Useful things for a first house

[Alltheusefulitems]

You're buying your first home...what are the most useful things you never knew you needed?

I'm putting a box together for a family member and looking for ideas please

Torch, first aid kit, tea/coffee/ mugs, list of telephone numbers for takeaways/repair men/women???

Yes, does so much depend on the circumstances of the person moving, and also your relationship with them.

Our mortgage company gave us a toolkit years ago and it’s been so useful ever since.

Unless they've already got it all I'd definitely do a toolkit. Electric drill/screwdriver, measuring tape, spirit level, set of paint brushes etc, etc.

Money. And then more money. I can't believe the number of things I'm having to fork out for!

Key safe or fancy key hook/storage
Nice coat hooks or lobby shelf with same
Throws for first night as always cold if heatings been off for a while.
Emergency snack hamper for first night/morning. Wine, nice biscuits, long life milk, tea bags, chocolate, cereal bars etc.
Bath mats
Welcome mat
Nice lamp shades for pendant lights
Coat hangers
Toothbrush holder
Bathroom storage

My family collected cleaning stuff and cupboard staples that lasted me months and I was so grateful even way back when.

I also second step ladder and tool kit. Very useful.

Agree with cash. I can't tell you how many years I used an old orange crate as a bed side table.

Necessity really is the mother of invention.

Thank you for all the suggestions! It's my son who is buying and hasn't lived away from home before so is literally starting from scratch. I haven't been able to help with the deposit or anything so have said Ill make him up a box of all the things he has no idea he'll need in the hope that it'll save him some cash and make life a little bit easier when hes looking to open/cut/tie/clean/hammer/light something and he remembers mums useful box

Some good suggestions on here but I wouldn't bother with a torch, everyone uses their phones these days?

I agree, I don’t even know where our torch is kept as I just use my phone

Metal radiator key

I’d say a decent screwdriver set as there’s
usually flat packed furniture to put together or shelves to put up, electric drill, nice bowls as the bowls you get in plate sets aren’t usually that nice, one of those silicone spatulas, google home or an Alexa, warm blanket.

Re torches. I have several because if there is a power cut you might no be next to your phone or keen to run the battery down using it for light. Mountain warehouse do a torch that can also be a sit up lamp

A planter or hanging basket for the front door, made up with spring bulbs or fragrant herbs.

A towel bale?

Agree with radiator key (and cheap plastic jug), allen keys, tool kit with screwdriver bits, pliers.

And a first aid kit for the inevitable boo boos aligned with using the tool kit...

An adjustable spanner is useful but an individual 10mm one is essential IMO, especially if you do the “double spanner twist” for extra tightening.

A neutral shoe cleaning spongy bottle?

A sieve. I always buy them for people.

For my first place I had very little. I moved out of my parents to camp in a tent while I found a place in a new area where I had a job.

I had a tool box, sleeping bag, towel, shampoo, mug and clothes. I then rented a mobile home. I borrowed a plate and cutlery from my landlady, (ate only stuff that didn't require either up to that point) but with my first pay I bought a carpet sweeper. I didn't have a dishcloth or tea towel but got those with my first food shop along with washing up liquid.

The triangle key for the meter box
Radiator key
A toolbox with spanners, screwdrivers, a wrench, and different size allen keys

It's my son who is buying and hasn't lived away from home before so is literally starting from scratch.

Ah well, that's different.
I would focus on what he will need to use in the first month - but I would be collecting from Facebook Giving sites, charity shops and the like.

Try and concentrate over the next couple of weeks on what you use to get through the day........ so things like toilet roll and washing up liquid still stand, but I'd be collecting saucepans, plates, a couple of mugs and glasses (if your kitchen cupboards are anything like mine, you'll probably be able to provide spares yourself). Cutlery. Some utensils. A set of knives. Dishcloth, tea towel. Bath towels. Washing up bowl. Drainer. Kitchen bin. Kettle. Toaster. A sandwich maker is appreciated by lots of us. An air fryer if you are wealthy (mine would have had on their Christmas list for people to club together to buy).
Grater. Tin opener. Colander.
Depends on what sort of budget you are looking at - he's going to need a fridge, or fridge freezer (is the cooker built in?). Microwave is useful but not essential. If local can bring washing home for a bit whilst he saves up, or take to laundrette if not. Same with borrowing your vacuum.

I can't believe only 2 people have put tin opener!
Rice steamer? I have a microwave one from Lakeland that I use a lot and that wasn't too expensive.
Basic selection of relatively good quality pots and pans
Oven tray and dish
Measuring jug (that will go in the microwave)
I didn't have a lot of money when my children moved out, so couldnt give them much, and luckily the places they moved into had the basic plates and cutlery, but I bought them a good kitchen knife, and took them shopping to get one that felt comfortable in their own hand.
Also... Cling film, kitchen foil and a couple of plastic containers.