the most basic types that you can choose from: 

• Top Freezer Refrigerator — This two-door design is the most common type of fridge in many households. It has a large bottom compartment where you can keep fresh produce such as milk, cheese, eggs, and fluids like water and juices. The upper compartment is where you’ll put frozen meat, and it usually features an ice maker. 
• Bottom Freezer Refrigerator — This type is for those who want to utilize the refrigerator section more than the freezer. With the bottom freezer, you do not need to bend to access water or juices and other items like eggs and milk. It comes in both double-door and single-door configurations. 
• Side by Side Refrigerator — The side by side type is best if you want easy access to both the freezer and the refrigerator. However, these units are usually wider than the other types, so you have to consider the space you’re going to put before buying one.  
• Built-in Refrigerator — If you are looking for a uniform and sleek aesthetic, you can opt for a built-in refrigerator. Unlike the three other types, this refrigerator needs the help of a technician for installation. 

Range and Oven 

The second most important item on your list should be a range and oven in the kitchen because you will need the means to cook your food. When buying this appliance, you have to make sure you are making the right decision because it is an investment you’ll use daily. There are many types of this appliance in stores, but the typical size of a range is 30 inches wide while the oven’s capacity is between four and six cubic feet. 

Generally speaking, a basic range can cost at least $500 to $1,000, and a good one often lasts for a few decades. If you want a more stylish one with a stainless finish, then the price you’re looking at is between $1,000 and $3,000. A range that features slide-in designs, convection fans, and dual-fuel power is priced at $3,000 to $6,000. 

Ranges nowadays have different power sources like electricity, gas, dual-fuel, or a combination of gas and electricity. To begin with, electric ranges are measured in watts, and though the output varies in each stove and burner, the general output plays between 1,200 watts for low heat on the small burner and 3,800 BTUs (British Thermal Unit) for high heat on the large burner. 

Cooling System 

Nearly three-quarters of American homes have some cooling system. If you are moving into a bare home, it is best to add a new air conditioner to your checklist, most especially if you are living in a place that has a hot and humid climate. Heatstroke is a serious health risk, and you should avoid it at all costs. An air conditioner cools a space by using a cold indoor coil called an evaporator, and it is essential to keep it clean and well maintained to ensure optimum performance. 

Washer and Dryer 

Another home essential is a washer and dryer unit. Same with other appliances, there are now many variations of washer and dryer on the market, but the most affordable one is the top-load-washer which costs much less than a front load washer. 

The washer capacity is also a deciding factor. Generally speaking, a washer that is three to four cubic feet in size can handle laundry that weighs at least 12 to 16 pounds, while a five cubic foot machine can load up to 20 pounds of clothes. In addition to the size of the machine itself, you also need to add four to six inches at the back, one to three inches on each side, and 20 to 25 inches in the front. If you have limited space, then the best option for you is a stacked unit. 
 

Having a new house brings so much joy to many families, but the story definitely doesn’t stop there. In fact, it is just the beginning. Once you have established these house basics, you can continue adding other items along the way. The most important thing is that you and your family can live a convenient and comfortable life in your new home.