7 Essential Appliances to Get When Moving into a New Home
Moving into a new home is an exciting new chapter in anyone’s life. However, it can also present certain challenges. For example, if you’re a first-time homeowner, you might not know which appliances and pieces of furniture to buy first. Even those who have moved homes once or twice before may still be at a loss with which items they should bring and set-up as soon as they arrive.
Of course, it will take a little time before you can get fully settled into your new home. That said, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make your first few days comfortable, convenient, and safe. To accomplish this, here’s a list of essential appliances that you should get to create a cozy and efficient living environment:
Smart TV
Getting a smart television for your new home gives you an instant source of entertainment, serving as a central hub for media consumption. From playing music videos to playing video games, such a TV can keep you from getting bored or lonely in your new home.
When choosing a TV for your new home, consider its size, resolution, and connectivity options. If you prefer streaming your favorite movies or TV shows, a smart HD TV may be the better choice. If you have plans on setting up a home theater later on, a TV with a large screen is ideal for immersive movie nights. You also need to think about where you’ll place the TV and plan out the logistics of doing so (e.g., will you put it on a console table in the living room or mount it on the wall of the master bedroom).
Electric Fans and/or Air Conditioner
It’s important to maintain proper ventilation and a comfortable indoor temperature to ensure that you’ll be safe and healthy in your new home. In the Philippines, electric fans are the go-to appliances to provide effective air circulation and relief during hot summer days. You can choose from a variety of types—such as desk fans, stand fans, wall fans, and ceiling fans—to suit your needs.
Alternatively, an air conditioner can offer precise temperature control and circulate cooler air in your space. Most Filipinos put air conditioners in their bedrooms for a good night’s sleep, but larger aircon units can also cool down an entire living room. Some important factors to consider when getting an air conditioner include the size of your rooms and the energy efficiency ratings of the unit themselves.
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a must-have appliance in any home, to keep your food fresh and extend its shelf life. A refrigerator also keeps beverages cool, which is important during the height of summer.
When choosing a refrigerator, consider the capacity that suits your household size and the available space in your kitchen. You should also check out features such as adjustable shelves, ice dispensers, and energy efficiency. The usual models in the Philippines are single- and two-door styles with the freezer on top, but you can also find bottom-freezer models, side-by-side, and French door refrigerators.
Washing Machine
Doing the laundry by hand can take a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, bringing your clothes to the laundromat every time can rack up costs quickly. This is why investing in a washing machine for your new home can help you save time, effort, and money.
Depending on your lifestyle and space availability, you can choose between top-loading and front-loading models. Look for features like different wash cycles, load capacity, energy efficiency ratings, and noise levels. If you don’t have a space to hang your clothes dry, you may also want to get a tumble dryer. However, do note that a tumble dryer can consume a lot of electricity.
Stove and Cooking Utensils
During your first day in your new home, you may end up ordering from restaurants because you haven’t set things up yet. In the next few days, however, it’s best to have a stove and some cooking utensils ready so you don’t spend too much on food deliveries. A gas stove is the most common choice for many Filipinos. However, an electric or an induction stove are also good options since they also take less time to set up because they don’t need an LPG tank to work.
Additionally, make sure to get some essential cooking utensils such as pots, pans, knives, cutting boards, and other tools to ensure seamless meal preparation.
Small Kitchen Appliances
Aside from a stove, you may also want to invest in small kitchen appliances to make your kitchen more functional. For example, a microwave oven is great for reheating meals and even cooking simple dishes. Meanwhile, a coffee maker can help you quickly whip up a cup of coffee for a caffeine boost. Other small appliances that can make even the smallest kitchen more versatile include a toaster oven, a blender, and an electric kettle.
Vacuum Cleaner
Last but not least, a vacuum cleaner will always be a useful appliance in any home. It’s especially helpful if you’re a new homeowner, because you will likely arrive at a slightly dusty house. With a vacuum cleaner on hand, you can easily remove dust, dirt, and allergens from floors and other surfaces in your home.
Based on your cleaning needs and preferences, you can either choose an upright, canister, or stick vacuum. Other features you need to consider are suction power, maneuverability, attachments for different surfaces, and noise levels.
Getting essential appliances for your new home sets the foundation for comfortable living. From the entertainment provided by a TV to the convenience of a refrigerator, all these appliances cater to our everyday needs. Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and the specific requirements of your household before making a purchase. By making thoughtful choices, you can create a welcoming and efficient living space that meets your needs and enhances your overall quality of life in your new home.