The complete new home checklist for Australian first home buyers. Room-by-room essentials from kitchen to outdoor — what to buy first week, first month, and first 3 months. With costs and product picks.
You've got the keys. The house is empty. And now you're standing in your new living room thinking: "What do I actually need?" We've been there — and we made every mistake. We forgot bin bags on day one. We didn't have a broom. We slept on an air mattress for a week because we hadn't organised the bed delivery. Don't be us.
This is the complete room-by-room checklist of everything you actually need when moving into a new home in Australia. We've divided everything into "buy first week" essentials and "buy within 3 months" nice-to-haves, with approximate costs for each room. The total might look daunting, but remember — you don't need to buy everything at once. Spread it out over the first few months and your wallet will thank you.
The Golden Rule: Essentials First, Everything Else Later
Here's the approach that worked for us and every new homeowner we've talked to:
- Week 1: Buy only what you need to sleep, eat, clean, and function. Nothing else.
- Month 1: Fill in the gaps — proper kitchenware, bathroom accessories, basic furniture.
- Month 2-3: Nice-to-haves — the robot vacuum, the air fryer, the organisational stuff that makes your home feel like yours.
- Month 3+: Upgrades and personal touches. No rush on any of this.
The biggest mistake new homeowners make is buying everything at once. Your savings are already stretched from the deposit, stamp duty, and moving costs. Give yourself time.
These are the things to buy for a new house that you genuinely cannot do without in the first seven days. Miss one of these and your first week becomes miserable. The total for everything in this list is typically $500–$800 for a couple — and it gets you through until you can shop properly.
The non-negotiable first-week list:
- Toilet paper — you will run out on day one if you do not bulk-buy. Grab a 24-pack before moving day.
- Bin bags — unpacking generates enormous amounts of rubbish. A roll of 50 is not overkill.
- Cleaning basics — all-purpose spray, dish liquid, sponges, microfibre cloths, a broom and a mop. $40–$60 total.
- Bedding — mattress, bed frame, pillows, doona, sheets. Your most urgent purchase after cleaning supplies.
- Kitchen survival kit — kettle, one frying pan, one saucepan, plates, mugs, cutlery, a knife and chopping board. Enough to eat simple meals.
- Towels — two bath towels per person and two hand towels. Do not forget these.
- Hand soap and toiletries — sounds obvious, but easy to overlook when you are focused on furniture.
- Phone chargers and power boards — you will need more power points than you think, especially in older homes.
- First aid basics — Panadol, bandaids, antiseptic. Moving day is the day you discover a new way to injure yourself.
Pro tip: Pack a "first night box" separately from your moving boxes with all of the above. Do not let it get buried under the 40 boxes of stuff you will unpack later. This single habit saves hours of stress on day one.
Bedroom — Budget: $500-$2,000
Buy First Week
- Mattress: Your most important purchase. Don't sleep on an air mattress for a week like we did. Order your mattress before you move in — most bed-in-box brands deliver in 2-5 days. Budget $400-$1,500. See our full guide: Best Mattresses in Australia 2026.
- Bed frame: Even a simple platform frame is better than a mattress on the floor. $150-$500. Browse bed frames →
- Pillows (2): Good pillows make a huge difference to sleep. $30-$80 each. Browse pillows →
- Doona/quilt and covers: A year-round doona ($60-$150) and one set of sheets + quilt cover ($40-$100). Browse bedding →
- Mattress protector: Protects your investment. Waterproof and hypoallergenic. $30-$60. Browse protectors →
Buy Within 3 Months
- Bedside tables: Even simple ones help. $50-$150 each. Browse bedside tables →
- Wardrobe organisers: If your built-in wardrobes need help. $20-$50 for drawer dividers and shelf organisers. Browse organisers →
- Curtains or blinds: For privacy and light control. $50-$200 per window depending on size. Browse curtains →
Bathroom — Budget: $50-$150
Buy First Week
- Towels: 2 bath towels per person minimum, plus 2 hand towels. $40-$80 for a set. Browse towels →
- Bath mat: For safety on wet tiles. $10-$25. Browse bath mats →
- Toilet brush and holder: $10-$20. You need this from day one.
- Shower caddy or shelf: To hold your shampoo and soap. $10-$25. Browse shower caddies →
- Toilet paper: Bulk buy from the supermarket. You'll be surprised how fast you go through it in a new home.
Buy Within 3 Months
- Bathroom storage: Over-toilet shelving, vanity organisers, and shower niches make small bathrooms work harder. See our bathroom storage ideas guide for budget-friendly solutions. $30–$200.
- Hair dryer, bathroom scales, laundry hamper: The nice-to-haves that can wait a month. $80–$180 total.
Cleaning Supplies — Budget: $50-$100
Buy First Week
- Broom and dustpan: Essential from the moment you walk in. $15-$25. Browse brooms →
- Mop and bucket: For tile floors. A spray mop is easier than a traditional bucket mop. $25-$50. Browse mops →
- Vacuum cleaner: Even if you plan to buy a robot vacuum, you need a stick or upright vacuum for deep cleans and stairs. $100-$300 for a cordless stick vacuum. Browse vacuums →
- All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner: $15-$20 total from the supermarket. For the full list of what to buy (and what to skip) see our cleaning products list for new homes.
- Microfibre cloths: A pack of 10 costs $8-$12 and they're endlessly useful. Browse cloths →
Buy Within 3 Months
Living Room — Budget: $200-$1,000
Buy First Week
- Couch/sofa: If you don't already have one, this is your biggest living room expense. A decent 3-seater starts at $400-$800. Buy from IKEA, Fantastic Furniture, or Facebook Marketplace for your first home — save the $3,000 leather sofa for later. Browse sofas →
- TV wall mount or stand: Wall mounting looks clean and saves floor space. A universal mount costs $20-$50. Browse TV mounts →
- Power board with surge protection: Protect your TV, gaming console, and other electronics. A good surge-protected power board is $20-$40. Browse power boards →
Buy Within 3 Months
- Coffee table: Not urgent but makes the living room feel complete. $50-$200. Browse coffee tables →
- Throw rug and cushions: The easiest way to add warmth and personality. $30-$80 for a rug and a couple of cushions. Browse rugs →
- Bookshelf or storage unit: For books, decor, and general storage. $50-$150. Browse bookshelves →
Laundry Essentials Checklist — Budget: $50-$2,500
If your new home already has a washing machine and dryer you can skip this big-ticket section. If not, the washing machine is the first appliance most new homeowners upgrade — and the choice between front-loader and top-loader affects both your water bill and your laundry space for the next decade.
Buy First Week
- Washing machine (if not included): Front-loaders save $130+ per year in water and energy, but top-loaders cost $200–$400 less upfront. See our detailed comparison in the best washing machines in Australia guide. Budget $499–$1,999.
- Laundry basket: $15-$25. Browse laundry baskets →
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener: $10-$15 from the supermarket.
Buy Within 3 Months
- Clothes airer/drying rack: For indoor drying on rainy days. $20-$40. Browse clothes airers →
- Iron and ironing board: If you need them — many people skip this now. $30-$60 for a basic setup. Browse ironing sets →
- Dryer: Optional if your laundry has line drying, essential in apartments or wet climates. Heat pump dryers cost more upfront but half as much to run. Budget $499–$1,499.
- Basic toolkit: A toolkit with hammer, screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), pliers, tape measure, Allen keys, and a level. You'll need this to assemble furniture and hang things. $30-$60 for a starter kit. Browse tool kits →
- Drill: A cordless drill is worth the investment. You'll use it for shelves, curtain rods, TV mounts, and more. $60-$120. Browse drills →
- Picture hanging kit: Hooks, nails, and a spirit level to hang your art and photos. $10-$15. Browse picture hanging kits →
Outdoor & Garden Essentials — Budget: $50-$1,500
If your new home has any outdoor space — even a small courtyard — you will need gear to maintain it. A neglected lawn or overgrown garden ages a property fast and can even trigger warnings from strata or your local council.
- Door mat: Front and back door. $15-$30 each. Browse door mats →
- Garden hose and reel: If you have a garden or need to wash down outdoor areas. $25-$80. Browse hoses →
- Lawn mower: If you have a lawn, you need a mower. Battery mowers now match petrol on power for small-to-medium yards and cost almost nothing to run. See our best lawn mowers in Australia guide for battery, electric, and petrol picks. Budget $249–$899.
- Clothesline or portable airer: For outdoor drying. Many new homes come with a clothesline, but check. $20-$60. Browse clotheslines →
- Outdoor setting (if you have a deck/patio): Even a small 2-person bistro set makes your outdoor area usable. $100-$500. Browse outdoor settings →
- Secateurs, gloves and a rake: Basic garden maintenance tools. $40–$80 from Bunnings.
Home Security Essentials
Your new home is an investment worth protecting. Modern security is cheap, wireless, and easy to install yourself — no need for a professionally monitored alarm in most cases. For most first home buyers, a doorbell camera plus one or two outdoor cameras covers 90% of the risk.
- Security cameras: Wireless outdoor cameras start from around $150 each, with cloud or local storage. Our best security cameras in Australia guide covers doorbell cameras, outdoor floodlight cameras, and indoor picks. Budget $149–$599.
- Smart locks and deadbolts: Keyless entry removes the "have I locked the front door" panic and lets you give temporary access to cleaners, tradies, or Airbnb guests. $200–$450.
- Smart home devices: Beyond security, smart plugs, smart lights, and a voice assistant can cut energy use and make your home easier to manage. See our smart home devices guide. Budget $100–$500 for a starter setup.
- Motion-sensor outdoor lights: The cheapest deterrent that exists. $40–$120 from Bunnings.
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Legally required in all Australian states. Check the ones already installed in your new home are working and within date. Replacements are $20–$80 each.
Total Cost Breakdown — How Much to Set Up a New Home
Here is the full picture of what it costs to set up a new home in Australia, broken down by when you actually need each item. These figures assume a couple moving into a new build or established home that already has basic white goods. If you need to buy a washing machine, dishwasher, and fridge from scratch, add another $1,500–$4,000.
| Timeline | What you buy | Cost (couple) |
|---|
| First week | Cleaning supplies, bedding, kitchen basics, towels, toilet paper, bin bags, phone chargers | $500–$800 |
| First month | Mattress, bed frame, basic furniture, bathroom accessories, cookware, tools, curtains | $1,000–$2,000 |
| First 3 months | Air fryer, coffee machine, robot vacuum, outdoor setting, lawn mower, organisation, security | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Total (3 months) | Everything above combined | $3,500–$6,800 |
Planning your first home budget? Use our borrowing power calculator to factor setup costs into your deposit plan before you buy — most first home buyers underestimate the post-settlement costs by $3,000–$5,000.
New Home Checklist — Printable Summary
Screenshot or print this condensed checklist. Tick each item off as you buy it. Everything below is the minimum viable new home in Australia — add nice-to-haves as your budget allows.
Kitchen (must-have): Kettle, toaster, frying pan, saucepan, plates, mugs, glasses, cutlery, knife, chopping board, kitchen bin, bin bags, dish liquid, sponges, tea towels.
Kitchen (within 3 months): Air fryer, coffee machine, microwave, pantry containers, baking tray, dishwasher (if not included).
Bedroom (must-have): Mattress, bed frame, pillows (2), doona, sheets, quilt cover, mattress protector.
Bathroom (must-have): Bath towels (2 per person), hand towels, bath mat, toilet brush, shower caddy, toilet paper, hand soap.
Cleaning (must-have): Broom, dustpan, mop, vacuum, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, microfibre cloths.
Laundry (must-have): Washing machine (if not included), laundry basket, detergent.
Living room (must-have): Couch or sofa, TV mount/stand, surge-protected power board.
Tools (must-have): Basic toolkit (hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, tape measure), cordless drill, picture hanging kit.
Outdoor (if applicable): Door mats, garden hose, lawn mower, clothesline, outdoor setting.
Security: Smoke alarms (check existing), motion-sensor lights, optional doorbell camera.
Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make
We made all of these so you don't have to:
- Buying everything from one store on day one: You'll overspend and end up with things you don't actually need. Buy the essentials first, then shop around over the next few months. Compare prices between Kmart, IKEA, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Forgetting about moving day supplies: On moving day itself, keep a "first night box" separate from your packed boxes. Include: toilet paper, bin bags, hand soap, towels, sheets, phone chargers, kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, snacks, cleaning spray, and basic tools. Trust us — you don't want to be unpacking 30 boxes at 9pm looking for your phone charger.
- Buying the cheapest version of everything: Being budget-conscious is smart, but some items are worth spending a bit more on. Your mattress, your pillows, your knives, and your vacuum are all things where quality genuinely matters. Buy cheap towels and upgrade later, but don't buy a $15 pillow and wonder why your neck hurts.
- Not measuring before buying furniture: That gorgeous couch you found online might not fit through your front door, let alone in your living room. Measure doorways, hallways, and room dimensions before buying any large furniture. Tape out the dimensions on the floor so you can visualise the space it'll take.
- Ignoring utilities setup: Electricity, gas, and internet should be connected before you move in. Don't arrive to a house with no power or hot water. NestPath can help with this — see our utilities connection service.
Where to Buy — Best Stores for New Homeowners in Australia
- Kmart: Best for budget homewares, storage containers, bedding basics, towels, and kitchen gadgets. Quality has improved significantly — don't dismiss it.
- IKEA: Best for furniture, shelving, and storage solutions. Flat-pack means you'll need your toolkit, but the prices are hard to beat.
- Amazon AU: Best for appliances, electronics, tools, and specialty items. Prime delivery is often next-day in capital cities. Browse new home essentials on Amazon AU →
- Bunnings: Best for tools, outdoor, cleaning equipment, and anything practical. Their tool range is extensive and well-priced.
- Facebook Marketplace: Best for second-hand furniture, especially dining tables, desks, and bookshelves. You can furnish an entire house for a fraction of retail if you're patient.
For Moving Day Logistics — See Our Moving Checklist
This checklist covers what to buy for your new home. For the actual moving day logistics — utilities transfer, redirecting mail, packing order, notifying services, and the pre- and post-settlement task list — see our separate moving checklist Australia guide. The two checklists work together: set up your utilities and pack your first-night box before moving day, then use this guide for everything you buy once the keys are in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need when moving into a new house?
The absolute essentials for the first day in a new house are cleaning supplies (broom, mop, all-purpose spray, microfibre cloths), bedding (mattress, pillows, sheets, doona), kitchen basics (kettle, one frying pan, plates, mugs, cutlery, a knife), towels, toilet paper, bin bags, and hand soap. The most commonly forgotten items — bin bags, a broom, and toilet paper — are things you will need within the first hour of unpacking.
How much does it cost to set up a new home in Australia?
For an Australian couple moving into a new home, budget $500–$800 for first-week essentials, $1,000–$2,000 by the end of the first month (including a mattress and basic furniture), and $2,000–$4,000 over the first three months (adding appliances, outdoor, and security). The total new home costs typically land at $3,500–$6,800 over the first three months, before factoring in major white goods like a washing machine or dishwasher.
What should I buy first for a new home?
Buy your new home essentials in this order: (1) a "first night box" with toilet paper, bin bags, hand soap, towels and phone chargers, (2) cleaning supplies — you need to clean before unpacking, (3) a mattress and bedding — do not sleep on the floor, (4) a kettle and basic cookware, and (5) towels and bathroom essentials. Everything else including the air fryer, robot vacuum, and furniture can wait a few weeks.
What kitchen appliances do I need for a new home?
The essential kitchen appliances are a kettle and a toaster for day one, then an air fryer and microwave within the first month. For daily coffee drinkers a coffee machine pays for itself in under a year versus buying takeaway. If your kitchen does not already have a dishwasher, a freestanding dishwasher installs in any kitchen with a standard water connection and saves 30+ minutes a day. Kitchen essentials for a new home should total $300–$1,200 depending on which appliances you include.
Do I need a vacuum cleaner or robot vacuum for a new home?
Ideally both — they do different jobs. A cordless stick vacuum ($100–$300) handles deep cleans, stairs, car interiors, and one-off spills. A robot vacuum ($300–$1,600) keeps floors dust-free on a daily schedule while you are at work. If you can only afford one for your new home, buy the stick vacuum first — it is more versatile. Add a robot vacuum within the first three months as a quality-of-life upgrade.
Do I need a toolkit for a new home?
Yes — a basic toolkit is essential for a new home in Australia. You'll need it to assemble flat-pack furniture, hang curtain rods, mount your TV, put up shelves, and handle minor fixes. At minimum, get a hammer, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure, and Allen keys. A cordless drill is also highly recommended — you'll use it far more than you expect. A starter tool kit costs $30–$60 and a basic cordless drill is $60–$120. This is not optional — you will need tools within the first week.
