Moving checklist: What to buy after moving in

Direct Energy, December 19, 2023 

5 minute read

Moving checklist: What to buy after moving in

Direct Energy, December 19, 2023 

5 minute read

The pizza boxes have been thrown away, the people who helped you move into your new place have gone home for the day, and now it’s just you, surrounded by half-emptied moving boxes.

You probably did a lot of deep cleaning and purging prior to your move, getting rid of old items with the promise of replacing them with something fresh and new. Well, now the time has come for acquiring those replacements or getting additional items.

Woman shopping online with laptop
Woman shopping online with laptop
Woman shopping online with laptop

But what exactly do you need to buy after moving into your new home? It depends. Let this list of things to buy when you move into a new home guide you to determine what purchases you need to make. You can get many of these items at stores like Walmart or Target or through online retailers like Amazon. Online delivery options have the added benefit of allowing you to spend less time out shopping and more time settling in.

Click here to get a printable checklist for what to buy after you move.

What cleaning supplies to buy

  • Broom
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mop
  • Cleaning Rags
  • Sponges
  • Multipurpose cleaner
  • Paper Towels
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Trash cans
  • Trash bags
  • Glass cleaner

Your new place may look nice, but you can't assume your new living space will be sparkling clean and sanitary. Use these items to ensure any surfaces you’ll spend a lot of time in contact with are clean and safe for you and your loved ones.

Which bathroom supplies to buy after the move

  • Shower curtain/liner
  • Toilet paper
  • Toilet brush
  • Toilet cleaner
  • Floor mat
  • Towels
  • Washcloths
  • Shampoos and soaps
  • Cotton swabs
  • Tissues
  • Toiletries (shaving cream, toothpaste, razors, etc.)

Again, your bathroom may look decent at first blush, but you don’t know how thoroughly it was cleaned. You deserve a clean and sanitary bathroom, so take the time to make it sparkle and shine!

What kitchen and laundry room supplies 

If you have a washer and dryer, it’s time to ditch the laundromat (or your parents’ washing machine) and take care of your own laundry at home. Make sure you have everything you need to keep your clothes looking as presentable as possible.

  • Dish soap
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Dish towels
  • Silverware
  • Pots and pans
  • Food and drinks
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sandwich bags
  • Laundry Supplies
  • Laundry baskets
  • Clothes hangers
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Laundry soap
  • Fabric softener

Other items to consider

  • Garden hose
  • Garbage can
  • Recycling bin
  • Tools (hammer, nails, screwdrivers, etc.)
  • Batteries
  • Candles/matches
  • Flashlight
  • Light bulbs
  • Extension cords
  • Welcome mat

A little preparation saves a lot of time

Before you move, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by checking in with your landlord and municipality to see what is included in your new apartment or by asking your real estate agent what appliances will be sold with your new home.

Your new location may provide garbage bins, recycling bins, or both, so check with your landlord, homeowner’s association, or others. Some municipalities provide trash receptacles to residents free of charge, so a little investigation may save you some money.

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or house or you’re a veteran of many moves, you likely still need electricity. In many places around the country, you have a say in who supplies your energy. Sign up for an energy plan from Direct Energy today and enjoy the power of energy choice!


Explore the learning center

Explore our other categories by selecting one from the dropdown menu. 

1982472_DE Category Page Large Promos_FinalImagesforDev

Amazon Prime on us

Want to enjoy all the shopping, streaming and savings you want with Amazon Prime, just for paying your electricity bill? Get an Amazon Prime membership on us with select plans! 

Need help placing an order?
Texas customers: Call us at 1-855-461-1926
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us


Questions about your current service?
Texas customers: Call us at 1-888-305-3828
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us