Cleaning supplies and basics checklist for a new home
The cleaning and household kit needs 30 items; 17 are essentials. The essentials cost $316 to $967; everything, $545 to $1,692. Based on a couple starting from scratch. Prices are 2026 estimates, from budget to mid-range.
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Price per unit: 2026 range, from budget to mid-range. “First night” is what you’ll use on day one.
General
30 items; 17 essentials. Essentials: $316–967.
| Item | Qty. | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Essential · 17 | ||
| Broom and dustpanFirst night | 1 | $10–30 |
| Mop and floor cloths | 1 | $12–35 |
| All-purpose cleaner, disinfectant and bleachFirst night | 1 | $10–25 |
| Trash bagsFirst night | 2 | $8–20 |
| Tool kit (screwdriver, hammer, pliers) | 1 | $20–60 |
| LED bulbsFirst night | 6 | $3–10 |
| Extension cordFirst night | 2 | $8–25 |
| Outlet adapters and power strip | 3 | $6–20 |
| First aid kit | 1 | $12–35 |
| Extra keys and fobs | 3 | $3–30 |
| Put the electric bill in your name | 1 | No cost |
| Set up water, gas and trash | 1 | No cost |
| Set up internet | 1 | Up to $120 |
| Forward your mail with USPS ($1.25 online) | 1 | Up to $2 |
| Renters insurance (your lease probably requires it) | 1 | $150–280 |
| Reserve the elevator and a move-in window | 1 | No cost |
| Smoke and CO alarm (test the batteries)First night | 1 | $25–80 |
| Can wait · 13 | ||
| Cleaning gloves | 1 | $4–10 |
| Spray mop | 1 | $20–50 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1 | $60–200 |
| Drill | 1 | $40–120 |
| Anchors and screws | 1 | $6–20 |
| Tape measure | 1 | $6–20 |
| Step ladder | 1 | $25–80 |
| Flashlight or emergency light | 1 | $8–25 |
| Fire extinguisher | 1 | $20–50 |
| Move-in inspection with photos | 1 | No cost |
| Wi-Fi router (if the provider does not give one) | 1 | $30–120 |
| Pick up keys, fobs and parking pass | 1 | No cost |
| Furnace and AC air filter | 1 | $10–30 |
Questions
17 of the 30 items are essentials. For the first night: broom and dustpan, all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant and bleach, trash bags, LED bulbs, extension cord, and smoke and CO alarm.
For a couple starting from scratch, the essentials for the cleaning and household kit cost $316 to $967, and everything, $545 to $1,692. Prices are 2026 estimates, from budget to mid-range.
Yes. In the app, you share one link and each person claims the gift they’ll give; first to claim it gets it, so nobody doubles up. Family doesn’t need to download anything: the link opens in the browser.
Build the list for your place.
Answer questions for 3 minutes and the app lays out what’s missing, room by room and with prices.
Build my list on iPhoneFree to build the list · then a 3-day free trial to use it