Moving into a new home is an exciting but often stressful step. To make the process easier, having a well-organized list of essential purchases is crucial.
Whether you choose to shop online or in-store, this comprehensive list will guide you in equipping your new space comfortably and functionally. Additionally, several payment solutions allow you to spread out expenses, thus simplifying your move-in.
Summary of priorities: In my opinion, succeeding in your first move-in is not about filling every corner from day one, but about securing your vital needs. I believe it is better to invest in a few quality key pieces rather than succumb to compulsive buying of cheap gadgets. My view is that a well-structured list helps distinguish the essentials (sleeping, eating, washing) from decorative superfluities, thus avoiding unnecessary financial stress during an already intense life transition.
Essential furniture
For your new home, one of the first essential purchases is a sofa, both for your personal relaxation moments and for hosting guests. Complement it with a few armchairs to add comfort and conviviality to your living room.
Choose models suited to the size of your room and favor materials that are easy to maintain. Moreover, to make the move-in more affordable, consider a FLOA multi-payment solution*, which allows you to spread your expenses over 3 or 4 monthly installments.
Coffee table
The coffee table is another indispensable piece of living room furniture. It can be used to place your remote controls, books, or drinks while watching TV. Choose one that complements the style of your sofa and other furniture.
Bed and mattress
A good night’s sleep starts with a comfortable bed. It is essential to invest in a sturdy bed frame that provides adequate support, as well as a quality mattress suited to your firmness preferences.
Don’t forget to choose pillows that properly support your head and neck, as well as a duvet suitable for the season to regulate temperature and ensure your comfort all year round. These essential items will help you create a sleep sanctuary conducive to restorative rest.
I still remember my first night in my studio: I had bought a beautiful designer lamp and trendy cushions, but I had completely forgotten to buy a shower curtain and a bulb for the kitchen ceiling light. The realization was immediate when I had to shower while being careful not to flood the downstairs neighbor in near darkness. This experience taught me that the real comfort of a home relies on trivial details we never think about until they are missing. Since then, I always advise starting with the technical “survival kit” before focusing on style.
Essential textile accessories to decorate your interior
Cushions and Throws
To add a touch of comfort and decoration, think about cushions and throws. These accessories instantly make any space warmer. You can play with colors and textures to personalize your interior.
Rugs
A rug not only provides softness underfoot but also visual warmth to a room. It also helps to define spaces, especially in large open rooms. Choose a model suitable for the size of your space and easy to clean.
Summary Table of the Basic Kit
| Room in the House | Priority Purchase No. 1 | Technical Essential | Common Small Oversight |
| Bedroom | Quality Mattress | LED Bulbs | Mattress Protectors |
| Kitchen | Cooking Kit (pan/pot) | Opener: can / Corkscrew | Sponge and dish soap |
| Bathroom | Towels | Shower Curtain | Toilet Brush |
The Equipped Kitchen
Appliances
For your kitchen to be fully functional, you will need to invest in some basic household appliances:
- Refrigerator: Make sure it is large enough to store all your food.
- Microwave: Perfect for quickly reheating your dishes.
- Oven and stovetop: Essentials for cooking your daily meals.
- Dishwasher: A real time saver for those with a large family or who host many guests.
Kitchen Utensils
Don’t forget to add kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, knives, wooden spoons, spatulas, etc. to your list. They are essential for preparing your daily meals.
The Dining Area
Table and Chairs
The dining room is where you will share meals with family or friends. A table large enough to accommodate all your guests is therefore essential. Also consider comfortable and sturdy chairs that match your table.
Dinnerware and Cutlery
To fully enjoy your meals, make sure to invest in a complete table service including plates, bowls, glasses, and quality cutlery.
Also consider including wine glasses if you plan on having more sophisticated dinners. These essential items will allow you to create a welcoming and elegant table for all occasions.
Bathroom Equipment
Having a well-equipped bathroom greatly contributes to your daily comfort. Here are some items to include on your list:
- Towels: Plan for several sizes (hand, face, bath) and choose soft, absorbent materials.
- Bath mat: Prevents slipping and adds comfort.
- Soap dish, toothbrush holder, and other accessories: To keep your bathroom organized.
- Shower curtain: Keeps water inside the bathtub and prevents splashes.
Cleaning products
Ensuring that your new apartment stays clean and well-maintained requires some basic cleaning products that you can find in stores or online:
- Broom and dustpan: Essential for picking up dust and dirt.
- Vacuum cleaner: Ideal for deep cleaning, especially if you have carpets.
- Multi-purpose detergents: Usable on various surfaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and even floors.
- Cloths and sponges: Indispensable for wiping and cleaning effectively.
For your first move-in, this list of essential purchases will help you start off on the right foot. By making sure to acquire essentials like basic furniture, bedding, dishes, and kitchen equipment, you will create a comfortable and functional environment.
Don’t forget to adapt your choices to your specific needs and budget, considering solutions like installment payments to ease your initial investments. Well prepared, you will be able to fully focus on the excitement and exciting challenges of this new stage of your life.
Frequently asked questions about the first move-in: the list of essential purchases
The budget varies greatly depending on whether you are moving into an unfurnished or furnished accommodation. For an unfurnished studio-type accommodation, expect between €800 and €1,500 to cover the essentials: bedding, small appliances, and basic utensils. The trick is to stagger purchases and favor second-hand for non-textile furniture (tables, chairs, shelves) in order to save resources for a new and healthy mattress.
Apply the rule of “physiological needs”: sleep (bed), food (something to cook and keep cool), and hygiene (shower and cleaning). Everything else, including the sofa, television, or wall decoration, can wait until the second or third month. Also identify multifunctional tools: a large pot can be used to cook pasta as well as prepare soup, which avoids having to buy a complete cookware set immediately.
People often think of large furniture but rarely of basic hardware: a universal screwdriver, spare batteries, a roll of toilet paper, salt, pepper, and garbage bags. Also think about connectivity: a power strip is often essential from the first night to plug in your phone and a bedside lamp simultaneously in apartments where outlets are sometimes poorly located.
A loan commits you and must be repaid. Check your repayment capacity before committing.
*FLOA subject to acceptance of your file by FLOA and after the expiration of the legal withdrawal period. FLOA Société Anonyme with a capital of €72,297,200 – Registered office: Immeuble G7, 71 rue Lucien Faure, 33300 Bordeaux – RCS Bordeaux 434 130 423. Subject to the supervision of the Prudential Control and Resolution Authority, 4 Place de Budapest, CS 92459, 75436 Paris cedex 09. Orias No.: 07 028 160
