You've signed on the dotted line, packed everything into boxes and are finally ready to move into your new home. All that's left to do? Decide on your new furniture! Whether you're just adding a few key pieces or you need to start from scratch, our guide covers all the essential items that will add a personal touch to your new place.

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Living Room Essentials

Sofas & Sofa Sets

What's a living room without somewhere to sit? A sofa (or multiple sofas if you have the space) will instantly make your living room feel like a space you can relax in. Our tip is to set these up first so you can enjoy a sit down when that unpacking gets too much.

Coffee or Accent Table

Having a surface to put a cup of tea on makes your living room a usable space, so add a coffee table or accent table early on.

Lamps

Brighten up your new space with a few lamps; they not only act as extra lighting but provide points of interest that make a room feel 'lived in'.

Cushions, Ornaments & Artwork

It doesn't have to be much but a touch of personality will help your living room feel homely. Try scattering cushions, adding ornaments to shelves or sideboards or hanging some wall art to give your new living room the personal touch.

Dining Room Essentials

Table & Chairs

The table is the centrepiece of any dining room. Make sure yours has enough space for everyone to sit round it but also, if possible, to walk around it too. Choosing a dining set or chairs that fit under a table, helps minimise the space this will take up in your dining room when you're not sitting down to eat.

Sideboard & Storage

Storage is more important in the dining room than you might think, and keeping plates, cutlery and other pieces in there can free up space in homes with smaller kitchens. A sideboard is a good choice because it gives you somewhere to display things like vases and photographs, as well as extra table top space when you need to spread out.

Bedroom Essentials

Bed Frame

No bedroom is complete without a bed. Bear in mind size and style when choosing yours, as well as whether you want the bed to provide extra storage with drawers or space underneath.

Mattress

There's nothing like a good night's sleep, especially when you've just moved into a new home. Alongside the bed, a mattress is the thing that's going to make your sleep space comfy, relaxing and above all, ready for catching forty winks.

Bedding & Pillows

A bedding set (including sheets), a duvet case, pillows and pillowcases are must-haves in any new bedroom. Don't forget to get two sets so you still have somewhere to sleep when the others are in the wash.

Wardrobe and/or Chest of Drawers

Storage is important in the bedroom; it won't feel like you've really moved in until you stop taking clothes out of an overnight bag and find a home for them in some bedroom storage. Remember you don't have to do everything all at once. It can be fun to build up your bedroom décor as you discover your needs - however, a wardrobe and chest of drawers are ideal starting points.

Kitchen Essentials

Pots & Pans

Cookware basics are a great place to start when kitting out your kitchen. A five-piece pan set is an inexpensive and space-efficient way to start, and will give you everything you need to be cooking up a storm from day one.

Dinnerware

Plates and bowls are must-haves for any kitchen. If you're buying for the first time, consider getting a crockery set so you know you'll have everything you need.

Kettle & Toaster

Every kitchen accumulates appliances over time but a kettle and toaster are a good place to start. After all, what's a first day in your new home without a cup of tea and a slice of toast for breakfast?

Kitchen Table & Chairs

If you've got something to cook with and something to eat from, all that's left is somewhere to sit down and enjoy it. A kitchen table and chairs set is ideal. Make sure to measure your space so you've got room to sit around the table and not just room for the table itself.

Bathroom Essentials

Sink, Toilet, Shower & Bathtub

Make sure the essentials are covered in your bathroom - that's what it's there for after all! Once those are covered you can move on to the fun stuff.

Taps & Shower Head

Adding your own fixtures to a bathroom is a quick and easy way to make it feel like your room, and is a cheaper alternative to replacing whole sinks, showers or baths.

Bath Towels

There's nothing like wrapping yourself up in a warm towel after a bath, and for that reason alone a good towel set is an essential in any home from day one.

Garden Essentials

Sheds & Storage

The garden might not be as high a priority as, say, the bedroom but it's good not to overlook it if your new home has one. Invest in a shed or storage early so you have somewhere to house all those bits and pieces while you're moving into your new home.

Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then you might also like:

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• Apartment Furnishings: The Basics