Moving into your first home is a gratifying experience. Whether you’re renting or buying, flying the nest is a momentous life achievement and cause for celebration. That being said, moving in for the first time can be overwhelming - with so much to pack, unpack and organise, you would be forgiven for forgetting the odd thing. Here is a moving-in checklist to make your first new home one to be proud of.
Sofa and Chairs
The living room is the social hub of the home. Any space dedicated to hosting and entertaining friends and family needs a comfortable sofa and a couple of welcoming armchairs. Consider the dimensions of your living room and choose your sofa’s size and style wisely - as cosy as large corner sofas may seem, their awkward shape makes them difficult to place. Opt for a style that suits your desired aesthetic and invest in quality materials where possible.
Bed
A good quality bed is well worth the investment. High-quality sleep is vital to physical and mental well-being, so select a durable bed frame and a mattress that suits your needs. A relatively firm mattress that evenly distributes weight and keeps your spine aligned at night can do wonders for a problematic sleeping pattern.
Wardrobe
Keeping your clothes protected and organised is the key to avoiding a build-up of clutter. While you may not have the luxury of a spacious walk-in wardrobe, a good quality wardrobe made from solid wood will ensure your garments are wrinkle-free and safe from dust and moisture, keeping them fresh and prolonging their lifespan.
Drawers
Not every garment is suitable for hanging in a wardrobe. Materials such as cashmere and merino wool are prone to stretching and warping when hung on coat hangers, so keep them safe by folding them neatly into a chest of drawers. You will also need some drawers to store smaller clothing items and accessories like socks, scarves and jewellery.
Bookcase
Reading enthusiasts famously accumulate mountains of books. Keeping your literature stacked on shelves and coffee tables only leads to excess clutter, making your home feel untidy and claustrophobic. Avoid this by purchasing a large, sturdy bookcase, which you can also use to display ornaments, photographs and other trinkets. You could buy your bookcase new or scour second-hand furniture emporiums for a bargain.
Dining Table and Chairs
While you may be happy to eat your meals sitting on the sofa in front of the TV, a dining table is a multi-use item of furniture that you won’t regret buying. Host lively dinner parties, catch up with old friends or even use your dining table as a workspace. For smaller spaces, extending oak dining tables are excellent space-saving options that can be folded out to make extra room for company when needed.
Coffee Table
We’ve all been guilty of placing a mug of coffee, or a glass of red wine on the floor next to the sofa, only to knock it over, causing a real mess. Having somewhere to set your drink down will reduce the risk of stubborn stains and broken glassware, so grab a functional, stylish coffee table that matches the aesthetic of your living area.
Office Furniture
Whether you work from home or enjoy playing video games on your days off, a functional office area with a sturdy desk and an ergonomic chair are essential. Spending extended periods sitting at a desk can play havoc with your spine and joints. A comfortable office or gaming chair with lumbar support will reduce stress on these important areas of your body, leading to better posture and long-term spinal health.
Bathroom Storage
Allowing products and toiletries to accumulate on the side of your bath will result in a cluttered bathroom, making it almost impossible to relax. Keep your various bottles, tubs and boxes organised by purchasing some bathroom storage, such as a set of rattan bathroom drawers. Alternatively, you could grab the screwdriver and install some shelves.
Side Tables
Side tables are incredibly helpful in every room of the house, either beside your bed, sofa, desk or even bath. Use side tables as a functional surface for lamps or for drawing attention to decorative objects like flowers and artwork. For smaller spaces, you could opt for a set of nesting side tables, perfect for when you need a little extra surface space.