When you’re first moving into your new home, there’s a lot to manage. From packing and unpacking boxes to rearranging furniture, there’s a lot to do. Having a well-stocked toolbox is a good way to prepare for unpacking as well as your first few months settling into your new home. A full set of tools means you’re ready to tackle everything from opening boxes, hanging frames on your walls, and even handling your own home improvements. Here are tools you should consider adding to your collection if they’re not there already!

Toolbox Basics

As a new homeowner, you might know that you should have a toolbox, but not what goes in it. It’s hard to know what you’ll need when assembling a new bookshelf, for instance, until you’ve already begun, but there are some tools that are commonly helpful regardless of project type. Some of these items fit in a toolbox, others are best stored nearby, but all are good to have readily available when you’re moving in:

• Hammer
• Nails and screws in assorted sizes
• Level (Laser or bubble)
• Tape measure
• Pliers
• Utility knife
• Stud finder

Screwdriver set

A screwdriver set that has a flat-head and a Phillips-head screwdriver in multiple sizes is an absolute must. Screwdrivers come in handy for all kinds of tasks from assembling furniture to switching light switch covers.

Drill set

A drill set with drill bits in different sizes is a nice-to-have tool, especially when tackling a larger project. A cordless drill is handy because it’s portable—you can take it to your project instead of moving your project near an outlet. A cordless drill is especially helpful if you have to mount a shelf or TV in an awkward position.

Project-based tools

While some tools come in handy for a wide variety of projects, other tools are more project specific. However, if you want to be prepared, having these tools in your possession can make projects feel more fun with one less item on your shopping list:

• Pry bar
• Electrical tester
• Chisel
• Saw
• Wrench set (or a single, adjustable wrench)
• Allen wrench
• Clamps
• Wire stripper/cutter
• Painter’s knife
• Allen key

Safety Equipment

It’s important to stay safe while you’re improving your home or even just lifting heavy boxes. Some projects have a higher risk than others, but no matter what you’re doing it’s important to be mindful of yourself and your surroundings. Having the proper protection available can make project completion more efficient. Some items to consider keeping are:

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Ear protection (plugs or headset)
• Dust mask
• Work gloves

Bonus tools

Some items aren’t specific to toolboxes but are still nice to have when settling into a new home or tackling a project as a new homeowner. They might seem simple, but it’s nice to keep these items together, especially when you’re moving, so they’re easy to find when you need them. These items include:

• Batteries
• Flashlight(s)
• Extension cord(s)
• Tape (Masking/Scotch/Duct)
• Step ladder
• Plunger
• Tarp (especially if you’re painting)