Homeowner resources
Everything You Need for Your New Home
A practical collection of safety products, essential tools, maintenance supplies, smart-home upgrades, and organizational products for new homeowners.
Shop by category
Eight categories, in the order most owners need them
Each category is a checklist first. Where we have an active retailer link, a product card shows it clearly; otherwise the item stays informational.
Safety and Security
Alarms, detectors and entry hardware are usually the first things to check in a home you have just bought.
Essential Tools
A small, well-chosen hand-tool set covers most of what a first year of ownership asks of you.
Preventive Maintenance
Inexpensive supplies that make routine upkeep easy to actually do on a schedule.
Smart-Home Products
Optional connected devices for scheduling, monitoring and remote access. Check compatibility first.
Moving and Organization
Packing, storage and labelling items that make unpacking and the months after it less chaotic.
Cleaning and Everyday Care
The everyday equipment most households set up in the first week.
Yard and Outdoor Care
Basic outdoor tools for Northern California yards, dry summers and leaf-heavy autumns.
Emergency Preparedness
Supplies California households are commonly advised to keep for outages, quakes and wildfire smoke.
Category
Safety and Security
Alarms, detectors and entry hardware are usually the first things to check in a home you have just bought.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialSmoke detectors
Photoelectric or dual-sensor alarms for hallways, bedrooms and each floor. California has specific placement rules — confirm current state and local requirements.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialCarbon-monoxide detectors
Required in California homes with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Units carry an expiry date printed on the housing.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialFire extinguishers
Multi-purpose household extinguishers sized for kitchen and garage use. Check the rating and the service date on the gauge.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialWater-leak sensors
Small sensors placed under sinks, water heaters and washing machines that alert you when they detect moisture.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialVideo doorbell
A doorbell camera that shows visitors and deliveries from a phone. Some models need existing doorbell wiring; others run on a battery.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialSmart lock
A deadbolt with keypad or app entry, useful when changing access after closing on a home. Measure your existing door bore and backset first.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialOutdoor security cameras
Weather-rated cameras for driveways, side gates and back doors. Check the power source and local storage or subscription requirements.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialMotion-sensor lighting
Battery or solar lights for paths, side yards and entry doors. Hardwired fixtures should be installed by a licensed electrician.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialEmergency flashlights
Rechargeable or battery flashlights kept in known locations for outages. Store one per floor plus one in the car.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Safety and security
New Homeowner EssentialFirst-aid kit
A stocked household kit for minor injuries. Check contents and expiry dates once a year.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Essential Tools
A small, well-chosen hand-tool set covers most of what a first year of ownership asks of you.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialBasic homeowner tool kit
A general hand-tool set covering small repairs, furniture assembly and picture hanging.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialCordless drill
A general-purpose drill and driver for mounting shelves, assembling furniture and light repairs.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialMeasuring tape
A 25-foot tape for furniture planning, appliance openings and filter sizes.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialStud finder
Locates framing behind drywall before mounting heavy items such as shelving or a television.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialLevel
A spirit or laser level for hanging shelves, art and curtain rails squarely.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialUtility knife
A retractable blade for opening boxes, trimming caulk lines and cutting packaging.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialAdjustable wrench
Handles supply-line fittings, hose bibs and appliance connections within basic maintenance limits.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialPliers
Slip-joint and needle-nose pliers for gripping, bending and pulling in tight spaces.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialScrewdriver set
Phillips and flat drivers in several sizes, plus a precision set for electronics and fittings.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialStep ladder
An indoor ladder for alarm batteries, light fittings and top-shelf storage. Check the stated duty rating and height.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Essential tools
New Homeowner EssentialHeavy-duty extension cord
An outdoor-rated cord with the gauge and length suited to the tools you plan to run.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Preventive Maintenance
Inexpensive supplies that make routine upkeep easy to actually do on a schedule.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialHVAC filters
Pleated filters matched exactly to the size printed on your existing filter. Higher MERV ratings restrict airflow on some systems.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialDrain tools and plungers
Separate sink and toilet plungers plus a hand auger for simple, accessible blockages.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialCaulk and weatherstripping
Sealant and door or window stripping for drafts and small gaps around trim and fixtures.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialMoisture meter
A handheld meter for checking damp spots on drywall, subfloors and cabinet bases.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialSurge protectors
Rated power strips for computers, media equipment and home-office gear. Whole-house protection is electrician work.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialGutter-cleaning tools
Extension attachments for clearing ground-level debris. Roof and upper-storey work should go to a professional.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialAppliance water-leak trays
Drain pans placed under washers and water heaters to contain slow leaks.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialWater-shutoff tool
A meter key for turning off the main supply in an emergency. Locate your shut-off before you need it.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialReplacement air-filter subscription
A recurring delivery so filter changes are not forgotten. Confirm the size and cancellation terms.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Preventive maintenance
New Homeowner EssentialHome-maintenance record binder
A binder or folder for permits, warranties, service records and appliance manuals.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Smart-Home Products
Optional connected devices for scheduling, monitoring and remote access. Check compatibility first.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialSmart thermostat
A scheduled, app-controlled thermostat. Confirm compatibility with your system wiring, including whether a common wire is present.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialSmart plugs
Switched outlets for lamps and seasonal lighting, controllable by app or schedule.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialSmart lighting
App-controlled bulbs or fixtures with scheduling. Check bulb base type and fixture dimmer compatibility.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialSmart garage-door controller
Adds remote open and close status to many existing openers. Check the opener brand and model compatibility list.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialWater-monitoring device
Monitors flow at the supply line and flags unusual usage. Installation at the main line is plumber work.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialIndoor air-quality monitor
Tracks particulates and other indoor readings, useful during wildfire-smoke periods.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialSmart irrigation controller
Adjusts watering schedules using local weather data. Some California water districts publish their own guidance.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Smart-home products
New Homeowner EssentialWi-Fi mesh system
Multiple access points for coverage across larger or older homes with dense walls.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Moving and Organization
Packing, storage and labelling items that make unpacking and the months after it less chaotic.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialMoving boxes
Assorted sizes for packing, including smaller boxes for books and heavy items.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialStorage bins
Lidded, stackable bins for garage, closet and seasonal storage.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialShelf organizers
Risers and bins that make deep pantry and cabinet shelves usable.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialGarage-storage systems
Wall tracks, hooks and shelving units. Heavy overhead racks need secure framing and, in some cases, professional installation.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialFurniture-protection pads
Moving blankets and felt pads that protect floors and furniture during and after a move.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialLabel maker
Labels boxes, bins and utility shut-offs so things stay findable after unpacking.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialDrawer organizers
Dividers for kitchen and desk drawers set up during the first unpacking pass.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialCloset-storage products
Hanging organizers, shelf dividers and matching hangers for a consistent closet setup.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Moving and organization
New Homeowner EssentialCord organizers
Clips, sleeves and ties for media, desk and charging cables.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Cleaning and Everyday Care
The everyday equipment most households set up in the first week.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialVacuum cleaner
An upright, canister or cordless vacuum matched to your flooring mix.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialMop and bucket
A mop suited to tile, vinyl or sealed hardwood, with a bucket or spray reservoir.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialMicrofiber cleaning cloths
Reusable cloths for glass, counters and appliance surfaces.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialHousehold cleaning kit
A starter set of general-purpose, bathroom and glass cleaners plus brushes and gloves.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialGarbage and recycling containers
Indoor bins sized to your city's collection streams. Check your local program's sorting rules.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialShop vacuum
A wet-dry vacuum for garage debris, unpacking mess and small water clean-ups.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialDoormats
Exterior and interior mats that keep grit off floors at each entry.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Cleaning and everyday care
New Homeowner EssentialBasic appliance-cleaning supplies
Cleaners and brushes for ovens, dishwashers and washing-machine seals. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Yard and Outdoor Care
Basic outdoor tools for Northern California yards, dry summers and leaf-heavy autumns.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialGarden hose
A kink-resistant hose long enough to reach the far corner of the yard.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialHose storage
A reel or hanger that keeps the hose off the ground and out of direct sun.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialBasic gardening tools
Trowel, hand fork, gloves and a spade for planting and bed maintenance.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialLeaf rake
For clearing leaves from beds, lawns and ground-level drains before winter rain.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialOutdoor broom
A stiff-bristle broom for driveways, patios and walkways.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialPruning tools
Hand pruners and loppers for shrubs and low branches. Large tree work belongs to a qualified arborist.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialOutdoor storage container
A weather-resistant deck box or small cabinet for cushions, hoses and yard supplies.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Yard and outdoor care
New Homeowner EssentialBattery-powered lawn tools
Cordless mowers, trimmers and blowers. Several Bay Area cities restrict gas-powered equipment — check local rules.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Category
Emergency Preparedness
Supplies California households are commonly advised to keep for outages, quakes and wildfire smoke.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialEmergency radio
A hand-crank or battery radio for alerts when power and mobile networks are down.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialPortable power bank
A charged battery pack for phones during outages. Top it up on a set schedule.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialBattery supply
A stocked box of the sizes your alarms, flashlights and radio use.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialEmergency water-storage containers
Food-safe containers for stored drinking water. Follow public-agency guidance on quantity and rotation.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialBasic earthquake preparedness kit
A grab kit with supplies for the first days after a quake. Review the contents against current state guidance.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialFireproof document bag
A heat-resistant bag or box for deeds, passports, insurance papers and backups.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialUtility shutoff tool
A non-sparking wrench kept near the meter. Gas should only be turned back on by the utility or a qualified professional.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Emergency preparedness
New Homeowner EssentialSolar or battery-powered lantern
Area lighting that is safer indoors than candles during an outage.
Checklist item — no retailer link is available for this product yet.
Guides
Read before you buy
Original homeowner articles covering the first month, safety, maintenance and settling in.
25 Things Every New Homeowner Should Consider Buying
A practical starter list for a first home, grouped by how soon you are likely to need each item rather than by price.
Read the articleYour First 30 Days in a New Home
A week-by-week plan for the first month of ownership: access, utilities, safety checks, and the records worth starting straight away.
Read the articleNew Homeowner Safety Checklist
Detectors, extinguishers, exits and shut-offs — the safety items worth confirming in the first weeks in a home you have just bought.
Read the articleEssential Tools for First-Time Homeowners
The small set of hand tools that covers most first-year jobs, and the work you should not take on with them.
Read the articleSmart-Home Upgrades Worth Considering
Which connected devices tend to be useful in a Silicon Valley home, what to check for compatibility, and where a professional is required.
Read the articleProducts That Can Help Prevent Expensive Home Damage
Water is the most common source of costly home damage. These inexpensive items help you notice problems earlier — they do not replace maintenance.
Read the articleEmergency Supplies Every California Home Should Have
Outages, earthquakes and smoke days are ordinary parts of California life. Here is what households are commonly advised to keep on hand.
Read the articleHow to Create a Home-Maintenance Schedule
A simple monthly, seasonal and annual routine for a Silicon Valley home, with the tasks that belong to a professional marked clearly.
Read the articleMoving-Day Essentials You May Have Forgotten
The supplies and small preparations that make moving day itself go smoothly, including the box you should not pack away.
Read the articleHow to Organize a Garage After Moving
A method for turning the post-move garage pile into usable storage, with notes on weight, heat and what needs professional installation.
Read the articleSome home projects require specialized training, permits, or a licensed professional. Request a Pro Match if you need help finding a participating local service provider.
Request a Pro Match