Renting your first house is a major milestone—exciting, empowering, and maybe even a little overwhelming. With so many details to manage, from setting up utilities to coordinating moving day logistics, it’s easy to overlook some essentials. To help renters start off on the right foot, here’s a checklist of must-haves every first-time renter should bring to their new single-family home for rent.
Before they get to furnishing and making the place their own, renters need to take care of a few essentials. In a nutshell:
1. Spare Keys
Being in a new and slightly unfamiliar space can sometimes cause you to make little mistakes, such as leaving the keys behind and locking yourself out of the house. It actually happens more often than people might care to admit. So, it’s always a good idea to get spare keys cut as soon as you receive a copy.
Check the lease agreement to see if you can have spares cut, and if not, ask the landlord for an extra set instead. Once you have the spares, consider leaving a set with a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby. Keep in mind that in a house for rent, there’s a good chance you’ll have a back door, too, so be sure to pick up spares for that as well.
2. Extra Light Bulbs
Bringing a few spare light bulbs when moving into a new rental can save you hassle. The previous tenants might have taken theirs or left them burnt out. Either way, having extras ensures you’re never left in the dark.
Opt for LED bulbs to reduce energy costs and select a light temperature that suits your style—warm yellow for a cozy feel or cool white for a crisp, modern touch. It’s a simple way to make the space feel like home.
3. Cleaning Supplies
Don’t assume the new place will come stocked with cleaning supplies. Bringing essentials like mops, sponges, and dish detergent ensures everything needed is on hand from day one. This allows for a quick clean right away and ensures any spills or messes can be handled with ease.
Having trusted cleaning products also means there’s no need to rely on whatever might be left behind, which could be expired or ineffective. Plus, starting with fresh, clean surfaces helps make the space feel like home from the moment of arrival.
4. Toolbox
While your landlord probably won’t allow remodeling of the new rental house, having a basic tool kit on hand can save time, money, and frustration. Minor repairs and adjustments are almost inevitable when settling into a new space, and being prepared will help you handle them quickly without needing to call maintenance for every small issue.
A well-stocked toolbox can make settling into a new rental much easier. Here are some essential tools every first-time renter should have on hand for basic fixes and DIY:
- Level
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Flashlight
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Hex keys
- Duct tape
- Utility knife
- Lubricating oil
- Adjustable wrenches
- Multi-head screwdriver
A properly equipped tool kit should include essentials like hex keys, a multi-head screwdriver, a tape measure, pliers, a hammer, and adjustable wrenches—ideal for assembling furniture, tightening hinges, or replacing hardware. Useful additions include a utility knife for boxes, a level for hanging pictures, duct tape for quick fixes, and a flashlight for dim spaces. Removable wall hooks or adhesive strips allow for damage-free decorating, while a stud finder ensures secure mounting. A small bottle of lubricating oil can also help with squeaky doors or sticky locks.
With these tools on hand, minor fixes are easy to handle, making the space feel comfortable and functional from day one.
5. Security Systems
Feeling safe in a new home from the very first moment is important. Bring non-permanent, easy-to-install systems like wireless doorbell cameras. These require no drilling or rewiring and provide peace of mind from day one.
Battery-powered motion sensor lights can also enhance security by illuminating entryways at night, deterring unwanted visitors. A portable door lock or doorstop alarm adds an extra layer of protection, especially in rentals where changing locks may not be an option.
6. Extension Cords
As creatures of the digital age, we tend to bring an array of technology when moving into a new house. Finding well-placed sockets for all these devices can be tricky at first, so it helps to bring some extension cords. Take a few different types with varying lengths and plenty of spare sockets.
Power strips with surge protection are also a smart addition to safeguard sensitive electronics. In spaces like the living room or office, cord organizers can help prevent cables from cluttering the floor and maintain a tidy, safe environment.
7. Bedding
There’s nothing like your own, freshly laundered bedding, so be sure to bring it with you. Pillows, a duvet, sheets, pillowcases, and perhaps a blanket if it’s cold are essential for each inhabited bedroom. Additionally, packing a mattress protector can help keep things fresh and extend the life of the mattress, especially in a new space.
There’s no need to go out and buy a full bedroom set just yet. Start with the basics and build up once settled in.
8. Kitchen Supplies
Kitchens in rental homes are rarely fully equipped, and even when they are, the provided pans and utensils might not suit personal preferences. Bringing your own cookware and utensils ensures everything needed to cook meals comfortably and to your liking is on hand. This way, there’s no need to compromise on quality or convenience in the kitchen.
Outfitting a kitchen with all the latest gadgets can get expensive quickly, but to start, you can make do with the basics:
- Cutlery
- Kettle
- Spatula
- Frying pan
- Can opener
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Scales
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring jug
- Kitchen towels
- Casserole dish
- Plates and bowls
- Mugs and drinking glasses
From there, gradually build up your kitchen supplies to suit your needs. Don’t forget useful items like trash bags, cleaning cloths, sponges, and paper towels.
Lastly, make sure to stock up on basic food items to get started. Staples like rice, pasta, oil, and canned goods are perfect for preparing a quick meal if you can’t do a proper grocery run right away or can’t find a nearby takeout option.
9. Bathroom Essentials
Like the kitchen, the bathroom may not be as fully equipped as desired when first moving in. So, be sure to bring towels, toilet paper, and basic toiletries as a minimum. A plunger is also a great idea—it’s one of those things you don’t know you need until you need it, and with an unfamiliar bathroom, it’s always better to be prepared.
Additionally, having a shower curtain, bath mat, and extra soap can help create a more comfortable, functional space from day one. Consider packing a small cleaning kit as well, as bathrooms often need a quick wipe-down before they’re ready for daily use.
10. Renters’ Insurance
While renters’ insurance isn’t legally required, it’s a smart move to have coverage. The landlord will have insurance for the property, but it won’t protect your personal belongings. With renters’ insurance, you ensure your possessions are covered in case of damage, theft, or fire.
Without it, replacing your belongings after they’re destroyed or stolen would come out of your pocket. Comprehensive policies can also offer protection for temporary housing costs if the home becomes uninhabitable, providing peace of mind during unexpected situations. In addition, some policies cover liability in case of accidents that occur within the rental, offering an extra layer of protection.
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