Home maintenance & planning · Buying guides · Updated November 2026
Moving Into a House: Essential Maintenance Tools
You do not need a full workshop to take care of a house. A small set of good tools handles most everyday fixes and helps you spot problems early.
The starter kit
- Cordless drill/driver with a basic bit set.
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat), adjustable wrench, pliers and locking pliers.
- 25-foot tape measure, level and stud finder.
- Utility knife, hammer and a small pry bar.
- Caulk gun and putty knife (weatherstripping vs. caulk).
- Step stool and a sturdy ladder.
- Flashlight or headlamp.
Plumbing basics
- A flange plunger for toilets and a cup plunger for sinks.
- A toilet auger and a hand drain snake (drains backing up).
- Wet/dry vacuum.
- Water leak detectors near the water heater, washer and sinks (leak detector guide).
Safety and monitoring
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; test them on move-in day.
- A fire extinguisher in the kitchen and garage.
- A non-contact voltage tester before any light electrical work.
- A hygrometer (measuring humidity).
Know these on day one
- Where the main water shut-off is, and that it turns.
- Where the electrical panel is, with breakers labeled.
- Where the gas shut-off is, if you have gas.
- Your furnace filter size (filter sizes and MERV).
Then work through the first-year home maintenance checklist.