First time home buyer here. Currently waiting to close and trying to make a list of everything I want/need when going from an apartment to a house. Think I have all my basic tasks written down regarding canceling accounts, changing address, etc. Also started a list of tools and necessities for upkeep of house/lawn. Also looking at useful things like smart home devices, kitchen tools, automatic soap dispenser. What are the nice to have and splurge type purchases that have made your life better?

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Honestly, don't spend a ton of money unless you absolutely need to the first few months. Get the obvious stuff (hoses, rake, lawn mower) but actually live in your home a bit to figure out what you need and what would be a fleeting purchase.

I wanted to spend my money on so many things but a few months in I am glad I didn't because I used the space completely differently

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Great advice. I’m already looking at my list of stuff and trying to prioritize wants vs. needs. I have a few things that I’m willing to wait on (bedroom furniture, hot tub, bigger TV) in favor of things like a proper office setup and a gas grill or smoker.

Usb chargers in every room. Hose bib connected to hot water heater by garage. Epoxy floor in garage. Cameras around house (I like Wyze a lot). Smart door/doorbell and thermostat. If you have a toilet room, put a dimmer on the switch (can be too bright in middle of night if lights are on).

Probably a bunch more, but those all made my life way better.

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Congrats!! Bought a home last year! Best things so far:
- security system. We got a few Ring floodlight cameras for the front and back, and already had a ring doorbell. The peace of mind is everything since I’m home alone a lot. We ended up getting the home security system sensors and fire alarms, too. I love it!

- exterminator services. If you have an old home, go ahead and start filling the holes in and around your house 😅

- lawn mower/ lawn tools! We had to buy one so soon since we moved in in Spring. A hose, too.

- reusable paper towels (the bamboo ones I think?). I clean so much more now that I’m in something that’s mine. Saved a ton of paper towel costs!

- we had a smart thermostat and love it! Worth the upgrade, esp if you want to lower bills in a larger space

- we splurged on Hue lights 😬 we’re obsessed with them and use them on app timers when we’re out of town

We found patio/ outside furniture and a grill on NextDoor and on walks in the neighborhood for free! There are often bed frames, bedside tables, etc. so I’d hold off on furniture if you can be patient!

likeuplifting

Don’t spend all your money upfront on replacing your old furniture for new furniture. Take your time with that.

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Just bought a house for the first time after renting apartments forever. One thing that’s been a pain is ladders. We have two ladders now for different things and kind of want a third now (painful having different sized ceilings throughout the house).

My favorite splurge item by far are Toto Washlets. We have installed two already and wife wants to convert all our toilet seats eventually (it’s a pain to get an outlet installed though for some of the bathrooms). Life changing purchase you won’t regret.

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Always been curious about the bidet toilet. I eventually want to redo the master bath, so I’ll keep the electric situation in mind when considering new toilets.

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220v outlet in the garage for your electric car

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Or for tools, sauna, hot tub.

likesmart

Also I lucked out. There was an estate sale 2 streets down from my house 1 month after I moved. The family was relocating. I bought so many great things for cheap (rake, fire pit, weed wacker/edger, snow blower, etc). I don't care if my tools are used and I got everything so cheap! Check out local estate sales.

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I have a spinoff question here. How do you go about buying a house when you have a lease that needs renewed and if you don't renew then you only have 3 months to move into a new house. Also want to avoid making mortgage payments and rent payments at the same time

You can usually talk to your landlord about going month to month, but you usually pay about a 20% premium for this convenience.

My luck is that my landlord has been poor at managing his existing tenets leases. My lease expired and converted to a month to month without a monthly premium. Now I just need to give 30 day notice to vacate.

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